The European Union and the North Atlantic Council highlighted their solidarity with the Czech Republic on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 April.
Tensions with Russia are high after Prague announced the involvement of Russian intelligence in the explosion of an arms depot on its soil in 2014 (see EUROPE 12701/2).
The Czech Republic expelled 18 Russian diplomats, identified as agents of the Russian intelligence services SVR and GRU, and in retaliation Russia expelled 20 Czech diplomats.
In a statement on behalf of the EU, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell strongly condemned the “illegal activities” in the Czech Republic that led to the explosion and said he took the conclusions of the Czech authorities “extremely seriously”.
“The EU is deeply concerned by any gross violation of international law and sovereignty of the Czech Republic, as well as any such action targeting any other EU Member State” Borrell warned. In his view, Russia must renounce activities that threaten security and stability in Europe and run counter to its international obligations.
Supporting the measures taken by Prague so far, the EU said it was ready to support its efforts to bring those responsible to justice. The EU also condemned Russia’s “disproportionate” reaction and subsequent threats to the Czech Republic.
“Disruptive actions of Russian intelligence services against the interests and security of the EU and its member states will continue to be met with the staunchest resolve, including at the level of the European Union, as appropriate”, the High Representative warned.
For its part, the North Atlantic Council, after hearing the Czech Foreign Minister, expressed in a statement its “grave concern” about Russia’s continued “destabilising” actions throughout the Euro-Atlantic area, including on Alliance territory. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)