Nicosia:According to Cyprus News Agency, Lithuanian MEP Rasa Jukneviciene emphasized that hybrid threats are a concern for the entire European Union, not just countries near Russia. She called for a unified European response to these threats. Jukneviciene, a member of the European People's Party and former Lithuanian Minister of National Defence, was the rapporteur for a European Parliament report on hybrid warfare and the protection of the EU's territorial integrity and critical infrastructure.

Jukneviciene highlighted that no EU capital is safe from potential threats, which may include advanced military capabilities from Russia. She argued that the threat is particularly evident in eastern European countries but could extend to all European capitals. She underscored the importance of protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining EU sovereignty.

Addressing the situation in Cyprus, she pointed out the presence of Russian influence structures, such as the 'Russian House', and suggested that similar centers operate in other European countries. These structures could be used by Russian intelligence services, posing a significant hybrid threat.

Jukneviciene also discussed the wide range of activities that constitute hybrid operations, including disinformation, cyberattacks, and the use of social media to influence public debate and exacerbate social tensions. She stressed the need for Europe to change its perception of these threats and develop effective response mechanisms.

Referring to Lithuania's experiences, Jukneviciene described incidents involving drones and migration pressure on the Lithuania-Belarus border, highlighting efforts to mitigate these challenges. She stressed the necessity of European coordination to handle incidents across different countries effectively.

Discussing Georgia, Jukneviciene expressed concern about the country's political direction, linking it to Russian influence. She emphasized the importance of the EU supporting pro-European forces in Georgia and maintaining a visa-free regime based on compliance with specific criteria.

In conclusion, Jukneviciene called for a common European strategy towards Russia, stressing that Europe's future security is closely tied to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the need for continued support for Ukraine.