Dear friends and compatriots,
This summer, Tallinn hosted the Song Festival (Laulupidu) and Dance Festival (Tantsupidu), one of the most cherished and unifying traditions of the Estonian people. Every five years, tens of thousands of singers, dancers, and musicians gather in the capital, while hundreds of thousands more fill the grounds and stands to celebrate our living culture. It is not only a cultural event, but also a profound expression of national identity, community, and continuity across generations. This year’s festival was no exception, having brought united sense of pride and national belonging.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all who made the festival possible, and especially to those who came from far away. Among them were Estonian collectives from Australia, who carried their music and dance across the globe to stand shoulder to shoulder with their compatriots in Tallinn. Their participation was a powerful reminder that Estonian culture is alive and thriving not only at home, but also in diaspora communities across the world.
This connection through culture matters deeply, as it reminds us of who we are, and why we stand together.
Yet alongside these uplifting cultural moments, Estonia has also faced renewed security challenges. Just recently, Russian military aircraft violated Estonia’s airspace, which was a provocative and dangerous act that we cannot ignore.
It does not matter whether this incident was deliberate or accidental. Frankly, that is beside the point. What matters is the wider context: Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. For Estonia, and for NATO as a whole, the task is clear: to ensure that such violations carry sufficiently serious consequences, so that they are not repeated.
The airspace violation itself is only a side note to the larger tragedy taking place in Ukraine. Yet it reflects the same pattern: blatant disregard for the most fundamental principles of international law, trampling upon rules that safeguard the international order. Together with our allies, we have incontrovertible evidence of the violation. Russia’s aircraft were in NATO airspace, and that fact cannot be erased. One affront is the incursion itself; another is Moscow’s public denial in the face of clear evidence.
NATO is fully prepared for such incidents. Every step is rehearsed and procedures are followed precisely, right up to the possibility of using force if necessary. Let me assure you: there was no hesitation, no confusion. NATO forces exist to defend the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of every member state. The question is not whether we are capable, but how and when that force is to be applied. What matters above all is deterrence: making it absolutely clear that these red lines are not to be crossed.
But we must also remember: Russia’s strategy is not only military. One of its key goals is to throw the West off course; to intimidate us, divide us, and confuse us so that we weaken our support for Ukraine. Estonia’s course remains firm: we will continue to raise the cost of aggression and to support Ukraine. Those two pillars are, in our view, the only path to a just peace.
In Europe, discussions are now under way on the 19th sanctions package on Russia. Our position is straightforward: the measures must be serious and painful, especially in energy and banking. Equally important is to close the loopholes that allow Russia to evade existing sanctions. Consultations with other EU member states and the European Commission show that Estonia’s view is widely shared. Timing matters: the package must be agreed without delay.
And let us be clear, we will not be satisfied until Russia ends its aggression. If the 19th package does not achieve that, we will move straight to the 20th. There is still scope to tighten the screws further.
Returning to everyday matters, this autumn will be a particularly active period for Estonian visits to Australia and New Zealand.
In October, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament will travel to the region; importantly, the delegation will also meet with our diaspora community in Sydney. In November, the Minister of Education and Science will visit Melbourne, with opportunities to meet our compatriots there. In early December, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will be in Sydney, and we very much hope he may be able to extend his stay to join our community for a Christmas lunch, a warm way to close a year of active engagement.
At the same time, we are strengthening our consular network: the regional Honorary Consul Conference will be hosted this year in Sydney by the Embassy together with Honorary Consul Sulev Kalamäe. Consular missions have already taken place in Adelaide in August and Melbourne in early October, with another planned in Perth this December.
These visits and consular activities are not only about politics and diplomacy – they are about people. They give us a chance to meet with you, our Estonian community, to hear your thoughts, share our culture, and provide consular services closer to where you live.
We look forward to meeting many of you during these events and continuing to strengthen the bridge between Estonia and our communities in this part of the world.
With best wishes,
Jaan Reinhold
Ambassador of Estonia to Australia
