Helsinki: Leaders from eight EU and NATO countries on Europe's eastern flank warned on Tuesday that Russia poses the 'most significant, direct and long-term threat' to their security, pledging stronger defense coordination, higher military spending, and closer EU-NATO cooperation.
According to Anadolu Agency, in a joint declaration signed at the Eastern Flank Summit in Helsinki, the leaders of Sweden, Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Bulgaria stated that Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine 'constitute(s) a profound and enduring threat to European security and stability.' The declaration highlighted Russia's unchanged strategic goals aimed at creating a buffer zone across Europe, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated action as the threat extends beyond the eastern flank to the entire European continent.
The leaders expressed concern over Russia's intensifying hybrid activities, including complex operations and acts of sabotage across Europe. They accused Moscow of increasing GNSS interference, airspace violations, and drone incursions that threaten critical infrastructure, alongside disinformation campaigns and risks tied to Russia's shadow fleet. These activities were described as part of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.
Reaffirming their support for Kyiv, the leaders vowed to stand firmly with Ukraine in its pursuit of a just and lasting peace. They committed to boosting support for Ukraine while intensifying pressure on Russia. Furthermore, they pledged to enhance cooperation with countries targeted by Russian hybrid activities, emphasizing the security interdependence with specific reference to Moldova.
The declaration also acknowledged recent EU and NATO decisions to strengthen deterrence and defense, including commitments to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. The leaders stated that such measures mark a strategic turning point for European defense and must be implemented promptly.
The statement underscored NATO's central role as the foundation for the collective defense of its Allies, while EU defense efforts were described as complementary. The complementarity between NATO and the EU was deemed a strategic imperative, not an option.
In conclusion, the leaders conveyed a 'clear and unequivocal message' about the common responsibility to defend Europe's Eastern Flank with urgency and resolve, asserting that the security environment has changed irreversibly.