Prime Minister Kristen Michal to Deliver Opening Address at Conference on the European Union’s Eastern Border regions

"The time is right to be talking about the countries on Europe's eastern border," the head of government remarked. "I have just come from Kyiv, where four years have passed since the beginning of Russia's brutal war of aggression. The war has changed all our lives, and those of us on the EU's eastern border have felt it particularly keenly. Europe's security, and its credibility, depend on how secure its border countries feel. To that end, we must have plausible defence capabilities, a strong economy and good connections with the rest of Europe. That means clear investments in defence and infrastructure, and consistent, long-term support for Ukraine. Those choices must be reflected in the next EU budget, and in the swift implementation of projects designed to shore up the defence capabilities of the eastern flank."

The conference will be opened by Ursula von der Leyen, after whom Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto will speak, then the heads of government of the Baltic States and President of the European Investment Bank Nadia María Calviño. A ministerial panel will follow, where Estonia will be represented by Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi.

Last week, the European Commission published a strategy for its eastern border regions that underlines the central role these countries play in ensuring the security, resilience and stability of Europe and highlights the need for more targeted steps to be taken to support the regions in the light of Russia and Belarus' actions. At the end of the conference, a declaration of intent will be signed for the establishment of the EastInvest Facility, a funding platform for countries in eastern border regions.

In a bilateral meeting with President Costa, the two sides will discuss issues related to the March Council, with competitiveness, support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia at the top of the agenda for Estonia. "Strong, well-functioning transport, energy and data connections across borders are of key importance to Estonia," Prime Minister Michal said. "They are not just infrastructure projects, but form the basis of the security and competitiveness of the European economy. Equally important is to strengthen the EU's internal market and to cut red tape in order to create an environment conducive to investment and innovation."

The head of government added that he would be raising the issue of imposing entry bans on Russian combatants who have fought against Ukraine. "These people pose a threat to the internal security of Europe as a whole," he stated. "Europe must defend itself in a united and decisive way."

The conference will be followed by a meeting between the heads of government of the Baltic States and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to continue discussions on issues related to the eastern border and support for Ukraine.