Italy Investigates Drone Flyovers of EU Facility, Spying Suspected

In a developing story that has sent shockwaves through the European Union's security landscape, Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into possible espionage and terrorism after a drone flew several times over an EU research centre in northwestern Italy. The European Joint Research Centre (JRC) in the town of Ispra, on Lake Maggiore, reported five flyovers by a commercial drone in March, which was believed to be of Russian manufacture judging from the images.

The anti-terrorism department of the Milan public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into military or political espionage for terrorist purposes, with allegations that the drone was used for such activities. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto wrote on X that allegations of possible military or industrial espionage were "very serious" and fitted a pattern he had previously flagged.

"A hybrid war is underway," Crosetto said in his statement. "It is as dangerous as it is hidden, constant and suffocating... involving a mix of targeted cyberattacks, the theft of military and industrial technologies and patents, along with many other hostile acts, perpetrated by multiple state and non-state actors." He did not name any country, but NATO powers have accused Russia of launching hybrid attacks on the West using hacking, sabotage, espionage, and other tactics.

Russia has denied such accusations, saying that the West is stoking anti-Russian feeling. However, the JRC website describes Ispra as the European Commission's third-largest research campus after those in Brussels and Luxembourg, dealing with issues like nuclear security, space, sustainable resources, migration, and transport. The EU Commission has assured Reuters that it takes information protection seriously and is committed to safeguarding its staff and networks from any potential security threats.

"The Commission is committed to protecting its information, staff, and networks in the face of any possible security threat," an EU Commission spokesperson said in a text message to Reuters. The spokesperson added that they are not aware of any specific security threat related to this incident but have reported violations of their airspace to the authorities.

The Ispra centre itself had previously reported the drone flyovers to the authorities, prompting the investigation into possible espionage and terrorism. This latest development has raised concerns about the potential use of drones for malicious purposes in the EU's sensitive research facilities.