A Fond Farewell

After six years as the Estonian American National Council’s first Washington, DC Director, it is time for me to move on to other opportunities.  I have very much valued my time and work with EANC.  I learned a great deal about the Estonian American community and organizations, Estonian and Baltic security cooperation with the U.S., U.S. security policy and the legislative process, and Washington’s foreign policy and advocacy circles.

My goal in this position was mainly twofold: to raise the profile of Estonian Americans and the community’s interests among policymakers and associated influencers in DC; and to keep the Estonian community throughout the U.S. informed regarding EANC’s work in DC – including relevant legislation, issues, and events – in order to raise awareness, encourage interest, and facilitate grassroots participation in calling for policy that ensures a robust security relationship between the U.S. and Estonia.  I hope I was successful in prompting at least a few previously non-politically active Esto Americans to make contact with their Members of Congress.

Of course, the most meaningful part of the job was the friendships and connections forged with the people I worked with and who mentored and supported me as I was learning the ropes.  My deepest thanks and appreciation go to:

• The EANC board and council.
• The Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) team and the many interns that passed through its offices.
• The Embassy of Estonia.
• My colleagues at the Central and East European Coalition.
• The many staffers on Capitol Hill who understand and support Baltic security, most notably those in the offices of the House Baltic Caucus and Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus co-chairs.
• The Baltic team at the Department of State.
• The think tank community, including the Atlantic Council, Center for European Policy and Analysis, Center for a New American Security, Brookings, American Enterprise Institute, and others who continue to consult with and host Estonian officials to speak as experts on the Kremlin and the threats its aggressive agenda poses to transatlantic security and beyond.
• And of course, the readers of this column.

All of my articles will remain available on the EANC website – www.estosite.org – under Washington Update and at eancdc.wordpress.com.

I will always truly cherish and remain grateful for my time in this unique position.   

Karin Shuey

Former EANC Washington DC, Director

Baltic Advocacy Days Recap

The Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) held its 5th Baltic Advocacy Days starting on May 2.  Over fifty meetings were held with constituents and Congressional staffers from 25 states and Washington, DC, with three Members of Congress joining in on the discussions.  Discussions took place with more than 30 Senate and close to 20 House offices. With a total registration of over 130 Baltic American constituents and friends, the event had a record 90% participation rate.  A few meetings are still in coordination through the end of May. Estonian American National Council (EANC) Washington, DC Director Karin Shuey was a key player in organizing and conducting the meetings, as was EANC Vice President Mai-Liis Bartling in taking the lead for meetings in California.

California constituents meeting with Senator Feinstein’s staff

The event’s main talking points focused on support for Ukraine, strengthening Baltic security, and energy security and economic development.  Quick passage of the $33 billion aid package for Ukraine announced by President Biden the week before the event topped the list of Ukraine issues. Other Ukraine-related legislation included the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022; the Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act, which would allow the president to seize assets of foreign individuals whose wealth can be connected with Putin’s corrupt regime; and a House bill directing the president to submit to Congress a report on government efforts to collect evidence related to war crimes committed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Baltic security talking points were led off by the Baltic Defense and Deterrence Act (BDDA).  This is the main defense and economic aid package that JBANC and EANC will advocate for this year.  The BDDA would codify the Baltic Security Initiative into law, providing $250 million per fiscal year 2023-2027 to strengthen the Baltics’ reconnaissance, air defense, and domain awareness. The bill would also provide $60 million per fiscal year 2023-2027 to support the Baltic Security and Economic Enhancement Initiative. This would help mitigate pressure from Russia and China, encourage foreign investment, and bolster Baltic energy security needs. The Senate bill was introduced by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), co-chairs of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus. The House bill was introduced by Representatives Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Don Bacon (R-NE), co-chairs of the House Baltic Caucus.

Support for the Senate bill requiring the secretary of defense to replace equipment provided to Ukraine by certain NATO members was another important discussion topic. Estonia leads the world in contributions to Ukraine by gross domestic product (see graphic) and has depleted its defensive capabilities as a result. This bill would help the Baltic nations and others build back their stocks and prepare in case the war expands.  It was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Grassley and Durbin. A permanent presence of U.S. troops in the region remains another top request for Baltic security.  While the current rotational forces send a message of U.S. support, they are not enough to provide a credible deterrent should the Kremlin consider encroaching on NATO territory there.

