A great example of our existing cooperation is cross-border digital prescription. And we see more opportunities for cooperation in new technologies, innovation and digitalisation.
Our countries are close allies in NATO and partners in the EU. Once again congratulations to Croatia on joining the Schengen area and Eurozone.
Let me now turn to security matters. We worked on Ukrainian issues already together back during our term in the European Parliament. The war in Ukraine is far from over. Russia’s strategic aims haven’t changed: to erase Ukraine and rewrite the European security order.
We need to ramp up both our practical and political support to Ukraine to help ensure victory on Ukraine’s terms.
Military assistance to Ukraine must be further strengthened. It is positive to see that a number countries are looking to take aid to the next level. Here, I once again repeat my call to our allies and partners – look into your stockpiles and reserves and send arms to Ukraine. This is the way to peace.
We must also continue raising the price of aggression for Russia. The key is to maximise sanctions on Russian energy. Contrary to some fears, we’ve seen that the oil price cap has not led to a sudden and large price spike on the world market. Today, the price of oil has decreased. When we review the price cap as agreed in December, we must continue lowering it to dry up Russia’s ability to wage war.
We must also keep momentum on finding a way to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Our interest is that the EU would find joint solutions as soon as possible. Estonia’s been actively pushing this in the EU, and I have also asked my government to look into which possibilities Estonian legislation would offer in this regard.
Holding war criminals accountable is also critically important. As repeatedly discussed by EU leaders, we must find a way to move forward with the establishment of a special court for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
As NATO Allies, we are likeminded on many issues. Croatia’s contribution to the collective defence on the Eastern flank is much appreciated. Croatian soldiers are part of the eFP battle group in Poland. We must also support Ukrainian path towards NATO membership, based on commitments made in Bucharest in 2008 and in Madrid in 2022. Ukraine’s full post-war Euro-Atlantic integration is fundamental for its future and essential for European security.
Let me finish by pointing out that we also discussed the developments in the Western Balkans. Closer NATO-EU cooperation has been beneficial for the region. It is important to keep it up. The EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tirana was strategic success. Sending a clear message that the EU is here and that the EU is open was much needed.
Thank you.