President Karis at Meeting with the President of Poland: Unity within NATO and Europe Is Essential

"Europe stands on the pillars of peace, freedom, and cooperation. Today, however, we must take resolute action to defend these values, ensure our collective security, and strengthen our unity within NATO and the European Union. We need increased investment in our defence capabilities, improved readiness across the defence industry, and a stronger sense of political will. Poland is clearly setting an example in this regard," said President Alar Karis at Kadriorg following a meeting with the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, who is on a state visit to Estonia.

“Estonia is pursuing the same path. As early as next year, our defence expenditure will reach 5% of GDP. This is not a symbolic gesture but a necessary step aligned with NATO’s defence planning. We are determined to be genuinely prepared to defend ourselves," President Karis underlined.

During the meeting, the two heads of state discussed preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague this summer. "A new, realistic strategy towards Russia must be adopted at the summit. Increased defence spending should become the standard across the Alliance. Estonia and Poland are already taking tangible steps in this direction—these are not just aspirational goals, but real commitments," President Karis stated.

President Karis also expressed Estonia’s appreciation for Poland’s substantial contribution to regional security. "Just recently, Polish pilots began their latest rotation within NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission, operating from the Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania and helping to safeguard Estonian airspace," he noted.

According to President Karis, Estonia and Poland share a common, unequivocal understanding of the threat posed by Russia to European security. "Supporting Ukraine is not a short-term act of solidarity, but a deliberate and long-term strategic choice. Estonia remains committed to ensuring that military, humanitarian, and economic assistance continues for as long as necessary. A premature ceasefire must not become a pause that allows Russia to regroup—that would only lead to further aggression," he emphasised. "Our shared objective is for Ukraine to remain a free, sovereign nation, capable of defending itself and rebuilding successfully."

In the field of reconstruction, both countries are also playing a key role. "Estonia is contributing to Ukraine’s recovery efforts in the Zhytomyr region, while Poland is active in Kyiv, Lviv, and Poltava. These efforts are not symbolic—they are strategic. Our aim is to support Ukraine’s path to European Union membership and to help build a resilient, functioning state," President Karis said.

Touching upon hybrid threats, President Karis stressed the importance of protecting critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region. "We must do more to safeguard cables, pipelines, and essential connections. Estonia supports a strengthened NATO presence in the region and aims to conclude a regional agreement in the coming months to bolster this protection."

President Karis also highlighted the growing economic cooperation between Estonia and Poland. "Poland is one of Estonia’s key economic partners in Central Europe. Estonian businesses—especially in technology and education—see growing potential in the Polish market. We likewise welcome Polish entrepreneurs to Estonia. This cooperation reflects the trust and alliance between our nations," he stated.

He added that both countries are committed to enhancing European connectivity and resilience. "Rail Baltic, which will connect Tallinn and Warsaw, must be completed without delay. Our energy cooperation is also strong—the synchronisation of the Baltic electricity grid with continental Europe would not have been possible without Poland’s firm support," President Karis said. "The upcoming Three Seas Initiative Summit in Warsaw later this month offers another opportunity to deepen our collaboration and promote investment in regional infrastructure."

President Karis concluded by emphasising the significance of President Duda’s visit. "This state visit underlines the depth and strength of the Estonian–Polish partnership. We are united by a shared vision for Europe, mutual concerns, and a common sense of responsibility. President Duda’s decision to make his first foreign visit to Estonia in August 2015 and to return now, at the close of his term, speaks to the enduring ties between our countries."