Defence Minister also reiterated bloc’s support for embattled Ukraine
Russia’s attempt to “divide the EU is moving further and further away from the battlefield” in Ukraine, Defence and Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee has said.
Ms McEntee has insisted Europe will “remain united” in its commitment to support Ukraine and “stand up to” Russia.
She was speaking at the Gymnich – an informal meeting of the bloc’s foreign affairs council – held in Wicklow on Wednesday as part of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the EU.
Her remarks came after Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, said the Russian representative to the EU had been summoned in the wake of an attempted attack on a German airport, which Ms Kallas said had “hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism”.
Russia said it “categorically rejects” allegations made by Germany that it was responsible for the incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport, where a drone laden with explosives was discovered.
Ms McEntee said: “What I think was also clear today is that the attempt by Russia to divide the EU is moving further and further away from the battlefield, … from Ukraine, and further beyond the neighbouring member states.
“What we are very clear on is that we will remain united in our response, in our absolute commitment to support Ukraine, but to stand up to these types of activities.
“I think, importantly, the decision to increase our engagement with international partners in that regard is very important.”
Ms Kallas also told reporters at the Gmynich – named after the foreign affairs council’s first meeting at Gymnich castle in Germany – that Leipzig “was not an isolated incident”.
“Since 2022, we have seen systematic attacks across Europe. Sabotage, cyber attacks, espionage are becoming more frequent and more brazen,” she said.
“The EU stands in full solidarity with Germany. We have summoned the Russian representative to the EU and we are moving ahead with more sanctions.”
Asked about reports that a suspect in the Leipzig incident had entered the EU through an Italian tourist visa, Ms Kallas said many member states have flagged that tourist visas are being used for acts of sabotage.
She said that there was “broad support” at the Gymnich meeting for an EU visa entry ban for Russian ex-combatants and “tougher” restrictions for Russian tourists.
“If it is true [that Russia attacked the German airport], I hope that this also convinces certain member states who have been against moving on the visa restrictions that this is actually our security that is in concern as well as Ukraine’s,” she said.
Ms McEntee said the use of Italian tourist visas had not been confirmed, but added: “We need to use every tool available to us while, at the same time, expressing absolute solidarity with Germany and making sure, in the immediate term, we can take these types of actions to prevent individuals coming in, be it through holiday visas, be it through any other format, and making sure that those actions are taken as quickly as possible.”