ESTONIA

The Riigikogu discussed the heating problems relating to private houses

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

At its today’s sitting, the Riigikogu heard replies to two interpellations.

The Minister of the Environment Erki Savisaar replied to the interpellation concerning the encouragement to phase out wood-stove heating in private houses (No. 99), submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Siim Pohlak, Martin Helme, Riho Breivel, Kalle Grünthal, Anti Poolamets, Kert Kingo, Urmas Reitelmann, Leo Kunnas, Helle-Moonika Helme, Henn Põlluaas, Alar Laneman, Merry Aart, Mart Helme, Uno Kaskpeit and Paul Puustusmaa.

The interpellators wished to know whether the encouragement to phase out wood-stove heating was the initiative of the Government or if it arose from the European Union guidelines.

They also wished to know the minister’s assessment of what impact the phasing out of wood-stove heating would have on people’s readiness to cope on their own with various crises, for example in the event long-term power cuts.

Savisaar explained that the discussion concerned a subsidy for replacement of heating appliances with or their renovation to lower-emission or more environmentally-friendly heating appliances. The issue of phasing out wood-stove heating is not and has never been on the agenda in the European Union. “All such suggestions are a speculation,” Savisaar emphasised. He said that the Ministry of the Environment was currently developing a support measure that aimed to improve air quality. “We are speaking of a support measure that will be funded from the European Regional Development Fund and the aims of which are more sustainable energy consumption, renewable energy and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” the minister noted.

Savisaar pointed out that there would be no need to phase out wood-stove heating. “It is true that wood-heating stoves emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. However, wood-heating is still recognised as a green energy source,” the minister said. He underlined the simple fact that trees capture carbon dioxide as they grow. If a tree is burnt in the stove, the amount of carbon dioxide released is exactly equal to what it would have been if the tree had decayed in the forest. “The problem with wood-heating is the emission from the chimney, especially in densely populated areas like cities,” the minister noted.

“Those who wish to replace an old stove have the alternatives of acquiring a new stove, renovating the old stove, connecting to district heating, replacing the existing stove by an air-to-water heat pump and transition to geothermal energy,” Savisaar described the solutions. In his opinion, there are several options. The solutions depend on personal wishes and the regional specifics.

With the planned measure, the support will be channelled to densely populated areas where local heating is the main source of heating and problems with air quality are the greatest. There is a huge difference between correct and incorrect heating. “Incorrect heating causes large amounts of smoke, soot and fine particles, and the smell and acidic smoke spread around in the neighbourhood. With skilful knowledge, it is possible to greatly reduce emissions from all types of stoves and furnaces. It is necessary to acquire high-quality firewood and to get to know the process of burning wood in your stove,” Savisaar explained.

The Minister of Education and Research Liina Kersna replied to the interpellation concerning serious changes to nursery education (No. 106).

During the open microphone, Heiki Hepner, Aivar Kokk, Tarmo Kruusimäe and Peeter Ernits took the floor.

The sitting ended at 6.29 p.m.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu adopted a statement in support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

The Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) adopted a statement in support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine, initiated by 28 members of the Riigikogu. The Statement of the Riigikogu calls on all nations to unconditionally support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

67 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of adopting the Statement.

Text of the statement:

“In 2014, Ukraine fell victim to an unprovoked aggression, the consequences of which have still not been eliminated, and the security threats in Europe are rapidly escalating.

The Riigikogu resolutely condemns the aggression of the Russian Federation targeted against Ukraine. The Riigikogu reiterates its position of 2014 and 2018, condemning the aggressive activities of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea.

The Riigikogu calls on all nations to unconditionally support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The Riigikogu underlines that no country outside the European Union or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has the right to veto regarding the enlargement of these alliances. Ukraine’s membership in international organisations is a decision of Ukraine and these organisations, and third parties have no say in this issue.

The Riigikogu is of the opinion that no decision concerning Ukraine’s sovereignty can be made behind Ukraine’s back. The policy of spheres of influence is over in Europe, and the Riigikogu condemns all attempts to restore spheres of influence in Europe.

