Press release of the Government Communications Office
Stenbock House, 6 November 2025 – After meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Tallinn, Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasised that Sweden plays an important role in all areas that are priorities for Estonia – strengthening security, supporting Ukraine, accelerating economic growth, and increasing competitiveness at the European Union level.
“Estonia and Sweden enjoy good and close bilateral relations. We always feel Sweden’s support when it matters most. Including on 19 September, when Russian fighter jets violated our airspace,” said Prime Minister Michal.
According to Michal, Estonia and Sweden share the view that Russia is a threat to peace and security in our region, and that Russia’s behaviour in curbing its military aggression against Ukraine can only be changed through determined pressure. “Together, we will help Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace on its own terms. Estonia keeps its commitment to allocate 0.25% of GDP in annual military aid to Ukraine. This year it has been 0.3%. Sweden’s decision to allow Ukraine to acquire Gripen jets is a real gamechanger,” Michal noted.
He added that the European Union must move quickly with the 20th sanctions’ package and continue to put pressure on Russia’s fossil exports and shadow fleet.
“I am pleased that we have made real progress on the issue of using Russia’s frozen assets. Ukraine needs these funds urgently. Russia’s attacks are daily, and a harsh winter lies ahead. Russia brazenly targets Ukraine’s energy infrastructure to make the coming months even more difficult for Ukrainian society and civilians,” the prime minister emphasized.
Speaking about bilateral cooperation, Michal highlighted the potential in the defence industry. “Estonia’s defence sector is our fastest growing sector. We have opportunities here to intensify cooperation in areas ranging from cybersecurity to the development of new defence technologies. We are keen also to expand work in AI and digital innovation. I am glad that Swedish companies see the opportunities here,” said Michal.
As a good example of practical bilateral cooperation, he cited the Tartu prison rental agreement, which is awaiting ratification.
Cooperation between Estonia and Sweden works effectively in the European Union, NATO, and other international formats. Next year, Estonia will chair the Nordic-Baltic cooperation group. Within this framework, Nordic-Baltic Prime Ministers’ Meeting will take place in Tallinn in June.
The Swedish Prime Minister visits Estonia on the day of commemoration of King Gustav II Adolf, founder of the University of Tartu and Gustav Adolf School.
Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCzMrT
Press statement by the prime minister: Press statement by Prime Minister Michal at the Joint Press Conference with the Swedish Prime Minister, 6 November 2025 | Government of the Republic of Estonia