Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia took a uniform position on the planned trip of the Slovak Prime Minister to Russia. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna made the announcement on Sunday on Fico's refusal to consent to the use of Estonian airspace. The Prime Minister wanted to take part in the May 9 celebrations in Moscow, where celebrations traditionally take place to commemorate the USSR's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Tsahkna justified the decision with the security of the entire continent. “No country can use our airspace to strengthen ties with Russia while Moscow continues to violate international norms and commits aggression against Ukraine and acts against the security of all Europe,” said the head of Estonian diplomacy.
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The Baltic countries apply a uniform refusal procedure
In Estonia and other EU and NATO countries, there is a standard procedure for issuing landing and overflight permits during official visits. However, the Ministry of Diplomacy explained that this rule does not apply when Estonian airspace is used for travel to Russia.
Vilnius and Riga also refused to consent. The Slovak Prime Minister himself confirmed on Saturday that all three Baltic countries rejected his plans.
Fico had to change his route a year ago
An identical situation occurred a year ago. Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia also blocked the flight of foreign officials' planes through their territories on their way to the Moscow celebrations. Fico was then forced to make a much longer journey, using the corridor over Hungary, Romania and the Black Sea. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic had to make a similar maneuver.
