Estonian MPs off to Brussels with message on importance of continued support for Ukraine

TALLINN – The chairperson of the European Union affairs committee of the Estonian parliament, Liisa Pakosta, and members of the committee Hanah Lahe and Kadri Tali are taking part in a plenary meeting of the chairpersons of parliamentary committees for EU affairs of the parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday, with a focus on Ukraine and gender equality.

"Ukraine must be supported with weapons, funds, and humanitarian aid, as well as with help in joining the European Union," Pakosta said according to spokespeople for the Riigikogu. "This said, the EU must also strengthen its defense industry and cooperate with Ukraine. The goal is to help Ukraine win the war and to strengthen the defense capabilities of the EU."

Lahe is set to deliver a speech on gender equality and pay gap, highlighting the inadequate representation of women and young people in politics.

"The approaching European Parliament elections offer an opportunity to the representatives of all the member states and political parties to emphasize the importance of gender equality, closing the pay gap, combating gender-based violence, and increasing the participation of young people and women in politics," Lahe will say in her speech.

The plenary meeting will also discuss outlooks for EU strategic development and future; open strategic autonomy, competitiveness, and performance; and democracy and rule of law.

Pakosta will also take part in a visit organized by the European Commission for opinion leaders in Brussels, which includes a range of meetings. The focus of the discussions is on Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, Europe's defense industry, rule of law in the European Union, elections in Europe, digital Europe, and budgetary principles of the European Union.