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Mix of soft, hard power needed for regional security: top EU official

Xinhua, May 12, 2017 Adjust font size:

The European Union needs to mix "soft power" and "hard power" to defend regional security in the current challenging times, a top EU official said here on Friday.

Speaking at the opening of the annual Lennart Meri Conference on foreign and security policy issues, Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stressed that "the European way to security is not only military approach," which is always necessary but not enough, listing "soft power" such as economy powers, culture, satellites and digital resources as crucial to tackle on security threats, terrorism and more dangers.

She also called on the EU member states to have the political courage, share responsibilities and use resources as well as cooperate with EU friends in Africa and Asia among others.

Mogherini expressed confidence on the future of the EU after Britain's exit, expecting new EU members states to enter in a few years, highlighting the role of education of the young generation for the solidarity of the EU.

Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid, who met with Mogherini earlier in the day, told the conference audience that she is confident that "the EU is not in crisis."

Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas and Foreign Minister Sven Mikser also met with Mogherini and discussed Estonia's upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2017.

The conference is named after the late Lennart Meri, who served as Estonian president from 1992-2001. Endite