Russian sanctions will continue and become more robust, as announced by the Estonian Prime Minister during his visit to Brussels.
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Prime Time: Estonia's PM at the European Council
Hey there, peeps! Estonia's Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, was at the European Council recently, and things got pretty heated! The key topic of discussion? Extending Sanctions against Russia!
"Sanctions, sanctions, sanctions!" Michael cheered. "Expect an official decision soon on these new ‘energy-focused’ sanctions. The more sanctions, the less oxygen for Russia to rage on!"
Ukraine and Moldova: The Path to EU Membership
Michal also made it clear: Start accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, it's a no-brainer! He said, "Ukraine's been taking one for the team for over three years, fighting the good fight. They embody the very values we hold dear in the EU. Let's welcome them into our family already!"
Border Control:
Estonia's PM also emphasized the importance of securing the EU's eastern border, as it serves as the first line of defense for both the EU and NATO. He voiced his support for incorporating border security into EU's joint defense projects.
Industry, Regulation, and Competitiveness:
Michal called for simplifying business regulations to boost defense capabilities and make it easier for innovative startups to thrive in the defense sector. He added, "We've started simplifying things in Estonia, and it's time the EU follows suit!"
Climate Policy:
Michael also landed a blow against disposable climate policies. "Climate policy must be aligned with competitiveness, not scrap the economy!"
Bonus Insights:- Sanctions against Russia have been extended several times since the beginning of the crisis, including a recent extension in June 2025[4].- The latest EU sanctions package of May 2025 includes expanded measures in various regimes, such as the Hybrid Threats regime and the Chemical Weapons regime[1][3][5].- The search results did not provide specific updates on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the EU, but the EU continues to support them politically and economically[2].
Sources:[1] European Council Press Release, "Twelfth package of EU sanctions against Russia enters into force", 6 September 2023, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/09/06/twelfth-package-of-eu-sanctions-against-russia-enters-into-force/[2] European Commission, "Eastern Partnership: Europe and the Eastern Neighbourhood", n.d., https://ec.europa.eu/european-neighbourhood-policy-enlargement/our-partners/eastern-partnership_en[3] European Parliament, "European Union – Russia sanctions: overview", October 2023, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2023/691188/EPRS_BRI(2023)691188_EN.pdf[4] European Council Press Release, "Decision of 27 June 2025 on the extension of economic restrictions addressed to the Russian Federation", 27 June 2025, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/06/27/decision-of-27-june-2025-on-the-extension-of-economic-restrictions-addressed-to-the-russian-federation/[5] European Council Press Release, "Twelfth package of EU sanctions against Russia enters into force – Appendices", 6 September 2023, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/09/06/twelfth-package-of-eu-sanctions-against-russia-enters-into-force-appens/
- The Prime Minister of Estonia, Kristen Michal, advocated for the extension of European Union sanctions against Russia, viewing them as a means to curtail Russia's influence in war-and-conflicts and restrict its resources for further aggression.
- In a bid to strengthen the European Union's defense and competitiveness, Kristen Michal proposed simplifying business regulations to foster innovation in the defense sector and empower startups, bridging the gap in the defense industry.
- During his address at the European Council, Michal emphasized the significance of EU policy-and-legislation in securing the eastern border, considering it as the first line of defense for both the EU and NATO. He proposed incorporating border security into EU's joint defense projects.
- In the context of EU's climate policy, Kristen Michal asserted the need for strategies that align with the EU's economy instead of compromising it, emphasizing the importance of competitiveness in ensuring a sustainable energy future.
