Yesterday, 17 February, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna delivered Estonia’s annual foreign policy address in the Riigikogu, outlining the main priorities and objectives of Estonia’s foreign policy.
In his speech, Tsahkna emphasised that today – in 2026 – we are no longer speaking of the end of an era in abstract terms, but of an era having come to an end. “That the rules, agreements and practices that were previously in force may no longer apply; that the old is gone, but the new – that replaces it – is still unclear.”
The foreign minister stated that the goal of Estonia’s foreign policy is freedom, and that safeguarding Estonia’s freedom requires shaping an international environment that supports it. “We seek international rules that help safeguard Estonia’s freedom.”
Tsahkna reaffirmed that Estonia will keep providing military assistance and political support to Ukraine, as well as offering humanitarian assistance and continuing our reconstruction efforts. In 2027, Estonia will host the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Tallinn. “Let us not think that we support Ukraine only for Ukraine’s sake – we do so first and foremost for Estonia’s sake,” he said, adding that Estonia’s objective is peace in Ukraine, but not à la Munich or Yalta, rather a just and lasting peace. “This can be achieved only if support for the victim increases and pressure on the aggressor grows.”
“Estonia is working to raise the cost of aggression for Russia through new sanctions and by preventing sanctions circumvention, including our aim to impose a full ban on maritime services for vessels transporting Russian oil,” Tsahkna said, calling on EU member states to close Europe’s doors to those who have participated in Russia’s war of aggression and to add them to the Schengen blacklist. “We do not wish to see today’s perpetrators of crimes become tomorrow’s tourists on our streets,” he said.
Tsahkna also highlighted that security and freedom depend on connectivity, strategic economic resilience and technological development. He underlined the importance of critical raw materials, infrastructure connections and shaping the rules for artificial intelligence, noting that in today’s world, technology governance is increasingly a security issue.
In concluding his speech, Tsahkna stressed the importance of Estonia delivering a clear and consistent message: “We must tell our own story ourselves. Otherwise, it will simply go untold. That is something we cannot afford.”
Related links:
Pictures of the event
Full version of the speech
