Michal in Helsinki: A strong eastern flank must be a priority for all of Europe

At the summit convened by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, the leaders of Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania stated that the growing threat posed by Russia to all of Europe requires the European Union to prioritise its eastern flank immediately and in the long term. The joint declaration adopted at the meeting calls on European countries to take joint responsibility and to secure the eastern border quickly and decisively on land, in the air, as well as at sea.

"Our region is working with determination, but at a time when Russia is waging a full-scale war in Ukraine, strengthening its armed forces, and increasing hybrid pressure, the eastern flank must not remain a solo project. Our taxpayers cannot bear the burden of protecting our shared border alone. This requires input from NATO and the EU," said Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal.

"We have a good plan for the European defence initiative, the Eastern Flank Watch. Our focus is on air and drone defence, improved situational awareness, and the ability to stop the enemy at the border. Military mobility is also important," added the prime minister.

According to Michal, the European Union needs to consider new joint financing measures even before the next multiannual budget is adopted. The union also has to find ways to better link rapidly growing needs with existing funds, such as the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), the Connecting Europe Facility, and the Border Management and Visa Instrument. "The needs for protecting the eastern border greatly outweigh the resources currently available," the prime minister emphasised.

At the press conference following the summit, the Estonian prime minister emphasised that European security is closely linked to events in Ukraine. In order to achieve a just and lasting peace, Ukraine must be given the strongest possible position, which requires swift and decisive action.

"At the European Council meeting starting on Thursday, we must move forward with the reparations loan to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. This is the best and cheapest way to quickly give Ukraine the money it needs and is entitled to," Michal said.

Idatiiva tippkohtumise ühisdeklaratsioon (inglise keeles)

Government Communication Unit