Prime Minister Michal stressed that security guarantees to Ukraine must be credible and backed up by partners with actual forces on Ukrainian soil. Estonia is ready to contribute to this with a company-sized unit, instructors and staff officers.
The head of government said that Estonia highly values Germany’s leadership on issues affecting the future of Ukraine and the whole of Europe. “Our two countries are among the biggest supporters of Ukraine,” he noted. “Germany’s Patriot air defence systems have been indispensable in strengthening the Ukrainians’ defences. Estonia’s annual military support for Ukraine amounts to at least 0.25% of GDP, this year rising above 0.3% of GDP.”
Prime Minister Michal described the role played by Germany as crucial to the security of the Baltic Sea region. “We value Germany’s contribution as both a NATO framework nation in Lithuania and an active contributor to Baltic air security, as well as in the NATO operations Baltic Sentry and Eastern Sentry,” he said. “We are hoping for Germany’s support in EU discussions to reinforce the protection of the eastern border.”
With Germany being Estonia’s largest partner in defence procurement, the head of government expressed his hope that cooperation between the countries would be expanded not only in helping Ukraine, but also in bolstering Europe’s own defence capabilities. “The Estonian defence industry is our most rapidly growing sector,” he noted. “We are learning from Ukraine’s experience and implementing new technologies. Estonia has launched a 100 million euro defence fund for investment in military and dual-use technologies. We encourage German companies to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the fund.”
Economic cooperation was one of the central themes of Prime Minister Michal’s meeting with Chancellor Merz and Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche. Germany is Estonia’s fourth-largest trading partner, and opportunities for broader-ranging cooperation are seen in digitalisation, AI, energy and green technologies. “I am delighted by the fact that not only is Germany investing in Estonia, but Estonia is investing in Germany,” the head of government remarked. “On Friday, I will be opening a factory near Leipzig established by the Estonian company Skeleton. This 220 million euro investment is our biggest to date. German industry and Estonia’s digital success have combined to set an example in Europe.”
On Thursday evening, Prime Minister Michal met at the Estonian embassy in Berlin with German investors interested in working with Estonia. “I hope more and more German entrepreneurs will discover Estonia’s tax environment, which is the most efficient in the world, as well as our educated workforce and fully digitised public services,” he said.
Photo: Bundesregierung/Steffen Kugler BK - PM EST Michal
