I am happy to welcome you in Tallinn. Relations between Estonia and Kosovo are very good, and I am glad they are getting even more active. I was glad to discuss Estonia’s reform process, especially in the field of digital governance and the rule of law. Building democracy never ends – over here we take care of it every day.
A great example of our practical cooperation is that currently Estonian experts in cooperation with your help to create Kosovo's e-governance strategy. What is key to do next is to put it into practice soon.
The security situation in Europe has been a reminder of the importance of the EU-Western Balkans relations. I would like to thank Kosovo for your steadfast support to Ukraine. You have set an important example by quickly and fully following EU sanctions. This means a lot. You have given Ukraine humanitarian aid and supported Ukrainian refugees. Your principled position is widely appreciated and recognised.
I would also like to emphasise Estonia’s full support to Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic path. Let me reaffirm our support to your visa liberalisation with the EU.
Russian aggression affects us all. Its consequences go well beyond Ukraine. We also discussed Russia’s destabilising influence in your neighbourhood. I am glad that we will meet soon at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tirana. With this Summit we will send a strong message of support – the EU is a close friend that Western Balkans can rely on.
It is in our mutual interest to end Russia’s aggression once and for all. We know that the aggressor will never stop unless he is stopped. The longer it takes, the harder it gets.
For this we need to keep supporting Ukraine – by giving more military support, more humanitarian aid, more financial support. This is the way towards peace.
And war criminals must be held accountable. The free world must make sure that Russia’s crime of aggression, crimes against humanity and possibly genocide will face justice. And Russia has an obligation to make full reparation for the injury and damages caused. The Kremlin must pay for every building shelled, every bridge ruined, and every energy facility destroyed.
Thank you.
