  European defence policy

Nato members made a show of unity at the end of the summit in Ankara. The final declaration states that Europe and Canada will shoulder a greater share of the defence burden in future. Plans were drawn up for massive investment in the defence industry and the modernisation of member states' armed forces. Military aid totalling 140 billion euros over two years was also pledged to Ukraine. The media takes stock.

The leaders of the Nato member states have convened in Ankara. Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelensky was among the guests and reaffirmed his country's desire to join the alliance. In view of the many challenges Nato faces, commentators take a positive view of the results of the meeting so far.

According to a media report, the US is planning a major reduction of its military contributions to NATO. German magazine Der Spiegel reports that Washington intends to provide far fewer key resources such as fighter jets, warships, drones and refuelling aircraft. Commentators are alarmed, and try to gauge how well prepared Europe is to defend itself right now.

In its final report, a commission of experts appointed by Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner has called for Austria to extend its military service, which at six months is currently the shortest compulsory military service in Europe. Of three models put forward, the commission has recommended eight months of basic military service plus two months of subsequent training. The decision now rests with the politicians.

At least 19 Russian drones penetrated hundreds of kilometres into EU and Nato member Poland's airspace early on Wednesday. Most of them were shot down. Warsaw and other Nato member has condemned the incursion as a deliberate provocation aimed at the entire Western military alliance. US President Donald Trump reacted cautiously and mentioned the possibility of a mistake. Europe's press assesses the reactions.

Reports of a large drone entering Lithuania's airspace from Belarus triggered a massive search in Lithuania last week. The unarmed Russian Gerbera drone was eventually found on a military training site deep in Lithuanian territory. During the search the military and government authorities had voiced doubts about whether the reported object was actually a drone and not just a flock of birds or a cloud. The media are scathing in their criticism.