Meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte today, 26 May, at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that while the past year has presented the Alliance with numerous challenges, it has also demonstrated that NATO works effectively.
The Foreign Minister noted that both the Allies’ united and clear response to the violation of Estonian airspace by Russian fighter jets last September, as well as the incident involving a drone shot down over Estonia last week, demonstrate that NATO functions as intended.
“In a difficult security environment, NATO Allies have remained united and the protection of Allied territory has worked exactly according to plan. NATO works and our collective security is guaranteed,” said Tsahkna. “We must continue strengthening our deterrence and defence posture so that the Alliance remains capable of responding to all threats also in the future.”
Discussing the NATO Summit in Ankara taking place in early July, Tsahkna noted that European Allies are investing increasingly in defence and taking on a greater role in ensuring the security of the continent, NATO’s defence capabilities, and credible deterrence.
“At the Summit, it is important to see Allies moving toward defence spending of 5% of GDP, but also to ensure that increased investments are translated into real military capabilities and greater defence industrial output,” Tsahkna said.
Discussing the possible repositioning of US forces in Europe, Tsahkna stressed that this must take place in coordination with Allies and that it is essential to preserve strong deterrence, especially on NATO’s eastern flank.
Continued support for Ukraine was also discussed during the meeting with the NATO Secretary General.
“Estonia has long held the view that, in order to better plan its defence, Ukraine must have certainty that support from partners, including military assistance, is sufficient, sustained, and predictable. Estonia allocates at least 0.25% of GDP annually to Ukraine’s military support, and we believe that support at this level from all Allies would be sufficient for Ukraine’s military success,” Tsahkna said.
“In recent months it has also become increasingly clear that Ukraine is not merely a consumer of security, but possesses technology and expertise that can contribute to the security of other countries as well. Ukraine’s accession to NATO would make the entire Alliance stronger,” the Foreign Minister added.
Today, the Foreign Minister also participated in the meeting of the EU General Affairs Council, where discussions focused on the EU’s long-term budget for 2028–2034, preparations for the European Council meeting on 18–19 June, EU–UK relations, and the annual rule of law dialogue concerning the situation in France, Latvia, Croatia, and Italy.
Photos from the meeting with the NATO Secretary General.
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