Corona Crisis and Challenges for Estonian Foreign Policy

The study analyzes the impact of the Covid-19 virus pandemic on Estonian foreign policy from March to the end of May 2020 and the possibilities to strengthen crisis management and international cooperation in order to prepare for future crises. The study covers the crisis management activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, co-operation with the Nordic-Baltic countries and Poland, the role of the European Union in crisis management and the global crisis management and the role of China. Final results of the project Lessons from the corona crisis and policy recommendations General crisis management activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 1. Improve preparedness for different types of crises, based on a broad security concept. Practice different crisis scenarios. At the same time, maintain flexibility: each crisis is different and requires "thinking outside the framework" and the creative application of crisis management structures and measures as appropriate. 2. Today's crises often have a global dimension; in the case of the corona crisis, this was particularly pronounced. The manifestations and effects of crises transcend national borders and their resolution requires international cooperation. Thus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be ready and able to contribute to resolving crises in various fields in cooperation with professional experts (eg health, environment, economy, cyberspace, transport). 3. Due to Estonia's geographical and geopolitical position, we are in danger of becoming isolated in a crisis situation. Particular attention must be paid to keeping strategic connections (including air, land and sea routes) open, but also to being prepared for their possible closure. 4. Strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to systematically collect, process and analyze information. Improve technological tools and contribute to strengthening substantive analytical capacity to support policy-making. 5. To actively and in a coordinated manner share information in crisis situations both domestically and abroad. 6. Continue to contribute to the capacity to advise and assist citizens in crisis situations. Maintain a strong network of consuls. Consular assistance provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is vital in crisis situations and affects the country's image in the eyes of citizens. 7. Pay attention to the strength and teamwork of the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in crisis situations, eg by regularly changing crisis support staff and looking for ways to support overcrowded embassies at headquarters. 8. Apply for a clear division of labor between different agencies, avoid duplication of tasks (eg Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Social Affairs and the Interior, State Chancellery). 9. Actively seek opportunities to use private sector assistance in crisis management (eg transport companies, travel agencies, collection and processing of information from public sources). Cooperation with Allies and Partners, especially in the neighborhood 10. Maintain active communication with neighboring countries and other key partners in crisis situations. This requires regular inter-agency communication in non-crisis times; pre-established personal contacts are particularly valuable in crisis situations. Thus, encourage diplomats and officials in the region to establish contacts in order to develop a habit of cooperation and extensive networks. 11. Continue to show solidarity with Allies and Partners in times of crisis, not just expect solidarity and assistance from others. 31 12. The crisis demonstrated the ability of the Baltic States to co-operate quickly and flexibly in exceptional circumstances. To further strengthen this, the creation of crisis structures between the Baltic States could serve as a platform for information sharing and coordination. 13. The crisis tested Nordic-Baltic regional co-operation more broadly. Consider ways to build on regional cooperation structures and networks in crisis situations. Also assess the overall picture of regional co-operation and opportunities to strengthen its management and practice in Tallinn, the Nordic-Baltic capitals as well as in international co-operation formats. For example, close contact within the EU policy framework contributed to Estonia's relations with the Nordic and Baltic countries during the crisis (NB6 group). 14. Promote regional harmonization of digital services, taking advantage of the positive ground created by the corona crisis. The crisis has shown that the widespread use and convergence of digital services are making it easier for both officials and citizens. 15. To interpret Poland's actions in the event of a crisis and its effects on Estonia's security. Continue to contribute to security cooperation with Poland, but at the same time take into account possible negative surprises in future crises. 16. Introduce in Estonian foreign policy the practice of sharing regular information with its neighbors on developments and decisions in Estonia, especially in matters of crisis prevention and regulation. Cooperation at EU level The 17th Covid-19 pandemic is a multifaceted crisis, which tested the foundations of the EU, in particular the internal market and the free movement of people. The crisis has shown that cooperation at EU level is essential to protect the interests of the Member States, including Estonia. 18. Focus, within the framework of existing EU competences, on areas of crisis management where pan-European cooperation can be improved, which would also help alleviate the burden on Member States' external services and other agencies. These areas include risk analysis, early warning and crisis prevention capabilities, global data collection and data processing capabilities, joint procurement of medical supplies and others. 19. Continue the debate on the role of EU delegations in strengthening their consular role, especially in third countries where many Member States do not have representations. 20. To continue to actively participate and provide Estonian know-how in the discussions on the EU digital revolution and the digital single market, taking advantage of the increased need and interest in digital services created as a result of the crisis. Estonia already has practices and solutions in use, the introduction of which is of interest at the EU level. At the same time, Estonia should ensure the ability to cope with the increased demand for digital products. 21. Contribute to strengthening the principles and procedures for closing the EU's internal borders, taking into account Estonia's interest in maintaining vital connections and avoiding unexpected restrictions. Global lessons 22. Covid-19 demonstrated China's irresponsible behavior, as well as its increased global influence. As the virus spread, China focused on hiding its responsibilities and mistakes and promoting 32 positive images around the world. Among other things, the crisis has raised doubts in Europe as to whether China can be considered a reliable partner in solving global problems. 23. Due to the growing influence of China, it is expedient in Estonia to invest in monitoring Chinese developments and improving language skills. For example, Taiwan's success in responding to the corona crisis depended largely on a good knowledge of China. The ERR could consider sending a Chinese-speaking foreign correspondent to China. 24. The crisis has highlighted the dependence of European supply chains on China, which increases Europe's vulnerability to Chinese influence, especially in crisis situations, but also outside the crisis. Therefore, the EU and Member States need to take new measures to reduce dependence on critical products of Chinese origin, including in the field of medicine, and to diversify supply chains. 25. The EU and the Member States should take action to to protect the common market from unfair competition from Chinese state aid and to limit foreign investment in areas of strategic importance. 26. China's misinformation campaigns and contribution to strengthening its discursive power have created the need to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against disinformation in order to confront China's aggressive foreign policy in defending freedom of expression and human rights with like-minded countries. 27. Covid-19 showed that international multilateral cooperation, in particular UN structures, has become more of an arena for struggle between the two great powers, the United States and China. China's increased influence at the UN was reflected in the WHO's slow and pro-China response to stopping the spread of the virus. Small countries, including Estonia, must make increasing efforts to promote international cooperation to solve supranational problems. 28. Unlike previous crises, the United States did not take global leadership to stop the pandemic. The US's inability and unwillingness to lead international cooperation in regulating the coronary crisis raises the question of whether Estonia's most important ally can be expected to behave similarly in future crises. 29. Estonia should continue to actively use its temporary membership of the UN Security Council to highlight developments that threaten our security, be it a pandemic or human rights violations in Belarus and Crimea. Estonia's experience has shown that a small country can contribute to the search for solutions and at the same time strengthen its international visibility and influence. 30. As at the regional and EU level, there has been a growing global interest in Estonia's experience and know-how in developing the digital society, the use of digital solutions in international cooperation and the strengthening of cyber security. Therefore, Estonia must continue to contribute to active activities and maintaining a positive image in the digital and cyber fields, including within the framework of the United Nations and its Security Council.