According to Foreign Minister Tsahkna, the Netherlands is an important Ally and partner for Estonia. “We greatly value the contribution of the Netherlands to the security of our region. The role of the 1 German-Netherlands Corps (1GNC) in the defence of Estonia and Latvia is a very concrete example of this and is crucial to our security,” Tsahkna said.
At the meeting, Tsahkna gave an overview of the security situation in our region, and the ministers exchanged information on the latest developments in the peace talks on Ukraine. Tsahkna commended the Netherlands for its principled support for Ukraine in both the European Union and NATO. The ministers reaffirmed their shared interest in closer cooperation to support Ukraine’s accession to the EU and its reforms, including strengthening the rule of law and combating corruption.
“Ukraine must continue to receive our comprehensive support, and pressure on Russia must not diminish. We must strengthen sanctions, continue to isolate Russia and curb the activities of its shadow fleet. We must also make progress on using Russia’s frozen assets for the benefit of Ukraine,” Tsahkna said.
Foreign Minister Tsahkna also stressed the need to make the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression operational as soon as possible. “Important steps have been taken towards establishing the Special Tribunal, but we must now ensure that it can begin its work as soon as possible. The Russian leaders who planned the aggression and are responsible for it must know that their crimes have consequences. Impunity must not become the norm,” Tsahkna said.
In discussing European security and defence, Tsahkna outlined Estonia’s priorities for the negotiations on the European Union’s next long-term budget. “The new budget must take into account the specific needs arising from Estonia’s geopolitical position. Strengthening Europe’s eastern border and strategic connections, including Rail Baltica, is a matter of security for Europe as a whole,” Tsahkna said.
As part of the visit, Tsahkna and Berendsen also visited the Memorial to the Victims of Communism at Maarjamäe, where they commemorated the victims of the communist regime. According to Tsahkna, remembering the crimes of the past serves as a reminder of why we must continue to defend freedom and international law today and ensure that the aggressor is held accountable.
