EU countries bordering Russia and Belarus are asking the bloc for more funding

In a letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, the four European countries bordering Belarus, Russia or both wrote that “I can feel what it is like to be a country on the EU’s front line,” more than two years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Emphasizing “unwavering support for Ukraine”, the countries said: “we must spend more and coordinate defense initiatives within the EU and with NATO, which remains the basis of collective defence, combining our capabilities to protect, deter and defend our people and our territory.”

“We are staunch supporters of Ukraine’s military efforts and are investing heavily in our armed forces, defense production and the protection of our borders with Russia and Belarus,” they added.

“Nevertheless, it is necessary to do much more and in a more coordinated way.”

Among other things, they cited the “instrumentalization of migrants, sabotage, disinformation” as well as cyber attacks as specific threats coming from Russia and its ally Belarus, which are issues that ultimately affect the entire EU, they said in a letter signed by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda and Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina.

Poland and the Baltic countries are among the most open supporters of Ukraine after the Russian invasion.

Their request comes ahead of the summit of EU leaders scheduled for Thursday and Friday, where they should agree on the division of the main responsibilities in the European Union after the recent European elections.

EU leaders should also discuss the war between Israel and Hamas, the financing of the defense industry, economic competitiveness, as well as adopt a strategic program for the next five years.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is also expected in Brussels, who will sign the security agreement with the EU and inform EU leaders about the situation on the front line in Ukraine.