According to respondents’ own assessment, 61% feel they are either very well informed or rather well informed about foreign policy matters.
Among the directions of foreign policy, the Estonian public expects equal focus above all on strengthening NATO’s collective defence and creating opportunities for Estonian businesses (both at 34%). According to the survey, the third most important priority is strengthening regional cooperation with the Nordic and Baltic countries (31%).
The foundations for strengthening Estonia’s image abroad are seen primarily in digital development and cyber capabilities, cited as an important area by 43% of respondents. Other key areas include advancing security and defence cooperation (33%) and promoting education and e-learning (31%). In addition, a significant share of respondents emphasise Estonia’s role as a values-based country: 28% consider the protection of human rights and freedoms important. Culture is cited as a field in which Estonia can stand out internationally by 17% of respondents.
On peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, more than half of respondents (55%) believe that Ukraine should make no concessions to Russia. By nationality, Estonians are clearly opposed to concessions: 82% disagree (11% agree) with the statement that Ukraine should cede to Russia all territories currently under Russian control; 71% also oppose ceding Crimea (20% agree). Among Russian respondents, 40% support ceding territories under Russian control (30% oppose and 30% do not know), and 53% support ceding Crimea, while only 13% support “no concessions at all” and 60% are opposed.
Support for Ukraine remains stable. Most respondents believe Estonia should continue supporting Ukraine, either as an international advocate (23%), at the same level as most NATO and EU countries (33%), or primarily through humanitarian assistance (27%). Only 13% believe Estonia should not support Ukraine. Possible arguments for reducing support are seen mainly in economic terms rather than yielding to pressure from foreign countries. However, 48% of respondents believe Ukraine should be supported in any case.
Ukraine’s accession to the European Union is supported by 59% of respondents, and accession to NATO by 51%. Regarding sanctions policy against Russia, 29% support remaining within the framework agreed in the EU, while 27% support taking additional steps together with other border states. Sending Estonian troops to Ukraine after the end of the war is supported by 42% of respondents.
Although creating opportunities for Estonian businesses in foreign markets is considered one of the most important directions of foreign policy, values-based attitudes regarding the principles of foreign cooperation are evenly split. 38% of respondents consider adherence to core values the top priority and believe the state should not promote cooperation with authoritarian countries or countries with different values even if they do not pose a direct security threat. At the same time, 38% of respondents favour cooperation with all countries for the sake of economic growth, provided no security risk is perceived.
On the Israel–Palestine conflict, half of respondents (50%) were unable to take a position. 18% felt Estonia’s policy is balanced, 25% thought it is too pro-Israel, and 7% too pro-Palestinian.
The survey also covered diaspora policy, i.e., issues related to Estonians living abroad. 62% of respondents agree that strengthening ties between Estonians living abroad and Estonia contributes to Estonia’s security, strengthens a positive international image, and supports economic development. The most frequently highlighted elements of the diaspora policy include preserving and promoting the Estonian language and culture globally (57%), strengthening the Estonian identity and ties to the country of origin among Estonians living abroad (50%), promoting an economic cooperation network with the help of the diaspora (43%), and increasing Estonia’s positive reputation and visibility (42%).
When shaping positions in the event of disagreements between the European Union and the United States, respondents considered a pragmatic approach the most suitable for Estonia: 56% believe Estonia should shape its position according to the circumstances and seek compromise. The second most preferred option emphasises solidarity as a member state of the European Union (27%).
In development cooperation, preferences regarding target regions are primarily centred around a flexible approach. The most common choice is that Estonia should focus on both nearby and more distant regions depending on cooperation opportunities (35%). Respondents consider economic cooperation and creating opportunities for Estonian businesses in foreign markets to be the most important aspect of supporting poorer countries (34%). This is followed by reducing poverty (14%) and strengthening democracy and civil society in partner countries.
The survey was commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and conducted by the polling company Saar Poll.
