Head of European Commission Representation in Estonia Calls for Strengthening the EU — ERR News
In Estonia, Ave Schank-Lukas, head of the European Commission Representation, said in an opinion column for ERR News that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own future. In her view, this requires the EU to strengthen security, competitiveness, energy independence and partnerships with other countries.
Schank-Lukas recalled that in September 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called this period “Europe’s moment of independence.” According to the author, the EU is increasing investment in security, accelerating the transition to domestically produced clean energy and developing international partnerships.
Economy and technology
Schank-Lukas called a strong and competitive economy the foundation of European independence. She noted that the EU is simplifying legislation for cross-border business operations, while the EU Inc corporate structure is intended to help companies start operations, scale up and use the opportunities of the single market with 450 million consumers.
According to her, the Savings and Investments Union should make it easier for businesses to raise capital. The EU also seeks leadership in artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, invests in skills development and is working to reduce energy costs and develop affordable clean energy.
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As examples from Estonia, the author mentioned the NEO Magnets plant in Narva, which produces magnets for strategic sectors, including the automotive industry and renewable energy. She also named Jälle Technologies, which turns used batteries into a resource, and the AI Leap program, which integrates artificial intelligence into the education system.
Security and Ukraine
Schank-Lukas stated that EU member states can jointly invest in strengthening defense capabilities through the SAFE financial instrument. According to her, Estonia plans to direct €2.1 billion received through SAFE primarily toward strengthening air defense and other defense investments.
The author emphasized that Europe’s security begins in Ukraine. She said that the EU has already allocated more than €220 billion to Ukraine and is to provide another €90 billion in 2026–2027 for civilian and military needs. She added that 21 sanctions packages have been adopted against the Russian Federation, an aggressor state, and that the first negotiating clusters have been opened on Ukraine’s path toward EU membership.
Schank-Lukas also reported the opening of the first negotiating clusters with Moldova and progress in EU enlargement concerning the Western Balkan countries. In the column, she noted that Ursula von der Leyen is to present Europe’s priorities for the following year during an address to the European Parliament on September 16, 2026.