The Riigikogu firmly believes that one of the conditions for ensuring lasting peace in Europe is ending the aggression of Russian Federation against Ukraine.”

The Statement of the Riigikogu “In Support of the Territorial Integrity of Ukraine” (501 AE) was submitted by members of the Riigikogu Helir-Valdor Seeder, Heiki Hepner, Priit Sibul, Mihhail Lotman, Urmas Reinsalu, Paul Puustusmaa, Ruuben Kaalep, Leo Kunnas, Urmas Reitelmann, Henn Põlluaas, Rene Kokk, Siim Pohlak, Anti Poolamets, Jaak Valge, Martin Helme, Alar Laneman, Merry Aart, Sven Sester, Tarmo Kruusimäe, Raivo Tamm, Riina Sikkut, Heljo Pikhof, Andres Metsoja, Üllar Saaremäe, Riho Breivel, Indrek Saar, Uno Kaskpeit and Jaak Juske.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Comparison of FINLAND’s and ESTONIA’s power prices – In Estonia the price is 20 times higher!

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet – In Estonia the electricity prices have already been very high for several months. The record was December 7th 2021 when the power price reached as high as 1000 euros per megawatt-hour, i.e. for a kilowatt-hour, before VAT and other taxes (excise + network price) a full euro had to be paid. December’s unusually expensive electricity prices were reflected on January’s bills, which in many cases exceeded people’s monthly income.


Table 1. Power prices in Estonia on December 6th and 7th 2021

Although the valid stock exchange power price is today, on January 13th, more favorable than earlier (almost a week the price has been in the yellow zone), the prices, as compared to Finland, are partly 20 times higher. While a Finnish citizen pays 1.3 euro cents for electricity’s kilowatt-hour, then in Estonia up to 21 euro cents per kilowatt hour must be paid.


Table 2. Comparison of Finland’s and Estonia’s power prices. Today’s (January 13) power prices in Finland (left column) and Estonian prices in the right column.

What can a simple homeowner do in order to alleviate their complicated situation created by the high power price?

1. Observe power prices daily – you will find real time power prices from the power prices LIVE guidelines. Estonia’s power prices are on NordenBladet.ee site and Finland’s power prices are on NordenBladet.fi website. All who have concluded an hour-based tariff electricity package, for you the amount of the bill will depend on the amount of electricity consumed each hour and on the stock exchange price valid during that hour. Thus it is very important to daily observe the hourly power prices!

NordenBladet’s hour-based power prices graph (electricity market’s PRICES GUIDELINE) allows you to easily and conveniently observe power prices and plan the day’s more power consuming activities to a more favorable time zone. The price guideline functions as a traffic light (red light warns that the prices are high and the green light lets you know the prices are in a favorable zone). We define a price favorable when it is up to 10 euro cents per kilowatt hour.

(Those who have a fixed price stock exchange package need not worry, since the kilowatt-hour based price has been fixed for a certain time period and the bill shows a similar kilowatt-hour price every month).

2. Be aware of the amount of home appliances (technology) that are consuming electricity in your home. A long and thorough insight about domestic appliances that consume power can be found HERE. By knowing how much an electric stove, television, washing machine, computer and other home appliances consume energy, you will be able to make decisions that in conclusion will positively be reflected on your electricity bill.

3. It is possible to cut electricity costs by using several saving tips at home – beginning from a simple “switch the lights off” principle to a proper heat insulation of the building. You can find various tips and recommendations on how to limit electricity consumption HERE.

COSAC focuses on achievements and future of the euro

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Today and tomorrow, Deputy Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Raimond Kaljulaid attends the Meeting of Chairpersons of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of the Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) in Paris, France. The main topic of discussion at the meeting will be the achievements and the future of the euro.

