Today 15 February, Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets gave the annual address at the foreign policy debate of the Parliament of Estonia (Riigikogu) and outlined the main lines of action in our foreign policy.
In light of Russia’s large-scale military build-up of on Ukraine’s borders and the tense security situation it has created in Europe as a whole, security and defence are central topics in Estonia’s foreign policy this year. “We have responded to Russia with a united message that there can be no bargaining over Europe’s security and international law, and the policy of spheres of influence has no place in Europe today. However, in light of the developments of recent days, an imminent attack on Ukraine cannot be ruled out, which calls on Estonia to deal with the threats and potential consequences of the crisis, and stand up for the entire space of democratic values,” the foreign minister said.
She added that in the current security situation, we must be prepared for an escalating confrontation, where diplomacy has weight thanks to deterrence. “Only the resolve of the West, including boosting the defence capabilities of NATO’s Eastern Flank, efficient work on the sanctions package and comprehensive assistance to Ukraine help prevent a further escalation of the situation,” Liimets said.
The foreign minister said we would strongly support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and continue providing Ukraine with assistance in implementing political, economic and national defence reforms.
Liimets underlined that strengthening transatlantic cooperation and cohesion remained a pillar of our foreign policy. “In the current crisis, the Alliance has demonstrated a common political posture and threat perception and has decided to reinforce its deterrence and defence posture in the south-east and east. The UK-led Allied presence and NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission are part of that and our defence cooperation with participating states has grown closer. We are also constantly working on boosting defence and political cooperation among the Baltic States,” the foreign minister said.
In the European Union, we are also focusing on reinforcing common foreign and security policy – this year, a substantial security initiative, the Strategic Compass, is set to be adopted, and the first common threat perception was drawn up with the active participation of Estonian experts. “We also think the European Union can and should support the efforts of member states in boosting their military capabilities and increasing their resilience in face of hybrid threats,” the foreign minister said.
She added that Estonia would continue its active work in the EU in the digital and cyber domain. “We can be the trailblazers in the uptake of e-ID, building a forward-looking data economy and promoting the concept of trusted connectivity across the world,” Liimets said.
The foreign minister also highlighted the protection of human rights and advancing democracy as important foreign policy actions, helping to reinforce the values-based international order on which our security directly depends. “Estonia’s first human rights action plan prioritises the rights of women, girls, indigenous peoples, and the freedom of expression and internet freedom,” Liimets said.
We will also continue working on fighting global climate change. “In the European Union’s climate diplomacy, we always highlight Eastern Partners, but we are also engaged in Africa, where we are planning green data centres with partners interested in digital cooperation. We will also continue working towards a network of offshore wind farms spanning the entire Baltic Sea, which would boost our energy security,” the foreign minister said.
A more efficient use of foreign missions and economic diplomacy in advancing and protecting the interests of Estonian companies on foreign markets and increasing foreign investment is a priority. We plan to develop entrepreneurship centres in seven countries, firstly in our embassies in Seoul and Singapore. “I am glad that last year, the Estonian Development Cooperation Centre was founded, giving us more opportunities for participating in EU and other major international projects to increase our visibility and impact in foreign policy,” Liimets said.
The foreign minister said Estonia’s most cherished asset was its people and there were plans to develop both consular services and actions aimed at the Estonian diaspora. “To preserve Estonian identity far away from home, we have completed an action plan for the Estonian diaspora, which the state is already implementing. The society as a whole can help Estonians who were born abroad or have lived there for an extended period of time feel welcome when they move to Estonia,” Liimets said.