Norwegian foreign minister Espen Barth Eide and
Estonian foreign minister Margus Tsahkna.
Photo: Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
On 29 April, Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna met in Tallinn with Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide to discuss security and resilience in the Baltic Sea region, continued support for Ukraine, increasing pressure on Russia, and issues related to NATO and transatlantic security.
During the meeting, the ministers emphasised the importance of close Estonian–Norwegian cooperation in a rapidly changing security environment and reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening regional and Euro-Atlantic security. On supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia, Minister Tsahkna stressed the need to maintain and intensify sanctions pressure, including moving towards a full ban on maritime services and introducing additional measures against Russia’s shadow fleet and energy companies. “Work on the 21st sanctions package is under way, and support for Ukraine must continue firmly and over the long term,” Tsahkna confirmed.
They also discussed the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Estonia in 2027 (URC27), with Tsahkna highlighting the importance of active participation and contributions from the Nordic-Baltic (NB8) countries. “Estonia looks forward to close cooperation with partners in preparing the conference and supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction,” he said.
The ministers also addressed the importance of NB8 cooperation for the region. “Next year, Estonia will hand over the presidency to Norway, and I am confident that under Norway’s leadership we will continue to strengthen our region’s security, resilience and ambition.” In the evening, the ministers will travel together to Kuressaare for the NB8 meeting of foreign ministers.