Helena-Reet Ennet

Helena-Reet Ennet
4601 POSTS 0 COMMENTS

NATO PA pushes for increased support to Ukraine and stronger NATO deterrence

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

According to the Head of the Estonian delegation to the NATO PA Raimond Kaljulaid, Estonia currently faces three challenges on the NATO level. “First of all, we are keen for every NATO ally to increase their defence spending. We have already done this and contribute more than five percent of our GDP, as do many other countries, but we need the same contribution from everyone to ensure our security,” he stressed.

Secondly, Kaljulaid highlighted the need to keep the issue of Ukraine on the agenda. “Thirdly, we need to continually stress on every level that unity is key and that discords between USA and Europe only benefit NATO’s enemies and opponents, especially Russia and China,” he said.

Member of the Estonian delegation, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson emphasised that the upcoming NATO summit must avoid any concessions when it comes to Ukraine. “The conclusions of the The Hague summit cannot be a step backwards compared to those made in Vilnius and Washington. This is why it is important for the NATO allies to invite the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to The Hague and organise a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council. Russia must not receive a signal that they have any kind of power over NATO decisions,” he said.

The focus of the declarations passed at the Spring Session of the Assembly was on supporting Ukraine and taking NATO deterrence and defence capability to a new level at the summit that is taking place in the Netherlands at the end of June.

The Assembly called on the governments of the allies to increase diplomatic, military, financial, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, support tougher sanctions against Russia and its accomplices, including in the oil and gas sector, and ensure that any peace agreement would prevent possible future aggressions by Russia, ensure the long term security of Ukraine, and strengthen European and Euro-Atlantic security. The declaration also included an appeal to NATO leadership to invite Ukraine to the The Hague summit, and to organise a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council on the level of the heads of government.

The second declaration concerned increasing the level of defence expenditure, strengthening the defence industry, and enhancing NATO deterrence. Among other things, the members of the Assembly advocated for strengthening NATO’s position in the Baltic Sea region, referring to both the Baltic air policing mission and the Baltic Sentry activities.

The MPs taking part in the session of the NATO PA also had a discussion with the Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte, whose speech focused on increasing defence spending and developing defence industry. As the Spring Session, which started last week and ended on Monday, was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, speeches were delivered by high representatives of Albania, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: NATO PA pushes for increased support to Ukraine and stronger NATO deterrence

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar: Increasing cooperation between Estonia and Korea offers great development opportunities

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar said at the meeting that the excellent relations between Estonia and Korea were characterised by shared values in defending freedom, democracy and the international legal order, as well as by close cooperation in many fields. He pointed out that the opening of the Estonian Embassy and Business Centre in Seoul in early 2023 and the opening of the Korean Embassy in Tallinn in March this year had boosted these excellent relations.

Hussar noted that in the increasingly tense security situation, which had led to the need to significantly increase defence spending, close defence cooperation was important for both countries, and as part of this cooperation, Estonia had purchased K9 self-propelled howitzers from South Korea. “In addition to cooperation of defence industries, we are also developing digital cooperation and are ready to share our experience and pay even more attention to cooperation in cyber defence,” he said.

It was confirmed at the meeting that expanding economic cooperation offered great growth opportunities, and the promotion of cultural ties and tourism was also considered important. The participation of the Daegu Opera House in this year’s Saaremaa Opera Festival was particularly highlighted. The Speakers also underlined the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, emphasising the need to further develop interparliamentary relations.

Hussar pointed out that a 12-member Estonia-Korea Parliamentary Friendship Group had been formed in the Riigikogu, the delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu had visited the Republic of Korea last autumn, and Chair of the Environment Committee of the Riigikogu Yoko Alender had visited Seoul with a business delegation in April this year. “The importance of parliamentary diplomacy has grown considerably in the last three years, especially since Russia started a full-scale war of aggression in Ukraine,” the President of the Riigikogu said, and reiterated the desire to further strengthen parliamentary relations.

Chair of the Estonia-Korea Parliamentary Friendship Group Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart and members of the Group Yoko Alender and Urve Tiidus also participated in the meeting of the Speakers.

