Estonia in the EU 🇪🇪🇪🇺

At #EUCO, EU leaders launched the 'One Market, One Europe' agenda to strengthen competitiveness. They also addressed the situation in Iran and its impact on energy security and prices. Also on their agenda: Ukraine, EU defence, migration. See ➡️ link.europa.eu/VVRMpD

Great success at today’s #EUCO. The European Council recognises that Russian ex-combatants pose a potential threat to EU internal security and calls on the Commission to propose solutions.

🌍 Driving digital change through women’s ICT leadership 👩‍💻 Today in Brussels, Estonia and #TeamEurope partners launched a new global initiative to promote women’s leadership in public ICT sector. 🤝🌍 #ESTDEV will support women in ICT across 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇲🇩 Moldova, 🇽🇰 Kosovo, 🇰🇪 Kenya and 🇺🇬 Uganda, from career pathways to leadership roles. From mentorship in 🇪🇪 to strengthening access to STEM education, the goal is clear: inclusive digital growth. Learn more 👉 estdev.ee/en/articles/es… #FromThePeopleOfEstonia #StrongerTogether

Europe must stay focused on Ukraine. Military, financial, political support cannot weaken. We need to deliver on our promises. The €90 billion loan must move. And we need a common line: no place in Europe for Russian fighters with real war experience. At the same time: ⚡ energy security = stable prices & long-term capacity 📉 less bureaucracy = stronger competitiveness A stronger Europe means a safer Europe.

.@MFAestonia has summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires after a Russian SU-30 fighter jet violated Estonia's airspace near Vaindloo Island on March 18, remaining for about one minute. I can confirm that NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission responded swiftly, with Italian Air Force units deployed. There was no threat to Estonia’s security. vm.ee/en/news/foreig…

Russia’s pattern does not change. Yesterday a Russian fighter jet violated our airspace. NATO works. Our skies are monitored, protected and defended at all times.

The EU and Iceland are close friends. Our security is shared, and so are the challenges we face. Today’s signature of an EU-Iceland Security and Defence Partnership takes our relationship to the next level. This will deepen our cooperation in areas that matter for the safety of our citizens, from maritime security to the protection of critical infrastructure. This is a win for the EU and for Iceland.

At #GAC today, EU affairs ministers are discussing the EU’s next long-term budget for 2028-2024, also known as the multiannual financial framework #MFF. But what exactly is the EU’s long-term budget? Find out more below 👇 🔗 link.europa.eu/Frgccm

4th EEAS Annual Report on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Threats is now out. Today’s wars are not only fought with tanks and drones but with lies and algorithms too. Read more: link.europa.eu/VHvF6h

Climate policy is competitiveness policy. Investing in clean tech creates jobs, higher incomes and lower emissions. A simple, flexible post-2030 setup and a stronger, more stable ETS will drive innovation and cut CO2. Minister Andres Sutt ahead of #ENVI @EUCouncil today.

Starting the day at the #ENVI @EUCouncil with a great conversation with 🇪🇪 Climate Minister @SuttAndres — we agree that climate action and competitiveness must go hand in hand to reach our climate goals.

Russia and Iran are on the same side in the current conflict in the Middle East. Reports of military cooperation, intelligence sharing and drone warfare coordination between Moscow and Tehran make this increasingly clear. At today’s EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, I stressed that the fight against the Iranian regime must not end up strengthening its key ally, Russia. We must not allow the Kremlin to benefit from this crisis. Rising global oil prices could bring Russia billions in additional tax revenue by the end of March. This is money the Kremlin will use to continue its aggression against Ukraine and prepare for a long-term confrontation with the West. Sanctions pressure must therefore continue. Imports of Russian energy into the EU must be further restricted and support for Ukraine must remain strong. It is irresponsible to block key EU decisions on Ukraine and sanctions because of continued dependence on Russian energy. For Europe’s security, we must end this dependence and diversify supply chains, not look for ways to keep importing Russian energy. At the same time, Ukraine has shown solidarity with partners facing threats from Iran and has offered practical assistance, including in countering drone attacks. Support for Ukraine must increase and pressure on Russia must grow.

The Council reaffirms the EU’s determination to use all available tools to prevent, deter and respond to hybrid campaigns targeting the EU, its member states and its partners. Read the conclusions on advancing the EU’s capacity to counter hybrid threats ➡link.europa.eu/f3ygdY

4 years after the tragic Bucha massacre, the EU has sanctioned 9 more individuals who played a major role in this atrocity. The EU has also adopted new sanctions in response to Russia's foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). More info: link.europa.eu/vFyX8F

Russia expected Ukraine to fall in days. Years later, Ukraine stands. And we stand with Ukraine. This war has never been about a lack of dialogue. It is about Russia’s unchanged goals. When aggression pays off, it repeats. Until it clearly fails, talks will change nothing. Pressure is the language the Kremlin understands.

Europe needs more investment in wind, solar, nuclear and dispatchable capacity to keep power prices competitive. Also: better ETS predictability, stronger interconnections and protection of critical energy infrastructure. Andres Sutt ahead of #energy ministers’ meeting today.

Truly value the close partnership with the Netherlands. We share a clear understanding that strengthening European security requires continued support to Ukraine and sustained pressure on Russia. Glad to further deepen our relations with the signing of an agreement on the exchange and mutual protection of classified information between our countries.

Iran and Russia are two sides of the same coin of evil. Iran has supported Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and now Russia supports Iran. Easing sanctions on Moscow would be the wrong signal. Pressure on both regimes should increase, not decrease.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz hurts the global economy and helps Russia fund its war. It is affecting our partners in the region and is dangerous for global energy supplies. Today, EU Foreign Ministers will discuss how to better protect shipping in the region, including contributions from our Aspides naval mission. My press remarks ahead of today’s Foreign Affairs Council ↓

Thank you @AivoOrav for the great job done in Kosovo! You will be sorely missed. Congratulations on your next assignment in Türkiye and am very happy to continue working together - as we have done over decades in various roles. Jõudu!