“The debate on the achievements and the future of the euro is inspired by the 20th anniversary of the single currency,” Kaljulaid said. “At the meeting, the representatives of the European Union Affairs Committees will have the possibility to present their assessment of the euro in the context of their countries, the euro area and the European Union, and also discuss if the euro area should move today towards greater coordination of the economic policies of its members. Improving of parliamentary control of the functioning of the euro area and strengthening the international role of the euro will be spoken about as well,” the Deputy Chairman added.

The members of national parliaments will also hear about the priorities of the French Presidency and discuss new working methods within COSAC, in particular the creation of new working groups so that the members of national parliaments would have the possibility for more in-depth debate on important issues.

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.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Estonian Navy Officer took command of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Today at the ceremony held in Tallinn, Estonian Navy Officer Commander Ott Laanemets was assigned as the new commander of the NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One and took over the responsibilities from Polish Navy Officer Commander Michal Dziugan.

„I am humbled to take command of SNMCMG1. Me and most Estonian sailors have been deployed to SNMCMG1 many times and SNMCMG1 has been a red thin line through the whole of Estonian Navy’s development, integration to NATO and operating alongside allies. Since establishment in 1973 the tasks of SNMCMG1 have remained the same – provide the Alliance with immediately ready mine countermeasures capability and demonstrate the cohesion of allies. I will do my best to deliver a ready mine countermeasures capability for the Alliance during these challenging times,“ said Commander Ott Laanemets.

The new commander will be responsible for leading the unit and maintaining combat readiness as part of the NATO Response Force. This includes training within the SNMCMG1, exercises with allies, mine countermeasures operations and participation in major NATO exercises.

In accordance with the practice of the ceremony, the new commander’s pennant was hoisted on the new SCMCMG1 staff ship LVNS Virsaitis and the former commander’s pennant was returned to Commander Michal Dziugan.

„Every organization, group is as strong, as the people making it, and we had luck to have within the staff and command platform to meet and to cooperate with amazing people,“ said Commander Michal Dziugan.

In addition to the new commander and its staff, the ceremony was also attended by the Polish ambassador in Estonia Grzegorz Kozłowski, the former commander of SNMCMG1, the previous staff, the crew of the new group’s staff ship LVNS Virsaitis and the crew of the minehunter EML Sakala, which will also be part of the SNMCMG1 this year.

Commander Ott Laanemets has formerly been deployed as the commander of EML Sakala and as the chief of staff of SNMCMG1.

Since 2005, Estonia has contributed to the NATO Mine Countermeasures Group one with staff ships, minehunters and a commander and staff. The minehunters take part of the group annually, the Estonian commander and the staff have previously been a part of SNCMGM1 once in 2016-2017.

PHOTOS

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

The Riigikogu discussed the use of rapid tests as proof of non-infectiousness

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

At today’s sitting, the Riigikogu discussed the draft Resolution that was intended to make a proposal to the Government to accept negative COVID-19 rapid test result as proof of non-infectiousness in public spaces and events. The Riigikogu did not pass the Resolution.

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic “To Accept Negative COVID-19 Rapid Test Result as Proof of Non-infectiousness”” (484 OE) was submitted by the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Faction.

During the debate, Anti Poolamets (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), Helir-Valdor Seeder (Isamaa), Tiiu Aro (Reform Party) and Jevgeni Ossinovski (Social Democratic Party) took the floor on behalf of their factions.

30 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Resolution, but a majority vote of the members of the Riigikogu, that is, 51 votes in favour, was needed for the Resolution to be passed.

The first reading of a Bill was adjourned

Due to the end of the working hours of the sitting, the first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Traffic Act (433 SE), initiated by the Social Democratic Party Faction and Member of the Riigikogu Raimond Kaljulaid, was adjourned and will continue at tomorrow’s sitting.

According to the Bill, in the interests of the road safety of pedestrians, the speed limit for personal transporters will be restricted on some roads, and local governments will be given the right to apply additional restrictions where necessary.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

The video recording of the sitting will be available on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.
(Please note that the recording will be uploaded with a delay.)

