Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has cautioned that the threat posed by Russia extends far beyond the current war in Ukraine, urging the European Union to bolster its security framework to address emerging challenges. Speaking during a visit to Finland, Meloni highlighted the use of irregular migration and other destabilising tactics by Russia to undermine EU stability.
Meloni attended a high-level meeting in Finland, joined by leaders from Italy, Sweden, and Greece, as well as the EU’s foreign policy chief. The summit focused on security challenges in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, alongside ongoing migration issues.
Broader Security Concerns
“The threat is much broader than we might imagine,” Meloni stated during a press conference when asked about Russia’s role in EU security. She emphasised that threats to European security, whether from Russia or other actors, will not dissipate even if the war in Ukraine ends.
“This is about our democracy, the manipulation of public opinion, developments in Africa, access to critical raw materials, and the instrumentalisation of migration. We must understand that security is a multifaceted concept,” Meloni said.
Focus on Border Protection
Meloni called on the EU to take a stronger stance in defending its borders, arguing that allowing Russia or criminal organisations to dictate migration flows undermines the Union’s stability.
Several EU member states, including Finland and Estonia, have previously accused Russia of facilitating irregular migration from the Middle East and other regions into Europe via Russian territory. This tactic, they argue, creates security vulnerabilities within the bloc.
Meloni criticised past EU approaches to migration, which she said relied too heavily on the concept of solidarity while failing to address fundamental security concerns.
“Addressing irregular migration solely through solidarity debates was a mistake. As a result, we have been unable to adequately protect our borders,” Meloni remarked. “We aim to safeguard our external borders and will not allow Russia or criminal entities to compromise our security.”
Beyond NATO’s Role
While reaffirming NATO’s role as the cornerstone of EU security, Meloni argued that the Union must address a wider range of vulnerabilities.
“Security is also about critical infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, raw materials, supply chains, and a more effective foreign and cooperation policy. Migration is an integral part of this security framework,” she said.
Military Concerns Post-Ukraine
The discussions come amid warnings from senior NATO officials about the potential strengthening of Russia’s military capabilities, regardless of the outcome of the war in Ukraine.
US Army General Christopher Cavoli, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, recently suggested that the Russian military could emerge from the conflict more robust than it is today. Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Charles Costanza of the US Army highlighted that the ongoing war provides Russia with an opportunity to enhance its ability to engage with Western adversaries.
EU’s Strategic Outlook
Meloni’s remarks highlight the shifting security challenges confronting the European Union. Her appeal for a more comprehensive and decisive strategy reflects increasing awareness among EU leaders of hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, disinformation, and the strategic use of resources and migration to destabilise the bloc.
As these challenges persist, Meloni’s comments emphasise the need for the EU to move beyond addressing immediate issues and adopt a forward-looking approach to tackle a wider range of security risks.
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