The head of state remarked that the alliance’s strength lies in all of its member countries being willing and able to defend one another. “The agreement that was reached to increase defence spending provides us with an opportunity to strengthen our collective defence and to ensure that our allies have the units, the weapons and the ammunition they need,” she remarked.
President Madise acknowledged the lead taken by Secretary-General Rutte in achieving the 5% defence spending target, supporting Ukraine and maintaining unity among the alliance. She confirmed that Estonia would continue to spend at least 5% of its GDP on defence and that it would contribute to the implementation of NATO’s defence plans.
The head of state commended the NATO air policing mission, as part of which Turkish fighter jets are currently stationed at Ämari Air Base in Estonia. She also addressed Baltic Sea security and NATO’s activities in protecting undersea power and communications cables as part of the Baltic Sentry initiative, underscoring the importance of cooperation between allies and their shared readiness to act.
Speaking of the military threat posed by Russia, President Madise added that assessments had not changed. “However, Russia’s greater willingness to take risks and the more dangerous hybrid attacks it is launching require ongoing vigilance and a credible response,” she cautioned. “Our security and NATO’s security are one and the same. As allies, our unity, robust defence and readiness to act serve as reassurance that together we can protect our people and our nations.”
The head of state thanked Secretary-General Rutte for his unwavering efforts in the coordination of military support for Ukraine and of allied contributions. She stressed that long-term support for the country was in the interests of transatlantic security as a whole. “The combat experience and defensive innovation demonstrated by the Ukrainians also bolsters our allied defence capabilities,” she noted. “Estonia regards Ukraine joining NATO as the most reliable guarantee of security, and we fully support it.” Gallery (Raigo Pajula/Office of the President): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD7yae
