For more convenient access to government’s news, you will be temporarily redirected to the previous version of the website. News will soon be available on this website as well.

Prime Minister Michal: the new European Union budget has to bolster the economies and security of the countries on its eastern border

Today, the European Council focused on discussions regarding the European Union’s budget for 2028–2034. For the first time, specific budget figures were presented to the heads of state and government at the proposal of Cyprus, the current holder of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

According to Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Estonia and the other countries on the European Union’s eastern border bear a greater responsibility for ensuring Europe’s collective security. “It is therefore necessary to identify ways to provide additional support to the countries on the eastern border in the next budget. No concessions can be made on funding for defence, military mobility, or cross-border connections, as they are all directly linked to European security,” said Michal.

“Overall, the key priorities for Estonia in the new budget of the EU are strengthening defence capabilities, supporting economic growth, cross-border connections, and critical infrastructure – including the completion of Rail Baltica –, as well as continued support for agriculture,” added Michal.

The aim of the European Council is to reach an agreement on the next long-term budget by the end of this year. “Delays in adopting the budget would harm both the European economy and security. We need to reach an agreement by the end of the year. This means a great deal of intense negotiations and long working days in Brussels to ensure the best possible outcome for Estonia,” said the prime minister.

Yesterday, the European Council reaffirmed its continued unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The European Union, together with its partners, will continue to provide Ukraine with extensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support.

“As Ukraine and Moldova progress along their path to accession, we welcome the opening of the first cluster of negotiations, but it is important that the remaining five clusters are also opened during the course of this summer. Efforts also continue to prevent Russian soldiers who have fought in Ukraine from entering Europe. I am pleased that all Member States now recognise that this is a serious security threat to Europe as a whole. This is a victory for Estonia, which has championed this issue in Europe. Work is continuing with a view to finding a long-term and permanent solution,” said Michal.

The European Council agreed to extend the European Union’s economic sanctions against Russia for 12 months. “This, too, is an important victory for Estonia; we have long wanted the sanctions to be extended every 12 months in future, rather than every six months, as has been the case so far,” the prime minister emphasised.

In addition, the European Council discussed strengthening the European Union’s competitiveness, the impact of energy prices on the economy, and balancing trade relations with China.

Communication Unit, Government Office

Rahukohtu St 3, 15161, Tallinn, Estonia

Soovite saada lehel valitsus.ee avaldatavaid uudiseid ja teateid e-postiga?

Märkige, milliseid teated soovite ning kirjutage lahtritesse oma e-posti aadress. Teile saadetakse seejärel tellimuse kinnitamiseks e-kiri koos juhistega, kuidas saate oma tellimust hiljem soovi korral muuta või lõpetada.