12th Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty. Agenda Item 4: General Debate. Statement of the Republic of Estonia, delivered by Mr Sten Schwede, Head of Delegation, 24 August 2026, Geneva
President
Let me begin by congratulating you on your Presidency and thank you and your team and the Secretariat for all the work done in preparing this Conference. Estonia aligns itself with the statement of the European Union, but wishes to add remarks on behalf of the Estonian government.
Almost twelve years after the Arms Trade Treaty officially entered into the force, Estonia remains a strong and committed supporter of its goals. We believe that responsible and transparent international arms transfers are essential for strengthening global security, preventing conflict and reducing human suffering.
Estonia continues to implement the Treaty through a robust national export control system in close cooperation with our international partners. We support efforts to promote Treaty’s universalization and assist states in building effective export control capacities. We also support discussions on how we all can better implement the Treaty’s Article 7 paragraph 4 by assessing the risk that exported arms could be used to facilitate serious acts of gender-based violence.
In today’s challenging security environment, the principles of the Arms Trade Treaty are more relevant than ever. Estonia reaffirms its commitment to working with all States Parties to ensure that the Treaty remains a functional instrument for responsible arms trade and international peace and security.
Estonia sees the Treaty as a practical tool of a broader international effort to reduce the risk that weapons are diverted to hostile actors – criminal groups, unaccountable non-State actors, but also to irresponsible state actors.
Given our proximity to Russia and concerns about regional security Estonia is very much interested in a well-functioning and global treaty. As a maritime country located on an important water way used by Russia’s shadow fleet Estonia is interested in discussing diversion in maritime domain with both State Parties, signatory states and maritime stakeholders.
We should continue our work for common international standards to reduce gaps in regulatory systems and focus on both land and maritime domain. Strengthening licensing systems, customs control and end-user verification make it more difficult for weapons reaching black markets or smuggled into states that seek to destabilize and destroy.
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, many State Parties imposed strict export controls on Russia. Estonia commends the efforts of those countries and remains ready to share its experience and consult with others in creating a strong control system and preventing arms move to high-risk destinations.
In the last years we have been sharing our experiences and best practices with both State Parties of the treaty and with countries which have not joined the treaty yet. And we’ll continue to do so in the future.
President
We have to look for ways for better coordination and implementation. Estonia supports the United Kingdom’s proposal to develop a five-year strategy and thanks the UK for its leadership. We hope that in these discussions we can focus on how we can fulfil our current tasks better instead of creating new ones.
Most countries have limited administrative capacities and resources, so instead of establishing new frameworks or initiatives let’s look at how we can improve what we are already doing. It is important to Estonia that the strategy would not seek to create new legal obligations.
Once again, Estonia remains committed to the Treaty and its goals and looks forward to discussions during the conference week and beyond.