Loading AI tools
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
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.
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]
List of countries which Estonia maintains diplomatic relations with:
![]() | ||
---|---|---|
# | Country[10] | Date |
1 | ![]() |
24 August 1991 |
2 | ![]() |
26 August 1991 |
3 | ![]() |
27 August 1991 |
4 | ![]() |
28 August 1991 |
5 | ![]() |
28 August 1991 |
6 | ![]() |
29 August 1991 |
7 | ![]() |
29 August 1991 |
8 | ![]() |
30 August 1991 |
9 | ![]() |
31 August 1991 |
10 | ![]() |
2 September 1991 |
11 | ![]() |
2 September 1991 |
12 | ![]() |
4 September 1991 |
13 | ![]() |
4 September 1991 |
14 | ![]() |
4 September 1991 |
15 | ![]() |
4 September 1991 |
16 | ![]() |
5 September 1991 |
17 | ![]() |
5 September 1991 |
18 | ![]() |
6 September 1991[11] |
19 | ![]() |
9 September 1991 |
20 | ![]() |
10 September 1991 |
21 | ![]() |
10 September 1991 |
22 | ![]() |
11 September 1991 |
23 | ![]() |
13 September 1991 |
24 | ![]() |
18 September 1991 |
25 | ![]() |
27 September 1991 |
26 | ![]() |
27 September 1991 |
27 | ![]() |
1 October 1991 |
28 | ![]() |
1 October 1991 |
29 | ![]() |
2 October 1991 |
— | ![]() |
3 October 1991 |
30 | ![]() |
5 October 1991[12] |
31 | ![]() |
9 October 1991 |
32 | ![]() |
10 October 1991 |
33 | ![]() |
17 October 1991 |
34 | ![]() |
21 October 1991 |
35 | ![]() |
23 October 1991 |
36 | ![]() |
24 October 1991 |
37 | ![]() |
4 November 1991 |
38 | ![]() |
12 November 1991 |
39 | ![]() |
20 November 1991 |
40 | ![]() |
21 November 1991 |
41 | ![]() |
2 December 1991 |
42 | ![]() |
5 December 1991 |
43 | ![]() |
11 December 1991 |
44 | ![]() |
16 December 1991 |
45 | ![]() |
19 December 1991 |
46 | ![]() |
1 January 1992 |
47 | ![]() |
1 January 1992 |
48 | ![]() |
2 January 1992 |
49 | ![]() |
4 January 1992 |
50 | ![]() |
6 January 1992 |
51 | ![]() |
8 January 1992 |
52 | ![]() |
9 January 1992 |
53 | ![]() |
22 January 1992 |
54 | ![]() |
5 February 1992 |
55 | ![]() |
10 February 1992 |
56 | ![]() |
11 February 1992 |
57 | ![]() |
20 February 1992 |
58 | ![]() |
2 March 1992 |
59 | ![]() |
3 April 1992 |
60 | ![]() |
6 April 1992 |
61 | ![]() |
13 April 1992 |
62 | ![]() |
20 April 1992 |
63 | ![]() |
20 April 1992 |
64 | ![]() |
27 April 1992 |
65 | ![]() |
27 May 1992 |
66 | ![]() |
17 June 1992 |
67 | ![]() |
22 June 1992 |
68 | ![]() |
29 June 1992 |
69 | ![]() |
29 June 1992 |
70 | ![]() |
1 July 1992 |
71 | ![]() |
30 July 1992 |
72 | ![]() |
18 August 1992 |
73 | ![]() |
23 August 1992 |
74 | ![]() |
23 September 1992 |
75 | ![]() |
30 September 1992 |
76 | ![]() |
22 October 1992 |
77 | ![]() |
5 November 1992 |
78 | ![]() |
10 November 1992 |
79 | ![]() |
10 November 1992 |
80 | ![]() |
13 November 1992 |
81 | ![]() |
2 February 1993 |
82 | ![]() |
3 February 1993 |
83 | ![]() |
8 February 1993 |
84 | ![]() |
30 March 1993 |
85 | ![]() |
19 May 1993 |
86 | ![]() |
4 June 1993 |
87 | ![]() |
5 July 1993 |
88 | ![]() |
20 September 1993 |
89 | ![]() |
4 October 1993 |
90 | ![]() |
15 February 1994 |
91 | ![]() |
22 March 1994 |
92 | ![]() |
23 March 1994 |
93 | ![]() |
11 July 1994 |
94 | ![]() |
26 August 1994 |
95 | ![]() |
10 October 1994 |
96 | ![]() |
28 October 1994 |
97 | ![]() |
13 January 1995 |
98 | ![]() |
10 March 1995 |
99 | ![]() |
29 March 1995 |
100 | ![]() |
27 July 1995 |
101 | ![]() |
31 January 1996 |
102 | ![]() |
11 April 1996 |
103 | ![]() |
12 April 1996 |
104 | ![]() |
24 July 1996 |
105 | ![]() |
10 March 1997 |
106 | ![]() |
