In meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence, Estonian Prime Minister Jüri Ratas, Minister for Foreign Affairs Sven Mikser and Minister for Defence Jüri Luik discussed security and digital cooperation and stressed the continuation of cooperation between the European Union and the USA. 

“NATO’s collective position of deterrence and defence has strengthened in the Baltic region and the USA is indispensable to ensuring the security of our immediate neighbourhood as well as all of Europe,” Ratas said. “We are states that share the same values, we have a strong bond and cooperation and we are grateful to the USA for their contribution to the safety of Europe. The decision of the US administration to increase the financing of the European Reassurance Initiative by $1.4 billion is remarkable.”

Ratas emphasised at the meeting that Estonia is not only expecting assistance but is also actively contributing to security – Estonia’s defence spending is at 2.17 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), it is strengthening its independent defence capabilities and border security, and contributes to the fight against terrorism and peacekeeping operations alongside its allies.

The Prime Minister presented the digital solutions of the Estonian public sector, which have been an engine for Estonia’s economic growth, to Vice President Pence. They also discussed opportunities for increased cooperation in the digital field and cybersecurity. Ratas noted that Estonia and the USA have an excellent cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and added that joint exercises and an exchange of information and experts provide an opportunity to further enhance it.

The Prime Minister and Vice President also discussed the cooperation between the USA and the European Union. “The Estonian Presidency of the Council of the EU certainly wants to contribute to strengthening transatlantic relations and, within the framework of these relations, to the development of international trade and the fight against terrorism and cyber threats,” Ratas said. “Making progress on the EU-US free trade agreement would be strategically important for the USA and Europe alike.”