European countries, particularly those belonging to the Ramstein coalition, are being urged to invest in defence to avoid being caught off guard by aggressive nations like Russia. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of helping Ukraine defend itself to prevent further escalation of the war. She highlighted the need for countries to commit 0.25% of their GDP to military aid for Ukraine, which could contribute to Ukraine’s victory over Russia. Kallas drew parallels with Estonia’s situation before World War II when defence investments were low, leading to devastation and human suffering when war eventually broke out. She emphasized the importance of investing in defence during peacetime, as waiting until conflict is imminent can be too late.
Kallas stressed the need for leaders to properly communicate the necessity of increased defence spending to their populations, reassuring them that it does not indicate a pro-war stance. She warned that peace on Russia’s terms is not sustainable and that weakness can provoke aggression from aggressors. She advocated for European countries and NATO members to strengthen their defence systems to deter potential threats. Kallas underscored the significance of being perceived as strong and capable of defending against aggression to prevent further escalation of conflicts.
The European Union is currently undergoing a reevaluation of its defence policy, with proposals to enhance defence industrial capacity through joint procurements and other measures. Many member states have depleted their ammunition stocks to support Ukraine, but financing the necessary investment in defence remains a divisive issue among EU leaders. The idea of issuing Eurobonds to jointly raise funds for defence spending is controversial, with ‘frugal countries’ opposing the concept due to concerns about cost-sharing and potential future implications. However, Kallas supports the use of Eurobonds to finance defence projects and proposes revising the mandate of the European Investment Bank for this purpose.
Kallas called for the EU to utilize windfall profits from immobilized Russian assets to aid Ukraine in its defence efforts and to strengthen sanctions against Russia. She emphasized the need to address loopholes allowing for sanction circumvention and crack down on the Russian war machine. By taking decisive action to support Ukraine and bolster European defence capabilities, Kallas believes that the EU can prevent further aggression and maintain sustainable peace. She urged EU leaders to prioritize investing in defence to deter potential aggressors and ensure the security of European countries.
In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the threat of aggression from Russia, Kallas emphasized the importance of learning from history and avoiding the mistakes of the past. Estonia’s vulnerability before World War II serves as a cautionary tale for European countries, underscoring the necessity of investing in defence during peacetime to prevent devastation and human suffering during times of conflict. Kallas pointed out that waiting until a crisis is imminent to ramp up defence spending is already too late, highlighting the need for proactive measures to strengthen defence capabilities and deter potential aggressors. The EU’s focus on revamping its defence policy and addressing funding issues is crucial in ensuring the security and stability of European countries.
