Support for Ukraine and security in the Baltic Sea region were the main topics of discussion when Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal met in Tallinn on Friday 22 August.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen it comes to our support for Ukraine, the most important thing is to strengthen the Ukrainian army. That is the main guarantee of a lasting peace. The West needs to provide the strongest possible security arrangements and support, and the United States has to be involved. Europe must also bear responsibility,\u201d said Prime Minister Orpo.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Orpo stressed that the international community should continue to put pressure on Russia and be prepared to tighten sanctions if Russia does not work towards peace. Europe must advance Ukraine\u2019s path to EU membership and secure financial support.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith regard to financial assistance, funding under the EU\u2019s Ukraine Facility must be continued, the funds of the European Peace Facility must be released without delay, and the European Investment Bank must further strengthen the European defence industry. All Member States have to take responsibility for this. And we cannot have a situation where any Member State needlessly blocks these means of supporting Ukraine.\u201d<\/p>\n
The prime ministers also discussed the security situation in the Baltic Sea region, which has weakened since Russia began its attacks on Ukraine. Both Finland and Estonia consider it important that the EU and NATO strengthen European defence.\u00a0
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\u201cThe threat from Putin\u2019s Russia will not go away even if peace is restored in Ukraine. The EU Member States are now ensuring the security of their citizens by ramping up defence. Strengthening the European defence industry plays an important role in this. This opens up new opportunities for cooperation between Finland and Estonia, too,\u201d said Prime Minister Orpo.<\/p>\n
The prime ministers also explored ways to increase energy cooperation between their countries and addressed several key EU issues, such as the European Commission’s proposal for the EU\u2019s next multiannual financial framework for 2028\u20132034.
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\u201cFinland and Estonia are united by strong ties \u2013 history, language, culture, and above all a shared neighbourhood. We are also allies in the EU and NATO. Good relations and trust are very important for us, and we should continue to strengthen our cooperation at all levels, including the economy, defence and security,\u201d said Prime Minister Orpo.<\/p>\n
After his meeting with Prime Minister Michal, Prime Minister Orpo also met for discussions with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.<\/p>\n
Inquiries: Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 444, Jari Luoto, Director General, EU Affairs Department, tel. +358 50 468 5949, and Anne Sj\u00f6holm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister\u2019s Office
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