An aircraft carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was allegedly hit by Russian GPS jamming on its way to Bulgaria, the commission said Monday.
“We can confirm that on our way to Sofia, the aircraft carrying President von der Leyen experienced a technical issue caused by Russian GPS jamming,” a spokesperson for the European Commission said in a statement.
The incident occurred on Sunday as the European Union delegation, led by von der Leyen, flew from Brussels to Sofia for a diplomatic meeting with Bulgarian officials. The jamming of the GPS signal caused the aircraft to lose its navigation system, forcing it to make an emergency landing in the Hungarian capital of Budapest.
The European Commission has condemned the use of GPS jamming as a “reprehensible act” and has called for an immediate investigation by the Russian authorities.
“Such actions are not only a threat to the safety of our leaders, but also to the wider civilian aviation community. We demand that Russia takes the necessary steps to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future,” the spokesperson said.
This is not the first time that European officials have fallen victim to Russian GPS jamming. In 2018, a similar incident occurred when a helicopter carrying the Finnish Prime Minister was forced to make an emergency landing due to Russian jamming.
The use of GPS jamming is a dangerous and illegal practice that has the potential to cause serious harm. It not only disrupts the navigation systems of aircraft but also affects other forms of transportation, such as shipping, and can even interfere with emergency services.
The European Commission has raised concerns about the increasing use of GPS jamming by Russia, and has called for a global ban on the practice. The spokesperson stated that the EU will work closely with its international partners to address this issue and protect the safety and security of its citizens.
Despite this incident, President von der Leyen continued her diplomatic visit to Bulgaria, reaffirming the strong relationship between the EU and its member states.
In her meeting with Bulgarian officials, President von der Leyen highlighted the importance of cooperation and unity in the face of such hostile actions. She also expressed her gratitude for the swift response of the Hungarian authorities and praised the professionalism of the pilot who safely landed the aircraft.
The incident has sparked a strong response from EU member states, who have expressed their solidarity with President von der Leyen and their condemnation of Russian GPS jamming. Many have called for a united front in addressing this issue and have pledged their support to the European Commission in their efforts.
The European Union is determined to protect its citizens and ensure the safety and security of its leaders. The use of GPS jamming is a serious threat that cannot be ignored, and the EU will continue to take strong action to address this issue.
In conclusion, the recent incident involving President von der Leyen’s aircraft is a reminder of the dangerous consequences of GPS jamming. The EU stands united in condemning these actions and will do everything in its power to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. As President von der Leyen continues her diplomatic visit to Bulgaria, the EU remains committed to promoting peace, cooperation, and unity among its member states.
