In Estonia, there is a general opinion that countries that have gone through the same experiences should be attracted to the EU, said the former President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves. He noted that he has a moral duty to help countries that want to be democratic or that want to save themselves from Russian imperialist aggression, IPN reports.

Ilves explained that Estonia and the Estonians understand particular problems faced by the Republic of Moldova because they both have a common past.

“The Germans and the French do not have this understanding. Since we succeeded in restoring democracy in Estonia and we believe that it is sustainable, we need to help other countries that are at risk. This duty is especially important towards Moldova and Ukraine as we have more in common,” the former head of state said in an interview for NM.

From an economic point of view, in Ilves’ opinion, Estonia has no interests. It is rather the moral interest that “consists in ensuring the security of democracies” in Moldova and Ukraine.

Estonia, Ilves concluded, wants Moldova and Ukraine to become successful democracies and to be protected like the other prosperous democracies in the European Union.