Ukraine’s recovery is about rebuilding communities, restoring hope and securing our shared European future. We welcomed Minister Vitalii Bezhin as well as numerous Ukrainian and international local and regional stakeholders to Estonia’s Permanent Representation for a discussion on the road to the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2027, which Estonia and Ukraine will co-host in Tallinn in January. Opening the discussion on the local and regional dimension of URC2027, our PSC Ambassador Julika Luts underlined the crucial role of local and regional authorities in delivering recovery and ensuring it goes hand in hand with Ukraine’s path towards EU membership. As another difficult winter approaches, Estonia’s commitment remains steadfast. Russia will not break Ukraine’s resilience. Together, we must turn ambition into concrete results.

Enlargement strengthens Europe's weight in the world. It has been our most successful foreign policy for decades. The new proposals by the @EU_Commission set out clear steps for progressive integration of those who want to join, safeguards to prevent backsliding and institutional adaptation on our side. Today's geopolitical reality demands that we move faster. Where countries that progress are left waiting, instability takes root.

I met today with President Vučić and Prime Minister Kurti, and raised the need to advance the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Progress on normalisation of relations and advancement on the EU path have to go hand in hand. The agreements reached through the EU-facilitated Dialogue, in particular the Ohrid Agreement, are binding. Their implementation is not a favour to Brussels but owed to their citizens and a region waiting for normal relations. The EU will continue to be an even-handed arbitrator. But facilitation cannot substitute for political will in Belgrade and Pristina. It is time to move forward.

35 years ago today, Estonia 🇪🇪 restored its independence. Under the determined leadership of then-Foreign Minister Lennart Meri, Estonia’s foreign service quickly expanded our presence around the world, helping re-establish Estonia’s place in the international community. Over three decades of persistent diplomacy, dedicated public service, and strong partnerships around the world, Estonia has shown remarkable courage in turning the promise of independence into a lasting achievement. Here’s to making a free and democratic Estonia shine around the world for generations to come. Elagu Eesti!

🇮🇪 🇪🇺 A new chapter starts today as Ireland takes over the Council presidency. We look forward to the next six months! 🔔 More about the presidency programme and priorities: Ireland2026.eu @Ireland2026eu #Ireland2026EU

Ukraine and Moldova today take a decisive step towards joining the EU. Opening the first cluster of EU accession negotiations is a major milestone. Both countries have delivered on difficult reforms under extraordinary circumstances. Their membership will make Europe stronger. Montenegro cemented a front-runner position in the EU accession process by closing another two chapters in its negotiations. Ukraine, Moldova and Montenegro’s future lies in the European Union.

Today’s agreement on civil registration and the Law on Foreigners marks an important step forward for the benefit of all people in Kosovo. It is essential to ensure continuity in delivery of public services. Thank you to everyone who engaged constructively to make this possible. Going forward, implementing past agreements remains vital. This progress creates new momentum for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, and I am ready to host a high-level meeting soon.

After more than a year of political deadlock, the formation of Kosovo’s new government is encouraging news. Congratulations @albinkurti! What matters now that it moves swiftly on reforms. This is the fastest way to unlock EU support worth hundreds of millions of euros and have progress on its EU path. This is a new momentum to advance on EU-Kosovo relations and the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. I am ready to host a high-level meeting soon.

We share more than geography with the Western Balkans. We share responsibility for Europe’s security. This is why the EU is stepping up security and defence cooperation with the region and reinforcing joint response against hybrid threats and foreign interference. Today’s EU-Western Balkans Summit reaffirmed what matters most: our future lies together.

One year into @kajakallas’s mandate as HR/VP, the EU keeps delivering results across its strategic priorities: defending Europe against aggression, securing peace and stability in our neighbourhood and building strong global partnerships. We are delivering on shared priorities with partners. From sustained support to Ukraine, to active diplomacy aimed at advancing peace in the Middle East, to deeper cooperation with Africa, the Indo-Pacific and the Americas. In the coming future, the EU will keep working with partners to ensure that we shape our shared security and future stability according to democratic values.

8 Anticis have served @EEinEU: Kai Kaarelson, Kaili Ahi, Klen Jäärats, Märt Hiietamm, Marika Linntam, Piia Mathisen, Julika Luts and Karl Oskar Villsaar. Glad Karl Oskar, Julika, Marika, and Piia could join the celebration. Thanks for keeping the Brussels Bubble moving!