Urmas Paet: Main Guidelines of Estonia’s Foreign Policy
Address by Estonian Foreign Minister Mr. Urmas Paet to the Riigikogu on behalf of the Government of Estonia
7 June 2005
Honourable Ms. Chairman,
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
Dear guests!
By today, Estonia has been a member of both the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation for a little more than a year. Thus, this is a very suitable point for reviewing what has occurred in that time span. And just as appropriate a moment for taking a look into the future. Estonia’s obvious foreign policy objective has been, and will continue to be, to reinforce the security, and ensure the increasing of the welfare of the nation. Accession to NATO and European Union have been means for better achieving this end, rather than objectives in themselves.
Estonia’s security and welfare do not begin at the national borders, but much farther afield. It is dependent upon the security and welfare of not only all of Europe, but also that of Europe’s proximate neighbourhood, and eventually, upon developments in the whole world. Membership in the European Union and NATO has given us the opportunity and the means for realising a foreign policy based upon these very principles. Thus -- Estonia’s foreign policy must contribute to the strength as well as the unity of both the European Union and NATO. It is in our national interest to actively participate in the European Neighbourhood Policy as well as in the development of NATO’s Partnership Policy. We are also promoting Estonia’s interests by participating in the ensuring of security and welfare globally, be it either through peacekeeping missions or development cooperation. Estonia’s security and welfare are enhanced even when we all become accustomed to thinking on a European as well as a worldwide scale. Estonian positions and standpoints are now reaching a wider audience, and Estonian decisions are carrying more weight than ever before. At the same time, the boundaries separating domestic and foreign policy have become hazy. All ministries are now participating in foreign policy and are helping to create Estonia’s image abroad.
Respected members of the Riigikogu,
The enlargement of the European Union a year ago raised certain fears in both old and new Member States, including Estonia. But, based upon the first year’s experiences, we can definitely claim, that these fears have proven to be groundless. According to the European Commission’s assessment, the results of the enlargement have been, from the viewpoint of the European Union as a whole, positive. Economic growth in the new Member States is almost twice that of the old Members, which is, hopefully, a boost for the economy of Europe as a whole. Fears concerning a massive labour force migration have proven to be unwarranted. But, admittedly, an enlarged Union has not been totally accepted yet, which can be sensed in the context of various institutions as well as the general public opinion.
In Estonia, we too can state, on the basis of the experiences of the first year of European Union membership, that accession has been very beneficial for Estonia, and that the previous fears, of soaring rise of prices, for instance, were unjustified. Membership in the European Union, just as in NATO, has increased Estonia’s self-confidence, and boosted the nation’s credibility. Many new opportunities have opened up for Estonian citizens, especially for studying or working abroad. Estonia itself has become better known in the world as well as more attractive, which has been proven by the increased interest that foreign investors and tourists are showing towards our nation. In 2004, for instance, 1.9 million foreign tourists made use of Estonian accommodations, which is 23% more than the previous year. The Estonian people’s continuously high support to the European Union, which according to the latest opinion poll is 71%, likewise indicates that the expectations associated with accession have been fulfilled.
Nevertheless, several questions connected with our membership in the European Union still need answering, a matter also discussed here, in length, by the prime minister, just a few weeks ago. Primarily, this concerns the free movement of labour, as well as Estonia’s joining the European common visa area, and the adoption of the common currency, the euro. As of today, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Sweden are the only European Union old Member Sates that have opened up their labour market without a transition period. The Foreign Ministry is doing everything possible that the states, which applied a transition period to the free movement of workers, would not find it necessary to extend it after the expiration of the first two-year period on the 1 May 2006. The ending of restrictions would invigorate the internal market and boost not only every Member State’s but also the whole European Union’s economic competitiveness. After all, it is common knowledge, that there are many ways of getting around the restrictions, for instance, under the guise of renting labour.
Estonia is continuing to make preparations for joining the European common visa or Schengen area. This April, the European Commission’s first mission evaluating Estonia’s progress in fulfilling the requirements of the Schengen Facility Programme was satisfied with the preparations being made. The next goal is to successfully pass the evaluation to be made in our foreign representations, during the summer of 2006, concerning our readiness to be part of the Schengen area. Even though accession to the Schengen visa area brings with it a doubling of the workload connected with the processing of visas, it is, without a doubt, a big step forward for the free movement of persons.
From the perspective of the European Union’s near future, the most essential issue, at the moment, is the European Constitutional Treaty. The Government presented the Treaty to the Riigikogu for ratification on May 10. I hope that the Riigikogu will make its decision very soon after debating the working group’s report in the fall. The rejection of the Constitutional Treaty in France and the Netherlands must not be underestimated, but those Member States, where the ratification of the Treaty still lies ahead, should continue with the ratification process in accordance with their own agendas and procedures, so that every country will be able to express its opinion. It is a significant factor, that 10 Member States, where live nearly half of the European Union’s 454 million citizens, have, by today, approved the Treaty. On 16 – 17 June, the European Council will debate the matter of how to proceed with the ratification of the Treaty. The discussions, which have developed after the referendums, must not be allowed to paralyse the functioning of the European Union based upon the current norms.
During the first year of membership, one of the biggest challenges for Estonia has been participation in the negotiations on the European Union’s upcoming budgetary framework or financial perspectives for the years 2007 – 2013. A real opportunity, accompanied by great responsibilities, has opened up for us to formulate the European Union’s priorities and budget.
Estonia supports the Presidency’s compromise proposal concerning the ceiling of total budgetary commitment -- about 1.06% of the European Union’s 27 Member States’ gross national income, without estimating the European Development Fund. Without the carrying out of radical reforms, a lower ceiling of 1%, as proposed by a group of states, would not be feasible. Estonia’s priority, in the realm of budgetary expenditures, is that there be sufficient funds for: the cohesion policy; for the rural development, fisheries, and the environment sector; for research and development; for border protection; and for the implementation of an effective foreign policy. In the case of European Union external activities, the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument deserves special attention.
In the sphere of European Union budgetary payments, Estonia does not support the granting of exemptions that would make the budgetary system non-transparent. In the interests of compromise, Estonia might agree with a gradual reduction of the United Kingdom’s rebate. The decreasing of the cohesion funds for wealthier states should be done in a short time span. But it is in Estonia’s interests, as well as in the interests of all Member Sates, that an agreement be arrived at as soon as possible, since otherwise, the poorer Member States will suffer primarily, because the launching of the new budgetary period’s projects will be delayed.
I welcome the efforts of the EU’s current Presidency, Luxembourg, to reach a political agreement in June, as well as the compromise proposals, which were discussed by the European Union foreign ministers on May 22 and by Estonia and the Presidency bilaterally on June 3. Concerning the ceiling of structural aid, the renegotiating package proposed by the Presidency is clearly an improvement over the previous one. But it must be admitted, that, as before, there are differences of opinion between the Member States concerning many essential questions.
