Baltic States – CIS, Covid-19, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Financial Services, Legislation

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During the conversation, special attention was paid to the German presidency of the Council of the European Union and the central objectives of the German presidency discussed, spokespeople for the Estonian Foreign Ministry said.

"In order to exit the crisis, close relations with nearby countries are extremely important. Reaching agreement on the EU's multiannual financial framework and restarting are one of the main objectives of the German presidency of the Council of the EU," Reinsalu said.

"Estonia supports reaching that agreement, as it will be of significant aid in alleviating the impacts of the crisis," the Estonian minister said.

Reinsalu said that, in addition, Estonia is very pleased to see developing of digital policy, strengthening of the single market, and the field of foreign affairs and security occupy an important place in the program of the German presidency.

"Estonia regards an effective foreign policy of the European Union as very important and we definitely support the aspirations of Germany towards strengthening the unity of the European Union," he said.

Reinsalu raised continued military aggression by Russia in Ukraine and Georgia as a topic at the meeting and expressed deep concern over Russia not having taken a single step towards peaceful resolution of the conflicts. "In communication with Russia, the European Union must maintain a consistent line. Attempts by Russia to falsify history and its ignoring of the principles of international law make Russia a difficult  partner, and we must take that into consideration," Reinsalu said.

The foreign ministers of the Baltic countries and Germany also discussed regional cooperation,  trans-Atlantic relations, and developments concerning the Eastern Partnership. Reinsalu said that ambitious advancing of Eastern Partnership should be a common interest of the EU. "I believe that it's possible for the Baltic countries and Germany to strongly support the Eastern Partnership nations in their reforms towards EU integration in the future," the foreign minister said. The Estonian minister also emphasized the strategic importance of preserving and advancing transatlantic relations for the EU. 

During a bilateral meeting between Reinsalu and Maas, the allied relationship between Estonia and Germany was discussed. The two ministers also talked about further opportunities for partnership in the field of cyber and development cooperation as well as cooperation in the UN Security Council.