Von der Leyen’s eastern flank tour signals EU’s robust defence commitment

Starting today (29 August), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will embark on a multi-country tour across the EU’s eastern flank, visiting Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Romania, the European Commission announced.

The tour underscores the European Commission’s support for member states bordering Russia and Belarus, reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to bolstering security and defence in a region increasingly exposed to hybrid and conventional threats. The itinerary reflects a strategic response to the geopolitical challenges posed by Russia’s aggression, particularly in light of its ongoing war in Ukraine and growing concerns over hybrid warfare, including threats to critical infrastructure and maritime security.

From the Baltic to the Black Sea

The eastern flank of the EU, comprising member states that share borders with Russia or Belarus, plays a pivotal role in the bloc’s security architecture. Countries such as Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, Bulgaria, and Romania are not only geographically proximate to Russia but also face heightened risks from hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and disruptions to critical infrastructure like undersea cables and energy pipelines. Von der Leyen’s visits signal the EU’s recognition of these states as the frontline of European defence, emphasising collective resilience and cooperation with NATO.

By engaging directly with government leaders, military officials, and defence industries, von der Leyen reportedly aims to give impetus to strengthening the EU’s defence capabilities and foster regional cooperation to counter these threats. The visits also highlight the EU’s strategic pivot toward enhancing its defence industry, as evidenced by initiatives like the SAFE (Support to Ammunition and Firearms Enhancement) instrument, which supports joint procurement and production of defence products.

On 29 August, von der Leyen will begin her tour in Riga, Latvia, meeting Prime Minister Evika Siliņa. The two will visit a drone manufacturing facility supported by the NextGenerationEU program, showcasing the bloc’s investment in cutting-edge defence technologies. Later that day, in Helsinki, Finland, von der Leyen will meet Prime Minister Petteri Orpo to discuss Europe’s response to Russia’s shadow fleet and threats to undersea infrastructure. A working dinner hosted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb will further these discussions.

On 30 August, the European Commission President will travel to Estonia to meet Prime Minister Kristen Michal and engage with Estonian Defence Forces and NATO personnel, reinforcing the EU-NATO partnership in the region. On 31 August, von der Leyen will visit Poland, meeting Prime Minister Donald Tusk and traveling to the Belarusian border to observe operations safeguarding the EU’s eastern frontier. Later in the day she will arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria, to meet Prime Minister Rossen Zhelyazkov and visit VMZ Sopot, one of the country’s largest state-owned armaments production site. This visit is particularly significant, as Bulgaria anticipates forming a joint venture with German defence giant Rheinmetall to establish two military factories, including Europe’s largest gunpowder production facility.

On 1 September, von der Leyen will travel to Vilnius, Lithuania, to meet President Gitanas Nausėda and visit the Belarusian border, where preparations against hybrid and conventional threats will be reviewed. The tour will conclude in Romania, where she will meet President Nicușor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan near Constanța on the Black Sea coast. Discussions will focus on EU-NATO cooperation and strategies to prevent, detect, and deter maritime and hybrid threats.

The significance of the eastern flank

The eastern flank’s proximity to Russia and Belarus places it at the forefront of the EU’s security challenges. Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Finland share direct borders with Russia, while Poland, Lithuania, and Romania neighbor Belarus, a close Russian ally. Bulgaria and Romania, with their Black Sea coastlines, are critical for maritime security, particularly in ensuring a maritime corridor for Ukraine’s grain exports. The region’s strategic importance has grown since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which have heightened fears of escalation and hybrid warfare.

Von der Leyen’s tour signals the EU’s commitment to supporting these member states through financial, military, and diplomatic means. The SAFE instrument, for instance, is a key tool for Bulgaria, which has expressed interest in securing a loan of €3.26 billion to €3.58 billion to invest in its defence industry. These funds will support joint EU procurement of defence products, with requirements ensuring that contractors and subcontractors are based in the EU, the European Economic Area, or Ukraine. This initiative not only strengthens local defence capabilities but also fosters cross-border collaboration, aligning with the EU’s broader goal of strategic autonomy.

The visit to VMZ Sopot highlights Bulgaria’s ambition to become a hub for defence production, particularly through its planned partnership with Rheinmetall. The joint venture, expected to be finalised within weeks, will establish two military factories, including a major gunpowder production facility, enhancing Europe’s capacity to produce critical defence materials. Bulgaria’s strategic location on the Black Sea and its proximity to conflict zones make it a vital player in regional security, particularly in countering maritime threats and supporting EU-NATO cooperation.

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Costa begins his own tour of the capitals

After the publication of this article, the notice came that the President of the European Council, António Costa, will visit the EU leaders in their member states in the first three weeks of September.

“Over the next three weeks, I’ll be travelling across Europe, meeting EU leaders in their capitals. These conversations will help shape our common agenda for the months ahead. As President of the European Council, it is my duty to listen and to understand the priorities of all leaders – especially in these uncertain times. My role is to build consensus. With every visit, I’ll work to reinforce our cooperation, because in today’s unpredictable world, our unity is our greatest strength,” Costa is quoted in a press release.

The President of the European Council will visit most EU countries between 1 and 19 September. Reportedly, during the first week of his tour, Costa will meet the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Robert Golob, on 2 September. This visit will be preceded by his participation at the Bled Strategic Forum on 1 September where he will deliver a keynote speech. On 2 September, Costa will also meet the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković in Zagreb. On 3 September, he will meet the Chancellor of Austria, Christian Stocker, in Vienna. On 4 September, he will be in Romania for a meeting with President Nicușor Dan and in Bulgaria for a meeting with Prime Minister Rossen Zhelyazkov.

The week will end with meetings with Prime Minister Petr Fiala in Czechia and with Prime Minister Dick Schoof in the Netherlands on 5 September.

The details of the following week will be announced on 5 September.

Caption: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers a speech following the latest Russian attacks on Kyiv, in Brussels, Belgium, 28 August 2025. EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET