Estonia's historic Tartu Peace negotiation table moves to Foreign Ministry

The historic negotiation table used to sign the Tartu Peace Treaty in 1920 has been transferred to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tallinn. This move is a collaborative effort between the Tartu City Museum, the city of Tartu, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The table is a significant symbol of Estonian diplomacy, as it was the site where the Estonian delegation, led by Jaan Poska, concluded negotiations with Soviet Russia. This treaty ended the Estonian War of Independence and secured international recognition for the Republic of Estonia.

According to Rasmus Lumi, Deputy Chancellor for Administrative Matters, the table serves as a living symbol of diplomatic heritage rather than just a museum exhibit. It will be used to introduce the legacy of the Tartu Peace to foreign guests and diplomats, and may be used in future official signing ceremonies. The relocation was conducted as part of the Athena 2026 exercise, which aimed to practice the protection and rapid relocation of valuable cultural heritage during crisis situations.