President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has accused Russia of attempting to destabilize Europe through deliberate actions targeting the continent’s democratic societies.
In a statement published on Tuesday and cited by The Guardian, von der Leyen said the situation in the Baltic states reflects a new security reality in Europe, stressing that these countries are facing pressures resembling hybrid warfare scenarios.
“When the Baltic states are being tested, the whole of Europe is being tested,” she said.
She added that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have experienced developments that many previously considered part of the past, including air raid alerts, civilian sheltering, school closures, and transport disruptions.
“This is the reality on Europe’s eastern border in 2026. Today it is here, tomorrow it could be elsewhere along the eastern border,” she said.
According to von der Leyen, these are not isolated incidents but part of a coordinated strategy by Russia to undermine the stability of European countries.
“This is a deliberate strategy by Russia to destabilize our democratic societies,” she emphasized.
The Commission President stressed that the European Union stands in full solidarity with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, noting that their security is closely linked to the security of the entire continent.
Europe, she added, is strengthening defense readiness and security investments, while NATO is reinforcing its eastern flank through increased troop deployments and capabilities.
