According to investigators, a drone believed to be of Russian origin flew over the JRC facility [the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, JRC, in Ispra, northern Italy. ] - one of the EU’s largest research centers after Brussels and Luxembourg - five times over a period of six days last month. The facility first raised the alarm on Friday, prompting heightened scrutiny from Italian authorities.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that radio frequencies detected by JRC monitoring systems were “traceable to a Russian source.”
The drone was identified using radiofrequency detection technology, and investigators confirmed that the signals matched those associated with Russian-made devices. However, key details remain unclear: the drone’s design suggests it was not built for long-distance travel, indicating it was likely operated from a nearby location.
[…]
Beyond the immediate investigation, [an Italian lawmaker] called for a broader European response, emphasizing that the security of EU research centers cannot be taken for granted. "This is not just an issue for Italy; it concerns the entire European Union. Our strategic research facilities must be adequately protected against foreign interference,” he stated.
[…]