Portuguese, Slovenian ministers: Russia remains threat

Portuguese and Slovenian defence ministers said Friday Russia remains a threat and a risk to the European Union.

The ministers spoke at a news conference following a high level meeting with 14 EU defence ministers and deputy officials along with EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, among others.

Slovenian Defence Minister Matej Tonin said that Russia's behaviour is "absolutely a threat to the European Union" and added that the only way to counter it was through European unity.

Tonin and Portuguese Defence Minister Joao Cravinho also highlighted the importance of the new trans-Atlantic relationship with US President Joe Biden.

The meeting served as a workshop for the so-called Strategic Compass – a new roadmap for European security and defence.

Some of the key principles are crisis management, resilience, capacities and partnerships as well as protection of citizens.