The enlargement of the European Union is continuing. On April 25, Bulgaria and Romania took an essential step towards joining the European Union by signing the Accession Treaty. This is followed by the ratification period, in the course of which, the European Union may implement security clauses. In 2005, it is planned to also launch accession negotiations with Croatia and Turkey. The enlargement of the European Union must continue, based upon the Copenhagen criteria. Future Member Sates must have to be stable democracies abiding by the rule of law, where human rights and the rights of minorities are respected, must have a functioning market economy, and be capable of implementing the European Union’s acquis. Plus, the European Union itself must be prepared for accepting new members. The membership perspective is a strong motivation for countries in the process of carrying out market economy and democratic reforms. This, in turn, promotes the spreading and deepening of stability and security in Europe. Discussions concerning possible European Union membership have also started in, for instance, Ukraine and Georgia.
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
It is in the interests of all of Europe to create and strengthen an social and economic welfare and stability zone in the proximity of the European Union’s and NATO’s borders. Estonia, as a European Union and NATO border country, is especially aware of the need for such a zone.
The European Union Neighbourhood Policy is an important means for tightening relations and developing cooperation with the European Union’s neighbouring states, both to the south as well as the east. We regard it as essential, that the new financial instrument, meant for implementing the European Neighbourhood Policy, enable cross-border cooperation between European Union Member States and third countries bordering the Union, as well as cooperation with more distant neighbours. The rules regulating financing must be clear and transparent.
Just as for the European Union, one of NATO’s priorities is Partnership Policy. Estonia supports the development of a partnership with Ukraine, as well as the South Caucasus and Central Asian states. At the same time, NATO must find ever more opportunities for tightening relations with the states of the Mediterranean Dialogue and the broader Middle East. As an Alliance member, Estonia participates actively in the work of the NATO-Russia Council, which must be regarded, from Estonia’s point of view, as well as that of the security of Europe as a whole, as being a very essential institution.
Within the framework of both the European Union’s Neighbourhood Policy as well as NATO’s Partnership Policy, Estonia is focusing primarily upon relations with Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. Even though, for geographical and historical reasons, we have more contacts and opportunities for cooperation with Eastern states, we also appreciate the importance of cooperation with the European Union’s and NATO’s southern neighbours.
Ukraine is a significant partner in the development of Europe’s security. Estonia is interested in a European Union oriented, politically and economically stable Ukraine. We, therefore, support discourse dealing with the prospects for Ukraine’s European Union membership, but today it is too early to talk about concrete dates, and, first, Ukraine must continue implementing its domestic reforms. The same is true for Ukrainian and NATO cooperation. Together with the other NATO member countries, we decided, in Vilnius, on April 21, at the NATO-Ukraine Committee session, to start an intensified dialogue with Ukraine concerning endeavours towards accession and pertinent reforms. This was a timely recognition of Ukraine’s developments, which is also a clear indication of NATO’s support for the developments taking place in Ukraine. Within the context of Ukrainian and Estonian relations, it is significant to note that, in response to Ukraine’s decision to drop, till September 1, visa requirements for European Union citizens, Estonia decided to waive fees for one-time visas issued to Ukrainian citizens from the 1 June till the end of August.
Estonia has supported, and will continue to support, the development of democracy and the implementation of reforms in Georgia. We have supported the inclusion of Georgia and the other South Caucasus states in the European Neighbourhood Policy. We regard it as very essential, that the formulating of the European Neighbourhood Policy action plans be based upon every state’s individual needs.
Estonia’s support for Georgia’s reforms is multifaceted. Estonia has deployed a defence expert to Georgia’s Ministry of Defence, who is giving advice in matters pertaining to the building up of the defence forces and the Defence Ministry; one expert is participating in the European Union’s law enforcement mission; and one border guard expert is working in the office of the European Union’s special representative. Four Estonian experts are working in the OSCE Mission in Tbilisi. The tightening of relations with Georgia has brought up the question of establishing an Estonian representation in Georgia.
Ukraine and Georgia are also Estonian development cooperation priorities. To support the development of democracy, the achievement of economic and social stability, and the growth of welfare in these states, Estonia has, this year, launched several aid projects. We have, conducted training courses for Georgian and Ukrainian government and local administration officials, so as to support and help develop the civil services of these countries. The traditional subject of major interest has been our experience with acceding to the European Union. In Georgia’s case, it is worth noting, that we have been able to share our Tiger’s Leap experiences for the benefit of their information society and educational system. The programme for promoting the use of the Internet and computers is known there as the Deer’s Leap.
On the international level, Estonia consistently supports the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgia, in accordance with the commitment taken by Russia at the 1999 OSCE Istanbul Summit. The withdrawal of Russian troops is a precondition for the peaceful solving of frozen conflicts, and, thus, also for Georgia’s continued successful development. Let us hope, that the agreements, which have been achieved concerning the timetable for the withdrawal of Russian bases, will be realised.
It is also essential to devote more attention, than previously, to Moldova. We welcome the European Union’s decision to open a European Commission delegation in Chisinau in 2005, and to appoint a European Union special representative to Moldova. The growth of Moldova’s political and economic stability is very essential from the regional security point of view, and its precondition is the solving of Transnistria's “frozen” conflict, including the withdrawal of the Russian troops, in accordance with the commitments taken by Russia in Istanbul. The greater participation of the international community is decisive in the finding of a solution. I would like to add that, starting this coming autumn, a young diplomat from both Moldova and Georgia, supported by a Foreign Ministry development cooperation funded scholarship, will commence studies at the Diplomats’ School in Tallinn.
Estonia, similarly to other European Union Member States, does not support the isolating of Belarus. The European Union must become more visible in Belarus, this would help to promote European values. Attention should mainly be focused on the development of relations with non-governmental organisations and the youth, in the spheres of culture, education, and sports, as well as upon supporting, in every way, the development of civil society.
The lack of democratic reforms threatens stability not only in concrete states, but also in broader regions. The recent unrest in Uzbekistan are an example of this, where, attempts to solve internal conflicts were accompanied by the victimisation of many civilians, and resulted in a flow of refugees into neighbouring countries. It is obvious that, in Uzbekistan, basic human rights, primarily the right to life, were ignored. It is important, in Estonia’s opinion, that essential political and economic reforms be implemented in Uzbekistan, since this would relieve the tensions that have accumulated in that society. We are also following, with interest, the development of events in Kyrgyzstan, and hope, that an intensification of democracy and reforms will take place there.
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
I will now dwell upon relations with Russia. The signing of the border treaties between Estonia and Russia, on May 18, was an essential step in Estonian-Russian relations. One of the cornerstones of the legal continuity of the Estonian state was, is, and will continue to be the Tartu Peace Treaty. The signing of the border treaties ensures the security and international standing of our nation. It promotes the further development of Estonian and Russian relations, and is an essential milestone in the development of the partnership between the European Union and Russia. The Government hopes, that the Riigikogu ratifies the border treaties before the beginning of the summer break. Estonia supports the concluding of the border treaty between Latvia and Russia as quickly as possible.
It is noteworthy, that in the international arena, the history of the Baltic States is being ever more talked and written about in a manner respecting historical truth. The reinforcing of this trend continues to be one of our foreign policy commitments. The comprehension of history provides us with a stable base from which to move on.
