Ireland’s relationship with Estonia
Common bonds and common values
Ireland and Estonia work together for peace and prosperity within and beyond Europe.
In 1991 Ireland co-sponsored Estonia’s entry into the UN – and in May 2004 Estonia’s ambition to become a member of the European Union was realised during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in May 2004.
In these fora and elsewhere, Estonia and Ireland champion democratic governance and the rule of law.
Our shared EU membership has greatly enhanced our familiarity and understanding of one another as we work side-by-side to create a European home that allows our citizens to freely travel, live, work and enjoy together – something thousands of Irish and Estonian citizens take advantage of every year strengthening the personal connections between the two countries.
Cultural connections
In both Ireland and Estonia, our heritage contributed to building a sense of community and identity during more troubled times. Our cultures remain at the heart of our connections and our understanding of one another. Similarly, our artists, musicians, writers and filmmakers play a huge role in providing visibility and understanding of our respective cultures and societies.
An important set of cultural visits in 1988 kick-started an enthusiasm for Irish-Estonian cultural exchange that lives on today. The traditional and folk music connections of the Johanson family, the Mulligan family, Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich, and many others, live on in regular visits and performances.
Thanks to the passion of people such as Krista Kaer and Doris Kareva, Irish literature and poetry continues to be translated and visible on bookshelves across Estonia. Estonian theatres all across the country showcase Irish works within their repertoires to new audiences every year.
Trade and prosperity
Two-way trade between our countries has grown to be worth hundreds of millions of euros every year, supported by our shared membership of the EU Single Market.
In Estonia, Irish investment and companies support hundreds of jobs in construction, manufacturing, and digital sectors. Estonia, home to more unicorn companies than anywhere else in the world, has also been building its economic and investment footprint in Ireland.
Deepening higher education and research links, supported within the European Union, ensure a firm underpinning for our long-term economic links.