Stoicescu and Mihkelson are discussing strengthening European security in Madrid

Stoicescu said that the increase in defence spending and investments in the EU Member States should be much more prominent. Among other things, the production capacities of the defence industry need to be increased significantly to strengthen European security. He would like to see the Western countries be more united in their decisions and actions.

“Russia is and remains a permanent threat for us. This is why we need to ensure that we have sufficient reserves and that we could also support Ukraine with weapons and ammunition, even during a longer period, if needed.” Stoicescu added that the European Union needed to fulfil its pledge to donate one million artillery shells to Ukraine as soon as possible. This was a decision made at Estonia’s initiative which was adopted in spring by the European Council.

Mihkelson said that investments into defence but also consistent foreign policy are paramount in the current security situation. He does not see a possibility for restoring permanent peace in Europe before Ukraine has won Russia’s war of choice.

“Ukraine needs our active help and support until it has achieved victory, Russia has been defeated strategically and has withdrawn its troops from the Ukrainian territory, and the perpetrators of the crime of aggression, starting with Russia’s political leadership, have been prosecuted,” Mihkelson said. In addition to establishing an international special tribunal, we need to continue raising the price of aggression for Russia through sanctions and other restrictive measures.

The participants of the Inter-Parliamentary Conference in Madrid are discussing the priorities, challenges, and developments of the EU foreign and security policy as well as the security and defence policy, Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and its consequences, and strengthening European security. The Conference is part of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which runs from July 1 until the end of this year.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Stoicescu and Mihkelson are discussing strengthening European security in Madrid

Source: Parliament of Estonia