Eesti Diplomaatide Kool / Estonian School of Diplomacy

This week, we had the pleasure of hosting a study visit for a delegation of Ukrainian government officials and representatives of the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine in Tallinn, organised within the framework of the ongoing project “Ukraine’s European Way: Capacity Building of Ukrainian Officials and the Ukrainian Diplomatic Academy”, supported by the Estonian Centre for International Development.
Over the course of the week, participants explored Estonia’s experience in diplomacy, digital governance, and the European integration process. The programme included a visit to the
e-Estonia Briefing Centre and meetings with senior Estonian officials, including Ms. Erika Ellamaa Ots, the Director of the Department of Eastern Europe and Central Asia from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Marko Mihkelson, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu, Ms. Ave Schank-Lukas, Head of the European Commission Representation in Estonia, as well as Ms. Ingrid Toonekurg and Ms. Mari Pedak from the e Governance Academy. The delegation also took part in a roundtable discussion with H.E. Volodymyr Boiechko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Estonia.
Participants engaged in thematic discussions on business diplomacy, defence industry cooperation, and energy, all viewed through the lens of Ukraine’s European integration. The visit concluded with an insightful lecture by Ambassador Taavi Toom on the role of public and digital diplomacy in the EU accession process.
This study visit strengthened professional ties, deepened understanding of Estonia’s EU accession experience and digital governance innovations, and contributed meaningfully to Ukraine’s ongoing European integration efforts.
Estonian Centre for International Development
Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Välisministeerium
Marko Mihkelson
E-Governance Academy
Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Estonia
Euroopa Komisjoni esindus Eestis

New admission round delayed! More information will follow in due time on our website www.edk.edu.ee

https://edk.edu.ee/2026/06/03/new-admission-round-delayed/

edk.edu.ee

On Friday, 15 May, we celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025/2026. Twenty-three graduates representing nine countries—Estonia, Armenia, Austria, Georgia, Germany, Kenya, Moldova, the Netherlands, and Ukraine—were awarded their certificates in the elegant hall of the Estonian Academy of Sciences. The certificates were presented by Director Mr Ekke Nõmm and Mr Marko Mihkelson, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Estonian Centre for International Development for providing scholarships to seven representatives from development cooperation priority countries. We wish all of our graduates continued success in their future professional endeavours.
Estonian Centre for International Development

Friday, 8 May, marked the final lecture for our 2025/2026 postgraduate cohort. We were honored to conclude the academic year with Michael Roberts, who provided invaluable insights into the nuances of modern diplomacy. We are proud of our students' development and extend our warmest congratulations to the entire class!

“Estonia may be a small country, but it is one of Ukraine’s biggest supporters on the path to EU accession,” says Ihor Ostash, Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine | ESTDEV Author: Erko Litvjakov On May 9, the world celebrates Europe Day, recognising the shared values of freedom, democracy, equality, human rights and the rule of law. These slogans reflect the everyday tools that help maintain and develop a peaceful, cooperative world order. The partnership between

On 15 April, our 2025/2026 "International Relations and Diplomacy" study group had the honour of being invited to the residence of the Ambassador of France to Estonia, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Mignot. We enjoyed a morning meeting accompanied by delicious French pastries, where we engaged in insightful discussions regarding pressing foreign policy matters, European security architecture and the role of public diplomacy.
We thank Ambassador Mignot for finding time in his busy schedule to meet with our students.
Ambassade de France en Estonie / Prantsuse Suursaatkond Eestis

On Monday, 13 April our 2025/2026 study group of “International Relations and Diplomacy” had a pleasure to visit the university town of Tartu and have meetings and enriching discussions at the TÜ J. Skytte poliitikauuringute instituut. Many thanks to Mr Stefano Braghiroli for helping to set up the meetings, to Mr Martin Mölder, Deputy Head for Academic Affairs for welcoming us and to Ms Azniv Tadevosyan and Mr Thomas Linsenmaier for interesting and engaging lectures on the topic of the significants of art as a form of political protest and on the subject of the UN and the geopolitical uncertainty.

We also had a pleasure to visit the Baltic Defence College where we were received and welcomed by the Dean, Dr Tiia-Triin Truusa and Mr Riho Tammistu and had the opportunity to receive briefings by Dr Georg Spencer Terry and Dr Dumitru Minzarari and discuss matters of the security issues in the Baltic Region.
Many thanks to all the organising parties for making these meetings possible!
Special thanks to the
Estonian Centre for International Development for making it possible for the students from the development cooperation priority countries to participate in this study group.

🇪🇺 🇺🇦 The Public Speaking in English training for Ukrainian diplomats and civil servants, conducted within the framework of the UKRAINE’S EUROPEAN WAY: Capacity Building of Ukrainian Officials project, has successfully concluded in Kyiv 🇪🇺 🇺🇦.

As part of the ESD-DAU initiative, the course provided participants with essential skills to enhance their effectiveness in international communication, fostering their ability to engage with global stakeholders and navigate complex diplomatic contexts with confidence and clarity.

Led by Michael Roberts, former UK Ambassador and Program Director at Diplomatic Skills Lab, the training focused on enhancing public speaking, message structuring, and persuasive communication techniques. Through a blend of theory and practical exercises, participants refined their ability to deliver impactful and clear messages in English.

This program, in partnership with the Ukrainian Diplomatic Academy, is designed to enhance the diplomatic capabilities of Ukrainian officials, improving their effectiveness in both European and global diplomatic fields.

We express our gratitude to the Estonian Centre for International Development for their financial support, which has made this training possible. Your contribution plays a key role in strengthening the diplomatic skills of Ukrainian officials and preparing them for effective international communication.

Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Välisministeerium
Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Estonia
Міністерство закордонних справ України / MFA of Ukraine