Ambassador
As Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to Germany, it is my goal to further develop the close relations between Estonia and Germany and to weave new threads into this dense fabric. In addition to flourishing bilateral relations, Estonia and Germany are both Members of the European Union, Allies in NATO and share membership in regional formats connecting the Baltic Sea states. Strengthening together our common security and supporting Ukraine, as well as working together for competitiveness of our economies are among our main priorities. There is close co-operation and regular exchanges between Estonia and Germany not only in the areas of foreign and security policy, and economy, digital and green transformation, but also education and culture, and in many other areas. The Embassy is committed to facilitating and deepening these contacts. Furthermore, consular activities are of great importance, including providing support to Estonian citizens in Germany. The fulfillment of these tasks and goals is of course only possible through the joint efforts of the excellent Embassy team.
Marika Linntam joined the diplomatic service of the Republic of Estonia in May 2001, with a primary focus on Europe. For the five years prior to her appointment as Ambassador to Germany, she served as Director General of the Europe Department at the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In this position, she focused on general European Union policy issues and on promoting bilateral relations with European countries, with which Estonia is largely linked also through NATO and European Union membership. Strengthening relations between Estonia and Germany was an important objective for her also in this previous role. Especially since 2022, a strong focus within the European Union and relations with European countries has been supporting Ukraine and ensuring long-term European security.
Before her appointment as Director General of the Europe Department, Marika Linntam had long been committed to the best possible representation of Estonian interests in the European Union. From 2010 to 2013, she was Director of EU Law Unit and the State Agent, defending Estonia’s interests before the European Court of Justice. From 2013 to 2018, as Antici at the Estonian Representation to the European Union in Brussels she assured policy coordination, including for preparation of European Council meetings, and contributed to preparation and carrying out of the Estonian EU Council Presidency.
Marika Linntam graduated from the University of Tartu with a Law degree and holds a Master’s degree in EU law from the University of Rennes I in France.