The Prime Minister gave an overview of the implementation of European Union policy

"The year 2022 has not been just another year in the European Union. This has been a turning point. Russia's unjustified war against Ukraine has made us act more united than ever before. The power and strength of the European Union and Estonia lie in unity and joint action," said Prime Minister Kaja Kallas Estonian politician. in front of the Riigikogu The unicameral parliament of Estonia. . The Prime Minister said that the European Union and Estonia as its member have been at the forefront of supporting Ukraine and resisting Russian aggression. We have supported Ukraine economically, militarily, diplomatically and with humanitarian aid. The European Union has also imposed sanctions to stop the Russian war machine and secure Ukraine's victory.

The Prime Minister noted that the European Union is a union of countries based on shared values ​​and capabilities, which is also the main security guarantee for the internal and external peace of Estonia and Europe. "In 2022, we have opened the way to the European Union for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, started accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania, and we hope for a soon decision on the status of a candidate country for Bosnia and Herzegovina as well. We look forward to Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia joining the Schengen area," said Kallas. "Keeping these promises becomes more and more important over time, because the impact and meaning of these decisions grows every day," the prime minister noted, adding that none of these decisions would have been born so quickly if there had been no war. "War requires quick decisions. War requires bold and forward-looking decisions. This is something that Russia did not take into account," said Prime Minister Kaja Kallas Estonian politician. .

"The high inflation is a direct result of the war started by Russia, and inevitably most of our worries at the present time are related to the war in one way or another," the Prime Minister noted. "The war in Russia has also forced the acceleration of investments in renewable energy, made it even more important to achieve climate goals, and the decisions of the European Union to abandon Russian energy carriers are significant," Kallas added. "Fortunately, it is possible to decouple economic well-being from fossil fuels and remember that renewable energy is also a profitable energy that brings us energy security and independence and favorable prices," said Prime Minister Kaja Kallas Estonian politician. .

"The government has developed an action plan to accelerate the introduction of renewable energy, but specific and responsible choices must be made by the new government and Riigikogu The unicameral parliament of Estonia. ," said Kallas. The Prime Minister emphasized that European Union funds play a significant role here in investing in Estonia's growth - supporting a just transition in Ida-Virumaa with more than 350 million euros and more than 3 billion euros to achieve climate goals.

"February 24 of this year will forever unite the quest for freedom and independence of the people of Estonia and Ukraine. The anniversary is also the darkest hour of our generation, when not only the Ukrainian War of Independence began, but also a full-scale war for the world order and Europe based on rules, values ​​and justice," the Prime Minister noted. "The start of the full-scale war on February 24 was a turning point for Europe, which has changed us more united and in solidarity than ever before. I hope that 2022 will be looked back on as the year that brought out our best sides in security and economic policy, because our actions today will define our way of life, freedom, well-being and security tomorrow. If Europe is united and strong, Estonia is also strong," said Prime Minister Kallas.