The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea arrived in Estonia for a three-day visit on Sunday, when he met with the Korean community in Estonia. He will meet with President Alar Karis, and visit the e-Estonia Briefing Centre. He will also visit the Estonian Open Air Museum, Kadriorg Art Museum, Palmse Manor and Viru Bog.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Hussar: Increasing cooperation between Estonia and Korea offers great development opportunities

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu supports more effective return of third-country nationals illegally staying in the EU

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali pointed out that while Estonia had a very high rate of return of illegally arrived persons, not all EU member states were doing as well with returns, and this could inevitably affect us. “This is a very good initiative because if the European return system becomes stronger, it will be good for European unity and for preserving our way of life,” Tali said.

“Authoritarian regimes are using irregular migration in hybrid war. Hopefully, Europe’s determination and more effective return of illegal migrants will send a clear message and act as a deterrent, helping to reduce their numbers. If Europe’s rules hold, illegal immigrants will also realise that there is no point in taking a gamble and trying to come here illegally.”

It was highlighted at the sitting that according to the initiative, if one country had taken a return decision regarding an illegal immigrant, other Member States would see the notification and would not have to start a new procedure, but can expel the illegal immigrant on the basis of the decision already taken. If the person is not satisfied with the decision, they can challenge it in court when they are themselves located in a third country.

The aim of the common return system is to speed up the return of third-country nationals illegally staying in the EU. Estonia supports enhancing the effectiveness of the system, including the introduction of an obligation to cooperate for persons subject to return, longer detention periods and longer entry bans, and the extension of the criteria for risk of absconding.

Last year, 441,772 return decisions were issued in the European Union, of which only 126,787 could be enforced. Each year, more than 70 per cent of third-country nationals whose illegally stay has been detected remain in Member States for various reasons. Estonia has a very high return rate, last year, 92% of return decisions were enforced.

At today’s sitting of the European Union Affairs Committee, Head of the Border Guard and Migration Policy Department Janek Mägi, Adviser of the Border Guard and Migration Policy Department Ele Russak and Advisor of the Department of European Union and Foreign Relations Katarina Budrik of the Ministry of the Interior gave an overview of the positions of the Government regarding the proposal for a Regulation. The Committee decided to approve the positions by consensus, in line with the opinion of the Constitutional Committee of the Riigikogu.

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu supports more effective return of third-country nationals illegally staying in the EU

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Estonian Defence Forces have concluded their largest exercise of the year, Hedgehog 25

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Live Fire Exercises at the Estonian Defence Forces Exercise Hedgehog 25 Are Coming to an End

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Kaljulaid and Mihkelson attend NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session in the USA

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Before the Plenary Sitting of the Assembly, discussions will be held in the committees of the Assembly this week. Kaljulaid is a member of the Defence and Security Committee and Mihkelson is a member of the Political Committee.

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly will convene for its Spring Session on Monday. Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte and Head of the U.S. delegation to the NATO PA Michael R. Turner will speak at the Plenary Sitting. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha will deliver a video message.

The debates at the Plenary Sitting will focus on two topics. First topic will cover taking NATO’s deterrence and defence capability to the next level at this year’s summit, which will be held at the end of June in The Hague, the Netherlands. The second topic will be achieving peace in Ukraine. The NATO Parliamentary Assembly plans to adopt a declaration on both topics of discussion at the sitting. At the end of the Session, new Secretary General of the Assembly will be elected.

Kaljulaid and Mihkelson will also take part in two panel discussions at the University of Dayton. Kaljulaid will speak at the panel organised in cooperation with the Atlantic Council, which will focus on the role of NATO and transatlantic relations in the tense global security environment. In addition to Head of the Estonian delegation Kaljulaid, President of the Atlantic Council Frederick Kempe, Head of the Norwegian Delegation Trond Helleland and Head of the British Delegation Derek Twigg will participate in the panel. The discussion will be moderated by Erwan Lagadec, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Security Initiative.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Mihkelson will speak at the panel organised by the Assembly and the German Marshall Fund of the United States, where the focus will be on developing the defence industry of the USA and its European allies. Other speakers at the discussion will be Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee Lieutenant General Andy Rohling and Member of the German Bundestag Peter Beyer, and the discussion will be moderated by Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer, President of the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

On Sunday, Kaljulaid and Mihkelson, together with members of the Assembly’s Defence and Security Committee, will visit the Lima Army Tank Plant, where tanks and other land warfare platforms used by NATO allies and Ukraine are produced.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Kaljulaid and Mihkelson attend NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session in the USA

