From my side too. Thank you, Ulf, for hosting us and warm welcome!
This is a great format to bring us together and discuss common challenges affecting this region.
My first and main message is that we have to do more for our defence.
The 2% defence spending benchmark is probably not enough for implementing NATO’s latest defence plans. Good plans mean nothing without being backed with real troops and capabilities.
Therefore, if we want to be taken seriously, the defence spending minimum needs to be raised to at least 2.5% for all NATO allies.
We need to show the same kind of decisiveness and unity here, as we have shown in our support to Ukraine.
These are the two sides of the same coin.
Secondly, we cannot make any concessions in our support to Ukraine.
We need everything we have to maintain the pressure and raise the cost of war for Russia.
Estonia supports Ukraine with 0.25% of our GDP in next four years, and everyone should.
An aggressor cannot be allowed to rewrite the European security architecture.
Finally, within a few weeks I am happy to host many of you in Estonia at the JEF Leaders’ Summit.
With the ongoing Russia’s aggression and increased hybrid activities, regional unity is more important than ever.
The JEF Summit in Tallinn is a good opportunity to continue our today’s discussions and further strengthen this vital cooperation.
Thank you!
