Baltic Leaders Warn: No More Peace Without Arms

According to the leaders of the Baltic states, the war in Ukraine is fundamentally changing Europe's position. On the sidelines of a conference on Ukraine's reconstruction in Poland, they said that support for Kyiv is no longer just a matter of the country's reconstruction or the expansion of the European Union, but a test of Europe's ability to adapt to new security challenges.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal noted that the current period could mark a turning point for defense cooperation within the EU. "Europe was a project of peace without arms. Now, it will be a project of peace – but with arms", he said. According to him, stronger defense capabilities will enhance the Union's credibility and its standing in the world.

The Baltic countries also take a different view than some Western European leaders on negotiations with Russia. While German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for the start of negotiations to freeze the front line, Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said he does not currently believe in peace agreements. He identified strengthening Europe's eastern flank and a unified approach among allies as priorities.

Kulbergs also emphasized that he trusts NATO and the support of the United States. He noted that Latvia has increased its defense spending to 5% of GDP, in line with the alliance's target. In his own words, he believes there will be "no stupid surprises" at next week's NATO summit, which President Donald Trump will attend.

(euractiv, bak)