Today, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Marko Mihkelson attended a video conference of the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to exchange information and coordinate activities relating to the security crisis on the borders of Belarus.
Mihkelson underlined that constant operational exchange of information and strong cooperation were of key importance as the hybrid attack organised by the Belarusian regime was intensifying. “The unity between the European Union Member States and the allies is undoubtedly of significant importance. We unequivocally condemn the activities of the Belarusian regime and repel all attempts to sow mistrust and discord among the Member States,” he said. “We stand in solidarity with Poland, Latvia and Lithuania, and we are following the developments very closely.”
Last week, the Chairs of the Foreign Affair Committees made a joint statement about the situation on the Polish-Belarusian border. It is planned to meet again on this Friday.
The Riigikogu approved the agenda for its remote sittings of this working week.
No deliberation of Bills or replies to interpellations have been scheduled for Monday’s sitting.
At Tuesday’s sitting, the Bill on Amendments to the Electronic Communications Act, the Building Code and the State Fees Act (437 SE) will be at the second reading.
The Bill on Amendments to the Family Law Act and Amendments to Other Associated Acts (474 SE) will be at the first reading.
At Wednesday’s sitting, four Bills will be at the third reading: the Bill on Amendments to the Covered Bonds Act and Other Acts (407 SE), the Bill on Amendments to the Building Code (395 SE), the Bill on Amendments to the Public Information Act (409 SE) and the Bill on Amendments to the Traffic Act (414 SE).
Nine Bills will be at the second reading:: the Bill on Amendments to the Land Reform Act and Other Acts (418 SE), the Family Mediation Bill (438 SE), the Bill on Amendments to the State Fees Act, the Code of Civil Procedure and Other Acts (443 SE), the Bill on Amendments to the Financial Supervision Authority Act and Other Acts (422 SE), the Bill on Amendments to the Gambling Tax Act and the State Budget Act (459 SE), the Bill on Amendments to the Value-Added Tax Act, the Bank of Estonia (Eesti Pank) Act and the Act on Amendments to the Value-Added Tax Act and the Customs Act (460 SE), the Bill on Amendments to the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Duty Act and Other Acts (461 SE), the Bill on Amendments to the State Budget Act (436 SE) and the State Budget for 2022 Bill (464 SE).
One Bill will be at the first reading: the Bill on Amendments to the Maritime Safety Act (470 SE).
The deliberation of the matter of significant national importance “European Union’s and Estonia’s climate targets by 2035 – achieving ’Fit for 55’”, initiated by the European Union Affairs Committee, is scheduled for Thursday’s sitting,
During the open microphone, Peeter Ernits took the floor.
NordenBladet – The laureate of the Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) Lifetime Achievement Award is actress Elle Kull. The actress will receive the award on Friday at 6 p.m. at the opening ceremony of the festival.
Kull, who is turning 70 next year, will receive the award for outstanding roles in nearly 30 films and television productions. Minna in “Ukuaru”, Laura in “Pisuhänd”, Maria Marmor in A Ballade of Two Homes (“Kahe kodu ballaad”), Irma in “Rudolf and Irma” Catherina Wycken in “Reik’s Teacher”, Dora in “Ask the Dead About the Price of Death (“Surma hinda küsi surnutelt”) and a girl in “Promenade” are only a few of the projects she has participated in.
She is the only Estonian actress to have also received the award of the best film actress in the Soviet Union in 1975, for her role in “Ukuaru”.
“Elle Kull has both freshness and purity of youth, fidelity to nature, the depth of material perception and the impulsivity of experience. She has a rare sense of truth. She is like a sensitive membrane that perceives the slightest lie and fake,” an Estonian director Leida Laius who discovered Kull from the second year of the Estonian Theater and Music Academy and invited her to play in “Ukaru.”
“Ukuaru” also opened the door for other Soviet film studios for Kull, for example, she starred in Lithuanian director Almantas Grikevičius’ “Times of Farm Empire”, as well as in Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian, Uzbek and Armenian films, seen by as many as 15 million people.
Kull was a long-time president of the Estonian National Committee of the UNICEF Children’s Fund, and she has been involved in charity work for a long time.
From November 29, the PÖFF online cinema will also show the films “Ukuaru” and “Ask the Dead About the Price of Death”.