19 March 1997 |
107 | ![]() |
14 April 1997 |
108 | ![]() |
15 May 1997 |
109 | ![]() |
5 May 1999 |
110 | ![]() |
24 January 2001 |
111 | ![]() |
9 February 2001 |
112 | ![]() |
12 February 2001 |
113 | ![]() |
30 May 2001 |
114 | ![]() |
3 September 2001 |
115 | ![]() |
24 October 2001 |
116 | ![]() |
31 October 2001 |
117 | ![]() |
18 November 2002 |
118 | ![]() |
5 February 2003 |
119 | ![]() |
21 March 2003 |
120 | ![]() |
3 June 2003 |
121 | ![]() |
15 October 2003 |
122 | ![]() |
5 March 2004 |
123 | ![]() |
10 March 2004 |
124 | ![]() |
27 April 2004 |
125 | ![]() |
26 May 2004 |
126 | ![]() |
22 April 2005 |
127 | ![]() |
31 May 2005 |
128 | ![]() |
16 June 2005 |
129 | ![]() |
21 June 2005 |
130 | ![]() |
27 June 2005 |
131 | ![]() |
1 July 2005 |
132 | ![]() |
23 August 2005 |
133 | ![]() |
31 August 2005 |
134 | ![]() |
12 October 2005 |
135 | ![]() |
20 October 2005 |
136 | ![]() |
21 December 2005 |
137 | ![]() |
23 February 2006 |
138 | ![]() |
14 March 2006 |
139 | ![]() |
28 March 2006 |
140 | ![]() |
28 March 2006 |
141 | ![]() |
26 April 2006[13] |
142 | ![]() |
1 May 2006 |
143 | ![]() |
12 May 2006 |
144 | ![]() |
13 June 2006 |
145 | ![]() |
27 July 2006 |
146 | ![]() |
19 September 2006 |
147 | ![]() |
22 September 2006 |
148 | ![]() |
13 October 2006 |
149 | ![]() |
15 November 2006 |
150 | ![]() |
13 February 2007 |
151 | ![]() |
20 April 2007 |
152 | ![]() |
28 June 2007 |
153 | ![]() |
13 July 2007 |
154 | ![]() |
8 December 2007 |
155 | ![]() |
18 December 2007 |
156 | ![]() |
7 February 2008 |
— | ![]() |
24 April 2008 |
157 | ![]() |
15 May 2008 |
158 | ![]() |
14 July 2008 |
159 | ![]() |
17 December 2008 |
160 | ![]() |
23 January 2009 |
161 | ![]() |
20 May 2009 |
162 | ![]() |
23 September 2009 |
163 | ![]() |
23 September 2009 |
164 | ![]() |
25 September 2009 |
165 | ![]() |
31 March 2010 |
166 | ![]() |
30 November 2010 |
167 | ![]() |
10 May 2011 |
168 | ![]() |
23 May 2011 |
169 | ![]() |
25 May 2011 |
170 | ![]() |
25 May 2011 |
171 | ![]() |
19 July 2011 |
172 | ![]() |
21 March 2012 |
173 | ![]() |
2 April 2012 |
174 | ![]() |
8 June 2012 |
175 | ![]() |
25 September 2012 |
176 | ![]() |
26 September 2012 |
177 | ![]() |
26 September 2012 |
178 | ![]() |
12 July 2013 |
179 | ![]() |
8 November 2013 |
180 | ![]() |
3 April 2014 |
181 | ![]() |
4 September 2014 |
182 | ![]() |
23 September 2014 |
183 | ![]() |
12 March 2015[14] |
184 | ![]() |
4 October 2016 |
185 | ![]() |
18 September 2017 |
186 | ![]() |
25 January 2018 |
187 | ![]() |
3 July 2018 |
— | ![]() |
25 August 2018[15] |
188 | ![]() |
28 September 2018 |
189 | ![]() |
21 November 2018 |
— | ![]() |
11 March 2020 |
Organization | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
![]() | 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. |
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
![]() | 1937 |
|
![]() | 23 August 2005[16] |
|
![]() | 2012 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations in September 2012.[18]
|
![]() | 22 June 1992 |
|
![]() |
|
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
![]() | 27 September 1991 |
|
![]() | 5 May 1999 |
|
![]() | 8 September 1992 |
|
![]() | September 1991 |
|
![]() | 1922 | |
![]() | 22 September 1921 | See Chile–Estonia relations
Chile 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.[22] Agreements on cultural, tourism, and IT cooperation are being readied.[22] 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.[22]
|
![]() | 22 September 1921 |
|
![]() | 4 October 1993[28] |
|
![]() | 12 November 1991[29] |
