Michal: Sweden plays a key role for Estonia in several areas

TALLINN - After meeting with visiting Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Tallinn, Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized that Sweden plays a significant role in all of Estonia's priority areas: strengthening security, supporting Ukraine, accelerating economic growth, and increasing competitiveness at the European Union level.

"Estonia and Sweden enjoy good and close bilateral relations. We have always felt Sweden's support and solidarity when we have needed it most - including on September 19, when Russian fighter jets violated our airspace," Michal said.

According to Michal, Estonia and Sweden share the understanding that Russia poses a threat to peace and security in our region and that its behavior regarding the military aggression against Ukraine can only be changed through determined pressure.

"Together, we are helping Ukraine achieve a just and lasting peace on its own terms. Estonia is fulfilling its commitment to provide 0.25 percent of its GDP in military aid to Ukraine annually - this year it has been 0.3 percent. Sweden's decision to allow Ukraine to acquire Gripen fighter jets is a real game-changer," Michal stated.

He added that the European Union must move forward quickly with its 20th sanctions package and continue to exert pressure on Russia's fossil fuel exports and its shadow fleet.

"I am pleased that we have made real progress on using Russia's frozen assets. Ukraine needs these funds urgently. Russia's attacks are a daily occurrence, and a difficult winter lies ahead. With particular brazenness, Russia is targeting energy infrastructure to make the coming months even more difficult for Ukrainian society and civilians," the prime minister said.

Speaking of bilateral cooperation, Michal highlighted potential in the defense industry. "Estonia's defense sector is our fastest-growing branch of the economy. We have opportunities here to enhance cooperation, from cybersecurity to developing new defense technologies. We also want to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital innovation. I am pleased that Swedish companies see opportunities here," Michal said.

As a prime example of practical bilateral cooperation, he cited the lease agreement for Tartu Prison, which is awaiting ratification.

Cooperation between Estonia and Sweden is effective within the European Union, NATO, and other international formats. Next year, Estonia will chair the Nordic-Baltic cooperation, and as part of this, a meeting of prime ministers will be held in Tallinn in June.

The Swedish prime minister is visiting Estonia on Gustav Adolf's Day, which commemorates King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden, the founder of the University of Tartu and the Gustav Adolf Grammar School.