Foreign relations of Estonia explained

The Republic of Estonia gained its independence from the Russian Empire on 24 February 1918 and established diplomatic relations with many countries via membership of the League of Nations. The forcible incorporation of Estonia into the Soviet Union in 1940 was not generally recognised by the international community and the Estonian diplomatic service continued to operate in some countries. Following the restoration of independence from the Soviet Union, Russia was one of the first nations to re-recognize Estonia's independence (the first country to do so was Iceland on 22 August 1991). Estonia's immediate priority after regaining its independence was the withdrawal of Russian (formerly Soviet) forces from Estonian territory. In August 1994, this was completed. However, relations with Moscow have remained strained primarily because Russia decided not to ratify the border treaty it had signed with Estonia in 1999.

Trends following re-independence

Since regaining independence, Estonia has pursued a foreign policy of close cooperation with Western European nations. The two most important policy objectives in this regard have been accession into NATO and the European Union, achieved in March and May 2004 respectively. Estonia's international realignment toward the West has been accompanied by a general deterioration in relations with Russia, most recently demonstrated by the controversy surrounding relocation of the Bronze Soldier WWII memorial in Tallinn.[1] Estonia has become an increasingly strong supporter of deepening European integration. The decision to participate in the preparation of a financial transaction tax in 2012 reflects this shift in Estonia's EU policy.[2]

An important element in Estonia's post-independence reorientation has been closer ties with the Nordic countries, especially Finland and Sweden. Indeed, Estonians consider themselves a Nordic people due to being Finnic people like the Finns rather than Balts,[3] [4] based on their historical ties with Denmark and particularly Finland and Sweden. In December 1999 Estonian foreign minister (and since 2006, president of Estonia) Toomas Hendrik Ilves delivered a speech entitled "Estonia as a Nordic Country" to the Swedish Institute for International Affairs.[5] In 2003, the foreign ministry also hosted an exhibit called "Estonia: Nordic with a Twist".[6] And in 2005, Estonia joined the European Union's Nordic Battle Group. It has also shown continued interest in becoming a full member in the Nordic Council.

Whereas in 1992 Russia accounted for 92% of Estonia's international trade,[7] today there is extensive economic interdependence between Estonia and its Nordic neighbors: three-quarters of foreign investment in Estonia originates in the Nordic countries (principally Finland and Sweden), to which Estonia sends 42% of its exports (as compared to 6.5% going to Russia, 8.8% to Latvia, and 4.7% to Lithuania). On the other hand, the Estonian political system, its flat rate of income tax, and its non-welfare-state model distinguish it from the other Nordic states, and indeed from many other European countries.[8]

Estonia is a party to 181 international organizations, including the BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (member since 1 May 2004), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, International Maritime Organization, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, NATO, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO.

International disputes

Territorial issues between Estonia and Russia

See main article: Territorial issues between Estonia and Russia. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union Estonia had hoped for the return of more than 2,000 square kilometers of territory annexed to Russia after World War II in 1945. The annexed land had been within the borders Estonia approved by Russia in the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty. However, the Boris Yeltsin government disavowed any responsibility for acts committed by the Soviet Union.

After signing the border treaty by the corresponding foreign minister in 2005, it was ratified by the Estonian government and president. The Russian side interpreted the preamble as giving Estonia a possibility for future territorial claim, and Vladimir Putin notified Estonia that Russia will not consider these. Negotiations were reopened in 2012 and the Treaty was signed in February 2014. Ratification is still pending.[9]

Diplomatic relations

List of countries which Estonia maintains diplomatic relations with:

