“On December 16, the leaders of 8 EU countries will gather in Helsinki to strengthen the defense of the eastern flank and submit an application for financing defense projects.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
European Union. Illustrative photo: Getty Images Source: Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo, who is quoted Bloomberg
Orpo’s direct speech: “Russia is a threat today, tomorrow and in the long future. The greatest pressure is exerted on the eastern edges of Europe.”
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Details: According to him, the summit of the countries of the Eastern flank aims to coordinate cooperation in the development of defense and develop a common position within the EU. The leaders of Sweden, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Bulgaria will take part in the meeting.
As he explained, the leaders of the countries seek to “send a clear signal to Brussels” and obtain funding for defense projects. Currently, about €1.5 billion is earmarked for pilot projects, while within the framework of the next multi-year EU budget, which begins in 2027, the amount of defense funds may reach €135 billion.
The group plans to apply for the funds to be used for the defense of the eastern flank, including improving border security, air defense, drone detection and countermeasures, and the development of ground forces.