“Russia is an untrustworthy aggressor state, and that is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future,” he remarked. “Ties with the country leave us vulnerable, unlike those with Europe, which only bolster us. It is much better for the security and independence of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania if we reduce any and all dependence on Russia, which will never again be able to use energy as a weapon against us.”
The head of state called on other European countries to continue to seek greater independence and to end all Russian energy imports into the EU. “We have yet to do everything we can in this regard,” he cautioned. “The EU is still the world’s biggest buyer of Russian LNG, while Russia’s shadow fleet continues to cause havoc on the Baltic Sea, and the country’s sabotage campaign against us is ongoing. We must seriously consider imposing a full trade embargo on Russia.”
President Karis noted that the EU has been largely successful in minimising its energy dependence on Russia in recent years. “We must further reinforce sanctions and prevent their circumvention,” he said. “Moreover, they must remain in place not just until the war comes to an end, but until Russia fully compensates Ukraine for all of the damage and destruction it has caused.”
The head of state expressed his gratitude to Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and the European Commission for their cooperation in the synchronisation of their electricity networks with the continental European power grid. “I feel sure that all of our future goals, however ambitious, are achievable when there is such a spirit of cooperation between us,” he said. He thanked and wished every success to those who have long been preparing for the connection of the Baltic electricity networks to the continental European grid, including those working this weekend to guarantee the region’s energy security.
During the meeting, President Karis presented European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen with a paper outlining Estonia’s proposals for the protection of critical EU infrastructure.
The meeting between the Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian and Polish heads of state and Ursula von der Leyen took place during the final stages of the synchronisation of the Baltic electricity networks with the continental European grid.
Gallery: Raigo Pajula/Office of the President of the Republic of Estonia https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC1QBN
