EU Statement on provocations on the EU border between Estonia and Russia

As delivered at the 1476th Permanent Council, 30 May 2024

  1. Madam Chair, I am delivering the statement issued on 24th May 2024 by the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, on the incident on the border with Estonia:

  2. “On Thursday (23rd May) early morning, Russian border guards unilaterally removed light buoys placed by Estonia on the Narva River to demarcate the border with Russia.

  3. The European Union has been monitoring the situation closely from the start in cooperation and solidarity with Estonia and other Member States.

  4. This border incident is part of a broader pattern of provocative behaviour and hybrid actions by Russia, including on its maritime and land borders in the Baltic Sea region.

  5. Such actions are unacceptable. The European Union expects an explanation by Russia about the removal of the buoys, and their immediate return.”

  6. I thank you, madam Chair.