Madise: Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense

TALLINN - At a meeting of the Arraiolos Group heads of state in Slovenia, President Ülle Madise emphasized that Europe must be able to better defend itself and resist external threats.

According to President Madise, wars and conflicts affect Europe's security, economy, politics, and society. "Estonia continues to support the principle that all issues concerning Europe's future and security must be discussed with European participation," she stressed. "We in Europe have increased defense spending to take a greater role in our own defense. All countries must contribute to this in solidarity. This defense spending must quickly translate into real capabilities."

According to the Estonian head of state, Europe's security depends on how the war in Ukraine ends. "Europe's future is being decided in Ukraine, and how the war ends will shape European security for decades to come. We must continue to support Ukraine this coming winter and increase pressure on Russia through sanctions, isolation, and accountability," she said.

President Madise affirmed Estonia's support for Ukraine's accession to the European Union and NATO. "Russia must not have a veto right over Ukraine's sovereign choices," she said.

The President also addressed hybrid attacks, which are often backed by Russia and aim to undermine joint support for Ukraine and deepen divisions in Europe. "Our response must be the exact opposite: to remain calm but determined, and to show clearly that such acts only strengthen our support for Ukraine," said the head of state.

President Madise stressed the need to strengthen the UN and reform its Security Council. "Although the criticism directed at the UN is justified, there is no alternative to the United Nations, especially for small countries like Estonia," President Madise said. "We must continue to jointly defend sovereignty and territorial integrity as fundamental principles of the international order. Adherence to international law and respect for human rights benefits most countries and all people in all countries."

Estonia also supports preventing the abuse of the veto right and a greater role for the General Assembly in ensuring international peace and security.

In adapting to wars and crises, we must remain true to our principles, according to President Madise. "The longer this situation lasts, the more we get used to it. A new normal emerges, where what was previously considered taboo begins to be taken for granted," said the head of state.

She added that the fear and anxiety caused by conflicts and the threat of war are too often exploited for short-term political goals.

The Arraiolos Group meetings began in 2003 at the initiative of Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio. Slovenia is hosting the meeting for the first time. In addition to Estonia, the Arraiolos Group includes Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Slovakia.