What's happened
On Sunday, September 1, 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's plane experienced GPS jamming while approaching Plovdiv International Airport in Bulgaria. Bulgarian authorities suspect Russia's involvement in the interference. Despite the disruption, the plane landed safely using terrestrial navigation tools. The incident highlights ongoing hybrid threats faced by EU states bordering Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.
What's behind the headline?
GPS Jamming as a Hybrid Warfare Tactic
The GPS jamming incident involving Ursula von der Leyen's plane is emblematic of Russia's expanding use of electronic warfare to exert pressure on European nations. This tactic, part of a broader hybrid threat campaign, aims to undermine the security and operational capabilities of EU and NATO members without direct military confrontation.
Strategic Implications
- The incident underscores the vulnerability of critical navigation infrastructure in frontline EU states.
- It highlights the blurred lines between military and civilian targets in modern conflicts, as civilian flights are affected.
- The lack of a formal investigation by Bulgaria, citing the frequency of such events, suggests a normalization of these disruptions, which could embolden further interference.
Political Messaging and Timing
Von der Leyen's ongoing tour of EU states bordering Russia and Belarus, combined with the timing of the jamming, sends a strong signal about the persistent threat Russia poses to European stability. The EU's commitment to ramping up defense capabilities and support for Ukraine is reinforced by this incident.
Forecast and Consequences
- Expect increased investment in electronic warfare countermeasures and alternative navigation systems across Europe.
- The incident will likely accelerate EU and NATO cooperation on hybrid threat responses.
- Civil aviation protocols may adapt to mitigate risks from GPS disruptions.
Impact on the Public
While the immediate risk to civilian safety was mitigated, the incident raises awareness of the broader security challenges facing Europe. It emphasizes the need for vigilance and resilience in critical infrastructure to safeguard everyday life from geopolitical conflicts.
What the papers say
The Independent and AP News provide detailed accounts of the incident, highlighting contradictory statements from Bulgarian officials and the European Commission's firm stance that Russia is suspected of causing the GPS jamming. The Independent quotes NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasizing the seriousness of such hybrid threats, describing them as part of a complex Russian campaign with potentially disastrous effects.
Politico offers a contrasting perspective from Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, who downplays the incident as a routine partial signal interruption typical in populated areas, stating no pilot concern was recorded. This divergence illustrates the political sensitivities and differing narratives within Bulgaria.
Al Jazeera and The Times of Israel focus on the EU's response, quoting Commission spokesperson Arianna Podestà confirming the jamming and linking it to Russia, while underscoring the EU's commitment to defense and support for Ukraine. Bloomberg and The Moscow Times add context on the broader pattern of GPS interference in the Baltic region and Eastern Europe since 2022.
These varied sources collectively paint a picture of ongoing electronic warfare challenges in Europe, with the incident serving as a high-profile example amid escalating tensions related to the Ukraine conflict.
How we got here
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, electronic interference including GPS jamming and spoofing has increased across Eastern Europe. NATO and EU member states bordering Russia and Belarus have reported nearly 80 such incidents, disrupting navigation for planes, ships, and drones. These actions are part of a broader campaign of hybrid threats attributed to Russia, aimed at destabilizing European security.
Go deeper
- What is GPS jamming and how does it affect aviation?
- Why does Bulgaria suspect Russia in this incident?
- How is the EU responding to hybrid threats from Russia?
Common question
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What Happened to Ursula von der Leyen's Plane During Her Tour of Europe?
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's recent flight to Bulgaria was disrupted by GPS jamming, likely caused by Russia. This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Europe, especially from hybrid threats like cyber and signal interference. Many wonder what this means for EU security and how the bloc is responding to such provocations. Below, we answer key questions about this incident and its broader implications.
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What is GPS jamming and how does it threaten EU leaders?
Recent incidents of GPS jamming targeting high-profile EU officials highlight a growing threat in hybrid warfare. Understanding what GPS jamming is, who might be behind it, and how countries are responding can help you grasp the bigger picture of modern security challenges. Below, we explore common questions about these covert tactics and their implications for Europe and beyond.
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Why was Ursula von der Leyen's plane GPS jammed?
In September 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's plane experienced GPS jamming while approaching Bulgaria, raising concerns about hybrid threats and Russian involvement. This incident is part of a broader pattern of electronic interference aimed at destabilizing European security. Curious about what happened, who might be behind it, and what it means for EU security? Keep reading for answers to these pressing questions and more about recent geopolitical tensions involving GPS interference and hybrid warfare.
More on these topics
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Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen is a German politician and the president of the European Commission since 1 December 2019. She served in the federal government of Germany from 2005 to 2019 as the longest-serving member of Angela Merkel's cabinet.
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The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the EU.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Bulgaria, officially the Republic of Bulgaria, is a country in Southeast Europe. It is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Mark Rutte is a Dutch politician serving as Prime Minister of the Netherlands since 2010 and Leader of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy since 2006.
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.