Under the energy security and economic development topic, participants called for support for the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), a project among 12 European Union nations in Central and Eastern Europe to strengthen infrastructure, including digital interconnectivity. 3SI benefits the United States by expanding markets for U.S. products, providing investment possibilities for U.S. businesses, and keeping destructive Russian and Chinese elements at bay. Participants also highlighted the Transatlantic Telecommunications Security Act, which would support funding mechanisms for cross-border and 5G-infrastructure development.  This bill has passed in the House and is currently in process in the Senate.

While it is difficult to determine the actual impact of our meetings, especially so soon after the main event and while meetings are still taking place, there are a few indications that the offices prioritized the issues discussed during the course of advocacy week.  One Representative that took part in her district’s meeting, Congresswoman Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), pledged to join the House Baltic Caucus as a result of the meeting with her constituents, including Honorary Consul of Estonia Siim Sööt and Ms. Gilda Karu. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) signed on as a co-sponsor to three bills as of May 11 – BDDA, TTSA, and the equipment replacement bill.  The Lend-Lease Act was signed into law during the event, at least one Representative cosponsored the BDDA in the House after meeting with constituents, and the recent aid package for Ukraine passed its May 10 House vote with 368 yeas and 57 nays.

Historically, JBANC’s advocacy events have been held in person every two years in conjunction with its biennial conferences.  The last two events have been adapted to virtual platforms in light of COVID restrictions.  JBANC has learned through this experience that virtual events have actually attracted more participants.  As COVID restrictions ease, organizers will have to weigh the benefits of higher numbers against the value of in-person meetings. Baltic Americans and friends are encouraged to call their elected officials at any time to ask for support of the legislation highlighted above.

Record Registrations for Baltic Advocacy Event

The Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) is holding its Baltic Advocacy Days the first week of May this year.  This is the second time the event will be held entirely virtually.  While average turnout in previous years, for both virtual and in-person events, has been around 50-60 participants, this year’s event has drawn a record 130 Baltic Americans and friends of the Baltic nations to register.

Group photo from JBANC’s last in-person advocacy days in 2019

A total of 27 states are represented in the participant list.  States with the most constituents taking part are Illinois and Virginia with sixteen, California with fourteen, Massachusetts with nine, and Maryland with eight.  The JBANC organizing team, including Estonian American National Council (EANC) Washington, DC Director Karin Shuey, is now leading the coordination of constituent meetings with 54 Senate and 39 House offices for the week of May 2-6.  The team will also provide reference materials, meeting scripts, and pre-event training to identify the key Baltic security priorities the meetings will address, and to ensure all participants are comfortable talking about the issues.  Much of this information will be also available for reference on the JBANC and EANC websites to anyone wanting to contact their legislators, but not able to take part in the advocacy event.

EANC and JBANC are thrilled with the turnout for this year’s event and thankful to all who signed up.  One could speculate that the war in Ukraine has been a major influence on Baltic Americans who want to ensure U.S. support for Baltic security.  Many Estonian officials have made statements in the last several weeks indicating that while Estonia has never been better protected than it is now with NATO’s security assurances and troops on the ground, it is still not enough to definitively deter the Kremlin’s aggressive agenda, and more support is needed.  This advocacy event is among the most effective means for citizens who care about the security of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to make their concerns known.  Those taking part will potentially have a big impact on influencing legislation to bolster U.S. support to the region.

EANC and JBANC look forward to a successful event and will publish results and news from the meetings in early May.  Please check back then.

New Baltic Security Bill

On March 29, Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus (SFBC) co-chairs Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Baltic Defense and Deterrence Act, a bipartisan bill that will build on the $180 million appropriated in the fiscal year 2022 defense budget for the Baltic Security Initiative.  House Baltic Caucus (HBC) co-chairs Congressmen Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

The bills propose the authorization of $250 million annually for fiscal years 2023 through 2027 to “enhance and strengthen U.S. security and economic cooperation with the Baltics amid Russia’s continued aggression toward the Baltics and heightened tensions with China,” according to the press release from Senator Durbin’s office.  Specific long-term regional capability projects include integrated air and missile defense, maritime domain awareness, land forces and special operations forces development, and improving the Baltic nations’ cyber and hybrid threat defenses and resilience. 

