Riigikogu committees discussed foreign policy with High Representative of the EU Kaja Kallas
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas gave an overview of current issues in the European Union foreign policy at a joint sitting of the European Union Affairs Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia).
Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali said as he summed up the discussion that the focus had been on Ukraine. “To achieve lasting peace, we must act on several fronts: we must support Ukraine, continue to impose sanctions on the aggressor, reform Europe’s defence sector, and work towards the enlargement of the European Union. Europe’s strength lies in unity, and together with new Member States, we can be even stronger,” Tali added. “It is also important that we cooperate more closely in Europe to increase our defence capabilities and promote the defence industry. We can promote cooperation in the defence sector in both management and arms procurement.”
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson said that the discussions at the joint sitting of Riigikogu committees had been substantive and frank and had focussed on Ukraine. “Estonia as a border country is well aware of the situation. We recognise that in order to achieve a just and lasting peace, it is necessary to continue with supporting Ukraine and exerting pressure on Russia. Only when the aggressor realises that continuing the war will not bring the desired result, it will be ready to hold real negotiations. We cannot begin talks with Russia in the near future, but Europe can work towards this goal and continue to strengthen its own security,” Mihkelson said.
At the sitting, Kallas gave an overview of current issues in the European Union’s foreign and security policy, noting that the greatest attention was currently focused on Ukraine and the Middle East.
Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)
Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
[email protected]
Questions: [email protected]
