VILNIUS, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The presidents of the three Baltic states met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Vilnius on Tuesday to discuss regional security, strengthening the European Union's eastern border, and enhancing Europe's defense capabilities amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda hosted Estonian President Alar Karis, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, and von der Leyen for high-level talks focused on security challenges facing the Baltic region and the wider EU.
According to Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), discussions centered on reinforcing air defense and counter-drone capabilities, improving the protection of critical infrastructure, boosting military mobility, and advancing the development of the European defense industry.
The leaders agreed on the urgency of strengthening security along the EU's eastern frontier, with particular emphasis on the European Union's Eastern Flank Watch initiative.
The initiative aims to improve regional defense readiness through enhanced airspace surveillance, upgraded counter-drone systems, stronger air defense networks, and greater situational awareness across eastern member states.
The meeting also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader need to strengthen Europe's resilience against emerging security threats, reported LRT. ■