NordenBladet — At its today’s sitting, the Constitutional Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) decided to make a proposal to the Board of the Riigikogu to discuss holding the referendum on the definition of marriage at the plenary sitting on 11 January.
Chairman of the Constitutional Committee Anti Poolamets explained that according to the rules of procedure and internal rules of the Riigikogu, proposals concerning the agenda for the next working week had to be submitted not later than by 3 p.m. on the Thursday of the previous working week, and as the current week was the last regular working week of this session, the Committee had made such a decision today. He admitted that the Committee had not been unanimous in that issue.
“The decision made today helps to proceed with the draft Resolution on holding the Referendum, initiated by three political groups. It is necessary for exercising direct democracy,” Poolamets said. “The opposition wishes to take as much time as possible for all things, and there is no other reason behind it except obstructing the proceedings on the draft resolution and crashing the agenda. They have publicly declared that they will use large-scale obstruction to totally block the work of the Parliament.”
Poolamets thinks that the issue is not only the referendum, but whether the Parliament can continue functioning in the normal way. “If we do not react to it, somebody might crash the functioning of the Parliament with thousands of motions to amend,” Poolamets added. “The Riigikogu must be able to work at all times, otherwise the Constitution would not be operational.”
Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Committee Lauri Läänemets underlined that in such important issues, the Committee had to have time for hearing the opinions of legal experts and reviewing the motions to amend submitted to the draft. However, today’s decision does not take that into account.
In Läänemets’s opinion, the Committee will probably lack time even if the Chair of the Committee summoned extraordinary sittings during the period between the sessions. “With regular sitting, the Committee would have only two hours in the morning of 11 January before the plenary sitting,” Läänemets explained. “It is unclear how it could be possible to do everything in the correct way.”
The draft resolution (288 OE), which proposes to submit to the referendum held on 18 April 2021 the following other national issue “Shall marriage remain a union between a man and a woman in Estonia?”, passed its first reading in the Riigikogu yesterday. In order for the referendum to be held on that date, the Riigikogu has to pass the draft as a Resolution three months before that, or on 18 January at the latest. The deadline for submission of motions to amend the Bill is 30 December.
NordenBladet —In today’s cabinet meeting, the Government approved the COVID-19 vaccination plan, prepared by the Ministry of Social Affairs, pursuant to which, vaccination is firstly enabled for people ensuring the continuity of healthcare and social welfare services, and other risk groups.
‘Like all countries in the world, we also want to be as prepared as possible for vaccination’, said Prime Minister Jüri Ratas. ‘This is why we must quickly and carefully make preparations in departments of administration and the healthcare system, to be ready for the supply of COVID-19 vaccines and to begin with vaccinations at the first available opportunity’.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged both our people and our economy, and that successful vaccination is one of the prerequisites for overcoming the crisis. ‘However, we must also remember that right now, infections are on the rise, and to successfully reach vaccination, we must follow all safety rules and make a common effort to restrict the spread of the virus’, Ratas added.
Estonia’s aim is to achieve vaccination coverage that is as extensive as possible among risk groups, and to enable a free of charge vaccination against COVID-19 to all Estonians in 2021.
NordenBladet —Today, Prime Minister Jüri Ratas met with Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom, who is visiting members of the British Armed Forces in Estonia, to thank our close allies for contributing to NATO’s deterrence efforts in the region and for the excellent cooperation in international missions.
“I am really pleased that Wallace, the Secretary of State for Defence, was able to visit the members of the British Armed Forces in Estonia at the end of this difficult year. We highly appreciate the contribution of the United Kingdom to Estonia and it is gratifying that cooperation between our military personnel in Estonia, Afghanistan, and Mali is going so smoothly. I reaffirm that Estonia is committed to ensuring the welfare and training opportunities of our allies in Estonia,” said Ratas.
The prime minister and the secretary of state for defence also spoke about the future relations between Estonia and the United Kingdom. Ratas confirmed that relations between Estonia and the United Kingdom will remain very close in any case. “Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. I am hopeful that an agreement will soon be reached between the European Union and the United Kingdom which will form the basis for close future cooperation.”
Wallace and Ratas also shared their experiences of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on defence cooperation.
