Estonia’s interior minister labels Russia, Belarus as threats to EU security

June 19, Pozirk. Russia and Belarus are the only aggressive neighbors of the European Union, err.ee reports, citing Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro.
The official made this statement ahead of today’s visit to Tallinn of his counterparts from Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and Poland, as well as the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration and the head of Frontex, the European Union’s border agency.
The meeting is expected to focus on combating foreign interference, media manipulation and disinformation as well as enhancing border security, including with the use of drones, the report said.
Both Russia and Belarus represent “a constant threat and a real security problem” for the EU, Taro stressed, calling for a joint effort to combat Russia’s meddling in the internal affairs, media manipulations and hybrid attacks.
The minister said six EU countries share a border with Russia or Belarus and are responsible for protecting the bloc. Border defenses depend on how quickly they introduce modern technologies and train personnel, he added.
Over the past few years, the EU has imposed multiple sanctions on Belarus over human rights abuses, facilitation of the migration crisis at the EU eastern border and support of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Sanctions may be expanded soon.

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