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Foreign Affairs Committee: NATO’s Eastern Flank needs immediate reinforcement

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Today, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) held an extraordinary video sitting to discuss Estonia’s positions at the extraordinary virtual meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, which will take place tomorrow. The Committee pointed out that Russia’s demands should not be a basis for negotiations and NATO’s Eastern Flank needed immediate reinforcement.

According to Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson, Minister of Foreign Affairs Eva-Maria Liimets told the Committee that the agenda of tomorrow’s meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs covered broader European security issues, the issues relating to Ukraine and preparations for the NATO-Russia Council.

Mihkelson underlined that Russia had made several ultimative demands that must not be the basis for any talks. Also, no concessions should be made on the sanctions imposed on Russia, because the aggression against Ukraine has not abated in the slightest.

The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee thinks that it is important that the NATO allies unanimously support the territorial integrity of both Ukraine and Georgia. Mihkelson emphasised that that in the current security situation, the Foreign Affairs Committee considered it essential to reinforce NATO’s Eastern Flank. “It is in our direct interest that the reinforcement of NATO’s Eastern Flank took place now and immediately,” Mihkelson said.

Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Mihhail Lotman also underlined that the NATO side must not base its talks with Russia on the latter’s agenda, but had to be proactive and present its own demands. “It should be made clear that Russia’s greater security risks arise from its own aggressive adventures,” Lotman said. Lotman also stated that we must not let ourselves be misled by Russia’s terminological games.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Booster doses are available already 3 months after completing the course of the vaccination

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The state immunoprophylaxis committee decided that based on the fast spread of the new variant of COVID-19, and the experience from other countries, the interval between the vaccination course and the booster dose should be reduced.

By the new recommendations of the committee, people who were vaccinated with the Janssen vaccine, should have a booster dose two months after completing the vaccination course. It’s extremely important to have a booster dose because the current data shows that one dose of that vaccine is not protective enough compared to mRNA vaccines.

Vaccination courses completed with AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, need a booster dose three months after completing the vaccination course.

For booster jabs, the committee still recommends using mRNA vaccines Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, but there are exemptions, like allergic reactions to mRNA vaccines, when Janssen vaccine can be used.

The change is immediate, so it means, since the 21st of December, the booster doses are available with the new interval described above. There are plenty of vaccines in Estonia, so all people who would like that, can get their booster jabs as soon as possible. To book a slot for your booster, go to the digilugu.ee, call the state helpline 1247, or contact your family doctor.

The objectives of COVID-19 vaccination are to protect COVID-19 risk groups, to prevent and reduce COVID-19 related illness and death.  Vaccination can reduce the spread of the virus, the burden on the health system and the economy, and ensure the normal functioning of society.

The Estonian Immunoprophylaxis Expert Committee advises the Ministry of Social Affairs about the state immunization and other vaccination-related topics. It includes representatives of allergist-immunologists, family physicians, paediatrics, infectionists, nurses, National Health Board, the Agency of Medicines, Estonian Health Insurance Fund, and the Ministry of Social Affairs.

For more information about vaccination go to www.vaktsineeri.ee. 

Source: Ministry of Social Affairs – Republic of Estonia

New Year Address of the President of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas on Estonian Television

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Dear Estonians, happy new year!

Perusing the Riigikogu verbatim records from over one hundred years ago, we come across the nice tradition of reading aloud the cablegrams with greetings that had been sent to the parliament.

“I wish you all the strength as you start your new work. May our home grow strong and the pillars at its gate solid.”

This greeting was sent to the Members of the Riigikogu by lieutenant Schmidt in early 1921 from Lithuania. That military representative of the Republic of Estonia later Estonicised his name to August Johannes Torma and became a distinguished diplomat. There is nothing antiquated about the core of his wish even today, which makes it very fitting to be conveyed to the Estonian people on the first day of 2022.

