ESTONIA

European Interparliamentary Space Conference is discussing space cooperation in Tallinn

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

The plenary sitting of the European Interparliamentary Space Conference (EISC) and the related meetings will focus on the common ground in the field of space. The head of the Estonian delegation Mario Kadastik said that the components of military vs. civilian use had been kept apart so far; however, the changed global situation had introduced cross-usage into the field of space. “The new reality in turn has highlighted the need to use and develop both the civilian and military infrastructures more efficiently as a foundation for future space-based security,” Kadastik said.

This meeting brings to Tallinn representatives from the EISC member states, the European Space Agency, and the European Space Policy Institute.

Politicians and space management experts will take part in panel discussions in the Riigikogu Conference Hall, discussing the topics of shifting boundaries in space over the next decade as well as the integration of the space dimension into military structures and operations.

Taking part in the discussion are the head of the Estonian delegation Mario Kadastik, Director of the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) Hermann Ludwig Moeller, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA) Josef Aschbacher, Policy Officer for Space in the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence, Major R. Toni Pfaffenbauer, security expert Rainer Saks, and expert of the Estonian Defence Forces Ivo Peets.

Friday will include visits to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and cyber security company CybExer Technologies. The company is known for its cyber range platform solutions.

The European Interparliamentary Space Conference was established in 1999. Its full members are the national parliaments of the Member States of the European Union and/or the European Space Agency that have established a parliamentary body dealing with space affairs.

The aim of the EISC is to facilitate information exchange, discussion, and analysis in the space policy sector for the national parliaments in Europe. The resolutions adopted at the meetings of the EISC are not binding for national parliaments, but the organisation helps to define the role of the European legislators in space issues.

The organisation currently has 15 full members. The official languages of the EISC are English, French, and German.

The chairmanship of the EISC rotates, and one country holds it for one year. The task of the presidency is to organise a workshop on topics of space from a practical perspective, as well as a plenary session, where a resolution on hot topics of the year is passed.

Estonia last held the presidency of the EISC in 2017. The aim of our presidency at the time was to launch a discussion on how to use entrepreneurship in the space industry, and how to deal with the legislation regulating these issues.

Photos (will be added in accordance with the programme; author: Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal
+372 631 6351, +372 5190 2837
gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee
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Link uudisele: European Interparliamentary Space Conference is discussing space cooperation in Tallinn

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Nordic and Baltic Speakers plan to boost cooperation

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar described closer cooperation between the parliaments and parliamentary committees as an excellent way to solve cross-border issues together, for example in fields like security or transport. Some committees of the Riigikogu are already cooperating with other parliaments in the NB8 format, such as the Foreign Affairs Committee, the National Defence Committee, and the European Union Affairs Committee. Hussar highlighted the joint efforts made by NB8 countries in the European Union enlargement process.

Another important topic at the meeting was support for Ukraine. “Insofar as Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is concerned, we need an unconditional ceasefire before anything else; it is only after that that negotiations can start to achieve a lasting peace,” Hussar said. He added that Russia could not set restrictions on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union or NATO, and that no decisions could be taken concerning Ukraine without Ukraine. Hussar stressed the need to continue pressuring the aggressor. “We need to strengthen the sanctions and start using Russia’s frozen assets to support and rebuild Ukraine, and Ukraine also needs security guarantees from us.”

The participants also discussed developments in their own countries, followed by a thorough discussion about ensuring the resilience of parliaments in possible crisis situations.

Other Speakers present in the meeting besides Hussar were Þórunn Sveinbjarnardóttir from the Icelandic, Daiga Mieriņa from the Latvian, Andreas Norlén from the Swedish, and Jussi Halla-aho from the Finnish parliaments. The Norwegian and Lithuanian parliaments were represented by Vice-Presidents Svein Harberg and Juozas Olekas. The Speakers also met President Alar Karis this morning. The Secretaries General of the Nordic and Baltic parliaments met yesterday as part of the framework of the Speakers’ meeting.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
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Link uudisele: Nordic and Baltic Speakers plan to boost cooperation

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Foreign Affairs Committee is visiting Moldova

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

“Supporting Moldovan security and resilience is a priority both for Estonia and the European Union. The presidential elections and referendum last year showed that the Moldovan people are intent on moving forward on a democratic and pro-European path,” Mihkelson declared. He added that the parliamentary elections of 28 September would determine the direction for the country for a long time to come. 

