Fortifications of Freedom Reinforced by Nordic and Baltic Interior Leaders: Border Strengthening is Paramount
Modernizing EU's Eastern Frontier: Drone Defenses and Border Security
TALLINN - In a joint statement, ministers responsible for internal security from Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Finland, gathered in Tallinn, emphasized that even after the military conflict against Ukraine ceases, threats to the European Union's internal security from Russia will persist.
A key priority is establishing a robust and deterrent drone capability on the EU's eastern border. As spokespeople for the Estonian Interior Ministry explained, this is essential for securing the region against the growing criminal threat posed by Russian organized crime groups. Hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens have participated or are currently involved in the war against Ukraine, with veterans likely to augment these criminal organizations.
The seven ministers called for immediate action to prevent individuals with ties to the Russian military from compromising EU security and freely moving within the Schengen area. This includes refusing residence permits or visas to those who have participated in the war against Ukraine.
The ministers also highlighted the vulnerability of the EU's land border to state-sponsored migration and emphasized the need for greater support and resources to secure external borders with appropriate infrastructure.
As technology continues to evolve, both organized crime networks and hostile states are utilizing new tools to achieve their goals. The ministers stressed the importance of staying ahead of these threats by making continued investments in modern technological solutions for monitoring and protecting the EU's external borders.
This includes the development of a comprehensive anti-drone system, which the ministers view as a crucial component of a modern border guard infrastructure.
Enhancing the Baltic Drone Wall
Estonia, along with Latvia and Lithuania, is spearheading the creation of the "Baltic Drone Wall." This high-tech, multi-layered system aims to detect, track, and (if necessary) neutralize unauthorized drones crossing its border from Russia. The system will integrate advanced radar, optical solutions, and kinetic kill systems to provide comprehensive surveillance and interdiction capabilities.
The ultimate goal is to extend this drone wall to cover not only the Baltic states but also Poland and Finland, creating a continuous protective barrier along the eastern NATO and EU borders. By increasing political support, industry cooperation, and financing, the project aims for expedited implementation.
Regional Cooperation and Integration
Beyond the Baltic Drone Wall, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland are collaborating to create integrated fortification systems along the eastern border, with a focus on the Suwałki Gap, a critical security chokepoint.
These initiatives include expanding the use of drone and anti-drone technologies, establishing physical barriers like dragons’ teeth, anti-tank landmines, and concrete barriers. The aim is to create a continuous defensive line that deter potential Russian aggression.
The European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, and Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens, are also participating in the meeting, working towards increased EU defense and enhanced border security.
[1] Source: European Council on Foreign Relations[2] Source: The Diplomat[3] Source: NATO[4] Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies[5] Source: European Commission – European Defense Fund
- The that were gathered in Tallinn stressed the significance of addressing war-and-conflicts, politics, and crime-and-justice issues, as threats from Russia to the European Union's internal security are expected to persist, even after the military conflict against Ukraine ceases.
- As part of the Baltic Drone Wall initiative, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are collaborating to create a high-tech defensive system to secure their borders against unauthorized drones from Russia, which could be used for various illicit activities, thus bridging the gap between general-news and crime-and-justice topics.
