British News Agency

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna commented on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen placing security and defense at the center of her State of the Union address. Tsahkna said Europe needs to become a stronger geopolitical actor.

Tsahkna said that given the current security environment and the threat posed by Russia, it is important for the European Union to provide sustained political attention and funding in the areas of security and defense.

Stating that NATO remains the cornerstone of European security, Tsahkna said the EU's work on security and defense should complement and strengthen NATO.

Tsahkna welcomed the focus on Europe's strengths and reducing dangerous dependencies, noting that the single market, globally scaled industry and a strong currency are important advantages for Europe.

Tsahkna said he expected Europe to send stronger messages on how to provide Ukraine with the necessary economic support ahead of a difficult winter, how to increase pressure on Russia for a just and lasting peace, and how to ensure Europe's long-term security after the war.

Tsahkna argued that using Russia's frozen assets would be an important step in supporting Ukraine and said EU enlargement should also move forward decisively.

Tsahkna said EU enlargement would strengthen not only candidate countries but also the Union itself by creating a larger single market and increasing Europe's strength as a global actor.

At the end of his post, Tsahkna said, “Europe has strengths and tools. Now we need to turn ambition into action.”