Hybrid threats and the European Union's security preparedness will be among the key issues discussed when EU leaders meet in Brussels on 15–16 October, amid growing concerns over attacks targeting critical infrastructure and border security.

In his invitation letter to the heads of state and government, European Council President António Costa said the summit would address the Union's response to an increasingly complex security environment, including hybrid attack campaigns affecting member states.

Costa stressed the need to strengthen the EU's resilience against threats that could target critical infrastructure, transport networks, energy systems and communication facilities, while improving coordination among member states during crises.

Coordinated response to hybrid attacks

According to EU officials, leaders are expected to discuss mechanisms for a coordinated response to large-scale hybrid attacks that could result in casualties or serious disruption. The proposals include improving intelligence sharing, reinforcing rapid-response capabilities and enhancing cooperation between civilian and military authorities.

The discussions are also expected to focus on protecting strategic infrastructure against cyberattacks, sabotage and other forms of hybrid warfare, which European officials increasingly regard as a major security challenge.

Experts call for stronger public-private cooperation

Etienne Soula, a researcher at the German Marshall Fund, said the protection of strategic infrastructure has become more difficult because much of it is operated by private companies.

He argued that stronger cooperation between governments, the military and the private sector is essential to improve resilience against hybrid threats.

Soula also warned that hybrid campaigns should not be viewed as isolated incidents but as part of a gradual escalation that could precede conventional military conflict.

The Brussels summit will also address broader defence cooperation, support for Ukraine and measures aimed at strengthening the European Union's collective security in response to evolving regional and global threats.(ILKHA)