Estonia outlines ambitious agenda as Nordic-Baltic Eight chair - EXCLUSIVE
Estonia has outlined an ambitious agenda for its chairmanship of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8), focusing on strengthening regional cooperation, increasing the group's international influence, and maintaining strong support for Ukraine.
This was said by the source in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, in an exclusive interview with CE Report.
According to the ministry, Estonia aims to use the NB8 as the primary platform for international political coordination among leaders, ministers, senior officials, and diplomats, including on issues related to Ukraine. The country also seeks to enhance the international visibility of the NB8 and deepen strategic integration across the Nordic-Baltic region.
The ministry highlighted that the NB8 countries are a group of like-minded partners that together form the world's 10th-largest economy, giving the bloc greater visibility and influence when acting collectively.
A key priority of Estonia's chairmanship is ensuring continued support for Ukraine and preserving the region's leading role in increasing pressure on Russia. Estonia reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on international law and the UN Charter, while fully respecting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The ministry stressed that efforts will continue to place Ukraine in the strongest possible position to secure such an outcome. At the same time, the NB8 countries will work to increase pressure on Russia through political and economic sanctions, as well as continued international isolation, in order to encourage Moscow to agree to a full, unconditional, and immediate ceasefire and engage in meaningful negotiations.
As some of the largest providers of military assistance to Ukraine, the NB8 countries remain committed to long-term support and continue to encourage other partners to do the same. Estonia also reiterated its support for Ukraine's rapid accession to the European Union, including the opening of all negotiation clusters as soon as possible.
"The future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union," the ministry stated, adding that EU membership would serve as an important security guarantee for both Ukraine and Europe.
Beyond military and political support, Estonia pledged to continue cooperation with Ukraine in the fields of security, defence, and economic development, while also contributing to the country's long-term reconstruction efforts. In this context, Estonia will host the Ukraine Recovery Conference in 2027.
The ministry further underlined its determination to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities in line with the country's needs, with particular emphasis on air defence, maritime security, drones and autonomous systems, sustainment, and logistics support.
Through its NB8 chairmanship, Estonia seeks to reinforce regional unity and ensure that support for Ukraine remains a central priority on the international agenda.
Photo: Chat GPT
This interview was prepared by Laura Hoffman
