JEF Latvia, JEF Estonia, JEF Finland and JEF Europe jointly condemn Russia for the recent drone findings in the Baltic region and Finland and for other airspace violations, such as through the use of balloons launched in Belarus. 

 

These incidents cannot be separated from the wider context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. They are another reminder that the security situation on NATO’s eastern flank remains serious, and that Europe cannot afford to treat the defence of this region as a secondary issue. As NATO and EU members on Europe’s eastern border, the Baltic states and Finland are a strategically vital part of Europe’s collective security. Any attempt to test, intimidate or destabilise this region is to be answered as a European Union as a whole. 

 

We reject Russia’s disinformation campaign, supported by Belarus, which seeks to falsely portray the Baltic states as involved in attacks against Russia. The Baltic states have not authorised the use of their territory or airspace for such strikes.  These claims follow a familiar Russian pattern of creating confusion, accusing others of its own aggression, threatening neighbouring states and trying to weaken European support for Ukraine. The responsibility for the current security situation lies with Russia, which continues its war of aggression against Ukraine and its campaign of pressure against neighbouring countries. 

 

Ukraine has the right to defend itself under international law, including Article 51 of the UN Charter. We stand firmly with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Support for Ukraine must continue in every possible way until a just and lasting peace is reached, based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

 

At the same time, the armed airspace violations of EU member states are a sound warning. Our Union defence policy remains fragmented and reactive. The eastern flank is one of the most strategically important points for European security, and it must be proactively protected accordingly. This means strengthening NATO’s presence in the Baltic states, while also building Europe’s own defence capacity. We want Europe to move towards a common European army, capable of defending our continent with the necessary unity, speed and resources. This must include serious investment in air defence, drone detection and counter-drone systems, especially along NATO’s eastern flank. 

 

NATO’s air policing and air defence presence in the Baltic states and Finland must be maintained and strengthened along with further regional ally forces. The EU must also play its part by scaling up defence cooperation, supporting the European defence industry and making the protection of the eastern border a priority in European defence planning. 

 

Russia wants to divide Europe, frighten its neighbours and make insecurity feel normal. Europe’s response must be the opposite: unity, resilience and strength. The defence of NATO’s eastern flank is the defence of Europe.