Following the meeting of the Baltic Council of Ministers, Kristen Michal stressed that the completion of the main line of Rail Baltica by 2030 is crucial for the economic growth and military mobility of the whole region. “Estonia has taken decisive steps to advance the project – on 16 May, two important agreements were signed, aiming at the completion of the Estonian part of Rail Baltica within five years. 74 kilometres of the line are already under construction or covered by contracts, and by the end of 2026, the entire main line in Estonia should be under construction".
Michal added that Estonia has used various financing options for the construction of Rail Baltica and called for common solutions. We must continue to work closely together, show real progress, and secure maximum EU funding for the project in the next long-term budget, he said.
At the meeting, it was reaffirmed that regional security is a shared responsibility and a priority. Estonia, which will invest 5.4% of GDP in defence over the next four years, will support a significant increase in defence spending by allies at the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague. “We know what Russia is capable of, but we will not be intimidated,” Michal said.
In particular, he highlighted the need to reinforce security in the Baltic Sea, where the shadow fleet poses a threat to both critical infrastructure and the environment. It is important to work together for a smoother exchange of information, and to take steps to reduce Russia’s revenues from energy resources, which it uses to wage war in Ukraine.
Speaking about the importance of supporting Ukraine, Michal said that the process towards a just and lasting peace can only begin with an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire. “Negotiations cannot be held under constant and intense attacks,” he said. In Estonia’s view, the 18th EU sanctions package should be adopted as a matter of urgency and we should look for ways to use frozen Russian assets. Russia must compensate for the destruction caused in Ukraine.
“We never get tired of reminding the key principles. No recognition of occupied territories. No restrictions on Ukraine’s armed forces or the military aid it receives. No neutrality. Ukraine has right to choose its future. And the EU and NATO decide membership. Russia has no say in this,” said Michal.
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