Focusing on the hybrid attack of Lukashenka’s regime on the borders of European Union member states, President Karis called for continued attention to the persecution of representatives of the civil society in addition to sanctions and diplomatic pressure. “It is deeply regrettable and sad that there are around 900 political prisoners in a European country today,” said the President. “Their situation is horrific and the society is gripped by a general feeling of fear. We must not forget that.” The Head of State stressed the need to exert further pressure on Lukashenka to release political prisoners and to find ways for supporting the civil society.
The meeting included discussions of Europe’s coping with the coronavirus pandemic where President Karis took the opportunity to commend the work of the heads of European Union institutions upon resolving the crisis. The main question today is how to get more people to vaccinate themselves, as this is the best protection from the virus.
When speaking of achieving the European climate neutrality objective, President Karis highlighted the close connection between green and digital transitions. “It is important to maintain focus on the topic of climate and our specific actions towards achieving climate objectives,” noted the Head of State.
The meeting also touched upon the European Commission’s newly introduced European Global Gateway strategy and President Karis expressed his happiness over it including the idea of trusted connectivity proposed by Estonia. This means that investments are made by reliable partners, who proceed from criteria that are important to us, such as shared climate objectives and compliance of the infrastructure with security and safety requirements.
Speaking of digitalisation and increasing cyber threats, President Karis stressed the need for a pan-European approach to creating cyber education and training opportunities. “It is clear that cyber education must start early and acquiring cyber knowledge must be our shared priority,” said the Head of State.
President Karis today also met with Estonian translators and interpreters working in European Union institutions. These specialists, whose total number amounts to more than 150, form the majority of the Estonians working in European Union institutions.
The Head of State will also visit the renowned WIELS Centre for Contemporary Art in Brussels where painter Tõnis Saadoja will introduce the President his new exhibition September, October, ... .
