Formin to Albanian counterpart: Estonia backs Albania on its path to EU

TALLINN - Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met with Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani in Tallinn on Saturday to offer Estonia's support for Albania's accession to the European Union.

"Estonia is a steadfast supporter of the European Union's enlargement policy," Tsahkna was quoted by spokespeople for the Estonian Foreign Ministry as saying. "Albania has met all the criteria to take the next steps towards joining the EU."

The discussion also covered the security situation in Europe and cooperation within NATO, including joint efforts to counter Russia's hybrid and cyber activities in the Euro-Atlantic region. Tsahkna thanked Albania for its contributions to collective defense capabilities, including on NATO's eastern flank.

While discussing Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine, Tsahkna briefed his Albanian counterpart on the Estonian parliament's newly passed bill on the use of Russia's frozen assets, which now awaits President Alar Karis' approval.

"Estonia has been a leader on this issue, as it gives us the opportunity to use the frozen assets of individuals and companies that have aided Russia's aggression as a prepayment for the damages Russia has caused to Ukraine. Russia must pay for the destruction it has inflicted in Ukraine," he said.

They also discussed the European Parliament's agreement on using the revenue from Russia's frozen assets to provide Ukraine with critical military aid. Tsahkna further commended Albania for aligning with the sanctions imposed on Russia.

"United, the West can show Russia that aggression does not lead to victory but only to isolation," the Estonian foreign minister added.