Country[10] Date
1 Denmark
2 Iceland
3 Norway
4 Germany
5 Sweden
6 Finland
7 Luxembourg
8 France
9 Italy
10 Hungary
11 Poland
12 Canada
13 Liechtenstein
14 Switzerland
15 United States
16 Belgium
17 United Kingdom
186 September 1991[11]
19 Czech Republic
20 Bulgaria
21 Ireland
22 China
23 Romania
24 Mauritania
25 Argentina
26 Chile
27 Cape Verde
28 Portugal
29 Greece
30 Lithuania[12]
31 Spain
32 Japan
33
34 Netherlands
35 Turkey
36
37 South Africa
38 Cuba
39 Mongolia
40 Australia
41 India
42 Mexico
43 Slovenia
44 Brazil
45 Philippines
46 Albania
47 Malta
48 Egypt
49 Ukraine
50 New Zealand
51 Austria
52 Israel
53 Cyprus
54 Ghana
55 Guinea
56 Malaysia
57
58 Croatia
59 Senegal
60 Belarus
61 Madagascar
62 Azerbaijan
63 Nepal
64 Thailand
65 Kazakhstan
66 Georgia
67 Morocco
68 Tunisia
69 Zimbabwe
70 Paraguay
71 Burundi
72
73 Armenia
74 Oman
75 Uruguay
76 Ecuador
77 Bangladesh
78
79 Nigeria
80 Mali
81 Singapore
82 Guatemala
83 Bosnia and Herzegovina
84 Slovakia
85
86 Antigua and Barbuda
87 Indonesia
88 Pakistan
89 Costa Rica
90 Jamaica
91 Maldives
92 Colombia
93
94 Turkmenistan
95 Uzbekistan
96 Kuwait
97 Panama
98
99
100 Peru
101 Sri Lanka
102 Andorra
103 Kyrgyzstan
104
105 Angola
106 Algeria
107 Qatar
108 Zambia
109 Belize
110 Jordan
111 Serbia
112 El Salvador
113 Gambia
114 Lebanon
115 Mauritius
116 Kenya
117 Dominican Republic
118 Honduras
119 Saudi Arabia
120 Botswana
121 San Marino
122 Nicaragua
123
124 Bahrain
125 Namibia
126 Iraq
127 Eritrea
128 Djibouti
129 Suriname
130 Benin
131 Afghanistan
132 Ethiopia
133 Cambodia
134 Niger
135 Bahamas
136
137 Tajikistan
138 Rwanda
139 Burkina Faso
140 United Arab Emirates
141[13]
142
143 Grenada
144 Montenegro
145 Cameroon
146 Uganda
147
148 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
149 Seychelles
150 Dominica
151 Guyana
152 Liberia
153 Gabon
154 Guinea-Bissau
155 Equatorial Guinea
156 Monaco
157 Barbados
158 Fiji
159 Libya
160 Samoa
161
162 Saint Kitts and Nevis
163 Saint Lucia
164 Mozambique
165 Haiti
166 Comoros
167 Sierra Leone
168 Somalia
169 Solomon Islands
170 Tuvalu
171 Malawi
172 Nauru
173 Trinidad and Tobago
174
175 Vanuatu
176 Lesotho
177 Myanmar
178 Marshall Islands
179 Palau
180 Central African Republic
181 Kiribati
182 Togo
183 Tonga[14]
184 Papua New Guinea
185
186 Sudan
187
Cook Islands[15]
188 Chad
189

Bilateral relations

Multilateral

OrganizationFormal Relations BeganNotes
See 2004 enlargement of the European Union Estonia joined the European Union as a full member on 1 May 2004.
Estonia joined NATO as a full member on 29 March 2004.

Africa

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
Egypt1937
Ethiopia [16]
  • Estonia has an embassy office in Addis Ababa.[17]
  • Ethiopia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Brussels, Belgium.
Lesotho2012Both countries established diplomatic relations in September 2012.[18]
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation to Lesotho.
  • Lesotho does not have an accreditation to Estonia.
Morocco
  • Estonia is accredited to Morocco from its embassy in Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Morocco is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
South Africa
  • Estonia does not have an accredited to South Africa.
  • South Africa is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.

Americas

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
Argentina
  • Argentina is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation to Argentina.
Belize
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 May 1999.[19]
  • Belize does not have an accreditation to Estonia.
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation to Belize.
  • Bolivia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation to Bolivia.
Brazil
  • Brazil has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Estonia is accredited to Brazil from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tallinn.
Canada1922
ChileSee Chile–Estonia relationsChile first recognized Estonia on 22 September 1921. Chile re-recognised Estonia on 28 August 1991 and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 27 September 1991. An agreement on visa-free travel between Estonia and Chile came into force on 2 December 2000.[22] [23] [24] The two countries also have in force a Memorandum on co-operation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs. Agreements on cultural, tourism, and IT cooperation are being readied.

