Estonian PM in Croatia: Defense industry preparing for the future

TALLINN - Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal met with Croatian leaders in Zagreb on Tuesday and opened a business forum alongside his hosts, with Estonian defense industry companies participating.

Michal said defense is currently the "hottest" industrial sector in the world.

"Estonia and Croatia are not high-volume producers, but we can focus together on smart solutions like drones, autonomous surveillance, and developing artificial intelligence to be ready for the future," he said. "Last year, Estonia's defense sector was the fastest-growing branch of the economy, and the goal is to double exports by 2030."

The prime minister added that security and economic growth go hand in hand for Estonia.

"Our security comes at a cost, but it is worth every cent. Together with allies like Croatia, we can make Europe safer while also growing the economy," Michal said.

In meetings with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, President Zoran Milanović, and Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, discussions covered the regional situation as well as ending the war in Ukraine and ensuring Europe's security.

"Estonia and Croatia share the understanding that ending the war requires maintaining pressure on Russia, including moving ahead with the 18th sanctions package, lowering the oil price cap, and restricting the shadow fleet," Michal said.

Both countries' leaders agreed that Estonia and Croatia are strong allies and partners in the European Union and NATO.

"Both countries remain firm supporters of EU enlargement, including for Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans. It is important to move quickly and open accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova," the Estonian prime minister said.

Michal also emphasized the need to continue working on reducing the administrative burden for businesses.

"We need to reach a point where business-friendly EU regulations improve our competitiveness," he said.

The prime minister's business delegation included Defsecintel Solutions, Lendurai, Meridein Group, Skinest Rail, Threod Systems, Trackdeep, and Vegvisir.

On Wednesday, Michal will travel to Rome to attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference.

TALLINN, Jul 09, BNS - Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal met with Croatian leaders in Zagreb on Tuesday and opened a business forum alongside his hosts, with Estonian defense industry companies participating.

Michal said defense is currently the "hottest" industrial sector in the world.

"Estonia and Croatia are not high-volume producers, but we can focus together on smart solutions like drones, autonomous surveillance, and developing artificial intelligence to be ready for the future," he said. "Last year, Estonia's defense sector was the fastest-growing branch of the economy, and the goal is to double exports by 2030."

The prime minister added that security and economic growth go hand in hand for Estonia.

"Our security comes at a cost, but it is worth every cent. Together with allies like Croatia, we can make Europe safer while also growing the economy," Michal said.

In meetings with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, President Zoran Milanović, and Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, discussions covered the regional situation as well as ending the war in Ukraine and ensuring Europe's security.

"Estonia and Croatia share the understanding that ending the war requires maintaining pressure on Russia, including moving ahead with the 18th sanctions package, lowering the oil price cap, and restricting the shadow fleet," Michal said.

Both countries' leaders agreed that Estonia and Croatia are strong allies and partners in the European Union and NATO.

"Both countries remain firm supporters of EU enlargement, including for Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans. It is important to move quickly and open accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova," the Estonian prime minister said.

Michal also emphasized the need to continue working on reducing the administrative burden for businesses.

"We need to reach a point where business-friendly EU regulations improve our competitiveness," he said.

The prime minister's business delegation included Defsecintel Solutions, Lendurai, Meridein Group, Skinest Rail, Threod Systems, Trackdeep, and Vegvisir.

On Wednesday, Michal will travel to Rome to attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference.