Foreign Affairs Committee’s statement in support of the unity of the EU and NATO

NordenBladet —

Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) adopted a statement in support of the unity of the European Union and NATO and the solidarity between the Member States.

“Unity of the European Union and NATO makes it easier to overcome the crisis

The current situation is one of the greatest challenges in the history of the European Union and its Member States. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu is happy to note that, in recent weeks, the European Union and its institution have comprehended the depth of the crisis, and have increased their proactivity and decisiveness in combating the spread and the consequences of coronavirus COVID-19.

We acknowledge and support the joint efforts of the European Union in public health, scientific research, economy and other spheres that are critical under the circumstances of the ongoing crisis. We welcome North Macedonia as a new NATO member state, and we underline the importance of the open doors policy in ensuring the viability of the European Union and NATO.

For Estonia, membership in the European Union and NATO has been invaluable for both security and economic development. Protection of the value space of the West has to be the priority of the Allies today. Protection of dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the principle of the rule of law and human rights is essential. The European Union must jointly resist all attempts to use a state of emergency to restrict the freedoms and the rights of its citizens.

Since its accession, Estonia has been a reliable and constructive member state and cooperation partner of the European Union and NATO, and we wish to be that also in the future. The present challenge is complicated for all our partners and allies, but when we rely on strong trans-Atlantic relations, the hardships can be overcome faster through common efforts and coordinated cooperation.”

Before adopting the statement, the Foreign Affairs Committee heard the overview about the emergency situation measures in the United Kingdom by Estonian Ambassador Tiina Intelmann, the report on Estonia’s activities as the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council by Permanent Representative of Estonia to the United Nations Sven Jürgenson, and the survey of the situation in Hungary by Estonian Ambassador Kristi Karelsohn.

Riigikogu Press Service
Liisa Johanna Lukk
Phone: +372 631 6316456, +372 5331 0789
E-mail: liisajohanna.lukk@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Source: Parliament of Estonia