Harpsund, 27 November 2024 – Everything we discussed today about security was about Russia, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said today at the Nordic-Baltic summit in Sweden. The Prime Minister added that the problem is Putin, not anything else.
The key message from the Prime Minister was that more joint efforts must be made to ensure the security of the people of the region. “If we want to be taken seriously, we need to raise the minimum defence spending target of NATO to at least 2.5% for all allies. We must show the same determination and unity here as we have shown in our support for Ukraine.”
Michal also said that there can be no compromises on support for Ukraine. “We need to use everything we have to continue pressuring Russia and to increase their military spending. Estonia will support Ukraine with 0.25% of our GDP annually for the next four years, and others should follow suit.”
Prime Minister Michal also expressed satisfaction that he will soon be able to host many of the prime ministers gathered in Sweden today at the upcoming JEF Leaders’ Summit in Tallinn. “Regional unity is more important than ever. The JEF Summit in Tallinn will be a good opportunity to continue today’s discussions and further strengthen our cooperation.”
The leaders also agreed on a joint statement reaffirming support for Ukraine’s victory plan to achieve a lasting peace and for continued commitment to transatlantic security. The joint statement also stressed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing security in the Baltic Sea and North Sea region.
In addition to Estonia and Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Poland are also represented at the summit at head of government level. Latvia is represented at the summit by Baiba Braže, Minister for Foreign Affairs. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, participated in the discussion on European security and support for Ukraine via video link.
Tomorrow, Michal will also hold bilateral meetings with Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway, and his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson, who hosts the event.
Press statement by Prime Minister Michal (in English): https://valitsus.ee/en/news/remarks-prime-minister-kristen-michal-join-press-conference-during-nordic-baltic-summit-sweden
Joint statement by the leaders attending the summit (in English): https://www.government.se/statements/2024/11/joint-statement-by-the-heads-of-government-of-denmark-estonia-finland-latvia-norway-poland-and-sweden/