The plane carrying EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was hit by suspected Russian GPS jamming over Bulgaria.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria — September 1, 2025 — The Dassault Falcon 900LX (registration OO-GPE) carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lost GPS navigation during its approach to Bulgaria on Sunday in what officials described as a Russian “jamming attack.”
Von der Leyen’s spokesperson, Arianna Podestà, confirmed the incident on Monday, telling reporters: “We can indeed confirm that there was GPS interference, but the plane was able to land safely in Bulgaria.”
Bulgarian authorities said that as the jet prepared to land at Plovdiv Airport, the GPS signal suddenly vanished. Air traffic controllers immediately redirected the flight using ground-based navigation systems to ensure a safe approach and landing.
Officials in Sofia were quick to attribute the disruption to Moscow. “According to Bulgarian authorities, these were clear interferences from Russia,” Podestà added. “We are of course aware — and in a way accustomed — to such threats and intimidations, which are part of Russia’s hostile behavior.”
The European Commission stressed that GPS jamming incidents have become increasingly common across Eastern Europe, especially near the borders of Belarus and Russia.
Von der Leyen’s trip to Bulgaria came as part of a broader tour of EU member states located close to Russia and Belarus, aimed at reaffirming European solidarity amid ongoing security concerns. Prior to arriving in Bulgaria, she visited Latvia, Finland, Estonia, and Poland. On Sunday, she toured a Bulgarian munitions plant producing ammunition for Ukraine, before continuing her journey Monday to Lithuania.
Despite the disruption, her team confirmed that the President’s schedule would proceed as planned.
