President Karis and Vice-President Schinas discussed efforts to resolve the crisis caused by the migration pressure being coordinated by the Lukashenko regime in Belarus and agreed that it was important that the sanctions put in place by the European Union be implemented without delay as a clear response to the hybrid attacks. “The Belarusian regime appears to be interested in drawing out this crisis for as long as possible,” President Karis cautioned. “We have to continue placing pressure on Lukashenko so that he deals with the migrants himself, allowing them to apply for asylum in Belarus or to return to their homes, and ensuring access for humanitarian aid workers to those in need, especially with the winter weather setting in.”
The head of state mentioned the very successful work that Vice-President Schinas had done with the countries from which people are emigrating to the European Union, which has already produced results and stemmed the largest flow of migrants into Belarus. President Karis said that support from the union for the reinforcement of its borders was also important.
President Karis and Vice-President Schinas also discussed the security situation in Ukraine and the handling of the coronavirus crisis.
While in Brussels today, President Karis also met with Estonia’s members of the European Parliament: Andrus Ansip, Marina Kaljurand, Yana Toom, Urmas Paet, Jaak Madison, Sven Mikser and Riho Terras. The head of state spoke with them about their work in protecting Estonia’s interests and about how people are coping generally with the COVID-19 pandemic, including the issue of vaccination in Estonia and Europe as a whole. They further discussed the security situation in Europe, relations with Russia and policy in regard to China and Taiwan.
This evening President Karis is scheduled to meet with European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson and other Estonians serving in high-ranking positions in EU institutions.
While in Brussels, President Karis will also be meeting with students, teachers and other representatives of the European Schools network. There are two such schools in the Belgian capital, attended by more than 100 Estonian children.