The winner of the second Lifetime Achievement Award, which is traditionally a foreign filmmaker, will be announced by PÖFF during the festival.
Last year, Alar Kivilo and Margarethe von Trotta received the PÖFF Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Black Nights Film Festival will take place on November 12-28.
NordenBladet – The government on Thursday decided to allow people to get AstraZeneca and Janssen coronavirus vaccine booster doses five months after receiving the second shot, down from the recent six months. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) sales permit for the vaccines prescribes a waiting period of six months. The Estonian State Agency of Medicines said that how to solve problems caused by side-effects in this case still needs to be analyzed.
The booster dose waiting period has been changed three times in the last month in Estonia. While people were initially told they need to wait eight months after getting their second shot, this was shortened to six months in late October, with people vaccinated using AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines told two days ago that waiting five months is enough. The vaccines’ marketing authorization issued by the European Medicines Agency prescribes a six-month break from the second dose.
“Data from Israel clearly shows that a five-month vaccination interval proved successful at preventing severe cases,” said Marje Oona, member of the Estonian immunoprophylactic expert committee.
“The European Medicines Agency failed to consider data from Israel. The immunoprophylactic committee can, based on Estonia’s epidemiological situation, decide that it is sensible to offer booster doses of AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines after five months,” Oona said.
She said there is no conflict with EMA as national expert bodies can issue recommendations based on the epidemiological situation in the country. Oona gave the example of Finland that decided in spring people need to wait longer for third doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
“On the other hand, we have no reason to believe the vaccine is somehow more dangerous when administered a little sooner. It is a question of effect – whether the immune response is triggered at the right time or whether it is created too soon, when the person still has antibodies,” said Ott Laius, head of the pharmaceutical safety department of the State Agency of Medicines.
Laius said existing data suggests third doses produce the same side-effects as the previous ones. Serious side-effects require the person to turn to the manufacturer after which the state and the pharmaceutical manufacturer will decide how to solve the problem for the person.
Laius could not say what effect Estonia’s decision of a shorter waiting period could have on such resolutions.
“It needs to be determined now. It requires calm deliberation and decisions,” Laius said.
Information available to ETV news program “Aktuaalne kaamera” suggests a major immunization center has offered booster doses to people who got their second shot a mere four and half months ago. Marje Oona said that while there is no additional risk involved, such conduct is not practical either.
“The resulting immunity might not be as strong after a shorter waiting period, which I why I would recommend against getting these shots with short intervals,” she said.
NordenBladet – NordenBladet launched today, on November 15, a new app that allows visitors of our websites keep track of daily electricity prices at any chosen time
Electricity tariffs will be displayed on NordenBladet’s front page and sitewide on the right side of the page in the form of a table. You can check the exact price of electricity during one full hour until the next. The Estonian site (NordenBladet.ee) publishes Estonian electricity prices, the Finnish language site (NordenBladet.fi) publishes electricity prices of Finland.
PRICE GUIDE*:
? Red – the day’s highest prices
? Yellow – the day’s typical price
? Green – the day’s most profitable price
(prices in the table are given before/without value-added tax)
Estonia and Finland belong to the Nord Pool Spot electricity market trade region. Besides Estonia and Finland, the NordPool also involves Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Latvia and Lithuania. In the Nord Pool Spot, electricity prices will be determined separately for every hour of the day and separately for every region. Each country has the minimum of one price zone, countries with larger territories may have several zones.
Electricity’s market value will be calculated by Nord Pool electricity stocks individually for every hour. For each hour, all electricity production offers beginning with the most inexpensive will be ranked, and all electricity demand offers will be ranked beginning with the most expensive. In the intersection of these two lines the price of electricity will be shaped.
__________________________________ ATTENTION! * Electrical grid level depends on the electrical network service provider and the location of every individual consumer’s electrical substation. The price guide has been designed based on Nord Pool data in a supporting manner, with the aim of simplifying the price market overview – NordenBladet will not accept responsibility regarding your electricity consumption!
NordenBladet – Tallinn will be awarded the UNESCO City of Music title from 2022. Last year, Mayor of Tallinn Mihhail Kõlvart (Center) said Tallinn would apply for the title as the capital is the largest center of music culture in Estonia, where song and dance festivals, as well as major international festivals and concerts, take place.
