Statement on the Announcement of Consulate Closures in New York and San Francisco

(Sept. 29, 2023) The announcement on September 26 stating that the Estonian Foreign Ministry will close its only U.S. consulates, in New York and San Francisco, in mid-2024, came as a shock and disappointment to Estonian Americans. The negative impact of this decision will be felt widely in the United States. Many have contacted the Estonian American National Council (EANC) to voice their dismay and feelings that the support given by Estonian Americans to Estonia, not only during re-independence years, but the long 50-year period of occupation to ensure the legal continuity of the Republic of Estonia, is no longer valued by the Estonian government.

We understand that the Estonian Foreign Ministry faces severe budget constraints. Yet, this reduction feels short-sighted. How does one monetize good will? How can one put a dollar value on the Estonian diaspora? The New York consulate, previously headed by the legendary diplomat Ernst Jaakson, has been the focal point and symbol of Estonian independence for Estonian Americans ever since Soviet occupation in 1941, over 80 years.  It is a vital part of the history of Estonian Americans and of the Republic of Estonia. .

The New York consulate has in recent times established strong ties with Estonian communities throughout the East Coast and Mid-West, supporting cultural and educational activities in those centers.  EANC President Marju Rink-Abel stated that “EANC has been a member of the  committee to develop the Estonian government’s Global Estonian initiative and program for 2022-2025*, which has as a goal for the foreign missions to engage with the local Estonian community. But it should also be emphasized that the established relationships, thanks to the proximity of the consulates, also enhance the work of Estonian Americans in supporting Estonia. The consulates have admirably fulfilled many roles, in addition to providing consular services. The Embassy in Washington will not be able to absorb all of this work, even with two additional staff considering the long distances involved.”

EANC vice president and San Francisco Estonian Society president Mai-Liis Bartling added: “The San Francisco Consulate opened just ahead of the pandemic lockdown, which was followed by a pandemic-fueled economic downturn here. 

The consulate may not have had the chance to reach its full potential, but already garnered so much goodwill. We think it’s a lost future opportunity for Estonia to get its message out as a forward-looking, culturally-rich nation, not to mention that West Coast Estonian Americans – already geographically distant from centers of Estonian activity on the East Coast – will once again need to go to extra efforts to get basic consular services.” 

The Estonian American National Council, representing the Estonian diaspora in the U.S., must voice our concern that Estonia will be losing the wide-reaching work and important relationships that have developed between the consulates and the community.  The full impact of this void minimize these impacts, and are grateful to the long line of consuls for their dedicated service and professionalism.

*Üleilmse eestluse tegevuskava 2022-2025, https://www.vm.ee/rahvusvaheline-suhtlus-uleilmne-eestlus/uleilmne-eestlus