President Alar Karis recalled Estonia's current ambassador to NATO, Jüri Luik, and appointed Prikk as the new representative to the alliance in Brussels.

Both Luik and Prikk have been in their current positions since 2021 and the changeover will take place in the second half of the summer.

Prikk is on this third stint in Washington, and his previous assignments include the defense counsellor at the Estonian Embassy in Washington, D.C (2010-2013) and the director of the international co-operation department of the Ministry of Defense (2007-2010).

Before joining the Estonian Ministry of Defense, he worked on NATO enlargement and NATO partnership with Russia, Ukraine and Georgia at the Security Policy and Arms Control Bureau of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2006-2007).

Prikk holds a Master's degree from the Strategic Studies Program of the United States Army War College (2013) and a Bachelor's degree in political science and economics from the University of Tartu, Estonia (2000).

Ambassador must gain access to Trump's inner circle

A new Estonian ambassador to the United States has not yet been appointed.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200) stressed that this is the most important ambassadorial post for Estonia.

Tsahkna said: "This is no longer the classic work of a diplomat — this person must gain access to Trump's inner circle, must very clearly represent Estonia's interests there, but also face the tense situations between Europe and the United States. It's not an easy choice, but we definitely have such people in our foreign service."

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary General Jonatan Vseviov explained that the U.S. ambassador has to be a messenger, but also to gain access to those who shape American policy.

"There are quite a lot of these people in America. Naturally, the administration, Congress, other decision-making levels, think tanks and academia, the business world," said Vseviov.

"This task is quite multifaceted, and for someone to succeed in such a turbulent situation requires a cool head and the ability to grasp the bigger picture," he added.

Prikk 'a clear choice' for NATO job

Tsahkna said Prikk's experience in the defense field and as ambassador to the United States will benefit him in his new position in Brussels.

"If we look at the current situation, NATO is an existentially important alliance for us, where we must be active. Kristjan Prikk's background and recent experience in the United States, along with the new [President Donald] Trump administration, will be of great use. This choice was very clear for us," the minister said.

He said Prikk also has insight into how the development of military capabilities works within NATO, since he was involved in planning as Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense.

"Prikk knows very well our new regional defense plans, and if we look at the objectives set within the five percent framework, then for us in Estonia it is not just about meeting the percentage target by 2035, but about implementing real defense plans, and the NATO ambassador has a very important role in this," Tsahkna said.

Luik for president?

Tsahkna said the past few years in NATO have been very tense and that Luik has done very good work.

He recalled calling for Article Four consultations after Russia's 12-minute airspace breach in September, and Estonia pushing for higher defense spending and capability goals discussions.

"A lot has happened in our region, and Jüri Luik has certainly played a very significant role there as our ambassador," the minister said.

The foreign minister could not comment on Luik's future steps.

"Ambassadors usually rotate in the second half of summer. Jüri Luik, I hope, will certainly continue to serve the Estonian state in one form or another, so we'll see," said Tsahkna.

When asked whether Jüri Luik could become the next president of Estonia and replace Alar Karis later this year,

Luik has been touted as a possible presidential candidate, replacing Alar Karis, whose term ends this autumn. The head of state is elected by the Riigikogu.

Asked about this scenario, Tsahkna replied: "Jüri Luik has been talked about as the next president for as long as I've been in politics — and that's been over 20 years. It all depends on political choices and on Jüri Luik's own willingness. Personally, I do believe that the next president of the Republic of Estonia must certainly have a clear understanding of foreign and security policy, because we are living in very turbulent times."

Tsahkna added that the topic has not been discussed within the party, but personally he would not be opposed.

This article was updated to add comments from Jonatan Vseviov and Margus Tsahkna.

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