Chile is among Estonia's most important foreign trade partners in South America.[25] In 2006, Estonia and Chile issued the joint Antarctic themed stamp series, designed by Ülle Marks and Jüri Kass, bearing images of the Emperor penguin and the minke whale.[26] The works of Chilean writers Isabel Allende, Pablo Neruda and José Donoso have been translated into Estonian.

  • Chile is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland and maintains an honorary consulate in Tallinn.
  • Estonia is accredited to Chile from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tallinn and maintains an honorary consulate in Santiago.
Colombia
  • Colombia first recognised Estonia on 22 September 1921 and re-recognised the restored Republic of Estonia on 23 March 1994.
  • Colombia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
  • Estonia is accredited to Colombia from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tallinn.
  • Colombia defines Estonia as a major ally and key player on Colombia's accession into the OECD and ratification of the Colombia-European Union Trade Agreement.[27]
Costa Rica [28]
  • Costa Rica does not have an accreditation to Estonia
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation to Costa Rica.
Cuba [29]
  • Cuba is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation to Cuba.
El Salvador
  • El Salvador is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation to El Salvador.
GuyanaBoth countries established diplomatic relations on 19 April 1997.[30]
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation to Guyana.
  • Guyana does not have an accreditation to Estonia.
MexicoSee Estonia–Mexico relations
  • Estonia and Mexico signed a friendship treaty on 28 January 1937.
  • Mexico was among those countries that never recognized Estonia's annexation by the Soviet Union. Mexico recognized the restored Republic of Estonia on 5 September 1991, while diplomatic relations were re-established on 5 December 1991.
  • Estonia is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States and maintains honorary consulates in Mexico City and in Tampico.[31]
  • Mexico is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland and maintains an honorary consulate in Tallinn.[32]
Peru
  • Estonia is accredited to Peru from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tallinn.
  • Peru is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland and maintains an honorary consulate in Tallinn.
Saint Kitts and Nevis2009Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 September 2009.[33]
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation to Saint Kitts and Nevis.
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis does not have an accreditation to Estonia.
United StatesSee Estonia–United States relations
  • Estonia has an embassy in Washington, D.C. and consulates-general in New York City and San Francisco.[34]
  • United States has an embassy in Tallinn.[35]
Uruguay
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation to Uruguay.
  • Uruguay is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland and maintains an honorary consulate in Tallinn.
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation to Venezuela.
  • Venezuela is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Oslo, Norway.

Asia

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
Afghanistan
  • Afghanistan is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
  • Estonia is accredited to Afghanistan from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tallinn.
Armenia
  • Armenia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland and an honorary consulate in Tallinn.
  • Estonia is accredited to Armenia from its embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia and through an honorary consulate in Yerevan.
  • There are around 2,000 of Armenian descent living in Estonia.
AzerbaijanSee Azerbaijan-Estonia relations
  • Estonia recognized the independence of Azerbaijan on February 20, 1992.
  • Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Estonia have been established since April 20, 1992.
  • Azerbaijan has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Estonia has an embassy office in Baku.
Cambodia
  • Cambodia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Moscow, Russia.
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation for Cambodia.
China
  • China has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Beijing.

In June 2020, Estonia openly opposed the Hong Kong national security law[36]

