Michal in Helsinki: A strong eastern flank must be a priority for all of Europe

TALLINN - Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said at a meeting of Europe's eastern flank countries in Helsinki on Tuesday that while the flank nations are diligently working to protect the European Union and NATO border, this effort requires the contribution of all of Europe.

At the summit convened by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, the leaders of Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania stated that the growing threat from Russia to all of Europe requires the European Union to prioritize the eastern flank immediately and for the long term. A joint declaration adopted at the meeting calls on European countries to assume shared responsibility and to secure the eastern border swiftly and decisively on land, in the air, and at sea.

"Our region is working diligently, but at a time when Russia is waging a full-scale war in Ukraine, strengthening its armed forces, and increasing hybrid pressure, the eastern flank cannot remain our solo project. Our taxpayers cannot bear the burden of defending our common border alone. This requires the contribution of NATO and the EU," said Prime Minister Kristen Michal.

"We have a good plan for the European defense initiative, the Eastern Flank Watch. The focus is on air and anti-drone defense, improved situational awareness, and the ability to stop the enemy right at the border. Military mobility is also crucial," the prime minister added.

According to Michal, the European Union must consider new joint financing measures even before the next multiannual budget is adopted. He said that ways must also be found to better connect the rapidly growing needs with existing funds, such as the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), the Connecting Europe Facility, and the Border Management and Visa Instrument. "The needs for defending the eastern border are far greater than the funds currently available," the prime minister stressed.

At a press conference following the summit, the Estonian prime minister emphasized that European security is closely linked to the events in Ukraine. To achieve a just and lasting peace, Ukraine must be given the strongest possible position, which requires swift and decisive action.

"At the European Council starting on Thursday, we must move forward with the reparations loan to use Russia's frozen assets to support Ukraine. This is the best and cheapest way to quickly give Ukraine the money it needs and is entitled to," Michal said.