Toomas Hendrik Ilves: Europe lacking clear vision
Former President Toomas Hendrik Ilves said on Friday that though the Estonian people didn't need to be overly worried about what is going on in the world, they needed to be on guard. Ilves also thinks that Europe lacks a vision how to go on.
As a small state, Estonia is more vulnerable, Ilves told ERR in an interview on Friday. Back in Estonia after a longer period of time spent abroad, Ilves also said the world is going through a difficult time, and that plenty of countries are currently taking a more passive stance and waiting to see what will happen next.
The United Kingdom's impending exit from the European Union, the upcoming Election in Italy, Russia's bellicose attitude, and the war in Syria are topics that are currently cause for concern. Ilves added that the ongoing conflict in Syria could trigger another wave of immigrants into Europe.
The Polish and Hungarian governments also presented a problem, as they put in doubt the liberal and democratic principles of government that are the foundation of both the European Union and NATO.
Europe is trying to preserve what it has achieved, Ilves remarked. But there was no clear vision, and no leaders to indicate a clear direction. "I'm worried about the coherence of Europe," Ilves said.
Editor: Dario Cavegn
