Two weeks after the Foreign Minister of Estonia announced his plan to close Estonian Consulates in New York and San Francisco, Estonian Americans continue to unite their voices to demand these important representations be kept open. The arguments in favor of keeping these consulates operational on both coasts of the US range from practical and every-day considerations, to nostalgic and historical, not to mention the wider ranging business enterprise, advocacy and security issue considerations.

If you are as concerned as we are about these cuts, please consider signing the petitions listed below and writing to relevant decision makers and the Estonian press .Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna; Secretary General Jonatan Vseviov; Special Representative for Global Estonians: vminfo@mfa.ee ; Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, chairman Marko Mihkelson: valiskomisjon@riigikogu.ee,

Between 25,000-30,000 Estonians live in the United States, and EANC finds this proposed decision by the Minister to be shortsighted on the part of the Foreign Ministry. After all, it was just three years ago that connections and cooperation with Estonians around the globe became embossed in Estonia’s foreign policy, and it was just two years ago that we all celebrated the grand opening of the excellent consulate in San Francisco. Indeed the legacy of the Estonian Consulate in NY is legal continuity of the Republic of Estonia; the Estonian flag was flown with pride and determination throughout the half century of Soviet occupation of Estonia. The value of the work done by the Consulates and their professional and skilled staffs is immeasurable. EANC will continue to represent Estonia interests and the needs of the Estonian American community, and all those interested in developing good relations with Estonia.

Here are some steps you can take today:

Step 1>Register for the Zoom forum, rescheduled for Tuesday, Oct 24th, 8:00 pm Eastern.

Step 2> Please sign and share these petitions (for reversal of the consulate closures), 
https://medium.com/@sanfranciscoeestiselts/in-support-of-the-consulate-general-of-estonia-in-san-francisco-e659ee226e33
 
https://www.change.org/p/help-save-historic-consulates-general-of-estonia-in-new-york-and-san-francisco

Step 3> Continue your statements and articles! Write personal letters, and send to Foreign Minister, vminfo@mfa.ee ; Foreign Affairs Committee, chairman Marko Mihkelson: valiskomisjon@riigikogu.ee,

Step 4> Have an idea to help reverse the proposed closure of Consulates in the US that you would like help initiating or would like to share? Contact us at erku@estosite.org.

Here are some actions EANC has taken to implore the FM to keep open consulates in San Francisco and New York:

Met with Estonian Ambassador to the United States to state our concern and dismay.

Reached out to the NY and San Francisco consulates to offer our support and thanks for their services.

Immediately sent an EANC statement in reaction to the announced closures.

Initiated petitions and letter writing campaigns to make as many voice sheard as possible.

Contacted the head of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee and other government officials to receive explanations on this shortsighted plan and to make sure the government considers the Estonian American interests and hears our position (made very clear by the public – perhaps the most unified message we have received to date in reaction to an Estonian government action).

Have sent invitations and articles to the press to further discourse on this matter.

Preparations are being made for a virtual forum to hear your thoughts, ideas, and initiatives and to coordinating our efforts for maximum effect.

Step 1>Register for the Zoom forum, currently scheduled for Thursday, Oct 19th, 8:30 pm Eastern.

Step 2> Please sign and share these petitions (for reversal of the consulate closures), 
https://medium.com/@sanfranciscoeestiselts/in-support-of-the-consulate-general-of-estonia-in-san-francisco-e659ee226e33
 
https://www.change.org/p/help-save-historic-consulates-general-of-estonia-in-new-york-and-san-francisco

Step 3> Continue your statements and articles! Write personal letters, and send to Foreign Minister, vminfo@mfa.ee ; Foreign Affairs Committee, chairman Marko Mihkelson: valiskomisjon@riigikogu.ee,

Step 4> Have an idea to help reverse the proposed closure of Consulates in the US tat you would like help initiating or would like to share? Contact us at erku@estosite.org