The bills also introduce the Baltic Security and Economic Enhancement Initiative, which provides for $60 million per year over the same five-year period for the purpose of increasing security and economic ties with the Baltic countries. This part of the legislation has goals that include mitigating the impact on the Baltic countries of economic coercion by Russian and China; identifying new opportunities for foreign direct investment and United States business ties; and bolstering United States support for the economic and energy security needs of the Baltic countries.

Support for the bills will be a main focus of the upcoming Baltic Advocacy Days, scheduled for May 2-6, and organized by the Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC).  Participants will discuss virtually with Congressional offices the key security issues impacting Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.  More information and the registration link are available at jbanc.org.  All Baltic Americans and friends of the Baltic nations are invited to take part. Registration is open until April 13. 

The Senators and Congressmen were quoted expressing their support for the bills and Baltic security.

Senator Durbin:

Not only do I have strong personal ties to the region, but the Baltic countries are essential NATO partners in upholding democratic values abroad.  Our bill deters Russia from extending Putin’s war into NATO territory, strengthens our partnerships with the Baltics, and enhances their capabilities as critical allies on NATO’s eastern flank. I remain steadfast in my support for the Baltic States as they work to combat Russian aggression as well as Chinese economic pressure.

Senator Grassley:

The three Baltic countries have been model NATO allies, contributing above two percent of GDP on defense, fighting alongside American soldiers in various missions and providing invaluable expertise in cyber defense, strategic communications and energy security. The Baltics have been warning about the nature of the Putin regime for years and were among the first to provide critical lethal military aid to Ukraine. It is past time to close strategic gaps in NATO’s most exposed flank. Ukraine’s experience shows that Vladimir Putin does not respond to warnings or signals, so deterrence requires a robust defensive military capability in place.

Congressman Gallego:

With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Putin has shown his blatant disregard for democracy. That is why it is more important than ever to shore up a strong level of support for our Baltic allies in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. The $180 million secured for the Baltic Security Initiative in this year’s omnibus spending bill is a tangible example of U.S. support, and the Baltic Defense and Deterrence Act is a meaningful next step demonstrating our continued and steadfast commitment to our Baltic allies.

Congressman Bacon:

The tragic events of the last month have taught us once again that freedom must be defended from tyranny. We are now watching in real-time the incalculable human cost when deterrence fails. The geography and history of the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have made them a tempting target for Putin’s aggression since the end of the Cold War. This legislation builds on the foundation of enhanced security in the Baltics that Congress has worked to establish over the last several years. Freedom must be preserved, and the Baltic Defense and Deterrence Act demonstrates America’s commitment to our most vulnerable allies.

Senator Durbin’s full press release and his remarks on the Senate floor regarding the bill are available at www.durbin.senate.gov under Newsroom/Press Releases for 03.29.22.  The press release from the House side is posted at rubengallego.house.gov under Media/Press Releases for March 30, 2022.  For reference in contacting elected officials, the bill number in the Senate is S.3950 and the House bill is H.R.7290. The full text of both bills can easily be searched at www.congress.gov.

Estonian Officials Consulted on Ukraine and Baltic Security

Several events in recent days have featured Estonian government officials sharing their views on the situation in Ukraine and security in the region.  Below is a summary of each and video links to the recorded versions of the events.

On March 17, the three Chairs of the Foreign Relations Committees in the Parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were called to testify in a hearing held by the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE).  Also known as the Helsinki Commission, the CSCE is an independent commission of the U.S. government, made up of nine members from the United States Senate, nine members from the U.S. House of Representatives, and one member each from the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce. The hearing was titled The Baltics Under Pressure.  Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Marko Mihkelson represented Estonia.

