European Commission highlights fishing net donations for Ukraine anti-drone defense

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has highlighted the solidarity of European fishing communities in supporting Ukraine. As part of the 2026 State of the Union, she noted the contribution of 110 tons of decommissioned fishing nets donated by fishermen from Italy, France, and Finland through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

A significant portion of this effort originated from Fiumicino, Italy. On June 26, over 30 tons of retired nets from fishing enterprises in Fiumicino and Civitavecchia were shipped to Ukraine. Coordinated by the Department of Civil Protection and Federpesca, these nets are being repurposed as physical barriers over roads and critical infrastructure to obstruct small unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).

In her broader address to the European Parliament, von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU's full support for Kyiv, stating that Ukraine is fighting for European freedom. She also announced new collaborations regarding missile defense and emphasized the need for European independence in a hostile global environment.