According to Kristen Michal, Europe has already paid a high price for its dependence on Russian energy and must not make the same mistake in the technology sector.
“Europe needs the ability to build AI power, not just buy it. To make the most of AI, we must act on three fronts: power, trust and security,” the Prime Minister said.
He welcomed the European Union's plan to invest 200 billion euros in AI, including the construction of gigafactories. At the same time, he stressed the need to make it easier for companies to raise money and invest in Europe.
According to the Prime Minister, as Estonia enters the age of AI, it is guided by the same principles that helped build the country's digital society. It is important to ensure that AI benefits as many people as possible.
“Technology alone does not change society. People do. And people need to trust the technology they use. That is why we are giving 100,000 people the chance to learn how to use AI in their daily work by the end of next year. That is one in seven working people in Estonia. Our Eesti.ai initiative will also help identify practical applications of AI and bring them into wider use in hospitals, schools, public services and businesses,” he stressed.
Just as secure digital identification helped make Estonia's online services possible, Estonia is now preparing the rules needed for the safe adoption of AI agents. These will establish what an agent is allowed to do, how its actions can be monitored and who is responsible.
The Prime Minister stressed that no country can shape the future of AI alone.
“AI becomes more powerful every day. We must make sure people stay in charge. Together, we can find better solutions and strengthen our ability to act. AI does not stop at national borders. Neither should the rules for keeping it under human control. This is also a matter of our shared security.”
In this spirit, the Estonian Prime Minister joined the leaders of more than 30 countries and the European Commission in signing the Call for Control of Frontier AI Models, which calls for stronger international cooperation to ensure the oversight of the most powerful AI systems. Estonia is also inviting other countries to join the initiative.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal’s Opening Address: Prime Minister Kristen Michal’s Opening Remarks at the Tallinn Digital Summit 2026 | Eesti Vabariigi Valitsus
