Yesterday, 2 November, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland sent a joint statement to the European Commission calling for the termination of bilateral investment treaties that remain in force between Russia and 17 EU member states.
Bilateral investment treaties (BITs) are international agreements that establish mutually agreed rules governing the investment environment between the parties.
The joint statement highlights evidence that treaties concluded with Russia are being used to influence European Union policy to Russia’s advantage, and that their continued validity poses a threat to the EU’s economic security as a whole. For example, the treaties contain provisions that encourage investment in Russia and allow sanctioned individuals to bring cases against member states and the EU before international courts.
According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, it is the European Union’s responsibility to ensure that Russia’s international isolation remains uncompromised. “In the current geopolitical situation, the treaties still in force with Russia can no longer be regarded merely as agreements designed to protect investment. Member states concluded these treaties at a time when it was not yet understood that Russia posed a long-term security threat to the whole of Europe. These treaties provide Russia with a backdoor into influencing the policies and economies of member states through businesses. We must not allow Russia to influence the European Union’s political decisions through these treaties,” Tsahkna said.
Together with Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, Estonia is calling on the European Commission and the member states to agree on a common way forward to address the issue, in line with the EU’s policy towards Russia. “Europe must become even stronger, and that means freeing itself from Russian influence,” the Foreign Minister stressed.
The joint statement highlights the aim of reaching a solution in the first quarter of 2027.
Estonia has never concluded bilateral investment treaties with Russia.
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