Russia continues to employ hybrid methods against Europe, with migration being one of the tools for destabilizing the region. According to a recent statement by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Russia is using migration flows to undermine the security and unity of the European Union. She emphasized that the threat posed by Russia extends beyond military actions and includes information operations, interference in the internal affairs of EU countries, and manipulation of illegal migration flows. (Source: Reuters)
One of the main challenges facing the EU is the growing number of illegal migrants entering Europe through various routes. Giorgia Meloni believes that Russia, in cooperation with organized criminal groups, may deliberately facilitate the increase in migration flows to create social tension and economic strain on EU countries.
“The European Union must strengthen the protection of its borders and prevent external forces from influencing its stability through illegal immigration,” she stressed. Russia is using illegal migration to undermine public trust in European institutions and weaken democratic regimes.
Some EU members, including Finland and Estonia, have accused Russia of allowing illegal migrants from the Middle East and other regions to enter EU countries through Russia without proper border controls, thereby threatening the EU’s security.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo supports Meloni’s position, noting that Finland’s 1,340-kilometer border with Russia is a key element of security not only for his country but also for the entire EU and NATO. Strengthening border infrastructure and ensuring effective coordination between EU countries is critically important for countering potential threats.
Russia continues to use hybrid methods, including propaganda, disinformation, and cyber threats. In this context, migration becomes an additional tool for influencing the internal political situation in EU member states.
Governments across the EU are developing and implementing new measures to enhance security. Plans include tightening border controls, improving monitoring systems, and increasing funding for agencies responsible for countering hybrid threats.
“Europe must be prepared for complex challenges that go beyond traditional military threats,” said one European diplomat. In his opinion, Russia seeks to exploit any opportunity to destabilize the situation in Europe, and migration is just one element of this strategy.
The threat of using migration flows as a tool of hybrid warfare by Russia poses a serious challenge to the European Union. Strengthening border control, introducing effective monitoring mechanisms, and expanding international cooperation will be key steps toward ensuring European security and stability.
