TALLINN, Estonia (ChatnewsTV) — Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has urged the European Union to strengthen its defense and competitiveness, support Ukraine’s fight and path to EU membership, and uphold unity.
The head of the Estonian government made the call in his annual EU policy speech at the Riigikogu on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister began his speech with a quote from Jacques Delors, who led the European Commission from 1985–1995, from the days of the fall of the Berlin Wall: “Since history is accelerating, we too must accelerate.”
“Today, Europe needs the same kind of acceleration,” said Michal.
Michal said that hard choices must be made, political courage and unity must be shown to avoid treating Europe’s concerns with cosmetic changes.
Michal outlined Estonia’s national dedication to defense and resilience, urging the EU to take similar steps.
“We need joint action to kick-start Europe’s defense industry and fill critical capability gaps,” Michal said.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of the forthcoming White Paper on European defense. He proposed “defense bonds” and increased financing through the European Investment Bank to bolster defense companies and projects across Europe.
On Ukraine, Michal underscored the war’s significance for Europe’s future, advocating unwavering support for Ukraine’s victory and subsequent EU integration.
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“We can’t stop halfway,” he stated, endorsing President Zelensky’s ten-point peace plan and highlighting the necessity of maintaining the EU’s enlargement pace for Ukraine, Moldova, and other pro-European nations.
Michal noted Estonia’s economic reliance on the EU, with 79% of exports and 87% of imports linked to European Economic Area countries. He called for measures to boost Europe’s competitiveness with “the same determination” used during the COVID-19 and energy crises. Estonia’s goals, he outlined, include creating a level playing field, advancing green technologies, and establishing efficient cross-border infrastructure to sustain the single market.
The Prime Minister also highlighted key infrastructure projects, like the Baltic electricity synchronization with continental Europe and Rail Baltic, noting that more than 70 kilometers of the rail line would be under construction by year’s end.
“It’s important to have trains running from Tallinn to Warsaw by 2030,” Michal added, underscoring the need for regional connectivity.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
