Finnish Prime Minister: Russia is a “Constant Threat” to the European Union

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated on Sunday that Russia poses a “constant threat and danger” to the European Union, emphasizing the need for increased European defense spending and support for Ukraine, according to AFP.

Orpo hosted a summit on security and migration, with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attending.

After the summit, Orpo told reporters, “The security situation has changed,” adding, “Russia poses a constant threat and danger to the European Union and European countries.”

Orpo stressed the necessity to strengthen military capabilities to defend Europe “by all possible means,” while “exploring all financial options,” though he did not mention any specific plans to increase defense budgets.

EU representative Kaja Kallas agreed, stating that “Russia poses a direct threat to European security,” noting that “security includes various elements.”

She added: “We are witnessing various hybrid attacks across Europe, whether acts of sabotage or cyber-attacks, along with a fleet that has remained a threat and disrupted GPS systems, damaging cables, and also using migration as a weapon.”

Finland accused Moscow of orchestrating a migration wave in the fall of 2023, with nearly 1,000 undocumented migrants reaching its eastern border with Russia, which stretches 1,340 kilometers.

Orpo emphasized that ensuring the security of Finland’s border with Russia, which is also the EU and NATO border, is “an existential matter for Finland, EU countries, and NATO allies.”

He also mentioned that countries “must continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary, no matter how long it takes.”