Estonian ForMin secgen thanks NATO for its quick response to events in Baltic Sea

TALLINN - Jonatan Vseviov, secretary general of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday, where he thanked NATO for its quick response to events in the Baltic Sea.

Vseviov met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana, Assistant Secretary General for Defense Policy and Planning Angus Lapsley and head of cabinet of the European Council president Frederic Bernard. He also took part in the panel on the future of European security at a conference for ambassadors of the European External Action Service.

Vseviov’s meetings with Geoana and Lapsley covered the implementation of decisions taken at the Vilnius summit in July, Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine, support for Ukraine and reinforcing the deterrence posture of the Alliance. Vseviov thanked NATO for its quick response to events in the Baltic Sea.

"Together with our allies we have raised the level of vigilance and taken steps to protect critical connections in the Baltic Sea," Vseviov said.

His meeting with Bernard concentrated on raising the cost of the war for Russia, including making progress with additional sanctions, and providing continued comprehensive support for Ukraine.

"Estonia’s position is that Ukraine has successfully met the seven conditions needed for opening accession negotiations with the EU," Vseviov said. "I hope that the European Commission will also recommend this in its report tomorrow."

Vseviov emphasized that the EU must act fast to approve the eighth package of the European Peace Facility, which Ukraine urgently needs.

"The EU has said it would provide long-term support for Ukraine; our credibility and the security of all Europe, for which Ukraine is fighting, are at stake," he said.

Vseviov also took part in a panel discussion on the future of European security at a conference of EEAS ambassadors. Vseviov said that the EU’s credibility depended on how it responds to global challenges, and whether it can act as a substantial power in resolving these challenges.

"We are facing several crises that will define our future," Vseviov said. "The decisions we make today will show whether we are bold enough to defend and maintain the rules-based order because our values should not be taken for granted."