European Parliament President Roberta Metsola delivered a powerful address before the Riigikogu, praising Estonia’s resilience and solidarity in the face of recent challenges. Metsola’s speech underscored Estonia’s pivotal role in promoting European values and addressing security concerns, particularly amidst tensions with Russia.
Metsola lauded Prime Minister Kaja Kallas for Estonia’s swift response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, highlighting the country’s proactive efforts to support Ukraine and uphold European solidarity. She emphasized Estonia’s steadfast commitment to shared values and strategic priorities, commending its bold decisions to decouple from Russian energy and provide support for Ukraine.
The debate on Europe’s strategic autonomy featured prominently in Metsola’s address, with a call for practical measures to enhance competitiveness, energy security, and defense capabilities. Metsola advocated for closer cooperation within Europe while complementing NATO’s defense efforts, emphasizing the need for a robust and unified European defense framework.
Furthermore, Metsola reaffirmed the European Parliament’s unwavering support for Ukraine, condemning Russia’s aggression and advocating for strong sanctions to impede Russia’s war efforts. She stressed the importance of accountability for war crimes and support for Ukraine’s integration into European structures.
Reflecting on recent crises, Metsola highlighted Europe’s resilience and unity, asserting that challenges had galvanized the continent’s resolve. She emphasized the importance of effective communication, socio-economic support, and citizen engagement in navigating these challenges.
As the European Parliament gears up for upcoming elections, Metsola urged closer engagement with citizens and emphasized the Parliament’s commitment to bridging the gap between Brussels and European citizens. She called upon the Riigikogu to convey citizens’ sentiments and encourage voter participation in the elections.
Metsola’s visit to Estonia included meetings with key leaders, including President Alar Karis, Riigikogu President Lauri Hussar, and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. Additionally, she engaged with young people at Tallinn University, aiming to strengthen ties between Estonia and the European Parliament and foster greater citizen engagement in European affairs.