The two-hour hearing covered many aspects of the deteriorating security situation in Europe brought on by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which has destroyed the international framework that has kept the peace in Europe since 1945.  Some key points included the need for more robust NATO presence in the Baltic countries, increased private investment in the region from the West, and truly open transatlantic trade through U.S. legislation and U.S. investment in the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), a platform for improving digital, energy, transportation, and infrastructure connections among twelve EU Member States located between the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Seas (see 3seas.eu for more information on 3SI).  The full hearing is available at www.csce.gov/international-impact/events/game-changer.

On March 18, the same committee chairs were invited to the Atlantic Council for a forum on Baltic Perspectives on Russia.  The participants discussed their meetings in Congress, including with leaders in the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations committees and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where they noted strong bipartisan support for security issues related to the region.  They also discussed the broader war against the democratic system and how security has been built in Europe since the end of the Cold War.  The video of this event is posted at www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/baltic-perspectives-on-russia.

The Estonian American National Council hosted a webinar War in Ukraine: Perspectives from Estonia on March 20 with Chairman Mihkelson and Estonian Ambassador to the U.S. Kristjan Prikk.  Over 170 Estonian Americans and friends tuned in to hear about the situation in Estonia as it relates to the war in Ukraine and what the Estonian government is doing to help.  They reported that Estonia has already sent $250 million in military assets to Ukraine, which is about one third of Estonia’s defense budget.  The audience was assured that friends and family in Estonia are safe and that there is no problem in planning travel to the country this summer.  EANC Washington, DC Director Karin Shuey also gave a presentation on what EANC has done so far in support of Ukraine and what Estonian Americans can do to help in terms of advocacy, participating and sharing information locally, and some options for making donations to organizations with good connections on the ground in Ukraine.  Please visit https://tinyurl.com/EANCUkraineVideo to watch the entire one-hour discussion.

Secretary General Vseviov (left) and Ambassador Volker discuss Ukraine

On March 22, the Embassy of Estonia hosted a Fireside Chat: European Security after Ukraine featuring Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia and former Ambassador to the U.S. Jonatan Vseviov.  Other panelists included General Philip Breedlove, former commander of NATO and Maryland National Guard Adjutant General Tim Gowen, who leads the National Guard State Partnership Program between Maryland and Estonia.  The discussion was moderated by former Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker.  Major themes included acknowledging that there are still many possible scenarios that could play out in Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and transatlantic security as a result of this war and that they range from positive to catastrophic.  How NATO and Europe behave now will determine European security for generations to come.  There was agreement that the West needs to express more resolve in what it is willing to do rather than what it’s not willing to do; the former shows strength and is not provocative while the latter shows weakness and could provoke further escalation.  No video link was available at the time of publication but will be provided upon posting.

Recent Advocacy Successes for Ukraine and Estonia

The Estonian American National Council (EANC) has been engaged for the last several weeks in advocating for U.S. support for humanitarian aid and security assistance in response to the war in Ukraine.  It has also called for increased defense funding to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as the risk grows of the Kremlin’s aggression turning to the Baltic nations.  EANC’s work has been conducted in close cooperation with our colleagues in the Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) and the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC), and most notably with our Ukrainian colleagues in our CEEC sister organization, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA).

While EANC has been engaged for months in calling for U.S. support for Ukraine and Ukrainians, its efforts ramped up on February 24 with a press release drawing heartbreaking parallels between the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine and the 104^th anniversary of securing freedom from the Kremlin’s aggression in 1918 that Estonians celebrated that day.  EANC’s support was amplified by meetings with key House and Senate offices, promulgating calls to action by our Ukrainian and Baltic colleagues, and prominent attendance at three national rallies for Ukraine outside the White House. 

In the week leading up to the March 10 final vote on the fiscal year 2022 (FY22) budget, EANC issued letters to the White House and eleven key leaders in the House and Senate, urging them to support several actions, including:

• Banning all Russian energy imports to the U.S.
• Passing the maximum level possible of emergency supplemental military and humanitarian aid to both Ukraine and its neighbors who are receiving Ukrainian refugees.
• Establishing at least a limited no-fly zone over Ukraine in cooperation with our partners and allies. 
• Facilitating the immediate provision of jet fighters and other necessary defensive military equipment from partner nations and establishing agreements to backfill those nations with U.S. aircraft as needed.