For Estonia, it is essential, that the European Union has, for cooperating and developing relations with Russia, a clear and unified political plan based upon common European values. At the May 10 Summit in Moscow, the European Union and Russia reached an agreement, in the form of so-called roadmaps on four common spaces, concerning the directions that the further development of partnership will take. This is a significant event in European Union and Russian relations. The next essential step is the ensuring of the actual implementation of these plans for cooperation. Estonia wishes to see developments in all spheres of European Union and Russian relations, so that there would be uniform progress in all “cooperation spaces”. In matters concerning visa policy, Estonia maintains its position that the agreements on readmission and on the simplification of visa procedures should be dealt with as one whole. The agreement on the abolition of visa requirements for the citizens of the parties to the agreement can only be an objective in the long-term perspective, and must be preceded by an analysis of the implementation of the Agreement on the simplification of visa procedures.
Estonia is open to cooperation with Russia. Estonian export to Russia has grown, companies have started using the possibilities that have opened after our accession to the European Union. The development of trade is mutually beneficial, and it is positive, that on May 16, Russia lifted the ban, in force since last August, on the import of goods, arriving from Estonia, subject to phytosanitary inspection. There is, no doubt, still potential for cross-border cooperation, although initiatives have often stalled due to a lack of funds, a lack of interest on the part of Russia’s central government, or due to bureaucracy. In the realm of joint activities, we support the better use of already existing formats of cooperation, for instance, the Northern Dimension as well as the Council of Baltic Sea States and Nordic-Baltic Cooperation.
I wish to stress the significance of good cooperation between the Riigikogu and the Government regarding matters pertaining to Russia. The Government finds the recommendations made by the Riigikogu’s Foreign Affairs Committee, concerning Estonia’s strategy on Russia, to be essential contributions, which help us to formulate our Russia policy. Continued cooperation, of this nature, is most welcome.
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
And now, let us take a look at developments in the realm of security policy. To begin with, I would like to especially stress, that participation in international operations and providing security outside of Estonia’s borders is an essential means and commitment of our foreign and national security policy. This is based upon the objectives of Estonia’s foreign and security policy.
128 Estonian military personnel are presently participating in international military operations. 18 and 24 military personnel are involved in NATO led missions in Afghanistan (ISAF) and Kosovo (KFOR), respectively. In addition, a five-member Rescue Board explosive ordinance disposal team, along with their dogs, is serving in Afghanistan within the framework of operation “Enduring Freedom”. There are 44 military personnel serving aboard the ship “Admiral Pitka”, which is part of the mine clearance group of the NATO rapid reaction force. In Iraq, 36 military personnel are serving in the international coalition forces, and one serviceman is part of the NATO training mission. Three military personnel are serving in the European Union led military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In Lebanon, two Estonians are serving as UN military observers.
Six Estonians take part in civilian operations. Two are serving in the European Union police force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and one police officer in Macedonia. In Jordan, one Estonian police officer is serving in the training centre for Iraqi police personnel. In Georgia, one of our experts is participating in the EU law enforcement mission, and one border guard expert is in the European Union special representative’s office.
According to the latest public opinion polls, the general public regards NATO as being Estonia’s most important national security guarantee. For the sake of ensuring its national security, Estonia is interested in a strong Alliance. But NATO is, of course, strong, only if, on both shores of the Atlantic Ocean, there is a strong desire for unity and cooperative endeavours. It has always been in Estonia’s interests, and will be in the future, to signify and intensify the political, economic, and security policy dialogue between Europe and the United States. U.S. President George Bush’s visit to Brussels, to the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO, on February 22, was proof, that the transatlantic relationship is being reinforced. The same objective was fulfilled by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick’s visit to Estonia at the beginning of April. For Estonia, just as for Lithuania and Latvia, the Riga summit of the four heads of state, on May 7, proved to be an important event in the development of relations with the United States. At this meeting, where common objectives were discussed regarding the development of security, social, and economic policy cooperation on a bilateral, regional, and global level, as well as the possibilities for promoting democracy, welfare, and common values in neighbouring countries, the strong strategic partnership between our nations was once again confirmed.
NATO is paying ever more attention to increasing the effectiveness of political dialogue between the Allies themselves. Within the Alliance, there should not be any topics that are politically taboo. Broadminded dialogue gives NATO political added value -- it helps to develop a fairly unified approach and comprehension. There is also need for a more broad-based dialogue with the UN and the European Union, since the security interests of the organisations are overlapping and can very well augment each other. The effectiveness of the fight against international terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and other so-called new security risks is, understandably, dependent upon the extent of cooperation between the democratic forces.
Estonia is continuing to actively participate in NATO operations. Afghanistan is a serious challenge for NATO and Europe’s security. The most essential goal for NATO in Afghanistan, keeping in mind the September parliamentary elections, is the stabilisation of the security situation and the successful holding of the elections. The role of the Afghanistan mission (ISAF) is a priority also for Estonia. Our participation in the NATO operation in Afghanistan is increasing, this year, to the maximum limit permitted by the Riigikogu, which is set at 25 military personnel.
Estonia has been contributing to the Kosovo mission (KFOR) already since 1999, and plans to continue doing so in the future. We have to take into consideration the possibility that this year’s upcoming discussions concerning Kosovo’s status could be accompanied by a straining of the region’s security situation. The Balkans are a good example of the developing security policy cooperation between the European Union and NATO. The transferring, on 2 December 2004, of the NATO led Stabilisation Force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina over to the European Union (EUFOR) is proof that the European Union and NATO agreement (Berlin Plus) is working successfully.
I would especially like to bring forth the activities of our military personnel in Iraq. On 20 April, the Riigikogu extended the participation of Estonian military personnel in the Iraq mission to December 31. Concerning the duration of the Iraq mission, we base our decision upon the mandate and principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1546, according to which, the mandate of the international forces in Iraq ends with the elections that are to be held on the basis of the constitution, or when the Iraqi government so desires. Depending upon the development of the Iraqi political process, the need may arise for extending the mission. Estonia has offered its experts to the working group writing the Iraqi constitution. Also, Estonia is supporting the NATO training mission in Iraq so that the local power structures can be restored as quickly as possible, and is contributing to this effort in accordance with its capabilities. In January, we sent Iraq small arms and ammunition. A computer class is being prepared for a training centre that NATO is helping to establish in Baghdad.
It must be kept in mind, that our contribution to NATO missions is, as previously, below NATO’s agreed upon 8/40 objective. According to this, a NATO member country commits itself to maintaining 8% of its defence force on an international mission; 40% of ground forces must be readily deployable. According to the document “The Defence Force Structure and Development Plan 2010”, approved by the Government in March 2004, Estonia must, in 2008, participate in missions with 250, and in 2010, with 350 military personnel.
It is just as essential, that Estonia fulfil the other promises made and commitments taken upon NATO accession, including the increasing of defence expenditures to the 2% of GDP level. This is in the interests of our own security, and only thus are we trustworthy allies.
Although it is NATO’s task to ensure the security and common defence of Europe and the transatlantic space, operations initiated within the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) also have an ever-greater role in the ensuring of Europe’s stability. In the course of the last two and a half years, there has been a serious substantial turn-about in the European Union’s ability to influence events in crisis regions. Estonia is represented on all missions that are of priority for us. We participate in the Balkan missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Macedonia, and also in Georgia, as mentioned earlier.
Since participation in the implementation of the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) is becoming one of Estonia’s most essential foreign policy activities, Estonia must enhance its capabilities and increase its contributions even more. This presumes the appropriate development of domestic procedures, so as to enable participation in international crisis management operations. This concerns both financial resources as well as inter-ministerial coordination and decision-making mechanisms.
It is clear, that in the course of planning the further development of the European Security and Defence Policy, NATO’s appropriate developments have to be taken into consideration. The European Union’s and NATO’s mutual cooperation is essential, and duplication and competition should be avoided. One of the common points in the military cooperation between the European Union and NATO is the developing of both organisations’ rapid reaction capacities. We have stressed, that contributing to the NATO Response Force and the EU Battle Groups must be done on a coordinated basis, and this is what Estonia does.
As of this year’s May 12, the navy’s flag-ship “Admiral Pitka” is at the disposal of the NATO Response Force as a staff-ship, and starting in the year 2007, Estonia will be ready to contribute to the NATO Response Force with units of its ground forces.
In connection with making the European Union’s Nordic Battle Group operational by 1 January 2008, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Norway signed, on May 23, in Brussels, a Memorandum of Understanding, on the basis of which, and in accordance with a corresponding Government decree, Estonia will participate in the Battle Group with up to 45 military personnel.
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
The combating of global security threats clearly presumes international cooperation on all levels. Therefore, Estonia also supports a thorough reform of the United Nations. A greater efficiency and enhanced transparency of the UN system are essential preconditions for coping with global challenges. The report issued by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, on March 21, is a good basis for further fruitful discussion concerning a new collective security system. An element of this is a Security Council, which is more efficient, more transparent, and more representative of the member nations.
At the same time, reform also means the strengthening of the United Nations activities concerning the protection of human rights and in the development sphere, since neither security, development, nor human rights can not be achieved independently. The UN’s member nations have, over the decades, created a noteworthy collection of human rights norms, but as long as the UN is incapable of sufficiently ensuring their implementation, the norms lack substance. By creating a trustworthy and competent Human Rights Council, and by more tightly tying in the defending of human rights with discussions concerning security, the UN would take a step forward in ensuring human rights. The strengthening of the UN naturally presumes, that the work of the General Assembly and other UN institutions, among them the Secretariat, would be made more efficient, and that there would be better coordination.
One of the major causes of instability in the world is poverty, so it is obvious that security and stability are not achievable without development. In September 2000, the UN Millennium Development Goals till the year 2015 were formulated in New York. Thereby, all nations confirmed their common commitment and readiness to contribute to the solving of the world’s development problems. At the UN Summit this fall, the implementation of the Millennium Declaration’s goals will be reviewed, and it will be decided how to proceed with them, among other things, by strengthening the UN for this task institutionally.
As a European Union member state, Estonia must be ready to contribute ever more to the solving of global and regional development problems. A poll conducted in January amongst Estonia’s general public as well as opinion leaders confirmed this -- 95% of opinion leaders and 65% of the general public found that the aiding of poorer countries is natural and necessary.
Our willingness to help must also be reflected in the financing of development cooperation. Till now, the funds earmarked by Estonia for development cooperation and crisis aid, have, at the maximum, been 0.03% of the GNI, which is extremely modest, and places us among the last ones in the European Union. At the meeting of the European Union’s foreign ministers in May, a common European Union message concerning development cooperation was agreed upon for the UN Summit in September. The European Union is establishing the goal of collectively earmarking, in the year 2010, 0.56%, and in the year 2015, in accordance with the UN’s established goal, 0.7% of its GNI for development cooperation. For new Member States, this means, respectively, 0.17% and 0.33% of their GNI. At the meeting of the European Union’s foreign ministers it was decided that every country will try to achieve the aforementioned levels. The Government has set up the goal of achieving 0.1% of GNI by the year 2010, which is several times greater than the amounts being earmarked now. The support of the Riigikogu is very essential in this context.
As I mentioned already earlier, the main partners of Estonia’s development cooperation in 2005 are Ukraine and Georgia. But on the other hand, our contributions to humanitarian aid are much broader. In March and April, 20 Beslan children from Russia received post-disaster care in Estonia. Presently, the world’s worst man-made humanitarian catastrophe is taking place in Sudan. This year, the Foreign Ministry allocated 400,000 kroons for the aid of Sudan’s Darfur region refugees, in addition to the 500,000 kroons donated last June. Estonia reacted to the greatest natural disaster of recent history -- the tsunami of South-East and South Asia -- by deploying to at the crisis area its first international rescue team. Likewise, as a cooperative effort of the Estonian Rescue Board and the Foreign Ministry, a contribution was made to the building up of the stricken region by sending a logistics team to Indonesia to assist the UN development and humanitarian aid organisations operating there. The Estonian government’s total contribution to the aiding of tsunami victims and the eliminating of the after-effects is, at this particular moment, 5.8 million kroons. In addition to the government’s contribution, unprecedentedly large numbers of private donations were made to the Estonian Red Cross, the Estonian representation of UNICEF, and the SOS Children’s Village. The total donations amount to 4 million kroons.
The disaster in South-East Asia indicated that in a globalising world we are all vulnerable. Unfortunately, we have to note, that three Estonian citizens also lost their lives in the disaster. The eliminating of the natural disaster's after-effects was convincing proof of the essentiality of international cooperation. Among other things, this crisis put to the test the capabilities of the Estonian Consular Service, but the Foreign Ministry and the various departments of the Ministry of the Interior, as well as the Red Cross, cooperated smoothly. The same can be noted about the cooperation with Finland and Sweden. As a result of this tragic experience, the European Union has set itself the goal of better coordinating, in the future, the activities of the various spheres of the European Union, in the case of a disaster.
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
In conclusion, I would also like to briefly deal with regional cooperation. Estonia, as the presiding state of the Baltic Council of Ministers in 2005, is endeavouring to introduce a clear agenda and working plan. Once a year, at the heads of government level, decisions are made concerning major cooperative questions in those five spheres in which Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have clear common interests.
A similar insight into the common interests of various countries should also be achieved in Nordic-Baltic or NB8 Cooperation. It would, in every way, be practical if the prime ministers of the eight states requested their ministers, by spheres of activity, to sift out those questions, which would be of obvious interest to all eight states. The objectives could be the promoting and establishing of cooperation in certain definite spheres -- those in which all eight states are convinced that cooperation is needed and in which common interests exist. Excessive formality would not take into consideration the differing interests of the various Nordic countries nor the possibly different trends adopted by Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Several Nordic cooperative institutions are ready for partnership with the Baltic states, which is definitely of interest to, and would be useful for Estonia as well as Latvia and Lithuania.
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
I would like to return to the idea with which I also launched my address. The European Union and NATO were not, for Estonia, objectives in themselves, but means for strengthening the security of the nation, and ensuring the growth of its welfare. The next goal that we should aim at is the achieving of the European Union’s average standard of living. As a member of the European Union and NATO, we can do this in cooperation with our partners, and more efficiently than ever before. But this requires that we adopt an even more active and encompassing foreign policy. The Government’s recent decision to establish diplomatic relations with 25 states, located mostly in Asia and Africa, among them Iraq and Afghanistan, is a sign that this need is being taken into consideration. Already in the near future we will definitely have to make an effort to enlarge our diplomatic representations abroad and to expand our network of embassies.
I would like to thank the Riigikogu for its cooperation in carrying out our foreign policy, and sincerely wish that this intensive cooperation will be continued!
Thank you for your attention!
7 June 2005
Honourable Ms. Chairman,
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
Dear guests!
By today, Estonia has been a member of both the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation for a little more than a year. Thus, this is a very suitable point for reviewing what has occurred in that time span. And just as appropriate a moment for taking a look into the future. Estonia’s obvious foreign policy objective has been, and will continue to be, to reinforce the security, and ensure the increasing of the welfare of the nation. Accession to NATO and European Union have been means for better achieving this end, rather than objectives in themselves.
Estonia’s security and welfare do not begin at the national borders, but much farther afield. It is dependent upon the security and welfare of not only all of Europe, but also that of Europe’s proximate neighbourhood, and eventually, upon developments in the whole world. Membership in the European Union and NATO has given us the opportunity and the means for realising a foreign policy based upon these very principles. Thus -- Estonia’s foreign policy must contribute to the strength as well as the unity of both the European Union and NATO. It is in our national interest to actively participate in the European Neighbourhood Policy as well as in the development of NATO’s Partnership Policy. We are also promoting Estonia’s interests by participating in the ensuring of security and welfare globally, be it either through peacekeeping missions or development cooperation. Estonia’s security and welfare are enhanced even when we all become accustomed to thinking on a European as well as a worldwide scale. Estonian positions and standpoints are now reaching a wider audience, and Estonian decisions are carrying more weight than ever before. At the same time, the boundaries separating domestic and foreign policy have become hazy. All ministries are now participating in foreign policy and are helping to create Estonia’s image abroad.
Respected members of the Riigikogu,
The enlargement of the European Union a year ago raised certain fears in both old and new Member States, including Estonia. But, based upon the first year’s experiences, we can definitely claim, that these fears have proven to be groundless. According to the European Commission’s assessment, the results of the enlargement have been, from the viewpoint of the European Union as a whole, positive. Economic growth in the new Member States is almost twice that of the old Members, which is, hopefully, a boost for the economy of Europe as a whole. Fears concerning a massive labour force migration have proven to be unwarranted. But, admittedly, an enlarged Union has not been totally accepted yet, which can be sensed in the context of various institutions as well as the general public opinion.
In Estonia, we too can state, on the basis of the experiences of the first year of European Union membership, that accession has been very beneficial for Estonia, and that the previous fears, of soaring rise of prices, for instance, were unjustified. Membership in the European Union, just as in NATO, has increased Estonia’s self-confidence, and boosted the nation’s credibility. Many new opportunities have opened up for Estonian citizens, especially for studying or working abroad. Estonia itself has become better known in the world as well as more attractive, which has been proven by the increased interest that foreign investors and tourists are showing towards our nation. In 2004, for instance, 1.9 million foreign tourists made use of Estonian accommodations, which is 23% more than the previous year. The Estonian people’s continuously high support to the European Union, which according to the latest opinion poll is 71%, likewise indicates that the expectations associated with accession have been fulfilled.
Nevertheless, several questions connected with our membership in the European Union still need answering, a matter also discussed here, in length, by the prime minister, just a few weeks ago. Primarily, this concerns the free movement of labour, as well as Estonia’s joining the European common visa area, and the adoption of the common currency, the euro. As of today, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Sweden are the only European Union old Member Sates that have opened up their labour market without a transition period. The Foreign Ministry is doing everything possible that the states, which applied a transition period to the free movement of workers, would not find it necessary to extend it after the expiration of the first two-year period on the 1 May 2006. The ending of restrictions would invigorate the internal market and boost not only every Member State’s but also the whole European Union’s economic competitiveness. After all, it is common knowledge, that there are many ways of getting around the restrictions, for instance, under the guise of renting labour.
Estonia is continuing to make preparations for joining the European common visa or Schengen area. This April, the European Commission’s first mission evaluating Estonia’s progress in fulfilling the requirements of the Schengen Facility Programme was satisfied with the preparations being made. The next goal is to successfully pass the evaluation to be made in our foreign representations, during the summer of 2006, concerning our readiness to be part of the Schengen area. Even though accession to the Schengen visa area brings with it a doubling of the workload connected with the processing of visas, it is, without a doubt, a big step forward for the free movement of persons.
From the perspective of the European Union’s near future, the most essential issue, at the moment, is the European Constitutional Treaty. The Government presented the Treaty to the Riigikogu for ratification on May 10. I hope that the Riigikogu will make its decision very soon after debating the working group’s report in the fall. The rejection of the Constitutional Treaty in France and the Netherlands must not be underestimated, but those Member States, where the ratification of the Treaty still lies ahead, should continue with the ratification process in accordance with their own agendas and procedures, so that every country will be able to express its opinion. It is a significant factor, that 10 Member States, where live nearly half of the European Union’s 454 million citizens, have, by today, approved the Treaty. On 16 – 17 June, the European Council will debate the matter of how to proceed with the ratification of the Treaty. The discussions, which have developed after the referendums, must not be allowed to paralyse the functioning of the European Union based upon the current norms.
During the first year of membership, one of the biggest challenges for Estonia has been participation in the negotiations on the European Union’s upcoming budgetary framework or financial perspectives for the years 2007 – 2013. A real opportunity, accompanied by great responsibilities, has opened up for us to formulate the European Union’s priorities and budget.
Estonia supports the Presidency’s compromise proposal concerning the ceiling of total budgetary commitment -- about 1.06% of the European Union’s 27 Member States’ gross national income, without estimating the European Development Fund. Without the carrying out of radical reforms, a lower ceiling of 1%, as proposed by a group of states, would not be feasible. Estonia’s priority, in the realm of budgetary expenditures, is that there be sufficient funds for: the cohesion policy; for the rural development, fisheries, and the environment sector; for research and development; for border protection; and for the implementation of an effective foreign policy. In the case of European Union external activities, the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument deserves special attention.
In the sphere of European Union budgetary payments, Estonia does not support the granting of exemptions that would make the budgetary system non-transparent. In the interests of compromise, Estonia might agree with a gradual reduction of the United Kingdom’s rebate. The decreasing of the cohesion funds for wealthier states should be done in a short time span. But it is in Estonia’s interests, as well as in the interests of all Member Sates, that an agreement be arrived at as soon as possible, since otherwise, the poorer Member States will suffer primarily, because the launching of the new budgetary period’s projects will be delayed.
I welcome the efforts of the EU’s current Presidency, Luxembourg, to reach a political agreement in June, as well as the compromise proposals, which were discussed by the European Union foreign ministers on May 22 and by Estonia and the Presidency bilaterally on June 3. Concerning the ceiling of structural aid, the renegotiating package proposed by the Presidency is clearly an improvement over the previous one. But it must be admitted, that, as before, there are differences of opinion between the Member States concerning many essential questions.
The enlargement of the European Union is continuing. On April 25, Bulgaria and Romania took an essential step towards joining the European Union by signing the Accession Treaty. This is followed by the ratification period, in the course of which, the European Union may implement security clauses. In 2005, it is planned to also launch accession negotiations with Croatia and Turkey. The enlargement of the European Union must continue, based upon the Copenhagen criteria. Future Member Sates must have to be stable democracies abiding by the rule of law, where human rights and the rights of minorities are respected, must have a functioning market economy, and be capable of implementing the European Union’s acquis. Plus, the European Union itself must be prepared for accepting new members. The membership perspective is a strong motivation for countries in the process of carrying out market economy and democratic reforms. This, in turn, promotes the spreading and deepening of stability and security in Europe. Discussions concerning possible European Union membership have also started in, for instance, Ukraine and Georgia.
