NordenBladet —Today, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Henn Põlluaas visits Ämari Air Base, where he welcomes the airmen of the Polish Air Forces who started their service in NATO Baltic Air Policing mission at the beginning of this year.
Põlluaas emphasised that NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission was a part of collective defence for the preservation of peace and stability in our region.
“Estonia and Poland are firm allies both in NATO and in the European Union. We have similar historical experiences, values, and a common understanding of the current threats to security. We have a common neighbour – Russia – who has turned its back on international law and agreements, and is even trying to rewrite the real history to suit its own needs,” the President of the Riigikogu said.
According to Põlluaas, the recent accusation against Poland for having started World War II is just one example of this, as are Russia’s aggressions against Georgia and Ukraine. “We are resolutely condemning all such actions,” Põlluaas said. “All this reminds us every day that the security threat from the East has not disappeared. This is why we welcome wholeheartedly the help of our NATO allies in defending our borders.”
The President of the Riigikogu visits the Polish airmen, who took over the air policing duties from the Czech Air Force, together with Ambassador of Poland Grzegorz Kozłowski. They are accompanied by Chairman of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu and Chairman of the Estonian Defence Industry Support Group Andres Metsoja, and Chairman of the Estonia-Poland Parliamentary Group Aadu Must.
It is the first time Poland conducts air policing in Estonia. From January to April, the Estonian air space is guarded by four F-16 fighters of the Polish Air Forces. By today, 16 allies have contributed to the Baltic air policing. Nine of them have been based in Ämari: Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom.
NordenBladet — This week, the Riigikogu Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) participates in the winter session of the Assembly in Strasbourg, where extending the credentials of Russia’s delegation and the functioning of democratic institutions in Poland will be discussed.
At the winter session, the Estonian delegation to the PACE is headed by Member of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Raivo Tamm. In his opinion, it is extremely important how the members of the Assembly behave in the situation where all member states are once again at the table and try to hold a political dialogue. “PACE should increase it focus on the fundamental values of the organisation: human rights, democracy and principles of the rule of law,” Tamm said.
Member of the Estonian delegation Eerik-Niiles Kross thinks that the crisis of confidence in the PACE, which started with the return of the delegation of the Russian Federation, will continue also during this session. “There are many discussions on relatively unimportant issues and few discussions on the most important issues,” Kross stated. “It is the duty of the Estonian delegation to contribute to upholding substantial and honest debate without any double standards in the PACE. We plan to do it also this time.”
On Wednesday, Kross will participate in the side event where politically motivated imprisonment in Russia and ways in which the Council of Europe can respond to it will be spoken about.
The main topics of the debates on the agenda of the PACE session include a complementary joint procedure between the Committee of Ministers and the Assembly in response to a serious violation by a member State of its statutory obligations, the functioning of democratic institutions in Poland, and reported cases of political prisoners in Azerbaijan.
MPs will also discuss threats to media freedom and journalists’ security, and a report on “Democracy hacked? How to respond?” The Presidents of Georgia and Moldova, as well as the Foreign Minister of Georgia and President of the Committee of Ministers and the newly-elected Secretary General of the Council of Europe will address PACE. There may also be debates on the recent developments in Libya and in the Middle East, and also on ongoing violation of the rule of law, human rights and democracy in Turkey.
NordenBladet —At today’s plenary sitting, the Riigikogu passed the Act that harmonises the conditions for control of the acquisition and possession of weapons in the European Union.
The Act on Amendments to the Weapons Act, the State Fees Act and the Strategic Goods Act (transposition of the Firearms Directive) (62 SE), initiated by the Government, transposes the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council which updates the requirements for the free movement of firearms and their essential components within the European Union. Compared to the regulation that was in force before, the requirements for travelling with weapons and deactivated weapons in the European Union territory will change.
In the future, for example, it will not be possible to travel with category B hunting weapons on the basis of a firearms pass. This will be subject to a prior authorisation from the destination country each time, and a one-off authorisation from the Police and Border Guard Board will be needed to take a weapon out of Estonia. The majority of hunting weapons registered in Estonia are in category C, and they can still be conveyed on the basis of a firearms pass within the European Union. Persons who wish to travel with deactivated weapons will also be required to apply for a relevant consent of a public authority. The procedure for conveying ammunition within the European Union will also change.
The Act establishes heightened requirements for owning and possessing semi-automatic firearms with large-capacity magazines using centre-fire cartridges. Persons applying for acquisition of firearms with such magazines need to provide proof that they are actively practising for or participating in shooting competitions. A person who has been a member of a shooting sports club for at least 12 months can acquire a weapon. Acquisition of such semi-automatic firearms for the purpose of self-protection and protection of property is prohibited by law.
