Presidents of ten countries to arrive in Tallinn at Karis's invitation

TALLINN - At the invitation of President Alar Karis, the heads of state of ten European Union member states will arrive in Tallinn on Thursday and Friday for a meeting of the Arraiolos Group.

The two-day meeting will focus on the growing role of artificial intelligence in society and the international security situation. Never before have so many heads of state visited Estonia at the same time.

At the invitation of the Estonian head of state, the Arraiolos Group meeting will be attended by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Greek President Constantine Tassoulas, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini, and Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar.

The meeting of heads of state will begin on October 9 with a dinner held in conjunction with the concurrent Tallinn Digital Summit - an international forum where policymakers, experts, and technology company leaders discuss digital development and new technologies.

On the main day of the meeting, October 10, the heads of state will discuss the growing impact of artificial intelligence on society and the international security situation at the House of the Knighthood. "Artificial intelligence has become a part of our daily lives, offering numerous opportunities but also bringing uncertainty and anxiety. Education is a key issue here - if a foundation for smart use is laid in schools, the next steps will be much easier and safer. In Estonia, I have initiated an artificial intelligence education program for this purpose, to develop the AI literacy of young people," said President Karis.

The heads of state will also address security challenges in a situation where Europe and the world are shaken by Russia's aggression in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, and the hybrid manifestation of various threats.

"We must seek ways to end the fighting and prevent the revival of old conflicts without abandoning the principles on which the post-World War II world order is based. If we cannot protect and strengthen the international order, power politics will dominate, and smaller countries will be sidelined, their voices losing even the influence they once had. Therefore, we will also discuss with the heads of state the reform of the UN and its Security Council, the strengthening of European defense capabilities, and how to respond to the simultaneous emergence of various threats," said the Estonian head of state.

As part of the Arraiolos meeting, the spouses of the heads of state will also be visiting Estonia, where they will be introduced to Estonia's nature, rural life, and cultural heritage. Their schedule includes a hike in the forests of the Juminda peninsula, offering a glimpse into the richness of Estonia's woodlands. They will also visit Oruallika farm in Kaberla village, an ancient and meticulously maintained homestead that has received the President of the Republic's "Beautiful Estonian Home 2025" award. Additionally, they will visit Saha Chapel, where a musical surprise awaits them.

The Arraiolos Group is an informal meeting format for European heads of state, initiated in 2003 by Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio. The meetings are attended by heads of state who do not participate in the work of the European Council. The name comes from the Portuguese town where the first meeting was held, with the participation of the heads of state of Austria, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Hungary, and Italy. Several other countries have since joined the group. At Arraiolos meetings, current issues concerning the European Union and the world are discussed.