German Chancellor Merz rejects funding proposal for “drone wall”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, at a meeting of European leaders in Copenhagen discussing defence issues, strongly criticised the proposal to finance the “drone wall” project with European funds.

According to Politico, citing a source, Merz expressed his opposition in terms described by a diplomat familiar with the discussion as “very harsh.”

The initiative also failed to gain public support from Italy and Greece. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that European defence projects should benefit the entire bloc, not just its eastern flank, a view echoed by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

France has expressed scepticism as well. Politico notes that President Emmanuel Macron, upon arriving at the Copenhagen meeting, stressed that the term “drone wall” is oversimplified and that the issue is much more complex.

“Drones and anti-drones are the priority,” French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters on October 2. “But we have to be clear: There is no perfect wall for Europe, we’re speaking about a 3,000-kilometer border, do you think it’s totally feasible? The answer is 'no.'”

By Vugar Khalilov