The requirements for the collection of weapons also change. Collections may be established for historical, cultural, research, technological, educational and cultural heritage purposes on the basis of a collection permit for weapons and cartridges issued by the Police and Border Guard Board in the cases when the ownership of the weapon does not endanger national security or public order. The period of validity of a collection permit is reduced from ten to five years, and limits are set on firearms which are capable of firing and ammunition that are collected.
In the course of the proceedings on the Bill, the definition of museum was included in the Weapons Act. The adoption of the new term is necessary in order to make a distinction between authorities that maintain weapons collections under the Museums Act, and persons who collect weapons under the Weapons Act. According to the definition, museums may acquire, preserve, research and exhibit weapons, essential components of firearms, magazines in restricted commerce, and ammunition for historical, cultural, research, technological, educational, cultural heritage or entertainment purposes. Military weapons and deactivated or demilitarised weapons may also belong to weapons collections of museums, besides weapons in restricted commerce. Private museums that own weapons will also be able to join the database of museums. The Act is intended to preclude situations where persons who own weapons for the purpose of preserving history are not under state supervision.
In addition, the Act was amended by adding the definition of person participating in national defence, who may be active serviceman within the meaning of the Military Service Act. It also includes active members of the Estonian Defence League and members of national defence representative organisations when they are appointed to wartime positions. Such persons are the first to be called up for military service in a crisis situation or a situation of war. Therefore they are also allowed to engage in shooting training more efficiently with their personal weapons with larger magazines, and to train themselves voluntarily for participation in military national defence.
84 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the passage of the Act and one was against.
NordenBladet —The Bill giving minors who are capable of judgement the right to receive psychiatric treatment with their consent passed the first reading in the Riigikogu today.
The Bill on Amendments to § 3 of the Mental Health Act (115 SE), initiated by the Social Democratic Party Faction, will amend the provision of the Mental Health Act that regulates the provision of psychiatric care to minors and persons with restricted active legal capacity. Under the current regulation, it is impossible for a young person under 18 years of age to receive psychiatric care before his or her parent or legal representative grants consent thereto. As an extreme resort, an authorisation by a court can be applied for instead.
According to the Bill, minors who are capable of judgement, and who understand the nature of their illness, the available treatment options and the potential consequences of refusing them will obtain the right to receive psychiatric care with their consent. The explanatory memorandum notes that early and timely medical intervention helps prevent aggravation of illness and enables efficient and effective treatment which in turn helps reduce mental health problems in young people.
NordenBladet —The Riigikogu approved its agenda, according to which six Bills will be at the first reading and one Bill will be at the third reading this working week.
There is no deliberation of Bills or replying to interpellations at Monday’s sitting.
At Tuesday’s sitting, the Bill on Amendments to § 3 of the Mental Health Act (115 SE) will be at the first reading.
At Wednesday’s sitting, five Bills will be at the third reading. They are the following: the National Defence Bill (112 SE); the Bill on Amendments to the Penal Code (offences against national defence) (113 SE); the Bill on Amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Code of Administrative Court Procedure and the Penal Code and Other Acts (specifications of criminal, misdemeanour and judicial proceedings during state of emergency and state of war) (114 SE); the Bill on Amendments to the 2014‒2020 Structural Assistance Act and the Foreign Relations Act (129 SE); and the Bill on Amendments to the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act and Other Acts (130 SE).
At Wednesday’s sitting, the Bill on Amendments to the Weapons Act, the State Fees Act and the Strategic Goods Act (transposition of the Firearms Directive) (62 SE) will be at the third reading.
During the open microphone, Siret Kotka and Marko Šorin took the floor.
NordenBladet – Fortune and success have different meanings for different people. For an ambitious person it is not just the promotion at work or a dream home, but constantly overcoming obstacles and setting new tasks and solving them. While success can have also many definitions, the basics are the same. In order to achieve anything you must take action and set clear and articulated goals for yourself.
1. THE PLAN – the secret behind every success story is a well prepared plan. Without a plan you will be sensessly running around. Take time to think where you are now, where you want to go and what are the steps to reach that destination.
2. KNOWLEDGE – learning could be a lifelong journey. Take interest in life, be curious, read, visit exhibitions, attend fairs, conferences and develop yourself constantly. You will always be seeking opportunities to make yourself better. You know that you are capable of more and you make the effort.
3. TIME IS PRECIOUS – use your time efficiently! Learn to plan and use your time and avoid activities that won’t bring you closer to your goal. At the same time, do not become robot, because you will always also need time for yourself, for your dearest and for a rest. Having a rest is also a part of efficient planning. Without a rest you won’t be able to focus during the work hours.
4. WAKE UP EARLIER THAN OTHERS – do you sometimes think how some people can manage to do so much in one day. Actually there is no great mystery behind it. Very many of the successful people just wake up early enough. Waking up 1-2 hours earlier every day will give you a great time benefit!
