Helsinki (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas emphasized stronger EU defence cooperation, funding, and addressing migration, hybrid threats, and Russia’s actions.
In a post on X, the High Representative/Vice-President of EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, stated that she had very good discussions with Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Greek Prime Minister Kyriákos Mitsotákis, and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Lapland. She attended the European Union summit called the North-South Summit on security in Finland.
She stressed that they all agreed Europe needed to do more to defend itself and prevent war.
Furthermore, she said,
Next year, we will propose concepts at the European Union level for more defence collaboration, stronger capabilities, and budget.
Very good discussions with @PetteriOrpo, @GiorgiaMeloni @kmitsotakis & @SwedishPM in Lapland.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) December 22, 2024
We all agreed that Europe needs to do more to defend itself and prevent war.
Next year, we will propose ideas at EU level for more defence cooperation, stronger capabilities & funding. pic.twitter.com/H2brvpVxKp
As reported by European Union External Action, High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas discussed European security. She emphasised Russia’s threat and the need for collective defence investments. Kallas highlighted hybrid attacks, migration issues, and the importance of protecting EU borders. Kallas also stressed the need for proactive action in stabilizing origin regions to reduce migration and improve defence strategies.
Regarding Russia’s threat, she said
We notice all across Europe, different hybrid incursions, whether it’s sabotage actions, we see cyber-spells also Russia’s difficult shadow fleet, GPS jamming and harm to subsea lines, but also weaponizing of migration. And of course, it’s not always only weaponizing migration by malign players, but it’s also criminal associations that do it. And all these problems strain borders, resources, and our shared security. We must be proactive also in stabilizing the areas of origin when it comes to migration, not just responding to the intimidations at our borders.