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.
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]
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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Argentina | | - Argentina is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
- Estonia does not have an accreditation to Argentina.
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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.
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| | - Bolivia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
- Estonia does not have an accreditation to Bolivia.
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Brazil | | - Brazil has an embassy in Tallinn.
- Estonia is accredited to Brazil from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tallinn.
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Canada | 1922 |
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Chile | | See 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.
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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]
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Costa Rica | [28] | - Costa Rica does not have an accreditation to Estonia
- Estonia does not have an accreditation to Costa Rica.
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Cuba | [29] | - Cuba is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
- Estonia does not have an accreditation to Cuba.
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El Salvador | | - El Salvador is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
- Estonia does not have an accreditation to El Salvador.
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Guyana | | Both 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.
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Mexico | | See 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]
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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.
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Saint Kitts and Nevis | 2009 | Both 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.
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United States | | See 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]
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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.
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| | - Estonia does not have an accreditation to Venezuela.
- Venezuela is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Oslo, Norway.
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Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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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.
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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.
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Azerbaijan | | See 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.
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Cambodia | | - Cambodia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Moscow, Russia.
- Estonia does not have an accreditation for Cambodia.
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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]
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Georgia | |
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India | | See 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.
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Indonesia | | - Estonia is accredited to Indonesia from its embassy in Singapore.
- Indonesia is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Helsinki, Finland.
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| [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.
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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.
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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.
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Japan | | - Estonia has an embassy in Tokyo.
- Japan has an embassy in Tallinn.
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Kazakhstan | | - Estonia has an embassy in Astana.
- Kazakhstan has an embassy in Tallinn.
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Kuwait | | - Estonia is accredited to Kuwait from its embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Kuwait is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Berlin, Germany.
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Kyrgyzstan | 1996 | - 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.
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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.
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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.
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Oman | | - Estonia is accredited to Oman from its embassy in Cairo, Egypt.
- Oman is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in London, United Kingdom
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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.
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Sri Lanka | | See 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.
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Tajikistan | 2006 | - 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.
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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.
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Turkey | | See 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.
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Turkmenistan | | - Estonia is accredited to Turkmenistan from its embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan.
- Turkmenistan is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Minsk, Belarus.
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United Arab Emirates | | - Estonia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
- UAE is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
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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.
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Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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Albania | | - Albania is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
- Estonia is accredited to Albania from its embassy in Athens, Greece.
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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.
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Belarus | | See Belarus-Estonia relations- Belarus has an embassy in Tallinn.
- Estonia has an embassy in Minsk.
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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.
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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.
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Bulgaria | | See 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Denmark | 1921 | See 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.
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Finland | | See Estonia–Finland relations
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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.
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Germany | | - Estonia has an embassy in Berlin.
- Germany has an embassy in Tallinn.
- Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
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Greece | | See Estonia–Greece relations
|
| |
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Hungary | |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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| | 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.
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Latvia | | See 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]
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Lithuania | 1919 | See 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.
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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)
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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.
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| | - 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.
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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.
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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.
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| | 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.
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Norway | |
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Poland | | See 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.
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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.
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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.
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| | 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Spain | | See 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.
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Sweden | | See 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.
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Switzerland | | - Estonia is accredited to Switzerland from its embassy in Vienna, Austria.
- Switzerland is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Riga, Latvia.
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Ukraine | | See 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.
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United Kingdom | | See 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]
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