Georgia
IndiaSee Estonia–India relations
  • India first recognized Estonia on 22 September 1921 and re-recognized Estonia on 9 September 1991.
  • Estonia has an embassy in New Delhi.
  • India is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland and maintains an honorary consulate in Tallinn.
Indonesia
  • Estonia is accredited to Indonesia from its embassy in Singapore.
  • Indonesia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
[37]
  • Iran recognized Estonia on 22 September 1921, Iran has never recognised the occupation of Estonia by the Soviet Union and re-recognized Estonia on 10 September 1991. Both countries re-established diplomatic relations on 18 August 1992.
  • Estonia is accredited to Iran from its embassy in Ankara, Turkey.
  • Iran is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
Iraq
  • Estonia is accredited to Iraq from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tallinn.
  • Iraq is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
Israel
  • Israel recognized Estonia on 4 September 1991.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Tel Aviv.
  • Israel is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
Japan
  • Estonia has an embassy in Tokyo.
  • Japan has an embassy in Tallinn.
Kazakhstan
  • Estonia has an embassy in Astana.
  • Kazakhstan has an embassy in Tallinn.
Kuwait
  • Estonia is accredited to Kuwait from its embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
  • Kuwait is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Berlin, Germany.
Kyrgyzstan1996
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1996.
  • Estonia is accredited to Kyrgyzstan from its embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan.
  • Kyrgyzstan is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Minsk, Belarus.
  • Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Malaysia
  • Malaysia recognised the independence of Estonia on 11 September 1991 shortly after the dissolution of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic on 20 August 1991.[38] Relations between the two countries have been established since 4 November 1993.
  • Estonia is accredited to Malaysia from its embassy in New Delhi, India and maintains an honorary consul in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Malaysia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy Helsinki, Finland.
Mongolia
  • Estonia is accredited to Mongolia from its embassy in Beijing, China and maintains an honorary consulate in Ulaanbaatar.
  • Mongolia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Neither of the nations have established diplomatic relations.
  • Estonia only recognized Republic of Korea as the sole legitimate regime in the Korean Peninsula, excluding North Korea.
Oman
  • Estonia is accredited to Oman from its embassy in Cairo, Egypt.
  • Oman is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in London, United Kingdom
Pakistan
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation to Pakistan.
  • Pakistan is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
The establishment of diplomatic relations between Estonia and the Republic of Korea began on 1991-09-17.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Seoul.[39]
  • South Korea is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
  • Estonia recognized South Korea as the sole legitimate regime in the Korean Peninsula.
Sri LankaSee Estonia–Sri Lanka relations
  • Sri Lanka recognized Estonia on 10 October 1991.
  • Estonia is accredited to Sri Lanka from its embassy in New Delhi, India.
  • Sri Lanka is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
Tajikistan2006
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 2006.
  • Estonia is accredited to Tajikistan from its embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan.
  • Tajikistan is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Minsk, Belarus.
  • Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Thailand
  • Thailand (then Siam) first recognized Estonia on 22 October 1921. Both countries re-established diplomatic relations on 27 April 1992.
  • Estonia is accredited to Thailand through its embassy in Beijing, China.
  • Thailand is accredited to Estonia through its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
TurkeySee Estonia–Turkey relations
  • Turkey recognized Estonia on 23 October 1991.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Ankara.
  • Turkey has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Both countries are full members of the NATO.
  • Estonia is an EU member and Turkey is an EU candidate. Estonia supports Turkey's accession negotiations to the EU, although negotiations have now been suspended.
Turkmenistan
  • Estonia is accredited to Turkmenistan from its embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan.
  • Turkmenistan is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Minsk, Belarus.
United Arab Emirates
  • Estonia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • UAE is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
Uzbekistan
  • Estonia is accredited to Uzbekistan from its embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan.
  • Uzbekistan is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Riga, Latvia.
  • Estonia is accredited to Vietnam from its embassy in Beijing, China.
  • Vietnam is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.

