Welcome to our latest blog post, where we discuss the recent meeting between Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The aim of the meeting was to shape the future of Europe, with a strong emphasis on supporting Ukraine.
Prime Minister Kallas highlighted the joint efforts that both countries can make to assist Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. She emphasized that the power of the free world, combined with resources and economic strength, can ultimately help Ukraine succeed in its battle.
The meeting also addressed Russia’s hybrid war against Europe, with Prime Minister Kallas calling for a united front against such activities. She stressed the need for allies to work together and send a clear message to Russia that such behavior is unacceptable.
Furthermore, both leaders agreed on the importance of increasing defense capabilities in Europe. Prime Minister Kallas commended Estonia’s current defense spending, which exceeds 3% of GDP, and urged other allies to follow suit. She also called for greater investment in the European defense industry, proposing the creation of a EUR 50 million defense industry fund in Estonia.
During her visit to Paris, Prime Minister Kallas met with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal to discuss defense cooperation between the two countries. They also expressed gratitude for France’s military presence in Estonia and its assistance in patrolling the Baltic States.
In a joint statement issued in March, Estonia, France, and Poland called for urgent action to boost Europe’s defense capabilities. The statement outlined priorities for a new European defense and industrial strategy, including closer cooperation with Ukraine.
As we navigate through these challenging times, it is crucial for European countries to stand together and support each other. The future of Europe depends on the collaborative efforts of nations like Estonia and France, who are committed to building a stronger and more secure continent.