Poland, Lithuania and Latvia are strengthening military cooperation. The prime ministers signed the declaration

The Prime Ministers of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia signed a declaration on enhanced cooperation in the field of external border security and response to hybrid threats – said the CIR press release. The declaration concerns, among others: coordination mechanisms or joint actions on migration.

As indicated in Wednesday's CIR announcement, the document was created in response to the “increasing complexity of the security environment” and ongoing hybrid attacks by Russia and Belarus on Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and other EU countries. It was emphasized that the signatories are determined to strengthen cooperation in the security of the EU's external borders and increase their regional capabilities in anticipating, preventing and responding to hybrid threats.

The heads of government committed, among others, to: to intensify cooperation in the protection of land, sea and air borders, as well as to prevent irregular and instrumentalized migration, smuggling of migrants and goods and other forms of organized crime. It was informed that this type of cooperation will be developed within the framework of existing legal provisions.

In the part regarding coordination mechanisms, it was agreed to strengthen trilateral contacts at the level of national security advisers to prime ministers. The development of liaison and coordination channels to facilitate information exchange, including early warning mechanisms, was also announced.

The prime ministers declared mutual exchange of information and analyzes regarding hybrid attacks by Russia and Belarus against Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, as well as cooperation in identifying those responsible for hybrid actions, “their techniques, tactics, procedures and goals, and coordinating an effective response.” The parties also announced the implementation of joint projects, exercises or initiatives that will increase the individual and collective readiness of the signatories, as well as consultations on other mutually agreed actions deemed necessary by them.

As we read in the announcement, the relevant institutions and designated contact points in each country will be responsible for implementing the provisions of the declaration. Their tasks will include supervising the implementation of the arrangements, developing action plans and regularly reviewing progress and recommending possible changes. (PAP)

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