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
It is in the interests of all of Europe to create and strengthen an social and economic welfare and stability zone in the proximity of the European Union’s and NATO’s borders. Estonia, as a European Union and NATO border country, is especially aware of the need for such a zone.
The European Union Neighbourhood Policy is an important means for tightening relations and developing cooperation with the European Union’s neighbouring states, both to the south as well as the east. We regard it as essential, that the new financial instrument, meant for implementing the European Neighbourhood Policy, enable cross-border cooperation between European Union Member States and third countries bordering the Union, as well as cooperation with more distant neighbours. The rules regulating financing must be clear and transparent.
Just as for the European Union, one of NATO’s priorities is Partnership Policy. Estonia supports the development of a partnership with Ukraine, as well as the South Caucasus and Central Asian states. At the same time, NATO must find ever more opportunities for tightening relations with the states of the Mediterranean Dialogue and the broader Middle East. As an Alliance member, Estonia participates actively in the work of the NATO-Russia Council, which must be regarded, from Estonia’s point of view, as well as that of the security of Europe as a whole, as being a very essential institution.
Within the framework of both the European Union’s Neighbourhood Policy as well as NATO’s Partnership Policy, Estonia is focusing primarily upon relations with Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. Even though, for geographical and historical reasons, we have more contacts and opportunities for cooperation with Eastern states, we also appreciate the importance of cooperation with the European Union’s and NATO’s southern neighbours.
Ukraine is a significant partner in the development of Europe’s security. Estonia is interested in a European Union oriented, politically and economically stable Ukraine. We, therefore, support discourse dealing with the prospects for Ukraine’s European Union membership, but today it is too early to talk about concrete dates, and, first, Ukraine must continue implementing its domestic reforms. The same is true for Ukrainian and NATO cooperation. Together with the other NATO member countries, we decided, in Vilnius, on April 21, at the NATO-Ukraine Committee session, to start an intensified dialogue with Ukraine concerning endeavours towards accession and pertinent reforms. This was a timely recognition of Ukraine’s developments, which is also a clear indication of NATO’s support for the developments taking place in Ukraine. Within the context of Ukrainian and Estonian relations, it is significant to note that, in response to Ukraine’s decision to drop, till September 1, visa requirements for European Union citizens, Estonia decided to waive fees for one-time visas issued to Ukrainian citizens from the 1 June till the end of August.
Estonia has supported, and will continue to support, the development of democracy and the implementation of reforms in Georgia. We have supported the inclusion of Georgia and the other South Caucasus states in the European Neighbourhood Policy. We regard it as very essential, that the formulating of the European Neighbourhood Policy action plans be based upon every state’s individual needs.
Estonia’s support for Georgia’s reforms is multifaceted. Estonia has deployed a defence expert to Georgia’s Ministry of Defence, who is giving advice in matters pertaining to the building up of the defence forces and the Defence Ministry; one expert is participating in the European Union’s law enforcement mission; and one border guard expert is working in the office of the European Union’s special representative. Four Estonian experts are working in the OSCE Mission in Tbilisi. The tightening of relations with Georgia has brought up the question of establishing an Estonian representation in Georgia.
Ukraine and Georgia are also Estonian development cooperation priorities. To support the development of democracy, the achievement of economic and social stability, and the growth of welfare in these states, Estonia has, this year, launched several aid projects. We have, conducted training courses for Georgian and Ukrainian government and local administration officials, so as to support and help develop the civil services of these countries. The traditional subject of major interest has been our experience with acceding to the European Union. In Georgia’s case, it is worth noting, that we have been able to share our Tiger’s Leap experiences for the benefit of their information society and educational system. The programme for promoting the use of the Internet and computers is known there as the Deer’s Leap.
On the international level, Estonia consistently supports the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgia, in accordance with the commitment taken by Russia at the 1999 OSCE Istanbul Summit. The withdrawal of Russian troops is a precondition for the peaceful solving of frozen conflicts, and, thus, also for Georgia’s continued successful development. Let us hope, that the agreements, which have been achieved concerning the timetable for the withdrawal of Russian bases, will be realised.
It is also essential to devote more attention, than previously, to Moldova. We welcome the European Union’s decision to open a European Commission delegation in Chisinau in 2005, and to appoint a European Union special representative to Moldova. The growth of Moldova’s political and economic stability is very essential from the regional security point of view, and its precondition is the solving of Transnistria's “frozen” conflict, including the withdrawal of the Russian troops, in accordance with the commitments taken by Russia in Istanbul. The greater participation of the international community is decisive in the finding of a solution. I would like to add that, starting this coming autumn, a young diplomat from both Moldova and Georgia, supported by a Foreign Ministry development cooperation funded scholarship, will commence studies at the Diplomats’ School in Tallinn.
Estonia, similarly to other European Union Member States, does not support the isolating of Belarus. The European Union must become more visible in Belarus, this would help to promote European values. Attention should mainly be focused on the development of relations with non-governmental organisations and the youth, in the spheres of culture, education, and sports, as well as upon supporting, in every way, the development of civil society.
The lack of democratic reforms threatens stability not only in concrete states, but also in broader regions. The recent unrest in Uzbekistan are an example of this, where, attempts to solve internal conflicts were accompanied by the victimisation of many civilians, and resulted in a flow of refugees into neighbouring countries. It is obvious that, in Uzbekistan, basic human rights, primarily the right to life, were ignored. It is important, in Estonia’s opinion, that essential political and economic reforms be implemented in Uzbekistan, since this would relieve the tensions that have accumulated in that society. We are also following, with interest, the development of events in Kyrgyzstan, and hope, that an intensification of democracy and reforms will take place there.
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
I will now dwell upon relations with Russia. The signing of the border treaties between Estonia and Russia, on May 18, was an essential step in Estonian-Russian relations. One of the cornerstones of the legal continuity of the Estonian state was, is, and will continue to be the Tartu Peace Treaty. The signing of the border treaties ensures the security and international standing of our nation. It promotes the further development of Estonian and Russian relations, and is an essential milestone in the development of the partnership between the European Union and Russia. The Government hopes, that the Riigikogu ratifies the border treaties before the beginning of the summer break. Estonia supports the concluding of the border treaty between Latvia and Russia as quickly as possible.
It is noteworthy, that in the international arena, the history of the Baltic States is being ever more talked and written about in a manner respecting historical truth. The reinforcing of this trend continues to be one of our foreign policy commitments. The comprehension of history provides us with a stable base from which to move on.
