Eu Day Light

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced that he discussed the European Union’s (EU) long-term budget and the upcoming elections with Benjamin Haddad, Chair of the European Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly.

Tsahkna said in a social media post that the meeting addressed the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the own resources needed to implement the budget.

Stating that the EU budget should reflect the security environment Europe faces and the responsibilities it has assumed, Tsahkna said financing instruments are needed to strengthen defense and increase Europe’s competitiveness.

Tsahkna said improving connections within Europe should also be among the budget’s priorities, drawing particular attention to the Rail Baltica project, which connects the Baltic countries with Europe.

Tsahkna also noted that the necessary instruments should be created in the EU budget to continue supporting Ukraine.

Stating that the use of Russia’s frozen assets was also discussed at the meeting, Tsahkna argued that these assets should be “fully utilized.”

Tsahkna said, “Russia must pay for the damage it has caused,” adding that Russia’s frozen assets should be used to finance support for Ukraine.

Following the meeting, Tsahkna also thanked Benjamin Haddad for attending the unveiling of the Baltic Way commemorative plaque held in Paris during the summer.

Tsahkna thanked Haddad for his friendly approach toward Estonia and ended his post with a phrase in French meaning, “Thank you for being such a good friend of Estonia in the East.”