Estonian foreign policy decisions and public opinion Hannes Rumm, MP, social democrat

Estonian foreign policy has been driven by: Public opinion’s limited interest to foreign policy for historical reasons. Public interest has been and will be in a foreseeable future very much focused only on Russia. Dominating are very selfish attitudes: have we been noticed? Has our opinion been supported by other players? Unfortunately EU and NATO membership has not changed these attitudes.

Framework for politicians -No anti-American pressure -Very active and partly even aggressive Russian politics -Mostly Russian-focused agenda at EU and NATO -Very specific biletaral relations with Georgia -Lack of public pressure concerning “marginalised” questions (as international aid).

Thank you! Hannes Rumm,