Survey: Estonians prefer compromise in case of US-EU disagreements
A survey commissioned by Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows that 53% of residents believe Estonia should take a situational, compromise-seeking position if the US and EU disagree.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published the results of its third public opinion survey on foreign policy issues. According to the findings, a majority of residents view solidarity with the European Union as more appropriate than maintaining a strong alliance with the United States. Specifically, 53% of respondents said that in the event of disagreements between Washington and Brussels, Estonia should form its position based on the situation and strive for compromise.
The survey identified three nearly equally important foreign policy directions: strengthening regional cooperation with Nordic and Baltic countries (37%), strengthening NATO's collective defense (36%), and creating opportunities for Estonian companies in foreign markets (36%). Support for Ukraine followed at 22%, while promoting values such as human rights, democracy, and freedom of speech was cited by 21%.
Opinions differ significantly by ethnicity. For ethnic Estonians, NATO collective defense and regional cooperation are the top priorities, while Russian-speaking residents place greater importance on supporting companies in foreign markets and improving relations with Russia. The youngest age group (15–29) showed above-average support for Estonia's foreign policy directions.
When asked about strengthening Estonia's international image, respondents highlighted digital technology and cyber capabilities (43%), security and defense cooperation (33%), education and e-education (30%), and protection of human rights and freedoms (28%).
Support for sanctions against Russia remains high, with 71% of all residents backing them, including 83% of ethnic Estonians and 40% of Russian-speaking residents. Nearly half of respondents endorse the principle that Estonia should not encourage cooperation with authoritarian states. Regarding a potential peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, 74% of ethnic Estonians believe Ukraine should make no concessions, while 61% of Russian-speaking residents think Kyiv should yield. Estonia's support for Ukraine's EU membership stands at 60%, and at 54% for NATO membership.
Just over half of residents support sending Estonian troops to Ukraine, but only after the war ends and within a peacekeeping mission. Most people consider Estonia's current support to Ukraine sufficient, although personal readiness to participate in Ukraine's reconstruction has declined.
On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, half of respondents still lack a clear opinion, but this share has decreased. Meanwhile, 29% of residents, most often young people, believe Estonia's policy is too pro-Israel. China is more often seen as a partner than a threat, yet support for banning Chinese technology in internal security, defense industry, and green technology rose from 34% in 2025 to 38% in 2026. On Taiwan, most respondents prefer avoiding political relations or aligning with the majority view of EU member states.
The survey was conducted by Turu-uuringute AS on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
