According to Kallas, Estonia and Luxembourg face common challenges, the most notable of which are related to the changed security situation. “Russia’s full-scale war of aggression in the heart of Europe continues. The conflict in the Middle East has led to a huge humanitarian crisis and there is a serious risk of escalation. Let us also not forget that Russia has the capacity to inflict damage in various ways. Closer cooperation with Iran and North Korea and a growing footprint in the Sahel, which, in turn, increases migratory pressures, are just a few examples of that,” Kallas said. She added that one of the issues that needs attention is countering Russia’s hybrid activities.
Kallas stressed that the free world cannot tire of supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, because too much is at stake. “I am here today with the message that the future of the entire transatlantic community depends on how the war in Ukraine ends,” said Kallas. “In addition to military assistance, we must continue to weaken Russia’s war machine and tighten sanctions. Recent steps, such as the approval of the 14th EU sanctions package and the decisions by the EU and the G7 to use the profits from Russia’s frozen assets for the benefit Ukraine, are important, but we must also mobilise the frozen assets ourselves. Sooner or later, it is the aggressor who will have to pay for the war damage, not our taxpayers.”
Both Estonia and Luxembourg have provided significant military assistance to Ukraine. The two countries co-lead an IT coalition that provides cyber support to the Ukrainian military. Kallas also thanked Luxembourg for its contribution to strengthening NATO’s eastern flank. Among other things, Luxembourg is supporting the refurbishment of the Ämari airbase, which hosts the Baltic Air Policing mission.
Kallas said that further efforts and funds are also needed to improve the defence of European countries. “In order to support the new NATO defence plans with resources and capabilities, all NATO allies must increase their defence spending. Estonia’s defence spending will be over 3.2% of the GDP this year. I am also looking forward to an in-depth discussion at the upcoming European Council on how we can increase Europe’s defence capabilities,” the Estonian prime minister said.
Speaking about bilateral cooperation, Kallas noted that Estonia’s first data embassy is located in Luxembourg, which will help to ensure the continuity of our digital services. According to the prime minister, Estonia wants to expand digital cooperation in both the public and private sectors.
During the visit, Kallas also met Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and visited the European Court of Justice, where she met its President, Koen Lenaerts, as well as judges and members of the court from Estonia.
Remarks by Prime Minister Kaja Kallas at a joint press conference with Luс Frieden in Luxembourg, 26 June 2024: https://www.valitsus.ee/en/news/remarks-prime-minister-kaja-kallas-joint-press-conference-lus-frieden-luxembourg-26-june-2024
Photo: © SIP / Julien Warnand/Ministry of State of Luxembourg https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBx1q9
