President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas said at the opening event of the parliamentary dimension of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union today that Europe’s response to Russia’s aggression had been strong and united, but more needed to be done, and increasing support to Ukraine was critical right now.

At the virtual meeting of the Speakers of the EU countries, Ratas confirmed Estonia’s support to the priorities of the Swedish presidency, underlining the importance of parliamentary cooperation. The priorities of the Swedish Presidency, which began on 1 January, are security, competitiveness, the green and energy transitions, democratic values and the rule of law.

In his speech, the President of the Riigikogu spoke about security, the unity of the European Union and the need to continue supporting Ukraine. “We fully share your view that we need to increasingly focus on continued economic and military support to Ukraine, as well as support Ukraine’s reconstruction and integration with the European Union,” he said.

Ratas stressed that Europe’s response to Russian aggression had been strong and united, but it was necessary to do more. “Donating weapons, ammunition and other equipment to Ukraine is of critical importance right now,” Ratas said, and added that if we all did more to help Ukraine, Ukraine’s victory would come faster. He also pointed out that the military aid Estonia had provided Ukraine amounted to more than one percent of its GDP.

Ratas emphasised that at the same time it was necessary to increase the cost of aggression to Russia. “We need to continue working on further sanctions against Russia and on lowering the oil price cap. Russia must also be held accountable for the crime of aggression,” he said.

Ratas expressed hope that during the Swedish Presidency there would also be a significant change, with Sweden and Finland becoming members of NATO, which would have a positive impact not only on our region, but on the whole European Union and NATO.

Photos of the meeting (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
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