Tallinn’s application was accompanied by the creation of Tallinn Music Strategy 2022-2025, which offers new opportunities for creating and enjoying music.
The main focus of the strategy is to support the development and growth of the city’s music industry.
On Monday, Kõlvart said: “A strong musical tradition has been closely embedded in our cultural heritage throughout the centuries, and therefore the title of UNESCO Music City is extremely gratifying.”
Artistic Director of the Tallinn Philharmonic Society Tõnu Kaljuste said it is not only great news to musicians, but is of great significance for the entire city.
“I believe that any international recognition is a small dose of praise for every musician, giving both delights to the heart and strength for the future. I hope that it will have the same effect on the city in which we live, play and sing. The UNESCO City of Music is a high recognition, congratulations to us all!”
The UNESCO Network of Creative Cities, which includes the Cities of Music, was launched in 2004 with the aim of highlighting the role of culture and creativity in sustainable urban development.
In addition to Tallinn, the newly designated Cities of Music include Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Batumi (Georgia), Belfast (Ireland), Huancayo (Peru), Ibagué (Colombia), Kharkiv (Ukraine), London (Canada), Port Louis (Mauritius) , Recife (Brazil), Santiago de Cuba (Cuba) and Xalapa (Mexico).
NordenBladet – As of Sunday morning, 542 patients with the coronavirus were being treated in Estonian hospitals of whom 428 required treatment for severe COVID-19. Of those, 313 or 73 percent were unvaccinated and 115 or 27 percent had completed their immunization cycle, NordenBladet.ee mediates.
Hospitals opened 35 new treatment cases. Five people with the coronavirus died.
A total of 4,544 tests were analyzed in the last 24 hours of which 561 returned positive. Of those who tested positive, 369 were unvaccinated and 196 had completed the cycle, Health Board data reveals.
Vaccine doses administered in the last day came to 2,115 all of which were first shots. By Sunday morning, 113,655 people had received additional or booster doses. Total vaccination coverage is at 58.2 percent.
In all, 1,673 people with the coronavirus have died in Estonia.
NordenBladet – Estonia’s three-tier arrivals Covid restrictions lists coming into effect Monday remain virtually unchanged on the previous week, with Andorra the only state to change its status, being downgraded from the ‘Yellow’ to ‘Red’ list.
The revised lists, which cover the EU, the EEA and equivalent, including the U.K. and Switzerland, and the Schengen Area, as announced Friday, November 12, and in force from Monday, November 15, together with each country’s 14-day coronavirus rate per 100,000 as reported by the Estonian foreign ministry, are as follows.
Green list – No restriction on movement
States with a 14-day coronavirus rate of 75 per 100,000 inhabitants and below.
Holy See 0*
Malta 71.52
Spain 49.00
*In practice, arrivals coming from the Vatican are likely to have had to pass through Italian territory anyway, meaning they would be subject to Italy’s coronavirus travel status.
Yellow list – arrivals must present proof of vaccination or of recovery from the virus
States with a 14-day coronavirus rate of 75 – 200 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Finland 166.56
France 131.18
Italy 94.48
Monaco 127.41
Portugal 122.68
Sweden 106.35
Arrivals from yellow list countries must present proof of vaccination, a negative test or recovery from the virus.
PCR tests must have been taken within 72 hours of arrival and antigen tests within 48 hours.
Arrivals without a negative test certificate can take a test on arrival and quarantine while awaiting results.
Red list – non-vaccinated arrivals must quarantine 10 days and take two Covid tests
States with a 14-day coronavirus rate of 201 per 100,000 inhabitants and over.
Non-vaccinated arrivals from Red-list countries must quarantine for 10 days on arrival.
Tests must be taken on arrival and on day six. If both are negative, quarantine can be shortened.
Vaccinated people do not need to test.
More information is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website: vm.ee/en.
The data is compiled by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and released on Friday morning. The list is updated every Friday and takes effect from the following Monday.
As of Friday, November 12, Estonia’s 14-day coronavirus infection rate stood at 1,531.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, down from 1,798.98 per 100,000 inhabitants the previous Saturday.