“We hope that our meetings with the Moldovan politicians will enlighten us on the political situation and challenges for national security in the country. We will also discuss cooperation as Moldova is advancing towards accession to the EU,” Mihkelson explained.

The schedule includes meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi, Former Deputy Prime Minister and member of the Supervisory Board of the National Bank Dumitru Alaiba, National Security Advisor at the Presidential Administration Stanislav Secrieru, Director of the Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation Ana Revenco, Chair of Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Policy Ina Coșeru, and members of the committee. There will also be meetings with representatives of think tanks and the press.

Mihkelson explained that the political situation in Moldova was particularly tense because of the parliamentary elections due on 28 September.

“The situation is further exacerbated by the activation of the Kremlin’s substantial propaganda machine intended to influence the public opinion and election results,” Mihkelson said. He added that extensive campaigns have been identified on social media channels that spread pro-Russian narratives and attack the European Union, Moldova’s integration aspirations, and leaders who favour the accession to the European Union. These channels are used to boost the messages of pro-Russian politicians.

Mihkelson emphasised that Moldova was one of the priority development cooperation countries for Estonia and that our cooperation has intensified further since 2022 when Moldova became an EU candidate country. We are engaged in projects that support Moldova’s integration into the EU or are linked to our partnership in implementing the association and free trade agreement.

Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal
+372 631 6351, +372 5190 2837
gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee
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Link uudisele: Foreign Affairs Committee is visiting Moldova

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Nordic and Baltic speakers meet in Tallinn

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar emphasises the importance of close information exchange and fruitful cooperation in the current complicated security situation. “We will discuss introducing new cooperation formats at the level of parliaments, and enhancing the cooperation between committees,” Hussar said. He added that the schedule tomorrow included planning for further joint activities to provide much-needed support to Ukraine. “The focus of the discussion will be on enabling the use of Russia’s frozen assets to help and rebuild Ukraine,” Hussar said.

In light of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine and the increased hybrid threats directed against European countries, the Speakers will also discuss how to ensure the resilience of parliaments in possible crisis situations. “Parliaments must function with efficiency during crises, while continuing to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities, including making national defence decisions. The Board of the Riigikogu has approved a resilience plan and has practised different scenarios. We will also discuss the preparations and plans made in other countries to enhance our readiness for possible crises”.

In addition to Hussar, other Speakers meeting in the Knighthood House are Þórunn Sveinbjarnardóttir from the Icelandic, Daiga Mieriņa from the Latvian, Andreas Norlén from the Swedish, and Jussi Halla-aho from the Finnish parliaments. The Norwegian and Lithuanian parliaments are represented by Vice-Presidents Svein Harberg and Juozas Olekas. The Speakers will also meet President Alar Karis on Friday. The Secretaries General of the Nordic and Baltic parliaments will also meet in the framework of the Speakers’ meeting.

Please note that members of the press who wish to cover the event are asked to register at press@riigikogu.ee by 4 p.m. today at the latest.

Photos (will be added in accordance with the programme; author: Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

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

Link uudisele: Nordic and Baltic speakers meet in Tallinn

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Stoicescu and Mihkelson take part in the EU security policy conference in Denmark

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Chairmen of the National Defence Committee Kalev Stoicescu and the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson are in Denmark where the European parliamentarians are shaping the common foreign, security, and defence policy.

Mihkelson, who has just returned from the celebrations of the Independence Day of Ukraine, said that the European countries were playing a more important role in defending democratic societies than ever before. “One of the things that the President of Ukraine confirmed yesterday was that there are currently profound discussions going on between Ukraine, European countries, and the USA about the actual nature of the security guarantees for Ukraine. A lot remains to be decided but progress has been made, and it continues to be crucial that the western countries continue to exert pressure on Russia,” Mihkelson said.

