Poland and Baltic States Seek EU Funds for Border Defense Against Russia

NATO members Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland are collaborating to enhance their border security against potential threats from Russia and Belarus. This initiative, which includes the construction of bunkers, barriers, and military warehouses, was first proposed in January and is part of a broader strategy to fortify NATO's eastern flank. The defense ministers of these countries convened in Daugavpils, Latvia, to discuss funding options from the European Union, emphasizing the need for physical defenses in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Estonia plans to implement its border defense line in three phases starting in 2025, with an estimated cost of 60 million euros for the construction of up to 600 bunkers along its 333-kilometer border with Russia. However, challenges may arise due to the requirement to build on private land. The project aims to bolster the security of the EU and NATO territories, reflecting the increasing external threats faced by these nations. The defense line will not include coastal defenses or certain military measures during peacetime, indicating a focus on maintaining stability while preparing for potential conflicts.