In his speech, the Estonian Head of State emphasised the need to modernise infrastructure and develop north-south connections, referring to the Rail Baltica railway project, among others.
“The establishment and improvement of infrastructure connections is at the centre of the Three Seas Initiative,” said the President. “A future where roads, railways, energy systems and digital connections link the countries of the region efficiently is not just an ideal – it is essential. By investing in projects such as Rail Baltica, Via Baltica, Via Carpatia and many others, we will increase the region’s cohesion, resilience and competitiveness.”
President Karis also noted the growing role of artificial intelligence. “Artificial intelligence helps to strengthen smart cities, the management of electricity systems and logistics, making the region more efficient and resilient,” said the Estonian Head of State.
President Karis highlighted the role of the Three Seas Initiative in promoting international cooperation and emphasised the importance of strengthening transatlantic ties and finding new investment opportunities. The Estonian Head of State also drew attention to the vulnerability of the infrastructure and recommended strengthening monitoring systems and cooperation, including within NATO.
The Estonian Head of State also stressed the need to support Ukraine by using the Three Seas Initiative to rebuild Ukraine’s infrastructure and connect it to the European Union. President Karis thanked the Polish Presidency for hosting the summit and for its commitment to the Three Seas Initiative. The next summit will be organised by Croatia.
The President of the Republic also met with the Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković in Warsaw, with whom he discussed defence cooperation and the enlargement of the European Union. The continued need to support Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression was also discussed.
The Estonian Head of State recognised the leading role of Croatia in launching the Three Seas Initiative. “Croatia has had a significant role in launching the initiative,” he said. “I wish you every success in your preparations for the presidency in 2026.” At the meeting, President Karis introduced Estonia’s candidature for membership of the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2026–2028.
The wife of the President of the Republic, Sirje Karis, took part in the programme for the spouses of the heads of state, listening to the concert of the holders of the Polish Children’s Fund scholarships at Belweder Palace and visiting the Museum of King John III’s Palace.
The Three Seas Initiative (3SI) is a regional cooperation format bringing together the countries located between the Baltic, Black and Adriatic seas. In 2019, an investment fund was set up within the scope of the initiative, which has also provided funding to companies with links to Estonia. A new fund is currently being set up for investments in energy, transport, digital and social infrastructures, raising private investments in addition to the investments made by states.
Gallery: Raigo Pajula/Office of the President of the Republic of Estonia https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCbWqe
