Baltic States – CIS, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Legislation

"The economic crisis, Brexit, the migration crisis and one country's military intervention in Europe's neighborhood -- these are the challenges which we have had to face in the past decade," Mikser said in his speech.

"All this has put to the test the decisiveness and power of resistance of the European Union, but through these crises Europe has also proven itself and become only stringer," he stressed. Mikser expressed gladness over even more people supporting EU unity, including in security issues, as shown by results of recent surveys.

Mikser also pointed out that eastern as well as southern neighborhood play an important role in European security.

"The security of Europe strongly depends on what goes on behind its borders. We must be solidary with our neighbors and at the same time also notice the added value what cooperation with them gives us," Mikser said. He also stressed the importance of cyber security, the fight against terrorism and strategic communication in the context of today's threats.

At the meeting with Hecker, Mikser discussed the security situation in Europe, Estonia's presidency of the Council of the EU and the situation in Ukraine. Mikser also expressed support to Germany's work in the Normandy format.

"Unfortunately there has been no progress in the Minsk process and we have to continue with a common EU policy in regard to the Ukraine issue," Mikser said.

Mikser also spoke at a seminar of the German Marshall Fund think tank titled "German-American Dialogue on the Post-Soviet Space". He stressed the success of the Eastern Partnership summit which took place in Brussels.

"The summit provided us with clear directions for the future, the final goal of which is the well-being, stability and security of the whole Europe," Mikser said.