A Farewell Interview with H.E. Martin Michelet, Ambassador of Switzerland to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
Ambassador, your time in the Baltics is coming to a close. How would you summarise your experience representing Switzerland in Estonia?
These past four years have been truly enriching, fulfilling, and exciting. As the Swiss Ambassador to Estonia—also responsible for Latvia and Lithuania—this unique regional role has brought both challenges and immense rewards. I was privileged to hold a distinctive position that allowed me to appreciate the commonalities and important differences between the three countries and, hopefully, gain a nuanced understanding of the region.
My tenure began during the restrictive period of the COVID-19 pandemic, but those early limitations quickly gave way to an intensive visit program. I made it a priority to be present and engaged in Estonia, which allowed me to truly get to know the country—its people, its cities and villages, and its remarkable natural beauty.
Beyond day-to-day diplomatic, economic, and cultural engagements, one of the key milestones of my time here has been the establishment of the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme. This initiative is already elevating our bilateral relations, and I am confident it will leave a lasting and positive legacy, strengthening our partnership for years to come.
In your view, what defines the relationship between Switzerland and Estonia today?
The excellent relationship between our two countries is built on shared values, mutual respect, and a forward-looking partnership rooted in innovation, digitalization, and democratic principles. Both Switzerland and Estonia are small, agile nations with strong traditions of good governance, rule of law, and economic openness.
A recent and significant addition to our bilateral ties is the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme, which supports social inclusion and biodiversity in Estonia with funding of 26 million Swiss francs. This initiative, part of the Second Swiss Contribution to select EU countries, is a strong expression of solidarity and partnership—underscoring Switzerland’s commitment to working closely at both bilateral and EU levels for the security, stability, and prosperity of Europe.
I firmly believe that no country can secure peace and prosperity on this continent alone. That is why Switzerland remains deeply engaged—in our support for Ukraine and through the Second Swiss Contribution to 13 EU member states. Naturally, Estonia, along with Latvia and Lithuania, holds particular significance for me within this broader framework.
You’ve witnessed growing cooperation in areas like innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation. Where do you see the most potential for Swiss-Estonian business collaboration going forward?
Switzerland and Estonia consistently rank among the global leaders in innovation, technology, and education. At the same time, our strengths are often complementary—especially at the intersection of digital technology and sustainability. There is great potential for collaboration between Swiss and Estonian companies in these areas.
Whenever Swiss and Estonian minds meet, there is a natural synergy—things just “click.” That is why the role of the Swiss Embassy in Estonia and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland is clear: to create as many opportunities as possible for these encounters to happen regularly and meaningfully. The results—and their multiplying effects—will follow.
The Baltic region is often praised for its agility and resilience. What impressed you most about Estonia’s approach to diplomacy, economy, or governance?
What stands out most in Estonia’s approach is its unwavering commitment to digital transformation as a pillar of national strategy and identity.
Estonia’s digitized government services, e-residency program, and open-data initiatives demonstrate remarkable foresight and trust in technology. These efforts have given Estonia international relevance in digital freedom, cybersecurity, and democratic resilience. I see significant potential for further collaboration between Switzerland and Estonia in these fields.
Additionally, Switzerland and Estonia should work more closely to integrate science into diplomacy—leveraging platforms like CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) and GESDA (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator), a multilateral initiative that brings together scientists, diplomats, the private sector, philanthropy, and civil society to use science anticipation for global action. I warmly encourage Estonia to engage more deeply and fully take advantage of International Geneva, where many of the world’s most forward-looking discussions take place.
Given our size, it is both natural and advantageous for Switzerland and Estonia to focus on fields where we can lead through innovation and exert influence beyond our scale.
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On behalf of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland, we sincerely thank H.E. Martin Michelet for his dedication to Estonia and the Baltic region. We are especially grateful for his support during the founding years of our Chamber since 2022 and his participation in key events.
As a token of our appreciation, we are honored to present him with the Chamber’s Golden Medal and wish him continued success in Berne.
Estonian Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland
July 2025