Läänemets: Estonia must be among the shapers of European foreign policy
Estonian politician Lauri Läänemets argues that Estonia should do more to influence decisions on European security and Ukraine's future. He criticizes Prime Minister Kristen Michal for a passive approach abroad.
Estonia must work harder to influence decisions on European security and Ukraine's future, rather than risk having its fate decided by others, writes Lauri Läänemets in an opinion piece for ERR News. The text is the author's opinion, and the assessments below are his.
Talks near Miami
Läänemets recalls that on October 9, U.S. presidential special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, senior Ukrainian security officials and national security advisers from France, Germany and the United Kingdom met at a golf club near Miami. Representatives of the European Commission and NATO also attended. Over six hours they discussed how to end the war, what security guarantees Ukraine should get and what the post-war security architecture should look like. At the same time, President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Vladimir Putin, after which he announced that Russia could resume selling large quantities of diesel on the global market and that he was willing to ease sanctions on Russian fuel.
The author sees a real danger that a deal could be struck without Estonia. In his view, Putin's goals have not changed: he wants a Europe in which great powers decide the fate of individual countries, and subjugating Ukraine would be only a step toward that.
Criticism of the government and opposition
Läänemets argues that under Kaja Kallas as prime minister, Estonia carried more influence than its population or economy would suggest. He criticizes the current prime minister, Kristen Michal, saying he reads out official talking points at European Council meetings and lacks personal ties with European leaders. The author also says Estonia's efforts to organize military aid to Ukraine have been overshadowed by confusion, scandals and questions about transparency.
In his view, neither the Center Party nor Isamaa has a plan to increase Estonia's influence. He cites Mihhail Kõlvart as having said that America will decide Ukraine's future.
Läänemets calls on small and medium-sized European countries to cooperate more closely, forge new alliances and send representatives with the knowledge and international networks needed to shape discussions.
