Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the Opinion Festival has become an important platform where the public can engage in meaningful discussions about Estonia’s future, including foreign policy and security.
“Estonia’s security begins with our ability to stand up for international law, democracy and human rights. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has shown that defending the rules-based international order is not merely a matter of values, but is directly linked to our own security. It is equally important to strengthen society’s resilience against disinformation, which seeks to undermine trust in democratic institutions. The Opinion Festival offers an opportunity to discuss these issues, which are so important for Estonia, openly with experts and the public,” Tsahkna said.
Foreign policy discussions will begin at the Opinion Festival on 7 August with “A Larger Europe, a Stronger Europe?”, a discussion organised jointly with the European Commission Representation in Estonia at the Festival Club. The panel will examine EU enlargement in the context of the changing security environment. Klen Jäärats, Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ European Department, will join other experts to discuss the impact of EU enlargement on Europe's security, competitiveness and future.
On 8 August, the programme at the Foreign Policy Area (Area 36) will continue with four discussions covering different aspects of Estonia’s foreign policy.
The day will begin with “Stranded in the Middle East: How We Brought Our People Home”, where experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will discuss assisting Estonian citizens in crisis regions, as well as crisis diplomacy and the organisation of consular assistance. The discussion will also focus on what people should know before travelling to high-risk areas and how to prepare for potential crises.
This will be followed by “How Can We Truly Hold an Aggressor Accountable? International Accountability in the Case of Ukraine”, which will examine the tools available under international law to hold Russia accountable for the crime of aggression and other serious violations of international law. Topics will include the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression, compensation mechanisms, the International Criminal Court and the use of Russia’s frozen assets.
In the afternoon, the English-language discussion “Bridge to South America: Brazil’s Role and Estonia’s Opportunities” will explore the development of Estonian-Brazilian relations and the opportunities created by the reopening of Estonia's embassy for advancing security, economic and scientific cooperation.
The day will conclude with “Human Rights Are Not a Luxury: How Do They Prevent Crises and Wars?”, examining the role of human rights in strengthening security and discussing how disinformation and the dissemination of reliable information affect the resilience of democratic societies.
Throughout the day, visitors to the Foreign Policy Area can get useful advice from the Travel Smart information desk, which will provide practical tips on safe travel and information about consular assistance.
Foreign Policy Area (No. 36) programme on 8 August
12.00–13.30 – Stranded in the Middle East: How We Brought Our People Home
14.00–15.30 – How Can We Truly Hold an Aggressor Accountable? International Accountability in the Case of Ukraine
16.00–17.30 – Bridge to South America: Brazil’s Role and Estonia’s Opportunities
18.00–19.30 – Human Rights Are Not a Luxury: How Do They Prevent Crises and Wars?
View the Opinion Festival programme: https://arvamusfestival.ee/kava2026/
Come along to listen, join the discussion and make sense of the world!
