The recent EU-NATO summit in Brussels discussed key issues of European defense security against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and growing pressure from Russia.
Particular attention was paid to the increase in military spending by the Baltic states – namely Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia – as well as the debate around revising the position on the treaty banning anti-personnel mines.
Increase in Military Spending in the Baltics
According to the latest data, all three Baltic states have increased their defense budgets to more than 2.5% of GDP in 2024, exceeding NATO’s minimum requirement of 2%. Lithuania plans to reach 3% in the next two years.
These measures are related to the geographic proximity to Russia and the Kaliningrad region, as well as a growing sense of vulnerability amid hybrid threats and cyber attacks.
Estonian and Latvian authorities have also announced the purchase of new air defense systems, drones and armored vehicles, often in coordination with NATO allies.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that “the Baltics are becoming an example to other Allies in terms of readiness and determination.”
Security versus Humanity
One of the most contentious issues at the summit was the discussion of a potential review of the policy on the anti-personnel mine ban treaty (Ottawa Convention).
Latvia and Estonia have publicly expressed concern that the current ban limits their ability to protect their borders.
Estonia has explicitly stated that “in the current reality, the use of man-made barriers, including mines, may become necessary to deter the enemy.”
This statement has raised concerns among a number of EU countries and international human rights organizations, in particular Human Rights Watch and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which have emphasised that the return to the use of anti-personnel mines poses a serious threat to civilians.
However, the Baltic states are not calling for a complete withdrawal from the treaty, but are only demanding a “technical reassessment” of the conditions of use, with an emphasis on the use of new-generation smart self-destructing mines that supposedly minimise humanitarian risks.
Political Reaction and Prospects
Representatives of France and Germany expressed cautious support for the idea of strengthening engineering defenses, but without directly mentioning mines.
According to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, “European security requires flexibility, but it must not return to old and dangerous practices.”
The summit ended with the adoption of a joint communiqué on expanding support for Ukraine, strengthening NATO’s eastern flank, and developing joint EU-NATO defense initiatives.
It did not contain direct references to a review of mine policy, but identified the issue as requiring “further technical consultations.”
The summit confirmed the growing shift toward “hard security” in the region, especially in the Baltics. In the face of changing geopolitical realities, Europe is increasingly inclined to strengthen its defence even at the expense of previous humanitarian priorities.
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