On 1 December 2021, International IDEA’s Council of Member States (chaired by Australia) unanimously approved the membership request from the Republic of Estonia. Estonia joins the organization as its 34th Member State.
Mr Märt Volmer, Undersecretary for European Affairs at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Estonia, participated in the Council meeting together with the Estonian Ambassador to Sweden, Mr Margus Kolga. Mr Volmer welcomed the Estonian membership and the support from the Institute’s existing Member States, saying: “Estonia is very proud to join an organization of countries that demonstrate their commitment to the rule of law, human rights, the basic principles of democratic pluralism and strengthening democracy”.
The Secretary-General of International IDEA, Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora, commended Estonia for the remarkable democratic journey that the country has taken over the past 30 years, and added: “This is not something to be taken lightly, particularly in light of the increased democratic deterioration taking place around the world“.
He also noted that “Estonia has become a true world power when it comes to e-governance and the smart application of digital technologies in democratic institutions and processes. I am convinced that International IDEA’s research and technical support will greatly benefit from Estonia’s knowledge and expertise on democracy, ICT and digital participation, which is crucial to reinvigorating and renewing democracy to be able to tackle the challenges it faces ahead.”
