According to estimates, there are up to 200 000 people of Estonian origin worldwide – a substantial number considering the population of Estonia. Studies show that nearly 80% Estonians living abroad want to stay informed about life in Estonia and contribute to the development of the Estonian society and promoting Estonia worldwide. From March 2021, the domain of the global Estonian diaspora is coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant ministries, partner agencies and Estonian organisations across the world help implement various activities.
WHAT IS OUR OBJECTIVE?
- To make sure people living abroad maintain their Estonian identity, feel supported by our state and participate in Estonia’s public and cultural life as actively as possible.
- To make sure that the people who support and cherish Estonia can and want to take part in shaping a positive image of Estonia across the world, presenting its culture, and advancing its economy and international relations.
- To make moving to Estonia as convenient and smooth as possible for people of Estonian origin who wish to do so.
- To make sure that Estonia’s embassies can stay in touch with Estonians abroad in a more knowledgeable and systematic way and improve the provision of consular services.
“Estonia extends beyond its geographical size! The global Estonian diaspora brings together Estonians, people of Estonian origin living abroad and friends of Estonia.”
"An independent country is a constant process of creation where we are ALL equal participants.”
Lennart Meri
USEFUL INFORMATION
HAVE A LOOK
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS
- Estonian Diaspora Action Plan 2022-2025 (259.27 KB, PDF)
- Estonia’s Foreign Policy Strategy 2030 (PDF)
- Cohesive Estonia Strategy 2021-2030
- Estonian Language Strategy 2021-2035
- Cohesive Society: 2021 Performance Report (PDF)
- Between 2004 and 2020, the state supported activities aimed at the Estonian diaspora under the Compatriots Programme
CONTACTS
