Estonia expresses concern to its embassy for endorsing academic programs in Russia and contested regions of Ukraine.
The Estonian government has enacted a restriction under the International Sanctions Act, effective from July 7, 2025. This regulation prohibits the organization of participation for young Estonians and residents in events in Russia or Belarus, as well as events held in illegally occupied or annexed Ukrainian territories by Russia.
The restriction, which was initially imposed in 2024, was announced on Dec. 19, 2024. According to the Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, such events may encourage Estonian citizens to breach sanctions and risk possible penalties.
Kristi Raudmäe, head of higher education at the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, advises against studying in Russia or in territories occupied by Russia. The Russian embassy's publication of study opportunities in these locations is a point of contention for the Estonian Foreign Ministry.
The announcements about study opportunities in Russia and Crimea, as per the ministry, constitute direct assistance by the Russian embassy in enabling young people to study in these locations. It is prohibited to knowingly and directly facilitate participation in such events, as per the Estonian government's restriction.
The Russian embassy's actions are a concern for the Estonian Foreign Ministry, as they potentially breach sanctions and pose a risk for Estonian citizens. The ministry has delivered a note to the Russian embassy regarding study opportunities in Russia and Ukrainian territories occupied or annexed by Russia.
Russia's participation in the Bologna higher education system has been suspended, causing diplomas issued there to have questionable international value. The Estonian government does not consider Russia a safe or reliable study destination.
The restriction is aimed at preventing participation in events linked to or supportive of the authorities of these states. The same ban applies to events that knowingly facilitate participation in such events. The Estonian Foreign Ministry considers such actions as a potential breach of sanctions and a possible risk for Estonian citizens.
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