Recognizing that the Baltic nations are on the front lines of transatlantic security, the letters also called for increasing FY22 Baltic Security Initiative (BSI) funding to at least $170 million to help Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania backfill their inventories of missiles and other military hardware that they are donating to the Ukrainian forces.

Shortly after the letters were sent, President Biden announced that the U.S. would ban U.S. energy imports from Russia.  The final FY22 appropriations bill included significant increases in funding for both Ukraine and the Baltic nations.  The original proposed level of funding for Ukraine was $6.4 billion and the final amount was almost $14 billion.  The final appropriation for BSI was $180 million, $10 million more than the target number in the letters.

The lesson in the results following EANC’s, JBANC’s, and the CEEC’s efforts is that advocacy really can have an impact.  Parallel advocacy by constituents is even more powerful.  EANC and its colleagues invite Baltic Americans to lend their voices to advocacy for Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine.  The next organized opportunity will be JBANC’s Baltic Advocacy Days, May 2-6, 2022.  Please visit jbanc.org for more information and to register.

EANC Support for Ukraine

The Estonian American National Council (EANC) has been supporting Ukraine on many levels in recent weeks.  Our Washington, DC Director has participated in three national rallies organized in DC by our colleagues in the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), EANC’s partner organization in the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC).  She was joined by EANC President Marju Rink-Abel at the most recent rally at the White House on Sunday, March 6^th, where they were invited to deliver remarks, expressing solidarity on behalf of Estonian Americans across the U.S.  EANC has also made a significant donation to the humanitarian aid effort organized by the UCCA and made many calls to Congressional offices asking support for funding and legislation to help Ukraine win the war with Russia and preserve its sovereignty.

Baltic Americans and embassy officials at national rally in DC on February 27. Photo credit: Sanita Pēkale, Embassy of Latvia to the United States

Most recently, personalized versions of the letter below were sent on March 8^th and 9^th to the following key House and Senate leaders:

• Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
• Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
• Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
• Senate Appropriations Committee and Defense Subcommittee Ranking Member Richard Shelby (R-AL)
• Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT)
• Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-12)
• House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-23)
• House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3)
• House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX-12)
• House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Chairwoman Betty McCollum (D-MN-4)
• House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Ranking Member Ken Calvert (R-CA-42)

A similar letter was also sent to President Biden.  EANC urges all Estonian Americans to contact their elected officials to ask support for the points in the letter.  Constituents of the Congressional leaders listed above are encouraged to refer to the letter, as well. 

EANC will be publishing and posting more information on how to support Ukraine in the coming weeks.  Please refer to www.estosite.org and follow EANC on Facebook to get the latest updates on the organization’s activities and how you can help. 

Slava Ukraini!  Elagu Ukraina!

Estonian and U.S. Support to Ukraine

While the situation in Ukraine, the security situation along NATO’s borders with Russia, and aid offered to the Ukrainian government by Estonia, the United States, and other nations continue to change on a daily basis, the Estonian American National Council is doing its best to track the major developments relevant to Estonia.  EANC is also engaging in advocacy for U.S. support to Ukrainian and Estonian security, showing up at events to amplify the messages its Ukrainian colleagues are promoting against the Kremlin’s actions, and inviting Estonian Americans to do the same in their local communities.

Local DC Baltic supporters of Ukraine at Lincoln Memorial rally on February 20, including Estonian Ambassador Kristjan Prikk (far right) and EANC’s Karin Shuey (holding Estonian flag).

In terms of military forces and hardware, Estonia announced last month that it would send a portion of its Javelin anti-armor missile inventory to Ukraine, while Latvia and Lithuania will send Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.  EANC has held meetings with relevant Congressional offices to make sure they’re aware of the contributions by the Baltic nations and to request increases to Baltic security funding before it is finalized in the omnibus Defense Appropriations bill to allow the three nations to rebuild their weapons stocks. The bill is expected to pass by mid-March and our constituents are also urged to contact Congress to call for increases in U.S. support to Baltic security.

