During a press conference following an EU summit on security in Saariselka, Finland, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized that Russia poses a broader threat to European Union (EU) security, extending beyond military concerns to issues like illegal immigration.

Meloni warned that the security threats from Russia and other sources will continue even after the resolution of the Ukraine conflict, highlighting the need for the EU to remain vigilant and prepared.

She articulated that security encompasses a wide range of factors, including democracy, public opinion influence, resource management, and the manipulation of migration flows, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of these threats.

Criticizing the EU's previous approach to immigration, Meloni argued that an overemphasis on solidarity in burden-sharing has compromised effective border protection.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo echoed Meloni's concerns, describing the security of Finland's 1,340-kilometer border with Russia as an existential issue for both Finland and its EU and NATO allies.

While recognizing NATO as the cornerstone of EU security, Meloni called for a broader strategy that addresses critical infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and migration management.

Some EU nations, including Finland and Estonia, have accused Russia of facilitating illegal migration into the EU without proper checks, a claim that Russian officials have denied, asserting they have no intention to push illegal migrants into EU countries.