Europe

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
Albania
  • Albania is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
  • Estonia is accredited to Albania from its embassy in Athens, Greece.
Austria
  • Austria recognised Estonia on 26 June 1921.
  • Both countries re-established diplomatic relations on 8 January 1992.
  • Austria has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Vienna.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
BelarusSee Belarus-Estonia relations
  • Belarus has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Minsk.
Belgium
  • Belgium is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Brussels.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Bosnia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Estonia is accredited to Bosnia from its embassy in Budapest, Hungary.
BulgariaSee Bulgaria–Estonia relations
  • Bulgaria recognised Estonia on 20 May 1921 and re-recognised Estonia on 26 August 1991.
  • Bulgaria is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland and maintains an honorary consulate in Tallinn.
  • Estonia is accredited to Bulgaria from its embassy in Bucharest, Romania and has an honorary consulate in Sofia.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Croatia
  • Croatia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
  • Estonia is accredited to Croatia from its embassy in Prague, Czech Republic.
  • In 2000 the two countries mutually ended the visa regimes for citizens travelling between the two states.[40] In September 2008, the Estonian prime minister Andrus Ansip made a state visit to Croatia in which he supported the country on its way toward NATO and EU membership.
Cyprus
  • Cyprus is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
  • Estonia is accredited to Cyprus from its embassy in Athens, Greece.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
Czech Republic
  • Czech Republic has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Prague.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Denmark1921See Denmark–Estonia relations
  • Denmark has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Copenhagen.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
FinlandSee Estonia–Finland relations
France
  • France recognised Estonia on 26 January 1921. France never recognised the Soviet occupation of Estonia. France re-stated its recognition on 25 August 1991.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Paris and 4 honorary consulates (in Lille, Lyon, Nancy and Toulouse).
  • France has its French Institute of Estonia in Tallinn.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Germany
  • Estonia has an embassy in Berlin.
  • Germany has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
GreeceSee Estonia–Greece relations
Hungary
Iceland
  • Iceland was the first country to re-recognized Estonia's independence on 22 August 1991.
  • Estonia is accredited to Iceland through its embassy in Oslo, Norway and maintains an honorary consulate in Reykjavík.
  • Iceland is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO, of the Council of Europe and of the Council of the Baltic Sea States.
  • Estonia and Iceland have a joint embassy in Beijing, China.
Ireland
  • Ireland recognised Estonia on 27 August 1991.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Dublin.
  • Ireland has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
Italy
  • Italy recognised Estonia on 26 January 1921 . Italy re-recognised Estonia on 27 August 1991.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Rome.
  • Italy has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO and of the European Union.
See Estonia–Kosovo relations
  • Estonia recognized Kosovo on 21 February 2008.
  • Estonia is accredited to Kosovo from its embassy in Vienna, Austria.
  • Kosovo is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
LatviaSee Estonia–Latvia relations
  • Estonia has an embassy in Riga.
  • Latvia has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • The two states share 343 km of common borders.
  • They enjoy close relations sharing a common history of relations in the USSR and being neighbours.[41]
Lithuania1919See Estonia–Lithuania relations
  • Estonia has an embassy in Vilnius.
  • Lithuania has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Until 31 July 2016 the Estonian ambassador to Lithuania was Toomas Kukk.
  • Both countries are situated in the Baltic region and are the full members of NATO and EU.
Luxembourg
  • Luxembourg recognized Estonia on 22 February 1923 and re-recognised Estonia on 27 August 1991.[42] Both countries re-established diplomatic relations on 29 August 1991.
  • Estonia is accredited to Luxembourg from its embassy in Brussels, Belgium and maintains an honorary consulate in Luxembourg City.
  • Trade agreement between Estonia and Belgium and Luxembourg (1935)[43]
  • Agreement on Road Transport between Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands (came into force 1 December 1994)[44]
  • Agreement Between Estonia and the Belgo-Luxembourg Economic Union on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments (came into force 23 September 1999)[45]
  • Agreement Between Estonia and the States of Benelux on Readmission of Persons (came into force 1 February 2005)
  • Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Income and Capital Tax evasion (signed 23 May 2006)
Malta
  • Malta recognized Estonia on 26 August 1991.
  • Estonia is accredited to Malta from its embassy in Rome, Italy.
  • Malta is accredited to Estonia from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Valletta.
  • Malta has a honorary consulate in Tallinn.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
  • Moldova recognized Estonia on 28 August 1991 and Estonia recognized Moldova on 20 February 1992.
  • Estonia haș an embassy office in Chişinău.
  • Moldova has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
  • Estonia is an EU member and Moldova is an EU candidate.
Montenegro
  • Estonia is accredited to Montenegro from its embassy in Budapest, Hungary.
  • Montenegro is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
  • Estonia is an EU member and Montenegro is an EU candidate.
Netherlands
  • The Netherlands recognized Estonia on 5 March 1921. After the end of Soviet occupation the Netherlands re-recognised Estonia on 2 September 1991.
  • Estonia has an embassy in The Hague.
  • Netherlands has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO and of the European Union.
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 March 1995.
  • Estonia is accredited to North Macedonia from its embassy in Budapest, Hungary.
  • North Macedonia has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
  • Estonia is an EU member and North Macedonia is an EU candidate.
Norway
PolandSee Estonia–Poland relations
  • Poland recognized Estonia's independence on 31 December 1920 and re-recognized it on 26 August 1991.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Warsaw and three honorary consulates (in Szczecin, Poznań and Kraków).[48]
  • Poland has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, of NATO and of the European Union.
Portugal
  • Portugal recognized Estonia de facto in 1918 and de jure on 6 February 1921. Portugal never recognized the occupation of Estonia by the Soviet Union. Portugal re-recognized Estonia on 27 August 1991.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Lisbon.
  • Portugal is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO and of the European Union.
Romania
  • Romania recognized Estonia's independence on 26 February 1921.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Bucharest.
  • Romania has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO and of the European Union.
See Estonia–Russia relations

