**MEP Raises Concerns Over ‘Russian House’ in Cyprus Amid Hybrid Threats**
Lithuanian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and former Defence Minister Rasa Juknevičienė has expressed significant concerns regarding the operation of the "Russian House" in Cyprus, suggesting that it warrants examination as part of Europe's broader response to Russian hybrid threats. Her remarks, made in an interview with the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), underscore the notion that these threats are not limited to countries that share borders with Russia.
Juknevičienė's comments come in the wake of her role as the rapporteur for a European Parliament report on hybrid warfare, which emphasizes the protection of the EU’s territorial integrity and critical security and defense infrastructure. This report was adopted during the European Parliament's plenary session in September. She highlighted that the challenges posed by hybrid threats are relevant to all EU member states, despite being more visible along the eastern borders of the union.
The MEP referenced public assessments from Estonian intelligence services, indicating that centers like the Russian House could potentially be exploited by Russian intelligence operations. This raises questions about whether EU member states are adequately addressing the potential risks associated with such establishments.
Juknevičienė emphasized the gravity of the situation, citing military officials from NATO countries who assert that "no capital in the EU is safe today." She noted that Russia possesses capabilities that could extend its influence and reach across Europe, which she believes necessitates a collective approach to European defense. "This is not only about regional defence; it is about our common European defence," she stated.
The MEP outlined the nature of hybrid threats, which can encompass a range of activities including sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and the use of drones. She pointed to the ongoing war in Ukraine as a pivotal moment that has transformed the landscape of security in Europe, highlighting the increasing significance of air defense and long-range weaponry.
Juknevičienė also addressed the role of social media and digital platforms in amplifying tensions within European societies. She warned that these platforms could be used to influence public sentiment on various issues, including migration and electoral processes, thereby creating a "grey-zone war." This strategy, she argued, allows Russia to operate below the threshold that could invoke NATO’s Article 5, which stipulates collective defense among member states.
Drawing on her experiences in Lithuania, Juknevičienė recounted instances of hybrid threats, such as migration pressures at the Belarus border, aerial incursions, and concerns regarding drone activities. She underscored the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, noting that Lithuania has reinforced security measures around its liquefied natural gas terminal in response to these threats.
One of the key challenges facing the EU, according to Juknevičienė, is the need for a unified approach to incidents that occur across different member states. She argued that events such as signal interference, damage to railway infrastructure, and drone incidents should not be viewed in isolation but rather as part of a larger pattern of hybrid activity. This calls for enhanced European coordination and mechanisms that enable member states to construct a comprehensive understanding of hybrid threats.
In addition to discussing the situation in Cyprus, Juknevičienė also touched on the political developments in Georgia. She expressed concern that the current leadership in Georgia appears to be distancing itself from a pro-European trajectory, despite a strong pro-European sentiment among the Georgian populace. She advocated for continued EU support for civil society and pro-European factions within Georgia.
Concluding her remarks, Juknevičienė stressed the necessity for Europe to adopt a cohesive strategy towards Russia. She articulated that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is intrinsically linked to the future security of Europe, emphasizing the importance of sustained European support for Ukraine.
As discussions surrounding hybrid threats and security continue to evolve, Juknevičienė's insights highlight the critical need for vigilance and cooperation among EU member states in addressing these multifaceted challenges.