National Defence Committee discussed enhancing Europe’s defence capability with German colleagues

Today, the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu met the delegation of the Defence Committee of the lower house of the German parliament, emphasising the need to continue supporting Ukraine and enhancing defence capabilities in Europe.

The Chairman of the National Defence Committee Kalev Stoicescu applauded Germany’s ambition to fortify Europe’s role in fighting the Russian aggression. “We cannot afford to have anyone else dictate our future for us—we need to be the masters of our own destiny. This means that we must be united and strong in Europe,” he said.

Stoicescu thanked Germany for its commitment to European defence, including for its significant contribution to collective defence on the NATO eastern flank. “German contingent has been positioned in Lithuania, and we are grateful that they are defending the NATO border in all the Baltic states,” he said.

The two defence committees discussed Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and hybrid attacks in Europe, and reiterated the need to continue developing military capabilities, where a close cooperation of defence industry companies also plays an important role. The members of the two committees also stressed the importance of continuing support for Ukraine and of strengthening partnership and allied relations.

In addition to Stoicescu, Deputy Chairman of the Committee Leo Kunnas and member Anti Poolamets were also present at the meeting.

After the Bundestag elections last year, the Defence Committee, headed by Thomas Röwekamp, is on its first foreign visit, which takes in the other Baltic states in addition to Estonia.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
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