Russia recognized Estonia via the Tartu Peace Treaty on 2 February 1920. Russian-Estonian relations were re-established in January 1991, when leaders of the two countries, Boris Yeltsin of Russia and Arnold Rüütel of Estonia, met in Tallinn and signed a treaty on the relations of the two countries after the anticipated independence of Estonia from the Soviet Union.[49] [50] The treaty envisaged the right to freely choose their citizenship for all permanent residents of Estonia at the time.

Russia re-recognized the Republic of Estonia on 24 August 1991 after the failed Soviet coup attempt, as one of the first countries to do so. The Soviet Union recognised the independence of Estonia on 6 September 1991. Estonia's ties with Boris Yeltsin's government weakened after the Russian president's initial show of solidarity with the Baltic states in January 1991. Issues surrounding the withdrawal of Russian troops from the Baltic countries and Estonia's denial of automatic citizenship to persons who settled in Estonia in 1940–1991 and their offspring[51] ranked high on the list of points of contention.

Serbia
  • Estonia is accredited to Serbia from its embassy in Budapest, Hungary.
  • Serbia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
  • Estonia is an EU member and Serbia is an EU candidate.
Slovakia
  • Estonia recognised Slovakia on 15 January 1993.
  • Estonia is accredited to Slovakia through its embassy in Vienna, Austria.
  • Slovakia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO and of the European Union.
Slovenia
  • Estonia is accredited to Slovenia from its embassy in Prague, Czech Republic.
  • Slovenia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Riga, Latvia.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO and of the European Union.
SpainSee Estonia–Spain relations
  • Spain recognized Estonia in 1921. Spain renewed its recognition of Estonia on 27 August 1991.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Madrid.
  • Spain has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO and of the European Union.
SwedenSee Estonia–Sweden relations
  • Estonia was under Swedish rule between 1561 and 1721.
  • Sweden re-recognized Estonia on 27 August 1991.
  • Estonia has an embassy in Stockholm and five honorary consulates (in Eskilstuna, Gothenburg, Karlskrona, Malmö and Visby).
  • Sweden has an embassy in Tallinn and two honorary consulates (in Narva and Tartu).
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Switzerland
  • Estonia is accredited to Switzerland from its embassy in Vienna, Austria.
  • Switzerland is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Riga, Latvia.
UkraineSee Estonia–Ukraine relations

The contractual and legal framework of relations between Ukraine and Estonia covers a wide range of branches of bilateral cooperation, including political, trade and economic, scientific and technical, humanitarian, law enforcement and other spheres. This base is ramified and efficient enough and includes 53 bilateral documents, among which are 3 interstate agreements, 15 intergovernmental and 35 interdepartmental.

Ukraine and Estonia bring together common aspirations in the political, economic, social and other spheres. Recognizing Ukraine as its foreign policy priority, Estonia is one of the most consistent supporters of Ukraine's European choice, supported the signing of the Agreement on the Association of Ukraine with the EU.

Intensive bilateral contacts between state and non-governmental institutions are developing, and interaction within the framework of international organizations is active. At the state level, the important role played by Ukraine in ensuring stability and security in Europe is constantly stressed. Estonia supports political and socio-economic reforms in Ukraine, provides substantial humanitarian, financial and advisory and technical assistance.

