Baltic, Polish and Finnish EU commissioners urge Brussels to boost funding over Russian threat

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has received a letter from five EU commissioners representing the Baltic states, Poland and Finland calling for increased EU funding for the Baltic countries, radio network RFE/RL reported on Thursday. The letter, dated 30 July, was signed by Latvia's Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, Estonia's Kaja Kallas, Lithuania's Andrius Kubilius, Poland's Piotr Serafin and Finland's Henna Virkkunen.

Worsening security situation

The letter states that security conditions in the Baltic states are deteriorating due to a rising number of airspace violations and drone incursions. According to the commissioners, these incidents are already harming the region's business environment and public trust in security. They stress that visible and timely action is needed to prevent further deterioration and to strengthen deterrence.

Call for a major funding increase

According to information obtained by RFE/RL, the main request is for the Baltic states to receive funding equivalent to roughly $115 billion, or about €100 billion, aimed at strengthening the business and investment climate as well as national resilience.

Proposed measures include boosting rapid-response capacity to address energy disruptions and threats to critical electricity and gas infrastructure, building regional reserves of essential goods and civil protection equipment, and expanding shelters and evacuation infrastructure. The letter also calls for preparation against hybrid threats, cyberattacks, sabotage, and electronic and information warfare.