Estonian PM to Costa: EU must show strength

TALLINN - The European Union must clearly demonstrate its strength this fall in both increasing its own defense capabilities and putting pressure on Russia, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal told European Council President António Costa during a meeting in Tallinn on Monday evening.

According to the prime minister, the most important thing for Estonia at the upcoming European Councils is to increase military support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia. It is also necessary to move quickly towards increasing the EU's defense readiness.

"Estonian military assistance to Ukraine this year alone has been 0.3 percent of our GDP. We have also publicly stated our contribution to security guarantees. However, the EU's joint contribution needs to be increased," Michal said. "We also need to move forward immediately with EU enlargement. Ukraine and Moldova have both done their homework, negotiations need to be opened with both as soon as possible."

"Russia will only come to the negotiating table if we vigorously increase our pressure," he added. "To do this, we need to further reduce Russia's revenues and sanction energy carriers, accelerate the fight against the shadow fleet, and use Russia's frozen assets for the benefit of Ukraine."

The prime minister also introduced Estonia's priorities for the negotiations on the next long-term budget (MFF) of the EU.

"Our main focus is on defense, cross-border connections and the eastern border. In addition to defense, the eastern border countries affected by Russia's war of aggression also need clear support in dealing with the economic and social impacts," he said.

Costa visited Tallinn as part of his tour of capitals, the aim of which is to meet with all heads of government and state participating in the first European Council of the fall season. On the same day as Estonia, he also visited Finland and Sweden. Today, he plans to reach Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.