Conflicting Reports on GPS Interference for Ursula von der Leyen's Flight

Conflicting Bulgarian Reports

• 💡 Initially, Bulgarian ground equipment reportedly did not detect any jamming during the flight.
• 🔍 The Civil Aviation Authority was instructed to conduct an additional check of the aircraft's instruments and computers for interference.
• 💬 The Bulgarian Prime Minister reportedly downplayed the significance of the incident and stated they would not be investigating.

EU Confirms GPS Interference

• ✅ An EU spokesperson confirmed that GPS interference occurred during President Von der Leyen's flight.
• 📝 The Bulgarian Air Traffic Service issued a press release confirming the satellite signal disruption and GPS signal disappearance near Plovdiv airport.
• ✈️ To ensure safety, air traffic control proposed an alternative landing approach using ground-based navigation systems, and the plane landed safely.

Widespread GPS Jamming Incidents

• ⚠️ This incident is not specific to the President's flight, as GPS disturbances occur regularly for aircraft and ships near the EU's eastern border.
• 📈 Episodes of GNSS/GPS signal disturbances have increased significantly since the start of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine.
• 🌍 The situation is described as complicated and a difficult issue to handle due to its regular occurrence.

EU's Coordinated Response

• 🇪🇺 The European Commission is supporting member states in developing an EU-wide action plan to address these recurring GPS signal disturbances.
• 🤝 This action plan aims to establish clear roles and responsibilities across various sectors and levels.
• 🎯 The EU is taking action on the broader issue affecting citizens and transport near the eastern border, not just this specific incident.