Ursula von der Leyen to Visit Lithuania on May 26 for Security Threat Coordination

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Lithuania on May 26 to support the Baltic states and coordinate a response to security threats in the region. This was announced by the European Commission's chief spokesperson, Paula Pinho.

Von der Leyen will meet in Vilnius with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, and Estonian President Alar Karis. The visit comes at a critical time as the Baltic states face ongoing hybrid attacks, including unauthorized drone incursions and an intensified disinformation campaign. These incidents have led to the activation of emergency protocols, airspace restrictions, and disruptions to critical infrastructure.

The meeting aims to reaffirm EU support for the Baltic states, assess their resilience, emphasize EU backing for strengthening their defense capabilities, and ensure closer coordination in response to security threats. European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius will accompany von der Leyen to Lithuania. Von der Leyen previously stated that Russia and Belarus are directly responsible for drones posing a threat to life and security on the EU's eastern flank.