Baltic security did get a boost on February 22 during President Biden’s update on Russia and Ukraine.  He announced that he had authorized the “additional movement of forces and equipment already stationed in Europe to strengthen our Baltic allies.”  Reuters later reported that the movement would include 800 infantry troops and up to eight F-35 fighter jets to locations along NATO’s eastern borders and 32 Apache attack helicopters to the Baltic region and Poland (reuters.com for 2/22/2022)

From left: EANC President Marju Rink-Abel, Foreign Minister Liimets, and EANC Washington, DC Director Karin Shuey at the Estonian Embassy’s reception for the visiting minister.

Foreign Minster Eva-Maria Liimets visited Washington, DC on February 16 and 17 to speak with her counterpart and Members of Congress about Estonia’s and Ukraine’s security.  She met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on February 16 and Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) on February 17.  She was featured in a fireside chat with the Center for a New American Security on February 16 (www.cnas.org/events for February 16), where topics discussed included the importance of continued U.S. leadership in the West’s response to the situation, the difficulties of assessing the mindset of Russian citizens, regional cooperation with Nordic and Baltic neighbors, and the continued desire of Estonia for a more robust U.S. presence in the region, among other issues. 

In recent weeks, several Estonian officials have spoken out in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty in the U.S. media, in think tank events, and in person with U.S. officials.  Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Foreign Minister Liimets, Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee member Eerik Niiles-Kross, and former President Toomas Hendrik Ilves are among the notable Estonians who have been interviewed by U.S. news outlets or taken part in panel discussions on their perspectives as the situation in Ukraine has evolved.  On March 1, the Center for European Policy Analysis will host the Ambassadors of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to the U.S. for a discussion on How the Baltic States Are Supporting Ukraine.  Registration is at cepa.org/event/how-the-baltic-states-are-supporting-ukraine.

It should be clear that the messages shared by Estonian government representatives were consistently in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and called out the Kremlin’s ill-founded basis for asserting its claims to authority over the nation.  The situation is changing daily and this is just a snapshot of some of the highlights as of February 22.  EANC will continue to monitor the news and developments and report items of interest. 

Please also see:

EANC Statement on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Ukraine and Baltic Legislation Update

The time is still ripe for constituent action on legislation to support Ukraine and Baltic security.  Several developments have occurred since the Estonian American National Council’s last call to action for the region.

The Senate is working on a new bipartisan bill to provide military support to Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia for its aggression toward Ukraine.  This new compromise bill is intended to reconcile partisan differences in two earlier bills that did not move forward in the legislative process.  The House has also been working on a comprehensive Ukraine assistance bill, which would parallel efforts in the Senate.  These bills would provide a critical tool in giving substance to U.S. diplomacy.

On the Baltic front, readers are invited to contact their Senators and Representatives regarding the Baltic Security Initiative.  This new category of defense funding for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania was introduced last summer by House Baltic Caucus co-chairs Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Don Bacon (R-NE) to provide robust U.S. military assistance and cooperation to deter Russia and protect U.S. and NATO national security interests.  The amount they requested was $175 million, which was reduced to $150 million during the defense authorization process.  Friends of the Baltic nations in Congress are now advocating to restore the original level of funding in light of the current security situation as the defense appropriations bill remains under consideration.  It is worth noting that Estonia, along with Latvia and Lithuania, is sending military supplies to Ukraine that were purchased with its own security in mind.  Now that Estonia’s stocks are going to support Ukraine’s urgent need, Estonia will need to replenish its inventory.  The deployment of six U.S. F-15 fighter jets to Ämari Air Base is a positive sign and provides momentum for further deterrence measures.

Finally, Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus co-chairs Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced on February 1 a bipartisan resolution celebrating the centennial of U.S.-Baltic diplomatic relations.  According to the press release at grassley.senate.gov/news, “The resolution also reaffirms the United States’ commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) amid increasing Russian aggression in Eastern Europe.” Original co-sponsors were Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT) John Boozman (R-AR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Mike Braun (R-IN), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Thom Tillis (R-NC),Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).  A big thank you is in order to all of them.