United KingdomSee Estonia–United Kingdom relations
  • Estonia has an embassy in London.
  • United Kingdom has an embassy in Tallinn.
  • Both countries are now full members of NATO.
  • Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom paid a state visit to Estonia in October 2006.[52]
  • Prince Harry also made a state visit in May 2014 and paid tribute to Estonia's war dead.[53]

Oceania

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
AustraliaSee Australia–Estonia relations
  • Australia first recognised Estonia on 22 September 1921.
  • Both countries re-established diplomatic relations on 21 November 1991.
  • Australia is accredited to Estonia through a part-time (pop-up) embassy in Tallinn since 2018.[54]
  • Estonia has an embassy in Canberra.
  • Australia is host to one of the largest communities of Estonians abroad, with 8,232 people identifying as Estonian in the 2006 Australian Census.[55] [56]
New Zealand [57] See Estonia–New Zealand relations
  • Estonia is accredited to New Zealand from its embassy in Canberra, Australia.
  • New Zealand is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
Samoa2009Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 January 2009.[58]
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation to Samoa.
  • Samoa does not have an accreditation to Estonia.
Tonga
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 March 2015.
  • Estonia does not have an accreditation to Tonga.
  • Tonga does not have an accreditation to Estonia.

See also

Notes and References

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  2. News: Estonia strives to be at the core of the EU . . 17 October 2012 . 14 January 2013 . 23 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221123051635/https://www.fiia.fi/en/publication/288/estonia_strives_to_be_at_the_core_of_the_eu/ . dead .
  3. http://web-static.vm.ee/static/failid/220/eesti_elu.pdf Estonian foreign ministry publication
  4. http://web-static.vm.ee/static/failid/273/Eesti%20elu.pdf Estonian foreign ministry publication
  5. Web site: NATO :: NATO :: Estonia as a Nordic Country. 8 March 2008. 27 September 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927210717/http://www.vm.ee/eng/nato/1210.html. dead.
  6. Web site: Estonia - Nordic with a Twist. https://web.archive.org/web/20080208100817/http://www.sm.ee/eng/pages/goproweb0689. dead. 8 February 2008.
  7. Web site: The Estonian Economic Miracle. The Heritage Foundation. 20 February 2015. 3 March 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100303174230/http://www.heritage.org/Research/WorldwideFreedom/bg2060.cfm. dead.
  8. Web site: Archived copy . 2010-06-02 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080307050806/http://www.investinestonia.com/pdf/ForeignTrade2007.pdf . 7 March 2008. Foreign investment
  9. Web site: Estonia, Russia to exchange 128.6 hectares of land under border treaty. 28 May 2013. Estonian news - news.postimees.ee.
  10. Web site: 30 January 2018 . Diplomaatiliste suhete (taas)kehtestamise kronoloogia . 26 October 2022 . et.
  11. Web site: History of Diplomatic Relations (Embassy of Estonia in Riga) .
  12. Web site: List of countries with which Lithuania has established diplomatic relations . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220110123939/https://jp.mfa.lt/default/en/list-of-countries-with-which-lithuania-has-established-diplomatic-relations . 10 January 2022 . 10 January 2022 .
  13. News: 27 April 2006 . Eesti ja Kongo vabariik sõlmisid diplomaatilised suhted . et . EestiPäevaleht . 26 October 2022.
  14. Web site: Diplomatic relations between Tonga and ... . 26 October 2022.
  15. Web site: 2018-10-25 . Estonia and Cook Islands establish diplomatic relations . 2018-11-11 . MFA Estonia.
  16. Web site: Ethiopia | Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  17. Web site: Estonia appoints a chargé d'affaires to Addis Ababa.
  18. Web site: Estonia Established Diplomatic Relations with Lesotho | Ministry of Foreign Affairs. vm.ee.
  19. Web site: Diplomaatiliste suhete (taas)kehtestamise kronoloogia | Välisministeerium. vm.ee.
  20. Web site: Office of the embassy of Canada in Tallinn . 18 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170825064107/http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/baltic_states-pays_baltes/offices-bureaux/estonia-estonie.aspx?lang=eng . 25 August 2017 . dead.
  21. Web site: Frontpage. Ottawa.
  22. [Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
  23. [Elektrooniline Riigi Teataja]
