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Foreign Minister Tsahkna at the session of the Baltic Council: we are standing together in defencing the gates of the West

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

24.11.2023

Today 24 November, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna chaired the 29th session of the Baltic Council, a cooperation body for Baltic governments and parliaments, at the Riigikogu.

In his speech, the foreign minister recognised the cooperation of the Baltic Council of Ministers with the Baltic Assembly, and emphasised that the cooperation of the government sector was particularly important in light of the complicated international security situation. Tsahkna also reaffirmed the unwavering unity of the Baltic States both on the international arena and in supporting Ukraine.

"We are standing together in defending the gates of the Western world," Tsahkna said. "For Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, existential security interests are at stake in the current security situation."

Tsahkna said the Baltic States needed to concentrate on raising the cost of the aggression right now. "We are working with other European Union member states on imposing new sanctions and effectively implementing existing sanctions; a trade embargo cannot be ruled out if it proves necessary."

Tsahkna noted that as border states, the Baltic States have a central role in preventing Russia from circumventing sanctions. At the same time, efforts are being made towards finding a way to hold the aggressor accountable for the crime of aggression and isolating it on the international arena.

"Also, it is Russia who should pay for the damage it has caused in Ukraine," Tsahkna said. "The frozen assets of Russia must be used to rebuild Ukraine and I am glad that last year, the Riigikogu processed a bill drafted for that purpose. Here, Estonia is ready to lead the way for Europe. Europe must develop a common political will to make Russia pay for the aggression."

Tsahkna also said that Ukraine's future was in NATO and in the European Union, and Allies must jointly support Kyiv on that journey. "The era of grey areas is over. The policy of neutrality is not working," Tsahkna said. "Both the European Union and NATO must keep their doors open."

In his speech, the minister also underlined the role of improved connectivity in ensuring the security of the Baltic States, including the need to make sure Rail Baltic is completed by 2030. He also spoke about disconnecting energy links with Russia and transitioning to renewable energy as key steps in Baltic energy policy.

Photos of the 29th session of the Baltic Council are available HERE.

The full speech of Foreign Minister Tsahkna at the session of the Baltic Council is available HERE (In Estonian).