Committee discusses strengthening European defense with German colleagues

TALLINN - During a meeting on Friday with a visiting delegation from the German Bundestag's Defence Committee, members of the Riigikogu's National Defence Committee affirmed the need to continue supporting Ukraine and strengthening Europe's defense capabilities.

The Chairman of the National Defence Committee, Kalev Stoicescu, praised Germany's desire to increase Europe's role in the fight against Russian aggression. "We cannot allow someone else to dictate our future to us - we must be the masters of our own destiny. This means we must be united and strong in Europe," he said.

Stoicescu thanked Germany for its commitment to European defense, including its significant contribution to collective defense on NATO's eastern flank. "The German contingent is stationed in Lithuania, and we are grateful that they are defending NATO's border throughout the Baltic states," he said.

The meeting of the defense committees addressed Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and hybrid attacks in Europe. The participants affirmed the need to continue developing military capabilities and highlighted the importance of close cooperation between defense industry companies.

The committee members also affirmed the importance of continued support for Ukraine and of strengthening partner and allied relations.

In addition to Stoicescu, the meeting was attended by the Deputy Chairman of the National Defence Committee, Leo Kunnas, and committee member Anti Poolamets.

The Bundestag's Defence Committee, elected last year and led by Chairman Thomas Röwekamp, is in Estonia on its first foreign visit, during which it will also visit the other Baltic countries.