European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said that Poland has every right to defend itself, following reports that Poland's airspace was violated by a "huge number" of Russian drones, with the country and its NATO allies shooting down some that posed a direct threat.

Speaking to journalists in Strasbourg ahead of the annual debate on the State of the European Union, Metsola said that the EU stands with Poland as both an EU and NATO member state.

"We are still looking at what has happened, we have seen the declarations of the Polish government and the Prime Minister, but make no mistake, Poland has every right to defend itself against any attack," she said.

Asked on the EU's reaction to the incident, Metsola said that, "Poland is not only an EU member state but it is also a state member of NATO, and this is where not only do our common defence capabilities and our security come into question, but also how prepared we are to make sure to prepare for any such attack."

Metsola described the State of the Union debate as a key annual event where the EU takes stock of its work and outlines priorities based on citizens' expectations.

"The citizens are asking for very simple things - they want a job, a roof over their head, security, simple rules, and want to make sure they have equal access to opportunity and to their own security and simplicity," Metsola said.

Speaking about what is expected from Wednesday's State of the Union speech and the debate which follows, Metsola said that the EU wants to know how the union will make life easier for businesses by cutting on red tape and simplifying the rules.

"Our citizens want to make sure that where there are attempts to undermine our values, we stand united in protecting democracy. Our citizens want us to make sure that we can boost our own security by increasing defence spending and making sure that we are better prepared," Metsola said.

She continued that citizens also want the EU to make sure it is united and coherent in the face of the multiple challenges, and that it stands for peace and security everywhere, whether in Ukraine, in the Middle East or in any other parts of the world.

"This is what the European Parliament expects, this is what the citizens want from us, and I can assure you that this will be a very interesting, and no doubt lively debate," Metsola said.

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