Michal ahead of the European Council: Russian fighters pose a direct threat to European security

"Europe must not underestimate the threat posed by Russian fighters with combat experience who may have become radicalised. Their entry into the Schengen Area poses a threat to the internal security of the entire European Union. This risk is real and growing," Prime Minister Michal emphasised.

Estonia has already taken decisive steps by imposing an entry ban on more than a thousand Russian soldiers. However, there are still hundreds of thousands of them. Estonia calls on all Member States and the European Commission to develop a unified solution that would prevent such individuals from moving within the territory of the European Union.

"Security cannot be fragmented. If one country closes its doors but another leaves them open, the whole system remains vulnerable. Europe must be strong and united," said Michal.

The prime minister also stresses that we must not allow geopolitical developments, including events in the Middle East, to divert our attention away from Ukraine. "Support for Ukraine must remain a priority for the European Union. We need to move forward swiftly with the implementation of the €90 billion loan, the tightening of sanctions, and EU enlargement."

In addition to support for Ukraine and security issues, the agenda of the European Council also includes migration, the budget of the European Union, competitiveness, and the global geopolitical situation.

The European Council will begin discussion with Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also take part in the subsequent discussion on Ukraine via video link. A lunchtime discussion of the European Council will be held, attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, focusing on the current geopolitical situation, the erosion of multilateralism, and UN reform.

Around the events of the European Council, a Euro area summit will also take place, attended by Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank.

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