The Presidents of the political groups in the European Parliament “firmly rejected”, on Thursday 21 May, the “unfounded and dangerous” allegations made by Russia against Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, including claims that the Baltic states are preparing hostile actions against Russia or allowing their territory or airspace or military facilities to be used for attacks against Russia.
“These accusations form part of a broader pattern of intimidation, disinformation and provocation directed against EU Member States and are particularly serious in light of repeated incursions of unidentified drones into the airspace and territory of the Baltic states”, they stressed in a joint statement.
“No EU Member State can be threatened, intimidated or subjected to coercive pressure by Russia”, they warned.
The Presidents therefore called on the Commission, the High Representative and the EU Council to continue supporting the Baltic states in order to strengthen airspace surveillance, counter-drone capabilities and situational awareness, and in reinforcing their capacity to prevent and respond to further incursions. They also called on them to continue countering disinformation with stronger strategic communication, mobilise EU resources to protect the Eastern flank and reject fake news that threaten European democracy and security.
The previous day, on X, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had described the “Russian threats” as “totally unacceptable”. “A threat against one Member State is a threat against Union as a whole. Russia and Belarus bear direct responsibility for the drones endangering the lives and security of people on our eastern flank. Europe will respond with unity and strength. We will continue to strengthen security on our eastern flank through robust collective defence and greater preparedness at all levels”, she warned.
“Russia’s incessant threats and provocations against the Baltic states are unacceptable”, European Council President Antonio Costa for his part stressed, promising that the EU would step up its efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities and increase pressure on Russia.
The EU’s High Representative, Estonia’s Kaja Kallas, described the Russian claims as “pure nonsense – and Russia knows it”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)