Tsahkna to ambassadors: Shaping the future of Europe is in our own hands

TALLINN – The conference for heads of Estonian foreign missions, which began on Monday, brings together the heads of Estonian embassies and representative offices from around the world in Tallinn. In his opening speech at the conference, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna thanked the ambassadors for their dedication and for protecting Estonia's security, well-being, and interests, while also speaking about Estonia's priorities for the upcoming foreign policy season.

The Foreign Minister began his opening address by focusing on Ukraine. "Today, we are witnessing a stalemate in peace negotiations but intense activity in ongoing combat. However, the situation could change at any moment. Historically, the collapse of the Soviet Union showed us that monumental changes can occur, but they are unpredictable. Simultaneously, we are constantly seeing evidence that Russia is not interested in peace; instead, Putin continues to play on the fear of escalation and persistently tests the West. This is clearly demonstrated by the hybrid attacks against Estonia and other Western nations. At this decisive yet unpredictable moment in history, it is Estonia's duty to be a voice of principle in both the European Union and NATO, because shaping the future of Europe is in our own hands," Tsahkna stated.

"We must do everything to secure Ukraine's future in the European Union and NATO, and Estonia's foreign policy must never be so cautious that it arrives on the right side of history only after history has already made its decision," Tsahkna said. He added that Estonia's focus remains on providing comprehensive support to Ukraine and increasing the cost of aggression for Russia.

"It is crucial for Estonia that the world operates according to the UN Charter and a rules-based international order. Our ambassadors play a significant role in this, and we must continue to defend Estonia's interests in the current complex global security environment. Russia's aggression against Ukraine is not just about Ukraine's future; it will determine the future of Europe's security architecture. Therefore, we must continue to increase pressure on Russia to end the war," Tsahkna stated, adding that Estonia's foreign policy objective is a victory for Ukraine and the achievement of a just peace.

The foreign minister also discussed preparations for the Ukraine reconstruction conference scheduled for January 28–29, 2027, and the importance of strengthening Nordic-Baltic (NB8) cooperation, which he described as Estonia's most vital foreign policy format today. In his opening address, Tsahkna also touched upon business diplomacy and the support for Estonian companies entering and operating in foreign markets.

The conference will feature several discussions on foreign and security policy, as well as economic and energy issues. The heads of mission also participated in a flag-raising ceremony for Ukraine's Independence Day and will attend an Export Club meeting with entrepreneurs interested in foreign markets. Additionally, the diplomatic heads will visit Finland. Speakers at the conference include Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur, and Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Estonia has a total of 47 foreign missions and 214 honorary consuls around the world. This year, Estonia opened embassies in Yerevan, Armenia, and Baku, Azerbaijan. Official openings are also planned this year for Estonian embassies in Chișinău, Moldova; Brasília, Brazil; and Nairobi, Kenya.