Michal: Russia's unreasonable conduct makes extending border checkpoint operating hours pointless

Prime Minister Kristen Michal said on Radio 4 that if Russia does not behave reasonably at the border, Estonia has no reason to extend or even discuss extending border checkpoint operating hours. Michal stressed that Russia's attitude is decisive as a precondition for any negotiations.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said on Radio 4 that Russia's unreasonable conduct at the border rules out any discussion about extending border checkpoint operating hours. The Reform Party leader stressed that Estonia simply has no basis for this.

Michal explained that the question of border checkpoint operating hours cannot be a separate issue, but depends entirely on how Russia itself approaches the situation. If the neighbour's conduct at the border is not appropriate, Estonia has no reason to make concessions or initiate such a discussion.

The Prime Minister's message can be seen as a clear signal that Estonia does not intend to make unilateral concessions on border issues. In the absence of mutual reasonable cooperation, the status quo remains unchanged, and Estonia sees no reason to retreat from its current position.