EU (and NATO) enlargement has been the West’s most successful strategic tool of the past three decades. It transformed history and made Europe safer.
Without the enlargement that began in the 1990s, Central and Eastern Europe would likely have been consumed by instability and conflict. Grey zones do not remain grey for long. The prospect of membership helped fill them with democracy, prosperity, and the rule of law instead.
In doing so, enlargement strengthened not only those who joined, but Europe as a whole. The success of the “new” members became the success of the “old” ones too.
That is why Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans matter. They offer a chance to continue one of Europe’s greatest success stories. Enlargement must remain merit-based—but it must also move fast enough to sustain hope and momentum. Leave countries in the waiting room for too long, and you risk creating the very grey zones enlargement was meant to eliminate.
I received a call today from the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, in the aftermath of the Russian drone incident that struck a building in Galați. I deeply appreciate the solidarity shown by our ally Estonia. President Karis also expressed his gratitude for the recent downing, in Estonia, of a drone by a Romanian pilot. As both our countries are directly exposed to threats generated by Russia's war against Ukraine, we have agreed to work closely together on drone defence projects, including within the EU and NATO frameworks. We also discussed the EU enlargement process, which both of us regard as strategically important. Romania will continue to strengthen its military capabilities to ensure a robust defence and deterrence posture on the Eastern Flank.
I condemn Russia’s drone attack on a residential building in Galați, #Romania. Russia’s escalation of its brutal war is unacceptable.
My thoughts are with those injured, and I wish them a quick recovery.
#Estonia stands firmly with Romania and the defence of every Ally.
Russia may be weakening on the battlefield in Ukraine, but it continues pursuing its goals through brutal drone and missile attacks. Putin’s growing nervousness over these failures increases the risk of dangerous incidents.
Last night’s drone strike on a residential building in Romania is a stark reminder that Russia’s aggression extends beyond Ukraine and directly threatens NATO allies.
Estonia is coordinating closely with Romania and allies. NATO’s deterrence and defense posture, especially air defense, must be strengthened.
We must continue supporting Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia to end this war, including through a strong 21st EU sanctions package with a full ban on maritime services.
Russia’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric toward the Baltic states is a sign of deepening desperation. Unable to defend critical infrastructure deep inside its own territory from Ukrainian strikes, Moscow is now trying to raise tensions elsewhere in the hope that the West itself would pressure Ukraine into stopping attacks that work.
We will not fall for it.
Happy Europe Day 🇪🇺
Europe is freedom - to move, to learn, to build a future without borders.
Estonia has grown with Europe and helped shape it, from digital innovation to standing firm for Ukraine.
There’s something special about being in Chișinău on the eve of Europe Day. Because Moldova is part of Europe’s future.
While Russia’s hybrid attacks continue, together we can push back against those trying to undermine Moldova’s European path.
Support matters, so I propose to Member States to double European Peace Facility funding for Moldova to €120 million to enhance its defence capabilities.
My press remarks with President @sandumaiamd ↓
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Estonia stands firmly with Moldova on its path to the EU and stronger security. Political consultations in Chișinău reaffirm our close cooperation and shared commitment to a safer, more united European future.
Estonia’s path to NATO membership took time and determination—but 22 years ago today, we made it happen.
Since then, we have consistently demonstrated our commitment, standing shoulder to shoulder with our Allies in missions and backing our words with real investment in defence.
Every day, we work to strengthen transatlantic ties and reinforce the Alliance’s deterrence and defence, ensuring security and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.
Did you know that Estonia 🇪🇪 has honorary consuls in 93 countries?
Yesterday, we expanded that network even further by opening a new consulate in Sofia 🇧🇬.
Our honorary consuls are Estonia’s eyes and ears around the world. They help strengthen business and cultural ties, support our citizens abroad, and share Estonia’s story globally.
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Ambassador Kotli hosted a Nordic-Baltic Ambassadors’ lunch to which Mr. Radu-Dinel Miruță, 🇷🇴 Minister of Defence and General Iancu attended as guests of honor. In 2026 🇪🇪 presides the Nordic-Baltic countries cooperation format NB8.
Today marks 1⃣0⃣5⃣ years since Romania granted 𝑑𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑟𝑒 recognition to the Republic of Estonia, laying the foundation for official diplomatic relations.
Over the past 105 years, Estonia and Romania have developed close and trusted relations grounded in mutual respect, shared European values, and a strong partnership. We actively cooperate in the European Union and NATO and look confidently to a future where cooperation between the two countries in the fields of defense, business, digitalization, and culture will continue to grow.
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Today I met with my good colleague, Moldova’s 🇲🇩 Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, @cgherasimov.
We had a productive discussion on Moldova’s progress on its path toward the EU and how we can further deepen our cooperation in countering Russia’s hybrid activities.
EU enlargement remains one of the Union’s greatest strategic assets. It strengthens our security, reinforces stability, and enhances our competitiveness.
I reiterated that both Moldova 🇲🇩 and Ukraine 🇺🇦 belong in the EU. Moldova continues to be a trusted and valued partner, and 🇪🇪 stands ready to share its experience and support throughout the reform process.
Our ties 🇪🇪🇲🇩 will grow even stronger this summer as we prepare to open an Estonian embassy in Chișinău.
106 years ago today, the Tartu Peace Treaty became Estonia’s birth certificate, ending a war of aggression and anchoring our sovereignty in international law.
It showed that even a small nation, united and backed by allies, can force an imperial power to compromise.
True peace is built on strength, justice, and security. never on capitulation.
On Ukraine’s Day of Unity, we stand with a nation united by courage, resilience, and hope.
Dear friends in Ukraine, your strength and resolve inspire us all.
Estonia stands with Ukraine today, tomorrow, for as long as it takes.
A special screening of the documentary After the Rain: Putin’s Stolen Children Come Home (2024) by Sarah McCarthy took place at Cinema Elvire Popesco in Bucharest.
#BringKidsBackUA#aftertherainfilm
From the Baltic to the Black Sea, and from countering hybrid threats to advancing EU enlargement, we reviewed key security priorities with my Romanian colleague, @oana_toiu.
We also discussed introducing a unified ban on issuing Schengen visas and residence permits to Russian citizens who have taken up arms against Ukraine.
Estonia 🇪🇪 is honored to assume the Presidency of the @UNICEF Executive Board in 2026 from TJ 🇹🇯. Our focus: advancing children’s rights & promoting innovation in education, including the responsible use of digital solutions & AI, to improve opportunities for children worldwide.
Estonia creates a regional cyber training hub in Moldova 🇪🇺 🇪🇪 🇲🇩
In November, we launched a joint EU-Estonia initiative with a bold goal to turn #Moldova into a #cybersecurity and #AI training hub for the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine 🌐
💻 Over the next two years, experts from @TallinnTech and #ESTDEV will train 100 cybersecurity specialists, students and public institutions to apply AI-driven defence tools in real incidents.
🤝 Together we're creating a stronger, smarter, and safer digital Europe.
👉 More: https://t.co/PK9SGBPmkM
Video and story by @journobirds
#FromThePeopleOfEstonia #2025inreview @CyberTaltech