5. WORK on your character – people with a nasty character are liked by nobody and people with a nasty character are not those that will be chosen to collaboration teams. Be kind, honest, and trustworthy. Do not only care and take interest in your individual emotions. Being honest and polite helps you open more doors that you could guess. Be confident, but not insolent. Confidence will differentiate you from others who have no trust in their potential. When you believe that you can handle everything then this is the first step on the way of realizing your wishes. Yet you must not become over confident since that would be disturbing and will hinder you from analyzing yourself as a bystander.
6. BE SELFLESS – in other words don’t be an egoist! Many successful business ideas have grown out from the wish to help others. When you hold on to this wish then you could be able to achieve a lot in your life. You wish to begin your own business? Think of how you could be useful to others and begin with it. Your wish to help others might finally benefit you greatly.
7. DISCIPLINE AND CONTINUITY – self discipline, patience and continuity will often take people further than great talent and advantages. Everyone will fall but there are less of those who don’t mind getting up again. Don’t break, think everything through once again, if necessary, apply some changes and keep moving towards your dreams! Be the person that can overcome obstacles! You always keep moving and will let nothing stop you. Giving up is not your style.
8. FIND MOTIVATION – without passion everything is more difficult to achieve. Find out what ignites you and use it to motivate you. An even better recommendation would be to only engage in the things that are really of interest to you.
9. DO NOT CRITICIZE – people who talk behind someone’s back, see only the negative side of everything and only criticize are mostly just a smartasses. Instead of boosting your ego by diminishing others, make your own self bigger and more lovable. A successful person is a diplomat, and an honest partner.
10. GIVE UP, SOMETIMES – you will understand how important it can sometimes be to say “no”. You are not afraid of giving negative answers to people. You know that being negative about low priorities allows you to be positive about high priorities.
11. DON’T BE AFRAID OF NEGATIVE FEEDBACK – you are not intimidated when someone says something negative. You will differentiate between an insult based on malicious envy and a genuine constructive negative remark.
12. MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH – you take care of your health, because you know that without health there is no success, and there is nothing to do with knowledge and wealth. Thus you eat, sleep, drink and breath healthily as much as possible.
Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Anneli Ott participates in the Meeting of the Chairpersons of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) held in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. The meeting focuses on the priorities of the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union and on bringing Europe closer to citizens.
“Now that the new European Commission has been in office for some months, it is time to discuss with the representatives of all member states how the national parliaments can contribute to bringing the European Union issues closer to citizens,” Ott said.
The Chairpersons of the European Union affairs committees of the national parliaments will hold two panel discussions today. The first discussion will focus on the priorities of the Croatian Presidency. Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković will deliver the opening speech of the panel. Croatia has promised to deal with the strengthening of the digitalisation agenda and the competitiveness of European industry and small and medium enterprises during its Presidency period.
The second panel will be opened by Vice-President of the European Commission Dubravka Šuica, who is in charge of democracy and demography. Mairead McGuinness, First Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of relations with the National Parliaments, is the keynote speaker at the session.
NordenBladet – One of the secrets of a happy life is the setting of challenges to oneself and then overcoming them. However, in theory it is always easier than in practice and thus in many cases people tend to lack self confidence and mental strength. People will solve problems differently, yet in order to achieve success it is most important that you change your set of mind – then your life will change along with the changing results! You can lead your life to the right direction and for this you must practice a proper attitude and not always settle for the easier way out.
1. ADJUSTMENT – a mentally strong person will adapt to new situations and is open to changes. A horizontal education and ability to adapt will guarantee success in the globalising society!
2. KEEPING CALM – even in the most complicated of situations you can remain calm and solve the problem intellectually. You avoid raising your voice.
3. REJECTING THE SUPERFICIAL – your thoughts, interests and actions are not superficial and you go further than the sweep-by-everything subjects. You do not see things only as they appear at first sight. You look into things and explore before drawing any conclusions.
4. ABILITY TO APOLOGIZE – an intelligent and mentally strong person will know when is time to apologize and this serves as elementary politeness, nothing to be ashamed of. You will realize when you have made a mistake and you are not afraid to admit your mistakes. You understand that by apologizing you will leave a better impression of yourself.
5. WHEN DOING SOMETHING YOU DO NOT EXCEPT A RETURN – selfless personalities will achieve more than those who only do things to get sth in return and for selfish reasons. Whenever you do a favor, you do not suppose the person will pay you back somehow. A mentally strong person will give to others more than they take.
6. YOU KNOW THE LIMITS – everyone of us has boundaries. And all situations have boundaries. A smart person will explore them, will set limits, will see that others do not cross the boundaries, and will respect the boundaries of others.
7. DO NOT PITY THEMSELVES – it is easy to become depressed and let the negative feelings take over. Yet self pity will not solve any problems. Instead of that the mentally strong person will think how to change the circumstances and how to turn the negative energy into positive energy.
