Parliamentary friendship groups help the MPs communicate with other national parliaments, carry out Estonia's foreign policy, and promote our country around the world. The first parliamentary friendship group in Estonia was founded in 1921: the Estonian group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The first parliamentary groups after Estonia had regained its independence were founded in 1993.

Founding of parliamentary friendship groups

The foundation meeting of a parliamentary friendship group can be convened at the initiative of any Member of the Riigikogu. There are no limits to the size of a group. Parliamentary friendship groups are formed at the beginning of a new term of the Riigikogu, and MPs may join or leave any time.

There are no limits to the size of a group.

If a Member of the Riigikogu wishes to found a parliamentary friendship group, they first notify the Board of the Riigikogu. The Board will then announce the time and the place of the founding meeting at a plenary sitting. At the founding meeting, the member list is registered and a chairman elected. The formation of a parliamentary friendship group is also made known to the accredited diplomatic representation of the target country in Estonia, the Estonian Embassy in that country, and our Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The first six parliamentary friendship groups after Estonia regained its independence were founded in 1993, during the 7th Riigikogu (1992–1995): Estonia-Finland, Estonia-Germany, Estonia-France, Estonia-Italy, Estonia-Russia, and Estonia-Denmark parliamentary groups.