28 September : European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has warned that Russia is planning further acts of sabotage and attacks against democratic countries in Europe, urging member states to strengthen preventive measures against such threats.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU defence ministers in Brussels on Monday, Kallas called for greater vigilance and stronger preventive action across the bloc.
Kallas said intelligence indicated that Russia was preparing additional acts of sabotage targeting European democracies in an effort to divide societies and discourage European countries from supporting Ukraine. She said European states needed to be capable of taking preventive action before attacks occurred.
At the Brussels meeting, EU defence ministers are expected to discuss a proposed emergency protocol for responding to hybrid attacks. The mechanism would be activated when member states face such threats. The ministers will also discuss European defence preparedness, continued support for Ukraine and the security situation in the Middle East.
On European defence capabilities, Kallas said that although investment in the sector had increased, significant gaps remained. She stressed that efforts should now focus on addressing those shortcomings and strengthening Europe’s overall defence readiness.
Turning to the Middle East, Kallas said the EU’s naval mission, Operation Aspides, required additional warships capable of escorting vessels through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
She added that the meeting would also consider whether ships proposed for another coalition could be temporarily assigned to the EU operation to help strengthen maritime security in the strategic waterway.
Source: Anadolu Agency