by EuroNews
It’s published
Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Kristen Michal on Saturday in Estonia, European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that sanctions against Russia should be tightened and that Europe needs to strengthen defence spending.
“Our aim is to significantly fill all the gaps we have identified today by 2030,” said Von Der Leyen, who said he would speak at ämari Air Force Base, where NATO aircraft are located. “We’re focusing on defense here.”
“Estonia makes the eastern side safer. And Europe is strong,” added von der Leyen.
With the help of the European Commission’s security measures for European (safe) loan instruments, Estonia plans to borrow 3.6 billion euros to fund defence spending.
“Estonia is already one of the top NATO defence spenders compared to GDP,” the European Commission chief said in a statement. “So we’re investing rapidly, we’re investing better, we’re investing in Europe.”
“We have no illusions. Russia can only be stopped by the military,” Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said at a press conference on Saturday.
Von Der Leyen and Michal also discussed the harsh sanctions of sanctions on Russia, particularly its shadow fleet, and how to advance Russian frozen assets.
Von der Leyen’s visit to Estonia is part of a four-day tour of European countries adjacent to Russia or its allies, aimed at emphasizing solidarity with border states and supporting the development of the European defence industry.
Von Der Leyen’s tour consists of visits to Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. It is a country that replies with Russia, Belarus, Bulgaria and Romania.
