The prime ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland recently announced a trilateral declaration aimed at strengthening their collaboration in combating hybrid threats. Inga Ruginienė, the Lithuanian Prime Minister, highlighted the common challenges faced by their nations, emphasizing that adversarial regimes test strategies in one country only to soon apply those methods against others. This recognition calls for a proactive approach to mutual defense and security, given the evolving nature of these threats.

The declaration underscores the necessity of elevating cooperation to new levels through more active sharing of information and expertise, as well as joint training exercises and response mechanisms. Ruginienė pointed out that the countries' joint efforts are not just about protecting their borders but rather safeguarding the entire European Union's external borders. This collective security initiative is deemed crucial for defending against threats such as instrumentalized migration, smuggling, and organized crime operations across their shared frontiers.

The focus on hybrid threats, which can take many forms and often blend conventional and unconventional tactics, requires a comprehensive strategy that includes not only military preparedness but also the resilience of societies to disinformation and other subversive activities. By fortifying their defense collaboration, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland aim to enhance the stability and security of the region and contribute to a robust EU response against burgeoning hybrid challenges.