Stoicescu said that Estonia was in favour of raising the defence spending to five percent of the GDP and expected the other European countries to do the same. “The European countries should all make a relatively equal contribution considering their economic performance. This duty is not restricted to the Member States at the border,“ he pointed out.

The Conference will be opened tomorrow by the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament David McAllister and will discuss closer cooperation between the European Union and NATO, promoting democracy in Ukraine, migration from third countries, Europe’s role and responses to events in the Middle East, as well as defence investments, and topics of critical infrastructure, social resilience, energy, and climate.

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

 

 

Link uudisele: Stoicescu and Mihkelson take part in the EU security policy conference in Denmark

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Mihkelson and Tali are celebrating the Independence Day of Ukraine in Kyiv

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

This includes a meeting of the global network of parliamentarians committed to supporting Ukraine—United for Ukraine, or U4U—today and tomorrow in Kyiv, which gives them the opportunity to witness first-hand the effects of war crimes committed by Russia.

The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson highlighted that although Ukraine was celebrating a national holiday today, it still needed the unwavering support of its allies. “We stand next to Ukraine on its day of celebration but also on every other day. The victory in the war and the ensuing peace must come hand in hand with the defence of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. It is crucial to defeat Russia in its war of aggression. That is the only foundation for a just and lasting peace,” he declared.

The Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali emphasised that Ukraine was fighting for the freedom of all the democratic countries. “Ukraine’s freedom is our freedom. We need to take every opportunity to show that the whole Europe is firmly on the side of Ukraine and is hoping for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and NATO,“ he said. “It is impossible to envisage how the security architecture of Europe or NATO could work without Ukraine in the near future.”

Members of the parliaments of Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, as well as the European Parliament are also taking part in the meeting.

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

 

 

 

Link uudisele: Mihkelson and Tali are celebrating the Independence Day of Ukraine in Kyiv

Source: Parliament of Estonia

President of the Riigikogu and Prime Minister thanked the members of the August 20 Club for their contribution

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

In his speech, President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar focused on today’s turbulent foreign policy situation. “You, who have felt the price of freedom through your own personal experience and passed a decision on the end of a totalitarian system, understand most clearly why it is so important today to continue to support Ukraine in every way possible. We know that Russia has not changed in its nature. It still does not accept the right of sovereign nations to decide their own path, be it towards the European Union or NATO,” Hussar said. 

Hussar also expressed concern about the growing anxiety in Estonian society. However, he expressed hope that, instead of confrontation, everyone would be ready to think and act together. The President also thanked the members of the August 20 Club for their contribution to public debate.

“Our Constitution does not support populist convulsions or rating-based policymaking. On the contrary, it requires stability, transparency, and legal consistency,” the President of the Riigikogu underlined.

In his welcoming speech, Prime Minister Kristen Michal noted that it is not easy to recognise pivotal moments and decisions of great significance in everyday life. He also thanked the club members for their contribution and personal courage. “Your undoubtedly emotional, yet deeply principled decision to vote for the restoration of the constitutional order of the Republic of Estonia placed each of you personally at risk,” said Michal.

According to Michal, the events that took place 34 years ago remind us that law and justice cannot be destroyed. “Drawing on our own experience, we can extend a helping hand to our partners, first and foremost Ukraine, because no one can stand against the will of the people; with the mandate of the people, even a lightweight can overcome a giant. And no other nation or state can or should take upon itself the right to decide the future of a free and independent people,” the Prime Minister stressed.

Deputy Chairman of the Board of the August 20 Club Alar Maarend, in his presentation at the annual meeting, discussed the origins and future development of today’s climate policy. Maarend emphasized that carbon dioxide was not the root cause or sole cause of climate change. “The circulation of CO2 in the Earth’s atmosphere is a complex process involving all living matter, whether on land, in the sea or in the air. Everything that lives, breathes. Everything that breathes, emits CO2,” Alar Maarend said.

According to Maarend, economic and energy policy should not focus solely on the fight against CO2. “Saying that by making all our economic activities carbon neutral, we can change the climate, is an oversimplified and one-sided approach,” Maarend expressed his concern.

The festive meeting held today in the White Hall of the Riigikogu was presided over by the President of the August 20 Club Ants Veetõusme.

