“The role of the initiative has become stronger against the background of Russia’s war of aggression, as the importance of well-functioning strategic connections has become clear, along with the urgent need to free ourselves from any unwanted dependence on Russia,” President Karis explained.
The main goal of the cooperation platform launched by twelve countries in 2015 is to develop the energy, transport and digital connections of the region on the north-south axis of the European Union. “We have to focus on specific actions that will help us achieve the original goals of the initiative, mainly to finance large cross-border infrastructure projects,” said President Karis. He added that this requires good cooperation between governments and parliaments, as well as visibility of the initiative in the investment community.
The summit is also attended by Moldova, which will become an Associate Participating Country this year. Last year, Ukraine was granted the same status. According to the head of state, this will help bind these countries to new associations and support them more effectively.
Estonia has put forward Rail Baltica, Via Baltica, the Paldiski LNG terminal and the pump-hydro accumulation power plant as priority projects for the Three Seas Initiative. The desynchronisation of the Baltic power grids from Russia, which is important to Estonia, is also on the list.
The head of state will be returning to Estonia on Thursday.
