EU prepares new security protocol against threats from Russia

EU defence ministers held their first discussion on a new emergency security protocol that would set out actions and responses to hybrid threats from Russia, such as sabotage, airspace violations and arson, at a meeting of the Council of the EU on Monday 28 September.

Source: EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, as reported by a European Pravda correspondent in Brussels

Details: The ministers discussed a new emergency security protocol for the European Union in response to Russian hybrid attacks.

"Ministers had first chance to exchange views on the idea of new emergency security protocol. Such a mechanism would provide a coordination mechanism to respond to grey zone attacks and complement Article 42.7 of today," Kallas said.

She noted that "Russia's sustained acts of sabotage, arson and airspace violations persist".

Quote from Kallas: "On the EU side, sanctions against perpetrators and the expulsion of Russian diplomats bite, but we need to look into what more can we do... And of course, to reiterate, this is complementing NATO and providing EU with firmer response to Russia's hybrid attacks."

Details: She specified that "it was the first discussion of it, very initial", and that it had been decided to continue the discussion with member states at different levels and in different formats, including at the level of ambassadors in Brussels.

Background:

• Earlier, European Pravda reported that the European Union was preparing a security strategy that would identify Russia as the main threat to EU security.
• Earlier, Danish intelligence warned that Russia would step up hybrid attacks over the coming months.
• In addition, amid intensifying Russian hybrid attacks on Europe, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas plan to present a new security strategy designed to complement Article 4 of the NATO Treaty.

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