I hope that Christmas and New Year passed in joy and security for all of you. I am sure that many of you had the chance to spend the holidays with your families and close ones, or peacefully alone. Meanwhile, there were others who because of their jobs or their own free will upheld the sense of security and holiday cheer of every one of us. They did it in rescue commandos, police force, health care institutions, businesses, production facilities, associations, authorities, shops, media, foreign missions, or other roles. I take my hat off in gratitude to all of you and hope that there was enough peace of mind and holiday spirit to reach you as well.

People of Estonia!

My hope for the new year is that we would be able to support one another better. Those who share our beliefs but also those who challenge us in finding a common ground. The big should support the small, and the small should support the big – both in the direct and the metaphorical sense. In politics and daily lives. Across the nation and in local governments. Face to face, in public space, and online. Estonia’s success and happiness are best measured by those among us who have the least.

Reminding ourselves that one in ten Estonians live abroad for any number of reasons, one in five still live on the threshold of poverty, many are suffering from mental or physical abuse, too many have been subjected to an unfair treatment through no fault of their own, and that the Estonian population numbers still keep declining… If we want Estonia to be a good home for us all and for lieutenant Schmidt’s cablegram to ring true for centuries, what we most need are human relations and care for one another.

We also need to be smart and keep our sight on our future, so that we would always be able to overcome the crises and stumbling blocks on our path.

Although our security might continue to be sound, the security environment is more strained than during the last New Year. Even though economy is developing, many among us have become less certain of coping over the last year. We are a single nation and society but too many among us feel rejected. The health crisis has remained a sad fact and hundreds of people still had to spend these holidays in hospitals or in sick beds. The number of fatalities among us has been tragically high.

People of Estonia,

Nearly a century and a half before we started receiving professional health care advice from the Scientific Advisory Board, our celebrated poet Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald, who was after all also Võru city doctor, put together a health care manual for Estonian homes. In the foreword to this book from 1879, this figurehead of national enlightenment wrote:

  • Knowledge and life experience teach us that the sooner we deal with a problem, the quicker it can be overcome;
  • The signs of a disease need to be studied carefully to see which ones make it advance more lightly or more seriously;
  • Expenses cannot be skimped on because the higher a fire grows, the worse its consequences.

This is why I wish that we would all be fully committed to learning life’s lessons in the new year, taking note of concerns, recognising red flags, and getting everything under control more easily and early. All this to make the new year and the future centuries enjoyable for all of us and for the entire Estonia.

All the success to Estonia!

Jüri Ratas

The President of the Estonian Parliament

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Estonian troops participating Operation Barkhane received French deployment medals

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Members of Estonian contingent BKN-10 that has served in Mali for the past four months were awarded French deployment medals at a ceremony held in Gao, Mali yesterday. Additionally the outgoing Senior National Representative (SNR) Major Rauno Viitmann handed over responsibility to incoming SNR Major Rauno Vahimets.

„The past six months as Senior National Representative were challenging but as well productive,“ said Major Rauno Viitmann. „Estonian units that served here during that time did their job well and I am one hundred percent sure that the new SNR and contingent will continue keeping their standards high“.

The French overseas deployment medal (Medaille d’Outre-Mer) is issued to troops for participating in operations outside of French territory since 1962. Areas of service are indicated by a clasp that will be attached to the medal. Medals issued to Estonian service members have the clasp Sahel, which indicates to a respective area in Africa.

“Members of the current contingent, led by Major Viitmann, have done a great job which we are honored to continue,“ said the new SNR Major Rauno Vahimets. „We will do our best to keep our standards and professionalism high.”

50 Estonian service members, that received the medals, have served in Mali since August this year. Main tasks of the unit are manning gates and observation posts of Gao military base, forming the quick reaction force (QRF) and patrolling in and around the city of Gao.

Estonian troops are serving in the French military camp on the banks of river Niger since 2018.

The aim of the French-led operation Barkhane is to support the fight of five Sahel region states (Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad) against terrorist groups. Operation Barkhane was initiated on August 1, 2014.

PHOTOS

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

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