Estonian PM in Brussels: We will extend, strengthen sanctions against Russia

TALLINN - Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal attended the European Council on Thursday, where the state leaders agreed to extend sanctions against Russia.

"A lot of attention was paid to the new sanctions, which also target energy carriers. I hope that an official decision will be made in the coming days," Michal said. "Each new sanction takes away oxygen from Russia to continue its war. I am glad that the sanctions package contains a number of proposals submitted by Estonia. The oil price ceiling must also be lowered."

According to the prime minister, a strong signal has been given to the enlargement of the European Union that we are moving forward with both Ukraine and Moldova.

"Apart from Hungary, no one disputes that Ukraine has done its homework and negotiations must be opened. We must jointly put pressure on Hungary. Orban's 'referendum' on Ukraine was a farce," Michal added.

Starting accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova would be the only right thing to do from the perspective of security, the economy, and justice.

"Ukraine, which has been fighting against evil for over three years, defends the same values ​​as the European Union -- it undoubtedly belongs in our common family," Michal said. "Opening negotiations would send a clear message to the Ukrainian people that they are fighting for the right thing and a better future."

In addition, according to the prime minister, it has been understood that securing the eastern border is a common European interest.

"The eastern border is the first line of defense for the entire EU and NATO and should be part of the EU’s joint defense projects," Michal said. "We also need closer cooperation in curbing the shadow fleet."

"The outcome of the NATO summit means that we must translate plans into actual capabilities, we have no time to waste. Restrictions must not hold back defense readiness and industry, including giving greater opportunities to smaller innovative companies," the prime minister added.

According to Michal, an important part of increasing defense capability is to simplify business regulations, facilitate the movement of weapons components, and speed up permit procedures for defense projects.

"Estonia has already started simplifying its domestic rules and we need to move forward quickly in the European Union's single market," he said.

The prime minister pointed out that climate policy must be realistic.

"In March, I said that climate policy must be viewed in line with competitiveness -- now many other countries have come to this understanding," Michal said.

In addition, the leaders discussed EU competitiveness and foreign trade, migration, internal security and the situation in the Middle East. The prime minister also met with his Baltic-Nordic, German, Polish and Irish counterparts.