{"id":15795,"date":"2026-07-02T12:02:40","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T12:02:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vabamu.ee\/?post_type=news&p=15795"},"modified":"2026-07-03T07:36:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T07:36:41","slug":"estonias-friends-international-meeting-2026","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/vabamu.ee\/en\/news\/estonias-friends-international-meeting-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Estonia’s Friends International Meeting 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n Back<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n Published 02 Jul 2026 <\/div>\n
\n Estonia’s Friends International Meeting 2026 <\/div>\n
\n Shaping a Secure Future <\/div>\n
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\n \n Vabamu <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \"\" <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n
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From July 2 to 4, 2026, the 13th Estonia\u2019s Friends International Meeting\u00a0will take place in Tallinn, bringing together nearly a hundred influential friends of Estonia from over ten countries who have contributed to the nation\u2019s international success for years. The event is organized by Vabamu in collaboration with partners and supporters. The patrons of the gathering are President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and entrepreneur and investor Sten Tamkivi, who will help guide this year\u2019s discussions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This year’s meeting\u00a0will focus on Estonia’s future in a rapidly changing world and the role of defense technology in shaping security and innovation. International opinion\u00a0leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, and friends of Estonia will discuss with politicians and experts how to strengthen Estonia’s competitiveness and international cooperation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTechnology provides an advantage only when guided by intelligent policy,\u201d states Toomas Hendrik Ilves.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFriends of Estonia come together once a year to hear what new ideas we have developed, and conversely, to address the problems we have yet to solve. And as with friends, we receive honest feedback and fresh ideas,\u201d adds Sten Tamkivi.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The main event of the program is a symposium titled <\/span>\u201cQuo vadis, Estonia? Defence and Technology,\u201d<\/span><\/b> organized by Vabamu and the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency. Presentations will be made by President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDefense technology is not just about new technologies; it also involves trust, collaboration, and readiness in a rapidly changing world. Estonia’s advantage lies in our strong innovation ecosystem, where businesses, scientists, and the public sector work toward a common goal. Such collaboration allows us to quickly turn ideas into viable solutions while strengthening the security of both Estonia and our friends,\u201d says Ursel Velve, Chair of the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, introducing the symposium.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The gathering will be opened by a reception hosted by Vabamu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, featuring a discussion titled <\/span>\u201cAround the World in 30 Minutes\u201d<\/span><\/b> with Chancellor Jonatan Vseviov on global security and Estonia’s foreign policy. The conversation will be moderated by entrepreneur and investor Rainer Sternfeld. There will also be a Nordic roundtable on <\/span>\u201cSecurity and Partnerships,\u201d<\/span><\/b> moderated by P\u00e4r Nuder, Chair of the Sweden-Estonia Cooperation Fund.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jonatan Vseviov emphasizes that in a situation where Russia poses the most direct threat to the security of the Euro-Atlantic region, we must continue our joint efforts to strengthen our defense capabilities. Estonia’s strength lies in our allies, partners, and our ability to be a reliable and innovative country, Vseviov stresses, adding that the Estonia\u2019s Friends International Meeting\u00a0brings together people who understand that freedom, security, and economic success require continuous cooperation, clear strategic thinking, and a willingness to act.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Guests of the international meeting\u00a0will be hosted by the President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis, Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt, and Minister of Culture Heidy Purga.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The partners and supporters of the gathering include the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, as well as companies such as Skaala, Tolaram, NordicNinja, Levira, and Sorainen.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Estonia\u2019s Friends International Meeting<\/a> was called to life in 2010 with the aim of thanking and engaging international partners whose knowledge, contacts, and support have contributed to Estonia\u2019s development and visibility in the world. Over the years, it has become a unique meeting place where new ideas are born, international ties are strengthened, and discussions about Estonia\u2019s future take place with people who care about Estonia.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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