For Estonia, it is essential, that the European Union has, for cooperating and developing relations with Russia, a clear and unified political plan based upon common European values. At the May 10 Summit in Moscow, the European Union and Russia reached an agreement, in the form of so-called roadmaps on four common spaces, concerning the directions that the further development of partnership will take. This is a significant event in European Union and Russian relations. The next essential step is the ensuring of the actual implementation of these plans for cooperation. Estonia wishes to see developments in all spheres of European Union and Russian relations, so that there would be uniform progress in all “cooperation spaces”. In matters concerning visa policy, Estonia maintains its position that the agreements on readmission and on the simplification of visa procedures should be dealt with as one whole. The agreement on the abolition of visa requirements for the citizens of the parties to the agreement can only be an objective in the long-term perspective, and must be preceded by an analysis of the implementation of the Agreement on the simplification of visa procedures.
Estonia is open to cooperation with Russia. Estonian export to Russia has grown, companies have started using the possibilities that have opened after our accession to the European Union. The development of trade is mutually beneficial, and it is positive, that on May 16, Russia lifted the ban, in force since last August, on the import of goods, arriving from Estonia, subject to phytosanitary inspection. There is, no doubt, still potential for cross-border cooperation, although initiatives have often stalled due to a lack of funds, a lack of interest on the part of Russia’s central government, or due to bureaucracy. In the realm of joint activities, we support the better use of already existing formats of cooperation, for instance, the Northern Dimension as well as the Council of Baltic Sea States and Nordic-Baltic Cooperation.
I wish to stress the significance of good cooperation between the Riigikogu and the Government regarding matters pertaining to Russia. The Government finds the recommendations made by the Riigikogu’s Foreign Affairs Committee, concerning Estonia’s strategy on Russia, to be essential contributions, which help us to formulate our Russia policy. Continued cooperation, of this nature, is most welcome.
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
And now, let us take a look at developments in the realm of security policy. To begin with, I would like to especially stress, that participation in international operations and providing security outside of Estonia’s borders is an essential means and commitment of our foreign and national security policy. This is based upon the objectives of Estonia’s foreign and security policy.
128 Estonian military personnel are presently participating in international military operations. 18 and 24 military personnel are involved in NATO led missions in Afghanistan (ISAF) and Kosovo (KFOR), respectively. In addition, a five-member Rescue Board explosive ordinance disposal team, along with their dogs, is serving in Afghanistan within the framework of operation “Enduring Freedom”. There are 44 military personnel serving aboard the ship “Admiral Pitka”, which is part of the mine clearance group of the NATO rapid reaction force. In Iraq, 36 military personnel are serving in the international coalition forces, and one serviceman is part of the NATO training mission. Three military personnel are serving in the European Union led military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In Lebanon, two Estonians are serving as UN military observers.
Six Estonians take part in civilian operations. Two are serving in the European Union police force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and one police officer in Macedonia. In Jordan, one Estonian police officer is serving in the training centre for Iraqi police personnel. In Georgia, one of our experts is participating in the EU law enforcement mission, and one border guard expert is in the European Union special representative’s office.
According to the latest public opinion polls, the general public regards NATO as being Estonia’s most important national security guarantee. For the sake of ensuring its national security, Estonia is interested in a strong Alliance. But NATO is, of course, strong, only if, on both shores of the Atlantic Ocean, there is a strong desire for unity and cooperative endeavours. It has always been in Estonia’s interests, and will be in the future, to signify and intensify the political, economic, and security policy dialogue between Europe and the United States. U.S. President George Bush’s visit to Brussels, to the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO, on February 22, was proof, that the transatlantic relationship is being reinforced. The same objective was fulfilled by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick’s visit to Estonia at the beginning of April. For Estonia, just as for Lithuania and Latvia, the Riga summit of the four heads of state, on May 7, proved to be an important event in the development of relations with the United States. At this meeting, where common objectives were discussed regarding the development of security, social, and economic policy cooperation on a bilateral, regional, and global level, as well as the possibilities for promoting democracy, welfare, and common values in neighbouring countries, the strong strategic partnership between our nations was once again confirmed.
NATO is paying ever more attention to increasing the effectiveness of political dialogue between the Allies themselves. Within the Alliance, there should not be any topics that are politically taboo. Broadminded dialogue gives NATO political added value -- it helps to develop a fairly unified approach and comprehension. There is also need for a more broad-based dialogue with the UN and the European Union, since the security interests of the organisations are overlapping and can very well augment each other. The effectiveness of the fight against international terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and other so-called new security risks is, understandably, dependent upon the extent of cooperation between the democratic forces.
Estonia is continuing to actively participate in NATO operations. Afghanistan is a serious challenge for NATO and Europe’s security. The most essential goal for NATO in Afghanistan, keeping in mind the September parliamentary elections, is the stabilisation of the security situation and the successful holding of the elections. The role of the Afghanistan mission (ISAF) is a priority also for Estonia. Our participation in the NATO operation in Afghanistan is increasing, this year, to the maximum limit permitted by the Riigikogu, which is set at 25 military personnel.
Estonia has been contributing to the Kosovo mission (KFOR) already since 1999, and plans to continue doing so in the future. We have to take into consideration the possibility that this year’s upcoming discussions concerning Kosovo’s status could be accompanied by a straining of the region’s security situation. The Balkans are a good example of the developing security policy cooperation between the European Union and NATO. The transferring, on 2 December 2004, of the NATO led Stabilisation Force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina over to the European Union (EUFOR) is proof that the European Union and NATO agreement (Berlin Plus) is working successfully.
I would especially like to bring forth the activities of our military personnel in Iraq. On 20 April, the Riigikogu extended the participation of Estonian military personnel in the Iraq mission to December 31. Concerning the duration of the Iraq mission, we base our decision upon the mandate and principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1546, according to which, the mandate of the international forces in Iraq ends with the elections that are to be held on the basis of the constitution, or when the Iraqi government so desires. Depending upon the development of the Iraqi political process, the need may arise for extending the mission. Estonia has offered its experts to the working group writing the Iraqi constitution. Also, Estonia is supporting the NATO training mission in Iraq so that the local power structures can be restored as quickly as possible, and is contributing to this effort in accordance with its capabilities. In January, we sent Iraq small arms and ammunition. A computer class is being prepared for a training centre that NATO is helping to establish in Baghdad.
It must be kept in mind, that our contribution to NATO missions is, as previously, below NATO’s agreed upon 8/40 objective. According to this, a NATO member country commits itself to maintaining 8% of its defence force on an international mission; 40% of ground forces must be readily deployable. According to the document “The Defence Force Structure and Development Plan 2010”, approved by the Government in March 2004, Estonia must, in 2008, participate in missions with 250, and in 2010, with 350 military personnel.
It is just as essential, that Estonia fulfil the other promises made and commitments taken upon NATO accession, including the increasing of defence expenditures to the 2% of GDP level. This is in the interests of our own security, and only thus are we trustworthy allies.
Although it is NATO’s task to ensure the security and common defence of Europe and the transatlantic space, operations initiated within the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) also have an ever-greater role in the ensuring of Europe’s stability. In the course of the last two and a half years, there has been a serious substantial turn-about in the European Union’s ability to influence events in crisis regions. Estonia is represented on all missions that are of priority for us. We participate in the Balkan missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Macedonia, and also in Georgia, as mentioned earlier.
Since participation in the implementation of the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) is becoming one of Estonia’s most essential foreign policy activities, Estonia must enhance its capabilities and increase its contributions even more. This presumes the appropriate development of domestic procedures, so as to enable participation in international crisis management operations. This concerns both financial resources as well as inter-ministerial coordination and decision-making mechanisms.