8. LISTEN TO GOOD ADVICE – you are open to feedback and will listen to what others have to say. You are not afraid to express your opinion, neither are you turning a deaf ear to the opinions of others, be these positive or negative. You are open to feedback since you know that you can learn from it.
9. TRUST YOUR INNER FEELINGS – you rely on your inner feeling. You believe in experience, while this helps you recognize your inner voice and will help listen to it.
10. YOU ARE PRECISE – a mentally strong person is precise. No one needs to be waiting after them, and also their own schedules are carefully planned. You avoid postponing things. You like completing projects and assignments before moving on to new ones.
11. YOU CAN SAY “NO” – a mentally strong person will establish themselves and is not afraid to say “no”. Not everything must be liked, not everything can always be done, and you need not be everywhere always. You select the activities based on your needs and the schedule for the day.
12. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT YOU CANNOT CHANGE EVERYTHING – there are things in life that we cannot change. There is no need to fight the unavoidable. Settle with the situation and move forward!
13. NOBODY LIKES A NOBODY – you must focus on yourself and worry less about what someone thinks about you. There is no pleasing everybody.
14. ABILITY TO FORGIVE – a mentally strong person is generous and sincere. Such a person will get on well with own self, will trust oneself and therefore will be able to forgive oneself as well as others. There is no reason to carry the negative burden. Every person has been born to develop spiritually, and there are inevitably mistakes and falling down now and then on the way.
15. LET OTHERS HELP YOU – you are ready to receive help. You know exactly the areas where you face deficiencies and you are not afraid to ask for help from others. Two heads are two heads!
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NordenBladet – The so to say middle class constantly lives in a state of waiting, in the hope that an external power will arrive and save them and fullfil their wishes and dreams. They expect that there will be a lottery prize and magically the worries would disappear. Unluckily the reality is somewhat different. Those will win that will make the effort.
The lower class and the middle class operate on a level of consciousness that favors awaiting the passive advancement of life. A hero to save them is perhaps God, the government, their employer or their spouse. The thought patterns of a common agent cultivate such an approach.
During my life I have founded many successful enterprises just as well as I have repeatedly completely burned out, been bankrupt and got back to square one. To be absolutely honest, it is more of the complete disaster than the success that I have experienced, but… as I am not a loser type of person then I wish to share my lessons with you – those beneficial and didactic experiences that have accompanied me towards the goal and towards the breakthrough.
Here are my 9 recommendations that you grand projects might become a success:
– THE CRUCIAL POINT: make sure that the project that you wish to carry out is instructive and helpful-beneficial for the earth-humanity, that you would grow as a person while working on it
– Your great idea will lack weight if you do not carry it out. It is always many times more difficult to carry out the ideas that to invent them.
– Talk about your idea, advertise it (don’t worry that it could be stolen, since as I mentioned in the previous point, it is more difficult to carry out than to come up with the idea. A good idea is the one that goes hand in hand with a vision about how to carry it out.
– Don’t chicken out before the fact that you intend to build a billion euro enterprise and you lack a million euros of spare money. There is a lot of money in the world.
– Be consistent and confident. If you have faith in your project then do everything necessary to accomplish it.
– Do not rely on debt while building your enterprise. The more organic the growth of your enterprise, the more peaceful your sleep during the night and the less your plan will suffer during economic crises.
– Find allies and business partners.
– Give back to the world… it is only worth doing what is good! When the people and the society do not grow and develop, then the plan is not sustainable. Should you wish to accomplish something really big then keep in mind that big action begins with little changes. You can be the one that brings the ends of the chain together.
– Do not mind losing, don’t be scared that you could be laughed at. There is always a flock of seagulls shrieking near big boats. It can happen that once in a while a boat will sink, set your mind at peace with this. If you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
Several times I have held workshops in Sweden in English language on the topic: “How to be visible in social media, how to break through and earn from that” and “How to achieve success, join elitist circles and find investors for your million euro business plans!” From the content of the latter conference-training I have also produced a synopsis to the English-based site of NordenBladet.com, see HERE. I promise to translate the post also to Estonian, Finnish, and Swedish languages soon, so that all who are interested would have the opportunity to read. People’s interest in such topics have enormous and those classes and brainstorming were extremely successful and out of them grew the idea to create a private training-schooling entreprise and business school. The concept itself would be simple – to pass forward the knowledge and include other experts from the field. I am saying this honestly, that I do not feel that I am as wise or successful as some of you may think about me. Whenever this is of help, motivation and courage, then I believe that the plan might even be of effect. For sure, I would need a partner or partners for this project, since my top priority is always home, then media, then my hobbies and art, and only after that the so to say extra hobbies and new projects. 🙂
