An investigation has been initiated following allegations that a Russian-made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flew five times over the European Commission’s Joint Research Center in Ispra, Lombardy region in Italy. Reports in Corriere della Sera suggest that the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office has started an investigation into the UAV suspected to be of Russian origin, said to have flown over the EU’s research center in Ispra adjacent to Lake Maggiore on five occasions in the past month, on suspicions of political and military espionage, as well as terrorism. The matter reportedly came to light through a report from the center to the Italian Carabinieri, indicating the center’s identification of the status of UAV defense systems. Initial examinations also revealed that the flights were controlled remotely from a distance not far from the research center, which is a restricted airspace. The issue is expected to be discussed tomorrow at the Parliament’s Committee on Security (COPASIR). In addition, Benedetto Della Vedova from the opposition “More Europe Party” commented on the situation, drawing attention to previous incidents in the same area involving intelligence operatives and a Russian businessman, emphasizing the need for the government to clarify the incident. Established 65 years ago, the Joint Research Center in Ispra has emerged as the European Commission’s third largest research campus after facilities in Brussels and Luxembourg, focusing on nuclear, security, space, sustainable resources, and transportation research.