Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned that Russia poses a multifaceted threat to the European Union’s security, extending beyond traditional defense concerns.
Speaking at a conference in Finland alongside the leaders of Sweden, Greece, and E.U. foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Meloni highlighted issues such as illegal immigration, public opinion manipulation, and resource control as part of Moscow’s strategy to destabilize the bloc.
Meloni’s remarks underscore a growing recognition among E.U. leaders that security threats are evolving. The discussion aligns with broader E.U. efforts to address vulnerabilities in areas like migration, infrastructure, and cyber capabilities.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (R) speaks with Netherlands' Prime Minister Dick Schoof (L) prior to the start of the European Council meeting at the EU headquarters in Brussels on December 19, 2024. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP)
Meloni warns of Russia
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (R) greets Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the European Commission in Brussels, on December 20, 2024. (Photo by Simon Wohlfahrt / AFP)
Details of Meloni's remaks
Russia’s role in migration: Meloni accused Russia of exploiting migration as a tool to undermine the E.U., echoing concerns from Finland and Estonia about Moscow allowing migrants from the Middle East and other regions to enter the E.U. via Russian territory. Russia has denied such allegations.
Border security: Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo emphasized the importance of securing Finland's 1,340-km (833-mile) border with Russia, calling it an "existential" issue for Finland, other E.U. states, and NATO allies.
Meloni’s critique of E.U. policy: She argued that the E.U. has mishandled migration by focusing too much on burden-sharing rather than border protection. "We want to defend our external borders and will not allow Russia or criminal organizations to undermine our security," she said.
Zoom in:
Broader Security Definition: Meloni called for an expanded approach to E.U. security, including areas like critical infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, raw materials, and supply chain resilience.
Migration Policy Reform: The Italian prime minister highlighted the need for a more robust external border defense system, criticizing past E.U. strategies that treated migration mainly as a matter of solidarity among member states.
Zoom out
Context of the meeting: The conference in Finland’s northern Lapland region reflected a dual focus on Nordic and Mediterranean security challenges, emphasizing the E.U.'s geographically diverse vulnerabilities.
Post-Ukraine conflict: Meloni warned that threats from Russia or other actors would persist even after the Ukraine conflict ends, urging the E.U. to remain vigilant and adaptable.
E.U. leaders face mounting pressure to craft a unified strategy addressing both conventional and unconventional security threats. With increasing calls for reform in migration policies and enhanced border security, the bloc will likely debate how to balance its humanitarian commitments with strategic defense priorities.
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