Office of the President of the Republic of Estonia

05/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/16/2026 02:59

President Karis: Let us put Europe in the lead – on our continent and on the global stage

"Fortune favours the brave."
This is the motto of the 2026 Lennart Meri Conference.
Like many great quotations, it originates from a wartime speech - a rallying cry before battle, a call for courage in the face of danger.
Most countries in Europe are not at war - at least not in the traditional sense. Yet we nevertheless face existential dangers and profound risks.
The values of the free world and the international rules-based order, which we cherish so deeply, are under attack from many directions. The autocracies of the world often seem more successful in swinging their swords than democracies are in raising their shields.
The assault on the core principles of the international order has long been recognised as the defining challenge of our time. We discuss it at security conferences, and it features prominently in our foreign policy speeches.
But if our values are under attack, then why are some of us still waiting for others to defend them on our behalf? Why should Europe not itself become the force that defends the international order and the values of the free world?
What prevents Europe from being brave? From being bold?
Some hope that today's challenges will simply pass, and that history will somehow return to normal. Others fear that difficult decisions may make the next election more difficult. Both sentiments are understandable. Comfort, stability, and prosperity are part of what makes Europe Europe.
But our prosperity, our comforts, everything that feels familiar and secure to us - indeed, our very identity - ultimately rests upon freedom and the rule of law that protects it.
Europe was built from the determination that law must prevail over force, that human dignity matters, and that nations - large and small - have equal rights under international law. Europe was never built merely for convenience or comfort.
And bravery requires stepping outside one's comfort zone. It would not be bravery if it were easy or risk-free.
Therefore, the brave choice for Europe is to step forward. To assume leadership - in Europe and in the wider world.
The brave choice is to build a Europe that is militarily capable and resilient.
Deterrence comes from credible strength. Credibility comes from military capability. And military capability comes from bold and focused investment.
Five percent is not merely a number. It is the minimum requirement for a Europe capable of defending and protecting itself.
These hundreds of billions of euros must be invested in air defence, long-range weapons, ammunition, intelligence, drone warfare, and in closing the remaining gaps in our defences.
Politically, the brave thing for Europe is to stand up to all those who attack our values - consistently, everywhere, and at all times.
Europe stands up to Russia by helping Ukraine succeed on the battlefield; by enforcing sanctions against Russia's war economy; by jointly disrupting Russia's hybrid attacks, sabotage campaigns, and shadow fleet.
But we must remain firm in every dimension - including by refusing to allow Russia back into film festivals or international sports competitions. Putin must not be given lifelines, nor any glimmer of hope that aggression will ultimately be rewarded.
Economically, the brave course is to scale up Europe's defence industrial production, sharpen Europe's technological edge, and secure our supply chains.
Europe is already moving in that direction. New defence companies are emerging with innovative ideas. European industries are establishing co-production capacities, and our governments are increasingly procuring jointly. But we need to be more agile on that path.
Most importantly, we must develop our industries in close cooperation with Ukraine's defence sector - today the fastest-growing and most innovative defence industry in the world.
This brings me naturally to my next point.
Perhaps the boldest and bravest step Europe can take is to advance enlargement - helping Ukraine and Moldova, Montenegro, Albania, and other candidate countries, towards full membership in the European Union.
Accession negotiations should no longer be delayed.
Their membership will strengthen Europe's security, resilience, industrial capacity, and long-term competitiveness.
Ukraine as an ally would also make NATO stronger.
Ukraine possesses one of the largest and most battle-tested armed forces in Europe. NATO is already learning from Ukraine's experience in adapting to modern warfare - technologically, operationally, and tactically.
The Ukrainian people have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and courage in defending the principles upon which Europe itself was built.
Both alliances stand to benefit enormously from the membership of such a resilient, combat-proven and innovative nation.
And if we were to advance Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO already now - despite Russia's threats and ongoing aggression - what clearer demonstration could there be of European strength and determination?
Let me also be clear: being bold does not mean weakening our transatlantic ties. Quite the contrary.
Europeans and Americans ultimately share the same core values. These values run deep within us, and they have united us in successful alliances throughout history.
Just as a warrior needs two strong legs to stand firmly, NATO requires both a strong Europe and a strong America to prevail in the world of tomorrow.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Europe does possess bravery. We must now bring it to the forefront.
Let us put Europe in the lead - on our continent and on the global stage.
So that fortune may indeed favour us.
I wish you all a delightful dinner and inspiring days ahead at the Lennart Meri Conference.
Thank you.
Office of the President of the Republic of Estonia published this content on May 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 16, 2026 at 08:59 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]