Estonian Foreign and Security Policy Archives - ICDS

Estonia’s Co-operation With the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood: Strategic Objectives and Focus

The countries of the Middle East and North Africa are often viewed by Europeans primarily through the lens of security, but in order to address security problems, it is necessary to focus on the economic and social development of these countries. The EU seeks to promote cooperation and spread democratic values through the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), which was established in 2004. Although the negative developments in the region reflect the ineffectiveness of the ENP, its goals continue to be important. For Estonia, the ENP is a significant framework that creates solidarity among the priorities of different member states and lays down common goals.

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In 2021 when the Taliban regained power over Afganistan, Estonia and Norway were co-penholders of the Afghanistan file in the UN Security Council. Pictured Taliban fighters taking control of the Afghan presidential palace after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.

Commentary

Small States at the Top of Global Diplomacy: Different Tactics of Estonia and Norway on the UN Security Council

In 2021, Estonia and Norway serve as elected members on the UN Security Council. What can elected Council members hope to achieve in a setting marked by great power tensions and ineffective working procedures?

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Publications

Small States, Different Approaches: Estonia and Norway on the UN Security Council

In 2021, Estonia and Norway served as elected members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Both being relatively small states, defending multilateral cooperation and rules-based international order were important common goals.

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Lithuania's Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte (L) greets European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton prior to their meeting in Vilnius on May 31, 2021.

Commentary

Lithuania’s Rise in Foreign Affairs: Should Estonia Be Green with Envy?

Vilnius has become the foreign policy centre of three Baltic states and this is a win for Tallinn too. The three states are growing out of their self-centric foreign policies.

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Publications

Under Pressure: Nordic-Baltic Cooperation During the COVID-19 Crisis

Spring 2020 posed a test to the regional cooperation of the Nordic-Baltic region.

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Commentary

Putting Meat on the Bone: Foreign and Security Policy in the New Estonian Coalition Agreement

The coalition agreement of the new Estonian government formed by the Reform Party and the Centre Party contains few surprises when comparing the foreign-, security- and defence-policy-related commitments with the agreements of the previous coalitions that formed the governments in 2016–19 and 2019–21.

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Commentary

Liberal Estonia is Back—With Some Lessons Learned About Engaging with Radical Right-wing Populists

Coincidence or not, the Estonian government collapsed on 13 January, soon after the presidency of Donald Trump in the US made its violent turn towards an ugly end. During the past year and eight months, Estonia experimented with a coalition including radical right-wing populists. The experiment damaged Estonia’s international reputation and its relations with allies, put pressure on its democratic institutions, and increased polarisation within society.

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Commentary

How Does the Three Seas Initiative Help Estonia?

Estonia must find a balance between the US and Europe.

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Commentary

17+1 Cooperation Is Turning Sour: Shared Concerns Over China Can Help Repair the Transatlantic Relationship

Europe and the US have a number of common concerns caused by the rise of China that could help to repair transatlantic relations. Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries should invest in strengthening the EU’s unity and transatlantic cooperation vis-à-vis China rather than the 17+1 format.