Estonian PM in Finland: We are united by common challenges

TALLINN – Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal met with his Finnish counterpart Petteri Orpo and President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki on Wednesday.

The Estonian premier arrived in the capital of Finland on Tuesday evening. After arrival, the prime minister of Finland hosted him for a dinner and a sauna session.

"Two prime ministers discussing politics and world affairs in sauna shows well how close we are -- both culturally and politically," Michal said according to spokespeople.

The prime ministers met again on Wednesday morning and later gave a joint press conference.

"As friends, neighbors and allies, we have excellent bilateral ties. Continued close cooperation remains a priority for me and my government too," Michal said at the press conference.

"As border countries of the European Union and NATO, we face common challenges to our security. We have already notably raised our defence spending, but must keep working hard to further increase the defense readiness of the whole Europe," he said.

The Estonian premier also expressed his gratitude to Finland for the countries' excellent cooperation on repairing the critical underwater infrastructure and developing plans for its better protection in the future.

"Better connectivity in the Nordic-Baltic region remains our shared goal, be it Rail Baltic, energy, or data connections. I am glad works are ongoing on the new electricity connection Estlink 3. This will further help to increase the energy security in our region and ensure affordable energy prices for our consumers and companies," he said.  

The heads of government also discussed the countries' common goals and cooperation in the EU.

"We both support a stronger single market based on competition and equal opportunities. Together, we will continue working on reducing bureaucracy and to fully use the potential of the digital transition, both in the EU and regionally," Michal said.

He said that similarly to Finland, Estonia remains a steadfast supporter of Ukraine.

"My government has pledged and will continue to provide 0.25 percent of our GDP as military support to Ukraine. We also have to keep working on strengthening sanctions and making Russia accountable. Eventually, it has to be Russia, not our taxpayer, who pays the bill for the damage it has caused to Ukraine and its people. Helping Ukraine with Russian frozen assets themselves, not only the profits, would be a good start for that," the Estonian prime minister said.