Baltic states seek €500 million from EU to strengthen drone defences
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have asked the European Commission for 500 million euros in emergency funding to strengthen their defences against drones, citing a growing threat from Russia, according to Finnish media reports.
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have asked the European Commission for 500 million euros in emergency funding to strengthen their defences against drones, citing a growing threat from Russia, according to Finnish media reports.
The three Baltic defence ministers sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday, Finnish newspaper Iltalehti reported. The letter was also reported by Estonian publication Postimees.
The letter was signed by Estonian Defence Minister Martin Herem, Latvian Defence Minister Raivis Melnis and Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas, according to the reports. The sources said von der Leyen had received the letter.
The Baltic states are seeking additional EU funding because of what they describe as an increased Russian threat in recent months. They hope the money can be provided this year and that the European Commission will respond within several weeks, according to Iltalehti sources.