Within the framework of its strengthened presence in Estonia, the United Kingdom has 850 members of the British Armed Forces stationed in Estonia, and Estonians also serve in Mali and Afghanistan together with the British.
NordenBladet — At the sitting today, the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Holding a Referendum on the Issue of the Definition of Marriage”, initiated by the Estonian Centre Party Faction, the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Faction, and the Faction Isamaa, passed the first reading.
The Riigikogu voted on the motion of the Reform Party and Social Democratic Party Factions to reject the Draft at the first reading. 48 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion, 51 were against. This means that the Draft remained in the legislative proceeding and the first reading was concluded.
The Draft (288 OE) provides for submitting to the referendum on 18 April 2021 the following national issue: “Shall marriage remain a union between a man and a woman in Estonia?” The following question is to be entered on the voting slip: “Shall marriage remain a union between a man and a woman in Estonia?” along with boxes for possible answers “yes” and “no”.
The deadline for submission of motions to amend is 30 December.
During the debate, Kaja Kallas took the floor on behalf of the Reform Party Faction, describing the planned referendum as pointless, ridiculous, and cruel all at once. Kallas moved to reject the Bill at the first reading.
Tõnis Mölder who spoke on behalf of the Centre Party Faction said that the obstruction could come back to hit the opposition one day like a boomerang. He addressed the members of the Riigikogu with the request to give the people the opportunity to celebrate direct democracy and go on with the discussion of the Draft.
Mart Helme spoke in support of the referendum on behalf of the Estonian Conservative People’s Party. He told the members of the opposition that their attempts to torpedo the Draft with thousands and millions of motions to amend was causing a crisis in the Republic of Estonia.
Indrek Saar took the floor on behalf of the Social Democratic Party Faction. He described the referendum as terrible regardless of the time and place, and he presented a motion to reject the Draft on behalf of the Social Democrats.
Helir-Valdor Seeder took the floor on behalf of the Faction Isamaa. He said that the concept of marriage in the Family Law Act needs a stronger protection through a referendum. Seeder called it hypocritical to obstruct the referendum in the current situation.
The sitting started with a large number of procedural questions from the MPs on approving the agenda of the 11th working week of the 4th session.
During the open microphone, Jevgeni Ossinovski, Lauri Läänemets, Peeter Ernits, Riina Sikkut, Andres Metsoja and Imre Sooäär took the floor.
NordenBladet —European Union heads of state and government agreed on a target of reducing EU-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. Last night, the Council also reached a final agreement on the EU’s next seven-year budget and recovery facility.
According to Prime Minister Jüri Ratas, setting a new EU-wide target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is very important to keep a more reasonable pace for achieving climate neutrality in Europe by 2050. The Council will return to this issue in the spring to provide further guidelines before the European Commission presents legislative proposals in June 2021.
“We need to make the green turn in a smart, affordable and realistic way and it must become a strategy for economic sustainability and growth. The transition must also consider the specificities of countries and industries, but also the current dependence on fossil fuels. It is important to ensure equal competition with producers from countries outside the EU,” said the Prime Minister.
According to Ratas, it is very important for 30 percent of the joint funds of the future long-term budget and the recovery facility to be directed to investments necessary to achieve the climate targets. A total of 3.3 billion euros has been allocated to Estonia for activities that reduce environmental and climate impact. This also includes 340 million euros of support from the new Fair Transition Fund, this support is primarily necessary to achieve changes in Ida-Virumaa. Last week, the government decided on specific directions to support the green turn and technological transition throughout the economy.
Estonia’s national target by 2030 is to reduce greenhouse gases by 70%. According to the data of 2019, Estonia has already reduced emissions by 62% compared to 1990. Despite this, Estonia’s carbon footprint is the fourth largest, per capita, in Europe, which is why we have to continue working on the issue.
Ratas welcomed the final agreement on the European Union’s next long-term budget and recovery facility and revealed hope for the necessary procedures being completed quickly so that the budget can be implemented from the start of 2021. “This is a very important agreement for the people of Estonia and all other Member States as well. It will provide the people and economy of both Estonia and other European countries with additional confidence for the future and significant support for overcoming the crisis,” the Prime Minister emphasised.