|
![]() |
| |
![]() | 19 April 1997 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 April 1997.[30]
|
![]() | 28 January 1937 | See Estonia–Mexico relations
|
![]() |
| |
![]() | 2009 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 September 2009.[33]
|
![]() | 22 July 1922 | See Estonia–United States relations
|
![]() |
| |
![]() |
|
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1 July 2005 |
|
|
![]() | 23 August 1992 |
| |
![]() | 20 April 1992 | See Azerbaijan-Estonia relations
| |
![]() | 31 August 2005 |
| |
![]() | 11 September 1991 |
In June 2020, Estonia openly opposed the Hong Kong national security law[36] | |
![]() | 17 June 1992 | ||
![]() | 22 September 1921 | See Estonia–India relations
| |
![]() | 5 July 1993 |
| |
![]() | 22 September 1921[37] |
| |
![]() | 22 April 2005 |
| |
![]() | 9 January 1992 |
| |
![]() | 26 January 1921 |
| |
![]() | 27 May 1992 |
| |
![]() | 28 October 1994 |
| |
![]() | 1996 |
| |
![]() | 4 November 1993 |
| |
![]() | 20 October 1991 |
| |
![]() | — |
| |
![]() | 23 September 1992 |
| |
![]() | 20 September 1993 |
| |
![]() | 17 September 1991 |
The establishment of diplomatic relations between Estonia and the Republic of Korea began on 1991-09-17. | |
![]() | 31 January 1996 | See Estonia–Sri Lanka relations
| |
![]() | 2006 |
| |
![]() | 22 October 1921 |
| |
![]() | 23 October 1991 | See Estonia–Turkey relations
| |
![]() | 26 August 1994 |
| |
![]() | 28 March 2006 |
| |
![]() | 10 October 1994 |
| |
![]() |
|
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
![]() | 1 January 1992 |
|
![]() | 26 June 1921 |
|
![]() | 6 April 1992 | See Belarus-Estonia relations
|
![]() | 26 January 1921 |
|
![]() | 8 February 1993 |
|
![]() | 20 May 1921 | See Bulgaria–Estonia relations
|
![]() | 2 March 1992 |
|
![]() | 22 January 1992 |
|
![]() | 9 September 1991 |
|
![]() | 1921 | See Denmark–Estonia relations
|
![]() | 20 June 1920 | See Estonia–Finland relations
|
![]() | 26 January 1921 |
|
![]() | 28 August 1991 | See Estonia–Germany relations
|
![]() | 19 May 1922 | See Estonia–Greece relations
|
![]() | 10 October 1921 |
|
![]() | 24 February 1921 |
|
![]() | 30 January 1922 |
|
![]() | 27 August 1991 |
|
![]() | 26 January 1921 |
|
![]() | 24 April 2008 | See Estonia–Kosovo relations
|
![]() | 3 December 1918 | See Estonia–Latvia relations
|
![]() | 1919 | See Estonia–Lithuania relations
|
![]() | 22 February 1923 |
|
![]() | 1 January 1992 |
|
![]() | 10 November 1992 | |
![]() | 13 June 2006 | |
![]() | 5 March 1921 |
|
![]() | 2 March 1995 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 March 1995. |
![]() | 5 February 1921 |
|
![]() | 31 December 1920 | See Estonia–Poland relations
|
![]() | 6 February 1921 |
|
![]() | 26 February 1921 |
|
![]() | 2 February 1920 | 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.
|
![]() | 9 February 2001 | |
![]() | 30 March 1993 |
|
![]() |
| |
![]() | 25 March 1921 | See Estonia–Spain relations
|
![]() | See Estonia–Sweden relations
| |
![]() | 4 September 1991 |
|
![]() | 4 January 1992 | 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. |
![]() | 5 February 1921 | See Estonia–United Kingdom relations
|
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
![]() | 22 September 1921 | See Australia–Estonia relations
|
![]() | 6 January 1992[57] | See Estonia–New Zealand relations
|
![]() | 2009 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 January 2009.[58]
|
![]() | 13 March 2015 |
|
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.