Estonian and Romanian Presidents Discussed Drone Threats and NATO Expansion

The presidents of Estonia and Romania met to discuss managing drone threats and strengthening cooperation both between the two countries and within EU and NATO frameworks. The meeting was prompted by drone incidents recorded in both countries during May in connection with Russia's war in Ukraine.

The leaders of Estonia and Romania acknowledged the need to intensify cooperation in defence against drones both bilaterally and through European Union and NATO structures. The meeting came against the backdrop of drone incidents that occurred in both countries in May, directly linked to Russia's ongoing military assault on Ukraine.

Drone threat in both countries

Russia's continuing war in Ukraine has created a situation where drones have been detected near the territory of NATO member states. Both Estonia and Romania have recorded incidents this spring that have raised questions about how allies should collectively respond to such airspace violations.

Both presidents stressed that responding to drone threats cannot be the responsibility of individual nations alone — a coordinated approach across the entire alliance is necessary. The EU and NATO must develop more effective mechanisms that would allow member states to act more quickly and uniformly.

NATO expansion's role

Beyond the drone issue, the two leaders also addressed questions related to NATO expansion and the broader security situation in Europe. Both countries support a strong and unified NATO that can respond to evolving threats on its eastern flank and elsewhere.

Estonia and Romania are key members of NATO's eastern front, with a direct interest in the course of the Ukraine conflict and Russia's conduct. The deepening cooperation between the two countries in the drone domain is a sign of a broader trend in which allies are seeking practical solutions to new types of military threats.