The Estonia Agreement of 1995: A Comprehensive Guide
The Estonia Agreement is a bilateral treaty signed by Estonia and Russia on May 26, 1995. The treaty mainly focused on resolving disputes that have stemmed from the Soviet Union`s occupation of Estonia after World War II until Estonia regained its independence in 1991.
The aim of the Agreement was to provide Estonia with the assurance of its independence and territorial integrity. The agreement also addressed issues related to citizenship, property rights, and economic cooperation, among others. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different aspects of the Estonia Agreement and its significance for Estonia.
Background: Soviet Occupation of Estonia
Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940, and for the next 50 years, Estonia was part of the Soviet Union. During this period, many Estonians were deported to Siberia, and the Soviet government implemented policies to dilute the Estonian population by encouraging migration of Russians and other ethnic groups to Estonia.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Estonia declared its independence in 1991. The Estonian government faced several challenges in the aftermath of independence, such as the need to create a new legal system, establish diplomatic relations with other countries, and address the rights of ethnic Russians and other minorities in Estonia.
Negotiations and Signing of the Estonia Agreement
The Estonia Agreement was a result of negotiations between Estonia and Russia that began in 1993. The two countries discussed various issues, including border delimitation, citizenship, and property rights.
The negotiations were not easy, and both sides had to make compromises. The Estonian government wanted Russia to acknowledge that the Soviet Union had illegally occupied Estonia and to apologize for the human rights violations that occurred during the occupation. However, Russia was not willing to make such a statement.
In the end, both parties agreed that the Estonia Agreement would be based on the principle of “mutual respect for each other`s territorial integrity and sovereignty.” The treaty acknowledged the fact that Estonia was an independent country, and Russia recognized Estonia`s borders as they were when the treaty was signed.
Key Provisions of the Estonia Agreement
The Estonia Agreement has several key provisions that address various issues related to Estonia`s transition to independence. Some of the significant provisions of the treaty include:
1. Citizenship: The treaty addressed the issue of citizenship for ethnic Russians and other minorities living in Estonia. The Agreement granted citizenship to those who were living in Estonia before the restoration of Estonian independence in 1991.
2. Property Rights: The Agreement addressed the issue of property rights of Estonians and Russians who lost their property during the Soviet occupation. The Agreement acknowledged property rights and established procedures for the fair compensation of individuals who lost their property.
3. Economic Cooperation: The Agreement established a framework for economic cooperation between Estonia and Russia, including trade, investment, and transport. The treaty recognized the importance of economic cooperation for both countries.
Significance of the Estonia Agreement
The Estonia Agreement of 1995 was significant for Estonia and its transition to independence. The treaty provided Estonia with the assurance of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, which was crucial for the country`s security and stability. The Estonia Agreement also addressed important issues related to citizenship and property rights and provided a framework for economic cooperation between Estonia and Russia.
Conclusion
The Estonia Agreement of 1995 is a crucial treaty that addressed the aftermath of the Soviet Union`s occupation of Estonia. The treaty provided Estonia with the assurance of its independence and territorial integrity, addressed issues related to citizenship and property rights, and established a framework for economic cooperation between Estonia and Russia. The Estonia Agreement remains an essential document that reflects the history and challenges of Estonia`s transition to independence.