Estonian parlt speaker: Efforts must be made to support Ukraine

TALLINN - At a meeting with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola on Monday, President of the Estonian parliament Lauri Hussar said that although there may not be unanimity in the European Union or among its member states on many issues, efforts must be made to support Ukraine, as the future of the EU depends on it.

"Ukraine must be able to rely on Europe," Hussar said. He underlined that the more Ukraine is supported now, the smaller the overall price of the war for Ukraine and its supporters. Hussar added that Russia must not be given a respite. Metsola noted that the European Parliament's support for Ukraine remains strong.

The meeting also touched upon the use of Russia's frozen assets to cover the damages caused in Ukraine and to rebuild the country.

Hussar and Metsola expressed hope that the European Parliament elections, taking place at the start of June, will engage people and generate interest. Hussar said that often the positive impact of joining the European Union is not fully appreciated.

"We must accept that the European Union is the best thing that has happened to us in the last 70 years," Hussar stated. "Estonia firmly stands for European values and works towards making the European Union visible and influential on the international stage."

Deputy chair of the EU affairs committee of the Estonian parliament Enn Eesmaa also participated in the meeting. Metsola made an entry in the Riigikogu's guest book and delivered a speech before the parliament.

During her one-day visit to Estonia, the president of the European Parliament also met with Estonian President Alar Karis and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, as well as with young people at Tallinn University.