WARSAW – Poland, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have called on the European Commission to provide additional funds for the protection of the EU’s external borders. The countries are seeking financial support to strengthen, among other things, aerial surveillance systems as well as drone and counter-drone capabilities.
In a letter to European Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen and Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, the countries stressed that they have been facing hybrid threats from Belarus and Russia, including instrumentalisation of migration, for more than four years.
The letter noted that in recent months some drones have entered the territory of countries in the region with explosive devices, with incidents occurring even near civilian areas, posing a direct threat to residents.
The countries pointed out that the European Commission’s previous support has helped strengthen border protection, improve migration management, and enhance response capacities. However, they stressed that the current situation requires further investment in aerial surveillance systems as well as drone and counter-drone capabilities.
The letter was signed by the interior ministers of Estonia – Igor Taro, Finland – Mari Rantanen, Latvia – Rihards Kozlovskis, Lithuania – Vladislav Kondratovic, and Poland – Marcin Kierwiński.
Last week, a flying object crashed into a cornfield near Osiny, eastern Poland, and exploded, shattering windows in nearby homes. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz later confirmed that the object was a Russian drone.