It is clear, that in the course of planning the further development of the European Security and Defence Policy, NATO’s appropriate developments have to be taken into consideration. The European Union’s and NATO’s mutual cooperation is essential, and duplication and competition should be avoided. One of the common points in the military cooperation between the European Union and NATO is the developing of both organisations’ rapid reaction capacities. We have stressed, that contributing to the NATO Response Force and the EU Battle Groups must be done on a coordinated basis, and this is what Estonia does.
As of this year’s May 12, the navy’s flag-ship “Admiral Pitka” is at the disposal of the NATO Response Force as a staff-ship, and starting in the year 2007, Estonia will be ready to contribute to the NATO Response Force with units of its ground forces.
In connection with making the European Union’s Nordic Battle Group operational by 1 January 2008, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Norway signed, on May 23, in Brussels, a Memorandum of Understanding, on the basis of which, and in accordance with a corresponding Government decree, Estonia will participate in the Battle Group with up to 45 military personnel.
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
The combating of global security threats clearly presumes international cooperation on all levels. Therefore, Estonia also supports a thorough reform of the United Nations. A greater efficiency and enhanced transparency of the UN system are essential preconditions for coping with global challenges. The report issued by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, on March 21, is a good basis for further fruitful discussion concerning a new collective security system. An element of this is a Security Council, which is more efficient, more transparent, and more representative of the member nations.
At the same time, reform also means the strengthening of the United Nations activities concerning the protection of human rights and in the development sphere, since neither security, development, nor human rights can not be achieved independently. The UN’s member nations have, over the decades, created a noteworthy collection of human rights norms, but as long as the UN is incapable of sufficiently ensuring their implementation, the norms lack substance. By creating a trustworthy and competent Human Rights Council, and by more tightly tying in the defending of human rights with discussions concerning security, the UN would take a step forward in ensuring human rights. The strengthening of the UN naturally presumes, that the work of the General Assembly and other UN institutions, among them the Secretariat, would be made more efficient, and that there would be better coordination.
One of the major causes of instability in the world is poverty, so it is obvious that security and stability are not achievable without development. In September 2000, the UN Millennium Development Goals till the year 2015 were formulated in New York. Thereby, all nations confirmed their common commitment and readiness to contribute to the solving of the world’s development problems. At the UN Summit this fall, the implementation of the Millennium Declaration’s goals will be reviewed, and it will be decided how to proceed with them, among other things, by strengthening the UN for this task institutionally.
As a European Union member state, Estonia must be ready to contribute ever more to the solving of global and regional development problems. A poll conducted in January amongst Estonia’s general public as well as opinion leaders confirmed this -- 95% of opinion leaders and 65% of the general public found that the aiding of poorer countries is natural and necessary.
Our willingness to help must also be reflected in the financing of development cooperation. Till now, the funds earmarked by Estonia for development cooperation and crisis aid, have, at the maximum, been 0.03% of the GNI, which is extremely modest, and places us among the last ones in the European Union. At the meeting of the European Union’s foreign ministers in May, a common European Union message concerning development cooperation was agreed upon for the UN Summit in September. The European Union is establishing the goal of collectively earmarking, in the year 2010, 0.56%, and in the year 2015, in accordance with the UN’s established goal, 0.7% of its GNI for development cooperation. For new Member States, this means, respectively, 0.17% and 0.33% of their GNI. At the meeting of the European Union’s foreign ministers it was decided that every country will try to achieve the aforementioned levels. The Government has set up the goal of achieving 0.1% of GNI by the year 2010, which is several times greater than the amounts being earmarked now. The support of the Riigikogu is very essential in this context.
As I mentioned already earlier, the main partners of Estonia’s development cooperation in 2005 are Ukraine and Georgia. But on the other hand, our contributions to humanitarian aid are much broader. In March and April, 20 Beslan children from Russia received post-disaster care in Estonia. Presently, the world’s worst man-made humanitarian catastrophe is taking place in Sudan. This year, the Foreign Ministry allocated 400,000 kroons for the aid of Sudan’s Darfur region refugees, in addition to the 500,000 kroons donated last June. Estonia reacted to the greatest natural disaster of recent history -- the tsunami of South-East and South Asia -- by deploying to at the crisis area its first international rescue team. Likewise, as a cooperative effort of the Estonian Rescue Board and the Foreign Ministry, a contribution was made to the building up of the stricken region by sending a logistics team to Indonesia to assist the UN development and humanitarian aid organisations operating there. The Estonian government’s total contribution to the aiding of tsunami victims and the eliminating of the after-effects is, at this particular moment, 5.8 million kroons. In addition to the government’s contribution, unprecedentedly large numbers of private donations were made to the Estonian Red Cross, the Estonian representation of UNICEF, and the SOS Children’s Village. The total donations amount to 4 million kroons.
The disaster in South-East Asia indicated that in a globalising world we are all vulnerable. Unfortunately, we have to note, that three Estonian citizens also lost their lives in the disaster. The eliminating of the natural disaster's after-effects was convincing proof of the essentiality of international cooperation. Among other things, this crisis put to the test the capabilities of the Estonian Consular Service, but the Foreign Ministry and the various departments of the Ministry of the Interior, as well as the Red Cross, cooperated smoothly. The same can be noted about the cooperation with Finland and Sweden. As a result of this tragic experience, the European Union has set itself the goal of better coordinating, in the future, the activities of the various spheres of the European Union, in the case of a disaster.
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
In conclusion, I would also like to briefly deal with regional cooperation. Estonia, as the presiding state of the Baltic Council of Ministers in 2005, is endeavouring to introduce a clear agenda and working plan. Once a year, at the heads of government level, decisions are made concerning major cooperative questions in those five spheres in which Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have clear common interests.
A similar insight into the common interests of various countries should also be achieved in Nordic-Baltic or NB8 Cooperation. It would, in every way, be practical if the prime ministers of the eight states requested their ministers, by spheres of activity, to sift out those questions, which would be of obvious interest to all eight states. The objectives could be the promoting and establishing of cooperation in certain definite spheres -- those in which all eight states are convinced that cooperation is needed and in which common interests exist. Excessive formality would not take into consideration the differing interests of the various Nordic countries nor the possibly different trends adopted by Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Several Nordic cooperative institutions are ready for partnership with the Baltic states, which is definitely of interest to, and would be useful for Estonia as well as Latvia and Lithuania.
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
I would like to return to the idea with which I also launched my address. The European Union and NATO were not, for Estonia, objectives in themselves, but means for strengthening the security of the nation, and ensuring the growth of its welfare. The next goal that we should aim at is the achieving of the European Union’s average standard of living. As a member of the European Union and NATO, we can do this in cooperation with our partners, and more efficiently than ever before. But this requires that we adopt an even more active and encompassing foreign policy. The Government’s recent decision to establish diplomatic relations with 25 states, located mostly in Asia and Africa, among them Iraq and Afghanistan, is a sign that this need is being taken into consideration. Already in the near future we will definitely have to make an effort to enlarge our diplomatic representations abroad and to expand our network of embassies.
I would like to thank the Riigikogu for its cooperation in carrying out our foreign policy, and sincerely wish that this intensive cooperation will be continued!
Thank you for your attention!
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