"Supporting Ukraine is not a short-term effort, but a strategic investment in European security. We must ensure that Ukraine is able to use the €90 billion loan allocated to it as flexibly as possible and acquire precisely the resources it needs most to achieve success. A just and lasting peace can only be achieved by putting pressure on the aggressor and supporting Ukraine. Europe must prove by its actions that it can stay on this course," Pevkur said.
Other important topics discussed included the need to increase Europe's defence capabilities and Member States' defence spending, and the need to boost capability development. "Europe needs to increase defence spending and strengthen its defence industry to ensure the capabilities needed for security. Estonia takes this need very seriously – our defence spending already exceeds 5% of GDP this year," Pevkur reminded. "Protecting the eastern flank must be a clear priority for Europe, and this requires financial resources. The risks and burdens faced by countries bordering Russia are inevitably greater, and it is essential that Member States contribute in a spirit of solidarity to strengthen Europe's defence capabilities. That is why we must move quickly to secure funding for the Eastern Flank Watch initiative," he added.
Discussions also touched upon strengthening the European defence industry, enhancing various defence initiatives, and improving the coordination of defence procurement to fast-track the development of required capabilities.