The August 20 Club, founded in 1994, unites the people who were elected to the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia in 1990, and voted for the resolution of the restoration of the independence of Estonia. Today, they work to preserve and uphold the significance of this historic decision.

On the occasion of the holiday, it is also possible to visit the Tall Hermann Tower. The blue, black and white flag flying at the top of the tower symbolises the independence of the Republic of Estonia. Tours to the tower start every full and half hour; the tower will be closed at 6 p.m.

Photos of the celebrations of the Restoration of Independence Day at Toompea (photographer Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu). Please note that the Photos will be uploaded with a delay.

Riigikogu Press Service
Maiki Vaikla
+372 631 6456, +372 5666 9508
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Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: President of the Riigikogu and Prime Minister thanked the members of the August 20 Club for their contribution

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Tall Hermann Tower will be open to visitors on the Day Restoration of Independence

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Free tours of the Tall Hermann Tower will take place every full and half hour between 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. The tours will start from the Governor’s Garden. The tours offered on the Fienta ticketing platform are already full. However, on 20 August, a limited number of free tickets will be distributed in the Governor’s Garden on a first-come, first-served basis. The Tall Hermann Tower is a historical building, and therefore group sizes are limited. We recommend to get your tickets as early as possible to secure a place on the tour.

Celebration of the restoration of Estonia’s independence will begin at 11 a.m. with a memorial ceremony at the 20 August Memorial Stone at Toompea. Ants Veetõusme, President of the August 20 Club, will deliver a speech. President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar will lay flowers at the memorial stone on behalf of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia). Prime Minister Kristen Michal will also attend the ceremony.

At noon, the August 20 Club will hold its traditional festive meeting in the White Hall of Toompea Castle. President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar and Prime Minister Kristen Michal will deliver welcoming addresses. Deputy Chairman of the Board of the August 20 Club Alar Maarend will give a speech.

The August 20 Club, which was founded in 1994, unites the people who were elected to the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia in 1990, and voted for the Resolution to restore the independence of Estonia. 34 years ago, on 20 August 1991 at 11.03 p.m., the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia adopted the Resolution On the National Independence of Estonia, with 69 votes in favour.

The historical towers of Toompea Castle are an integral part of Estonia’s political history. Today, the most important of the towers is the Tall Hermann. The blue, black and white national flag on the top of the tower, at 95 metres above sea level, is one of the main symbols of Estonia’s independence. The Tall Hermann Tower is traditionally open to the public on the Riigikogu Open House Day in April, on the National Flag Day on 4 June and on the Day of Restoration of Independence on 20 August.

Riigikogu Press Service
Maiki Vaikla
+372 631 6456, +372 5666 9508
maiki.vaikla@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Tall Hermann Tower will be open to visitors on the Day Restoration of Independence

Source: Parliament of Estonia

New Command Sergeant Major of the Estonian Defence Forces assumes position

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Baltic Speakers: Russia as the aggressor must not be appeased

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Lauri Hussar, Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia Daiga Mieriņa and Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Saulius Skvernelis underline that any agreement reached at the talks in Alaska this week or thereafter must unequivocally uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitution and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.

“It is crucial that Russia does not benefit from its brutal and illegal war of aggression through territorial gains. As the aggressor, Russia must not be appeased, as doing so would only embolden further acts of aggression. The use of force to alter international borders is unacceptable and against international law,” the Speakers write in their Joint Declaration.

The Speakers of Baltic parliaments believe that a diplomatic solution must ensure the security interests of both Ukraine and Europe. “Decisions concerning Ukraine must involve Ukrainians themselves, and matters affecting Europe must involve us Europeans. Negotiations can only be held in context of a ceasefire,” they state.

“We firmly believe that only a strategy combining determined diplomacy, unwavering support for Ukraine and sustained pressure on the Russian Federation to end its illegal war can bring success. Therefore, it is vital for our countries – and the democratic world at large – to continue providing political, economic, military, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, while maintaining and strengthening sanctions against the Russian Federation,” the Joint Declaration says.

Joint Declaration in Estonian and in English

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

 

 

Link uudisele: Baltic Speakers: Russia as the aggressor must not be appeased

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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