President Karis introduced Estonia’s positions at the NATO summit in The Hague and emphasised the need to increase the defence spending of the allies. “Increasing Europe’s military capability required the solidarity of all allies and a significant increase in defence spending,” said the Estonian Head of State. “Estonia will raise its defence spending to at least 5% of GDP next year, and we believe that this should be the new target for the whole Alliance over the next five years.”
The Estonian President also emphasised the importance of transatlantic ties. “US troops in Europe are a guarantee of our peace and an essential part of the deterrence posture of NATO. This helps to ensure long-term economic stability and security in the region,” said President Karis, and added that a continued transparent dialogue between the US and Ukraine is important to the allies.
The Estonian Head of State called for continued military and political support for Ukraine. “We agree that the main burden must be borne by Europe,” said the President of the Republic. “Estonia will continue to allocate 0.25 percent of its GDP to military support for Ukraine, and will participate in the planning of security guarantees for Ukraine led by the United Kingdom and France. The Estonian Defence Forces is ready to contribute to the training of a company-sized combat unit, instructors and staff officers.”
“Russia's imperialist goals are not limited to Ukraine, but the goal is to weaken and divide the allies,” said President Karis. “Our most important goal is to preserve the unity of the allies and to maintain the transatlantic ties.” According to President Karis, the resounding message of Summit in The Hague should be long-term support for Ukraine, which would help to achieve a just and lasting peace. He added that NATO must also commit to what was agreed in Washington last year, that Ukraine’s path to the Alliance is irreversible.
The situation in the Western Balkans and the European Union’s enlargement plans were also discussed at the meeting. President Karis noted that Estonia supports the enlargement of the European Union and emphasised that enlargement has important geopolitical significance. The need for reforming the UN Security Council was discussed separately.
When speaking about the intensification of educational and scientific cooperation, the Estonian Head of State highlighted the exchange of researchers and students: “Our communication must be more active at all levels. We have to encourage students and researchers to explore the opportunities for study and research in both countries,” he said, and confirmed Estonia’s interest in cooperation with Slovenia in the integration of artificial intelligence and education. According to the Estonian Head of State, there is also room for deepening economic relations.
Gallery: Raigo Pajula/Office of the President of the Republic of Estonia https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCewTX
