European Union & Estonian Security Policy

Estonia has been a member of the European Union since 2004. A strong, united and internationally influential Europe is in Estonia’s best interest. One of the most important and visible components of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) is the European Union’s Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). The goal of this policy is to enhance security, maintain lasting peace, promote international co-operation and democracy, and help to prevent and resolve crises. The EU’s ability to combat international security risks has increased in the past few years and its activities have clearly become more efficient. After the implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon, the ESDP will become even more effective.

Estonia has set a goal of actively contributing to the promotion of democratic values and human rights and to the creation of economic stability. Estonia is interested in the EU’s active role within its neighbourhood and supports the strengthening of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and took part in working out an action plan to achieve this goal. Estonia has increased and will continue to increase its presence in many ENP nations by carrying out numerous development co-operation projects, particularly in Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova.

Estonia’s participation in European Union missions and operations

Estonia contributes to the development of the European Union’s military and civil crisis command capabilities. Estonian police officers, border patrol guards, customs officials and other experts of civil matters will continue their activities within the framework of EU missions in the western Balkans, Georgia, and Afghanistan.

Afghanistan (EUPOL Afghanistan) – developing the interior security sector is one of the most important priorities when it come to stabilising Afghanistan, but the complicated security situation presents a serious challenge to the European Union. The mission deals with building up the police system in Afghanistan, and in 2010 there are three Estonian experts involved in this project.

Kosovo (EULEX Kosovo) – this civil mission covers the supervising and monitoring of the legal system, police, customs, border patrol and corrections facilities. Estonia has dispatched six experts to participate in this mission.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUPM) – The first ESDP civil mission, which has been active since 2003. Its primary goal is to provide aid and consultation for the implementation of police reforms. One police officer from Estonia is participating in the mission.

Georgia (EUMM Georgia) – Two Estonian experts are working with the observation mission that was sent to Georgia to observe and monitor the fulfilment of the peace plan created after the conflict in Georgia in August of 2008.

Iraq (EUJUST LEX) – the goal of the mission is to offer training for Iraq’s corrections and legal system officials. The mission is primarily being carried out in the form of courses and practicum that member states arrange in their own countries. In 2009 Estonia organised training for 2 Iraqi prison officials in Estonian prisons.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR ALTHEA) – The primary purpose of the European Union operation ALTHEA is to ensure the fulfilment of the conditions of the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement and to create a safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Estonia is contributing two staff officers to the operation.

Estonia contributes to the European Union battle groups through the Nordic Battle Group (NBG). The next period of battle-readiness for the NBG will be in the first half of 2011. Estonia currently does not have any personnel participating in the European Union’s missions in Africa.