Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal said NATO is working well during an interview in Ankara, Turkey, on July 9, 2026 [1].

Michal's comments come as the alliance faces increasing skepticism regarding its future relevance and stability. For Baltic states like Estonia, the perceived strength of NATO is critical to national security given the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Russia and the U.S.

Speaking with Euronews journalist Shona Murray, Michal said she pushed back against recent doubts about the organization's effectiveness [1]. She said that the alliance is entering a new era and characterized the current doubts as unfounded [1].

During the discussion, Michal addressed the broader landscape of European defense and the role of the United States within the security framework [1]. The prime minister said that the collective defense mechanisms remain robust despite external political pressures.

Michal said that the alliance's ability to adapt is a sign of its continued utility. The conversation in Ankara served as a public reaffirmation of Estonia's commitment to the transatlantic bond, a relationship that has been under scrutiny due to shifting political climates in member states [1].

By framing the current period as a transition into a new era, Michal said that the evolution of NATO is a necessary response to modern threats. She said that the alliance remains the primary guarantor of security for Eastern Europe [1].

“NATO is working well.”

This public defense of NATO by the Estonian leadership signals a strategic effort to maintain unity within the alliance. By dismissing doubts as unfounded, Estonia is attempting to project stability to deter Russian aggression and ensure continued U.S. military commitment to the Baltic region.