  24. Web site: NewsLibrary.com - newspaper archive, clipping service - newspapers and other news sources. 20 February 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20121019091717/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=BBAB&d_place=BBAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F97E010606D7329&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. 19 October 2012. dead.
  25. [Government of Estonia|Estonian Cabinet of Ministers]
  26. [Õhtuleht]
  27. Web site: - Cancillería. 20 February 2015.
  28. Web site: Costa Rica | Ministry of Foreign Affairs. vm.ee.
  29. Web site: Cuba | Ministry of Foreign Affairs. vm.ee.
  30. Web site: Archived copy . 2016-07-16 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160307101008/http://www.minfor.gov.gy/docs/other/diplomatic_relations_list.pdf . 7 March 2016.
  31. Web site: Frontpage. Washington.
  32. Web site: Embassy of Mexico in Finland | Embajada de México en Finlandia. embamex.sre.gob.mx.
  33. Web site: High-level meetings between Estonia, St. Kitts-Nevis begin. 13 April 2018.
  34. Web site: Embassy of Estonia in Washington, D.C..
  35. Web site: Embassy of the United States in Tallinn.
  36. Web site: Lawler . Dave . The 53 countries supporting China's crackdown on Hong Kong. . 3 July 2020 . en . 2 July 2020.
  37. Web site: Iran | Ministry of Foreign Affairs. vm.ee.
  38. Web site: Bilateral relations (Estonia and Malaysia). Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Estonia. 30 January 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140203211636/http://www.vm.ee/?q=en%2Fnode%2F8015. 3 February 2014.
  39. Web site: Eesti saatkond.
  40. Web site: HRVATSKA I ESTONIJA POTPISALE SPORAZUM O UKIDANJU VIZA I READMISIJI. 20 February 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150220212949/http://www.hrt.hr/arhiv/2000/05/22/HRT0009.html. 20 February 2015.
  41. Web site: Avaleht | Välisministeerium. https://web.archive.org/web/20070803035931/http://www.mfa.ee/eng/kat_176/1206.html. dead. 3 August 2007. vm.ee.
  42. Web site: Estonia and Luxembourg. Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120318223451/http://www.vm.ee/?q=en%2Ftaxonomy%2Fterm%2F53%2F1606.html. 18 March 2012. 23 May 2009.
  43. Web site: Mémorial A n° 76 de 1935 - Legilux. legilux.public.lu.
  44. Web site: AGREEMENT ON ROAD TRANSPORT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA, THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA, THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA, THE KINGDOM OF . 20 February 2015 . bot: unknown . https://archive.today/20121210173055/http://vlepingud.vm.ee/et/attachment/495 . 10 December 2012.
  45. Web site: United Nations - Office of Legal Affairs. legal.un.org.
  46. Web site: Estemb in Oslo. 20 February 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150326001922/http://www.estemb.no/. 26 March 2015. dead.
  47. Web site: Norra - ametlik kodulehekülg Eestis. 20 February 2015. 14 February 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170214082451/http://www.norra.ee/. dead.
  48. Web site: Estonian Embassy in Poland. 20 February 2015.
  49. Kristina Kallas, Eesti Vabariigi ja Vene Föderatsiooni riikidevahelised läbirääkimised aastatel 1990–1994 - Tartu 2000
  50. [Eesti Ekspress]
  51. Citizenship Act of Estonia (§ 5. Acquisition of Estonian citizenship by birth): Web site: Citizenship Act of Estonia (1995, consolidated March 2004) - Legislationline - free online legislation database . 2007-07-13 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070927182603/http://www.legislationline.org/legislation.php?tid=11&lid=2296&less=false . 27 September 2007.
  52. Web site: OUTWARD STATE VISITS MADE BY THE QUEEN SINCE 1952. Official web site of the British Monarchy. 29 November 2008.
  53. News: Prince Harry pays tribute to Estonia's soldiers during visit. BBC News. 16 May 2014. 20 February 2015.
  54. Web site: Pop up embassy opens in Estonia, Media release, 07 Mar 2018, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Julie Bishop MP. foreignminister.gov.au. 30 November 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190320131431/https://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/Pages/2018/jb_mr_180307b.aspx?w=tb1CaGpkPX%2FlS0K%2Bg9ZKEg%3D%3D. 20 March 2019. dead.
  55. Web site: Estonia. 20 February 2015.
  56. Web site: Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Australia. 16 May 2009. 27 September 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927210639/http://www.vm.ee/eng/kat_176/2846.html. dead.
  57. Web site: New Zealand | Ministry of Foreign Affairs. vm.ee.
  58. Web site: Countries with Established Diplomatic Relations with Samoa | Samoa Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.