Permanent Representative
The Permanent Representative of Estonia to NATO
Ambassador Kristjan Prikk is the Permanent Representative of Estonia to NATO since August 2026.
Kristjan Prikk was born on 15 February 1977.
Before assuming his current post, Mr. Prikk served as the Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the United States from May 2021 to July 2026. This was his third diplomatic posting to Washington, D.C. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, he served as the Permanent Secretary of the Estonian Ministry of Defense from August 2018 to May 2021. In this capacity, he was responsible for the overall management of the Ministry and for coordinating the activities of the agencies under its authority. Before becoming Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, he performed the duties of the Undersecretary for Defence Policy for a year.
From 2015 to 2017 Mr. Prikk was the Director of National Security and Defense Co-ordination Unit of Estonian Government Office. Mr. Prikk’s role was to co-ordinate the development and implementation of the whole of government interagency approach to national defense in Estonia and advise the Prime Minister on these issues. Prior to becoming the Director in 2015, Mr. Prikk was the Deputy Director in the same office for two years.
His previous assignments include the Defense Counsellor at the Estonian Embassy in Washington, D.C (2010–2013), the Director of International Co-operation Department of the Estonian Ministry of Defense (2007–2010).
Prior to joining the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Prikk worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between 1999–2007.
Mr. 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).
In 2000–2001, Mr. Prikk completed his conscript service in the Estonian Defense Forces. He is a reserve officer and a member of Estonia’s voluntary defense organization, the Estonian Defense League (Kaitseliit).
Mr. Prikk has been awarded the Order of the White Star of the Republic of Estonia, Fourth Class; the National Order of Merit of the French Republic, Knight Class; the Cross of Merit of the Estonian Ministry of Defense, First Class; and additional decorations from the Estonian Defense Forces, the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service, and the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board, among others.
Kristjan Prikk is married to Liis Prikk, an educator. They have two daughters and one son.