In his opening address, Tsahkna said that independence is not a benevolent gift from major powers, but a right whose defence is our shared and constant responsibility. “This has been a year of Europe’s growing maturity. A year in which Europe has begun to understand its strength and responsibilities more clearly than before. European security cannot be put on pause, and a strong and confident Europe is also a prerequisite for maintaining a functioning transatlantic bond,” he said.
“Europe must assume greater responsibility for its security. The aim of our deterrence is to rule out another miscalculation by Putin. On 24 February 2022, he underestimated Ukraine’s resolve to defend itself and the unity of democracies. It is our task to make sure that such a miscalculation is never made against NATO. Also, it is not the job of the West to help Russia find an off-ramp from the aggression it launched itself. At this very moment, in one of the darkest hours of the war, Ukraine needs action that will provide certainty about the future. The failure of Russia’s aggression is a precondition for Europe’s lasting security,” the foreign minister stressed.
“We will not allow ourselves to be silenced, because if we do not stand up for our interests, no one will,” Tsahkna added.
Minister Tsahkna will also present the Foreign Ministry’s Crosses of Merit to officials and partners from Estonia and abroad in recognition of their notable contributions to advancing Estonia’s diplomatic service and foreign policy and, thus, strengthening Estonian statehood.
Photos from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ 108th anniversary celebrations (album will be updated).
