Toomas Hendrik Ilves spoke to ERR. He said that relations between Europe and the USA have changed. Europe must change its defense forces. Europe should not rely so much on the USA.
Europe has not focused on defense for 35 years. During the Cold War, Europe spent more money on defense. Estonia is currently spending the same amount.
The USA has hindered the development of European defense. The European Union adopted the Saint-Malo Declaration in 1998. This laid the foundation for Europe's common defense policy.
Currently, the USA has a new leadership against Europe. Europe has not taken the USA's criticism seriously.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says that everything is fine. But the foreign ministers of Greenland and Denmark looked sad after their meeting with the USA.
Europe must make major changes. There is a need to create a new security council.
Europe depends on US technology. We must develop our own technology.
Europe must overcome resistance to joint borrowing. Some countries have been opposed to it for years.
The small countries near Russia are in a difficult situation. Europe does not know who might come to power.
Toomas Hendrik Ilves wants to use Article 7 of the European Union for countries like Hungary. European countries must cooperate and make decisions together.
European countries use hedging diplomacy towards the USA. The hope is that America will forget unpleasant things.
Europe must come to terms with the new situation and act differently. We need to do things faster.
Kaja Kallas has spoken boldly about Europe's foreign policy. Other leaders should learn from her.