EU's eastern flank moves to bolster defenses amid growing Russian threat
Photo: Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (Getty Images)
A group of European Union countries closest to Russia's borders plans to begin implementing concrete measures next week to bolster their defenses in response to the escalating threat from Russia, reports Bloomberg.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said in a radio interview that an Eastern Flank summit will be held in Helsinki on December 16 with Sweden, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Bulgaria. Leaders at the summit plan to coordinate on defense development and adopt a common stance within the EU.
"Russia is the threat today, tomorrow, and long into the future. The biggest pressure is on the eastern edges of Europe," Orpo said.
He added that the leaders aim to "send a clear message to Brussels" and secure initial funding of about €1.5 billion ($1.8 billion) for defense projects. Under the next EU multi-year budget, starting in 2027, defense spending could reach €135 billion.
The newly formed Eastern Flank group plans to obtain funding to improve border security, air defense, drone detection and countermeasures, and the development of land forces.
Recently, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that, in his view, the Alliance is Russia's next military target. He noted that he has long ceased to understand what is happening in the mind of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
The Kremlin responded, accusing European countries of disregarding the lessons of World War II and effectively warning NATO of a potential invasion, confirming Rutte's concerns.
