Eastern Flank Commissioners urge von der Leyen to appoint special coordinator as Russian threat grows

Key Points:

• European Commissioners from Eastern Flank countries have urged Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to create a high-level coordinator for the Baltic region to address growing Russian threats and enhance EU support.
• The proposed coordinator would serve as a single point of contact, coordinate EU efforts across policy areas, and work with NATO and national authorities to improve civil preparedness and protect critical infrastructure.
• Commissioners highlighted escalating security challenges on the Eastern Flank linked to Russia's war in Ukraine, calling for faster action on infrastructure resilience, regional stockpiles, and countering hybrid threats.
• They also requested the College of Commissioners to hold a meeting in one of the Baltic states this autumn to gain direct insight into the worsening regional security, public safety, and economic conditions.
• The call for urgent measures follows heightened concerns after CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit and includes accelerating and funding the Eastern Flank Watch initiative to counter increased airspace violations and drone incursions.