Featured image: Estonian airport (Photo: NordenBladet)
The European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) got an overview of the views of the Government of Estonia on the new European Union forest strategy for 2030 at its sitting today, and decided to support the positions in accordance with the opinion of the Environment Committee of the Riigikogu, with one amendment.
Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Siim Kallas said that the topic of forestry was vital and the communication of the Commission for the new forest strategy was a very meaningful document that contained many issues where it was necessary to find a balance. “After hearing the positions and discussing them, the European Union Affairs Committee decided to support the positions of the Government, amending the first of them so that the climate and biodiversity objectives outlined in the strategy would be given more weight,” Kallas explained.
Deputy Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Riina Sikkut thinks that changes in forestry are needed to ensure biodiversity, and Estonia’s current approach to forestry cannot be fitted within the framework of the strategy. “Bringing the growth of welfare to the whole Europe is the underlying precondition for the European Commission’s green transition package. It means additional jobs, innovation and economic growth, but smaller environmental footprint. Estonia has a competition advantage over those countries that do not have forests, because we already have a good instrument for removal of greenhouse gases,” Sikkut underlined. “Countries that are poor in forests have more serious concerns with reducing emissions: they have yet to start with large-scale planting of forests.”
The new forest strategy of the EU for 2030 aims to ensure healthy and resilient forests that increase biodiversity, contribute to achieving climate targets, improve the livelihoods of people and support circular economy and bioeconomy.
It was confirmed at the sitting that the EU forest strategy is in line with the EU biodiversity strategy. According to the Roadmap annexed to the strategy, at least 3 billion new trees have to be planted by 2030. Estonia’s positions set out that the foresting and tree-planting activities should be first of all implemented on damaged lands, like industrial or mining areas. Speaking of using wood of low value for energy production, Estonia’s positions point out that it should take place in accordance with the biomass sustainability criteria. Estonia’s positions also underline the importance of subsidiarity, so that each country could develop its forestry by taking into account the local circumstances. It was also mentioned at the sitting that the new version of the Estonian Forestry Development Plan would be ready this month.
The sitting of the Environment Committee was attended by Head of the Forest Department Meelis Seedre and Adviser of the Forest Department Rauno Reinberg from the Ministry of the Environment.
The Council of the European Union will adopt conclusions on the communication for forest strategy at the sitting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on Monday. The strategy will form a basis for preparing draft legislation, which in its turn will be submitted to the Riigikogu for discussion.
The President of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas met with the speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary László Kövér. The two colleagues discussed topical foreign policy and security issues of the region, energy, and opportunities for further improving our close bilateral relations.
Discussing the Belarus hybrid crisis, the parties agreed that an immediate and efficient European Union level solution is a must. “It is not acceptable that third countries use migrants for their political aims, as is happening today in Belarus,” Ratas said. “The situation on the European Union external border – Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia – is not simply a migration crisis, but also a security threat and hybrid attack against the entire European Union.”
A lot of emphasis was placed on the excellent relations of the two countries. “Cultural relations between Estonia and Hungary are excellent. I’m sure the Finno-Ugric dimension is an important factor here,” Ratas said. Our defence cooperation is also outstanding, while our bilateral economic relations have room to grow. Ratas acknowledged Hungary’s contribution to Baltic security and thanked it for taking part in the NATO air policing mission.
The President of the Riigikogu then paid a visit to the President of Hungary János Áder, to discuss the results of the Glasgow Climate Conference and Estonia’s objectives in funding the Recovery Plan for Europe.
On the first day of the visit to Hungary, the President of the Riigikogu met with the Minister of Justice Judit Varga, discussing digitalisation and cyber security. The two also shared their experiences on topics around the COVID crisis and vaccination. Other topics included the work of the Conference on the Future of Europe and its possible outcomes. Both sides expressed concern over the events in Poland and on the EU border in Lithuania.
At the meeting yesterday with the President of the Hungary-Estonia Friendship Group Attila Tilki, the focus was on cooperation between the parliamentary groups. At the meeting with the Honorary Consul András Bereczki, who is also the Head of the Chair of Finno-Ugric Languages at the Budapest Eötvös Loránd University, the talk was about teaching Estonian language and culture.
The Chairman of Estonia-Hungary Parliamentary Group Anti Poolamets was also present at the meetings. Still this year, our Parliamentary Group is planning to visit Hungary.
