In the Covid-19 crisis, the Finnish government took its decisions based on the national interest and considering the wellbeing of its citizens. This is how it would behave in possible future crises, which may be of a different nature. Estonia should avoid too high expectations of its northern neighbour.
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Impact of the 2018-19 Election Cycle on Energy Security and Climate Policies in the Baltic states, Poland and Finland.
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China’s assertive foreign policy is best known for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
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This analysis calls for European governments to pay greater attention to the resilience of their societies, starting with the integration of minorities. It is also important to continue work to increase awareness of Russian influence.
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“Ever since Finland joined the EU in 1995 it has always advocated the EU unity, because it helps Finland to withstand Russian pressure. So, it is very logical that Finland is taking these perhaps extremist steps to defend EU unity and values, because Hungary is clearly dismantling the EU unity and that, of course, is beneficial for Russia,” Erkki Bahovski, editor-in-chief of ICDS Diplomaatia magazine commented on the Hungarian-Finnish row to the Serbian daily newspaper Danas.
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Estonia’s role in the world is not only related to our geographical location, instead, our future is increasingly shaped by global developments. Who will become a global superpower? What will be the position of Europe in the new world order – and Estonia’s place in that Europe? How should we face the new threats surrounding us? Is NATO the only answer?
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“Estonia has good relations with both Finland and Hungary. It is irrelevant to ask which side Estonia should choose,” Rein Oidekivi, research fellow of ICDS commented in the Kuku radio programme Välismääraja staged and recorded on 10 August at the Estonian Opinion Festival 2019 and hosted by Erkki Bahovski, editor-in-chief of ICDS Diplomaatia magazine.
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In the last half-decade, the three Baltic states have made dramatic progress towards diversifying their energy supplies, especially of natural gas. This progress—brought about thanks to remarkable political will as well as improved regional cooperation—has resulted in considerable economic benefit while decreasing the three countries’ vulnerability to outside pressure. Yet, much remains to be done in order to complete the three countries’ internal markets.
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Over the years, the United States has supported the Afghan authorities in their talks with the insurgents.
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Estonian-Finnish relations are close and amicable, but there are things that Finns and Estonians find difficult to discuss. Relations with Russia are undoubtedly one of them: a sensitive subject for both states, it’s often hard to understand the other country’s actions. Estonia should, however, consider what we can learn from Finnish-Russian relations.
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