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar discussed opportunities for digital cooperation with President of Botswana

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar said that the first state visit of an African President to Estonia was a special event, which was confirmed by the fact that the Estonia-Botswana Parliamentary Friendship Group had been formed in the Riigikogu today. The Bill on the ratification of the agreement for the elimination of double taxation between Estonia and Botswana also passed its first reading in the Riigikogu today. According to the President of the Riigikogu, the ratification of the agreement will open up new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries

At the meeting, Hussar, together with Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson and member of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Mario Kadastik, gave the President of Botswana a comprehensive overview of the digital solutions in use in Estonia. Among other things, the e-residency programme, online elections, e-banking and other e-services offered by the state and businesses were discussed. According to Hussar, the use of digital solutions in Estonia contributes significantly to efficiency.

Hussar pointed out that the most important thing when using e-services was to maintain the trust of society, and to address security and data protection issues in a wise and well thought out way. He assured that Estonia was ready to share information and experience with Botswana in the development of e-governance, digital services and cybersecurity. “We have great potential for cooperation in these areas. I hope to see fruitful cooperation between our two countries especially in the development of digital services,” he said.

The international security situation, the increasing of defence spending and support for Ukraine in the war of aggression launched by Russia were also spoken about at the meeting.

The President of Botswana is in Estonia at the invitation of President Alar Karis.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Hussar discussed opportunities for digital cooperation with President of Botswana

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Tali will meet with his counterparts from the Baltic Sea countries in Riga

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

“At today’s meeting, the plan is to discuss primarily the issues of military defence, military mobility, defence industry and comprehensive security, which will also be on the agenda of the Plenary Meeting of the European Union Affairs Committees of national parliaments in Warsaw in June,” Tali said. “We will also talk about the priorities of the next long-term budget of the European Union and the agenda of the COSAC plenary.”

Chairs of the European Union Affairs Committees of the parliaments of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden will participate in the meeting. The parliamentarians gathered in Latvia already yesterday to visit Ādaži Military Base and the defence industry company Belss in Mārupe.

COSAC is a cooperation format that brings together the Committees for Union Affairs of the national parliaments of the 27 Member States of the European Union.

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Tali will meet with his counterparts from the Baltic Sea countries in Riga

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar attends the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Pope Leo XIV, who is head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, will be inaugurated in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The mass, which starts at 11 a.m. Estonian time, will be attended by many heads of state from around the world. After the inauguration mass, Hussar will attend the papal reception together with other heads of delegation.

Pope Francis died on 21 April, and the Conclave elected the new Pope on 8 May.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Hussar attends the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar: We must cooperate comprehensively to protect our information landscape

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

During the meetings, both the President of the Riigikogu and the Chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee addressed the need to develop cooperation in the field of strategic communication, so that all members of society would learn to see through Russia’s information operations. “Strategic communication and countering Russia’s misinformation are an issue not only for Estonia and Ukraine, it is an issue that needs to be addressed together with our allies and partners. In increasing the resilience of European countries, it is important to learn from Ukraine’s experience,” the President of the Riigikogu said to the Minister of Culture of Ukraine.

One of the topics discussed during the meetings was the need to educate all levels of society to recognise information operations, including the need to control the very large role of the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukrainian church life and society and the direct links of the Moscow-led Kyiv Orthodox Church with the Russian armed forces. Among other things, Hussar highlighted the closure of Russian TV channels in Estonia at the beginning of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and reaffirmed the unwavering support of Estonia and Europe for Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee Liina Kersna said that in the context of fake news and the opportunities provided by the emerging artificial intelligence, it was crucial that both the young and the old were able to distinguish between true and false information. “Russia’s bombs have been killing civilians and destroying people’s homes and Ukraine’s cultural heritage for the fourth year already, and there is an equally merciless war going on at the information front.” The Minister underlined the importance of unity and education in society to keep our backs straight and our eyes clear in the storm-winds of Russia’s massive propaganda. It was also noted at the meeting that the cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Estonia and Ukraine in the field of strategic communication was excellent, but we could also intensify this cooperation between our other institutions.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Maris Meiessaar
+372 631 6353, +372 5558 3993
maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

Link uudisele: Hussar: We must cooperate comprehensively to protect our information landscape

Source: Parliament of Estonia

1...345...461Page 4 of 461