Constituent calls to Members of Congress asking support for these topics are welcome and would go a long way toward reinforcing the importance of bolstering security in the region.  EANC, as part of the Central and East European Coalition, has taken part in ten calls with Senate offices just in the last two weeks, including the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Majority and Minority staff.  Even so, nothing holds more power with lawmakers than hearing directly from their voters about issues that are important to them.  Please consider contacting your Senators and Representative, and if you do, please send an email to EANC’s Washington, DC Director, Karin Shuey, at KarinShueyEANC@gmail.com so she can follow up with those offices.

Estonian Ambassador Addresses Annapolis International Club

Estonian Ambassador to the United States Kristjan Prikk was the featured speaker for the January 5 dinner event held by the International Club of Annapolis, Maryland.  The club holds monthly dinners with speakers from September through June.  Since its founding in 1962, it has hosted presentations by ambassadors from over 115 countries and regions throughout the globe, including five ambassadors from Estonia to the U.S. since 1990, highlighting the special relationship between Estonia and Maryland as National Guard State Partnership Program partners and the sister city relationships between several cities throughout Maryland and Estonia.

Ambassador Kristjan Prikk

Ambassador Prikk shared many insights about Estonia and Estonians, the country’s history, and its foreign policy.  He noted that preserving nature is a priority there and that many western Europeans visit Estonia to experience what has been lost in their countries, namely nature and solitude.  When asked about the top three places to visit, old town Tallinn came first for its uniquely preserved medieval walls and buildings.  He also affirmed Tallinn as the site of the first documented Christmas tree (although Estonia’s Latvian neighbors would say it was Riga).  Narva came next because its proximity to Russia “makes people get what’s at stake” and helps visitors better understand the cultural differences and issues of Russian speakers in Estonia.  Finally, he recommended Tartu for its university that predates Harvard and its thriving, youthful, European atmosphere.  He also shared statistics on the success of Estonia as a digital nation, which are shown in the photo below. 

Slide courtesy of the Estonian Embassy in Washington

He explained Estonia’s “tragic mistake” of staying out of conflict, which has influenced the nation’s decisions and priorities today.  Because Estonians have historically tended to avoid conflict, particularly during the interwar years of independence, few nations came to their aid when they needed it.  Estonia’s foreign policy now emphasizes supporting others as an active ally so that they will get support should they need it in the future.  Membership in NATO and robust participation in NATO missions are cornerstones of Estonia’s security policy and the contribution of its defense forces is recognized and commended among its allies.

The ambassador praised U.S. support in the form of high-level visits and cooperation with Estonian forces.  He noted the United States’ recognition of independence of all three Baltic nations on July 28, 1922, and the subsequent establishment of diplomatic relations, making 2022 the centennial year for formal U.S. – Estonia ties. He estimated that there are 25,000 Americans with roots in Estonia, 10,000 of whom strongly identify as Estonian.

Given the current buildup of Russian troops on Ukraine’s border and upcoming talks with Russia, several audience members asked about Estonia’s position on that conflict.  Ambassador Prikk began his response with the story of a poll in 2006 or 2007 by the Ukrainian government asking its citizens about their thoughts on joining NATO.  When the question was posed using NATO as an acronym, 20% of Ukrainians were for and 80% were against Ukraine becoming a NATO member.  When North Atlantic Treaty Organization was spelled out, the percentages reversed, perhaps implying that joining a north Atlantic alliance sounded good, but awareness of what NATO actually stood for was low or misunderstood.

EANC’s Karin Shuey with Ambassador Prikk

He went on to indicate that Estonia strongly supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and that negotiations or concessions “at gunpoint” are not valid.  All issues related to European security are on the table at the same time, including Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and its occupation of eastern Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova.  Estonia will engage fully in support of Ukraine during January’s talks with Russia at NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and continue to stand by Ukraine as the situation evolves.

Please also see the Embassy of Estonia’s press release on Ambassador Prikk’s presentation at washington.mfa.ee.  More information on the relationship between Estonia and Maryland is available on the Maryland Estonia Exchange Council website at marylandestoniaexchangecouncil.org.  EANC will continue to attend their events and keep readers informed on activities of interest.