“The year 2021, when the new seven-year budget period also begins, must be the year for the recovery and revitalisation of the European economy, as the health crisis will be alleviated and a vaccine will arrive. New investments and reforms will help us to revitalise the European economy, secure jobs for our people and create a greener and more digital future,” said Ratas.
Yesterday, the Council discussed joint efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and welcomed recent announcements on the development of operational vaccines and the European Commission’s work to secure the vaccines for EU Member States. State authorities and the healthcare system are making preparations to start vaccination as soon as the vaccines arrive in Estonia. The first vaccines may receive EU marketing authorisation by the end of the year, and deliveries to Estonia are expected in January.
The Council notes in its conclusions that the arrival of vaccines does not mean an immediate end to the pandemic and that the epidemiological situation in Europe remains concerning.
Yesterday, EU heads of state and government approved proposals on how to further strengthen the strategic transatlantic relationship with the United States, based on common values and interests.
The Council called on Turkey to ease tensions and decided to impose further restrictive measures against illegal drilling activity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Council also decided to keep the economic sanctions against Russia in effect for the next six months.
Today, on 11 December, heads of state discussed EU relations with its southern neighbours, security issues and the fight against terrorism. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen provided the heads of Member States with an overview of negotiations over future relations being held with the United Kingdom.
The Euro Summit will also be held today, focusing on subsequent steps to be taken by the Banking Union and the Capital Markets Union.
Estonia’s positions are being represented in the Council by Latvian Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš, since Prime Minister Jüri Ratas will remain in self-isolation until Saturday, as he came into contact with a person who later tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
NordenBladet —Yesterday, Prime Minister Ratas held a telephone conversation with his Lithuanian colleague, Ingrida Šimonytė, to discuss bilateral relations, Baltic cooperation and the COVID-19 crisis.
‘Lithuania is a great friend and a strategic partner for Estonia, with whom we share common interests and goals. For us, it is important to jointly overcome the COVID-19 pandemic that has ravaged us this year, in a manner that would support all those who have suffered the most. Preparations for vaccination are underway everywhere, but we need one last effort to reduce infections and support the economy’, said the Prime Minister. ‘I wish all the best to Lithuania in their efforts to contain the pandemic’.
Ratas confirmed that cooperation with the new Head of Government of Lithuania will certainly be close and productive. ‘We have clear common goals: we must vigorously continue with the major projects that we have jointly led. During the European Council meeting, held in July, we received confirmation of additional funding for Rail Baltic. Now, we must swiftly put these funds to use, to be able to finish the route connecting the three Baltic States on time. In the field of energy, our main aim is to quickly continue the synchronisation of Baltic energy grids with Central Europe, for which the European Union allocated EUR 720 million’, the Prime Minister added.
In addition, Ratas and Šimonytė discussed the plans of the new Lithuanian Government.
This year, Estonia is the holder of the Presidency of the Baltic Council of Ministers and the leader of Baltic cooperation. A video meeting of the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian Prime Ministers, to summarises this year’s events, will be held on 21 December.
NordenBladet — Riigikogu discussed “The green transition – both a challenge and an opportunity for Estonia“ as a the matter of significant national importance today; it was initiated by the Estonian Centre Party Faction.
Reports were heard from the Chairman of the Environment Committee Erki Savisaar, the European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, and the Coordinator of the Just Transition Platform of the Association of Local Authorities of Ida-Viru County Hardi Murula.
Erki Savisaar described the green transition as a huge challenge for Estonia, but also as an extraordinary opportunity to do away with old dependencies and achieve a complete energy autarky. “By nature, green transition is a strategy aimed at bringing about a structural change in the economy and social organisation,” he said. “This strategy should make Europe energy-autarkic and environmentally sustainable.”
The Chairman of the Environment Committee said that the green transition starts on the local level through local actions, and referred to the example of the Farm to Fork strategy that emphasises the need to support small and organic businesses, and the significance of short supply chains. “The strategy serves a double purpose – on the one hand, a cleaner nationally produced food, and on the other, food security. Our ability to produce food and raw food products is vital because we depend on it daily.”
Another important aspect is circular economy, i.e. increasing resource recovery, including reducing refuse, waste, and pollution. He identified two major questions that need to be solved in Estonia to ensure the functioning of circular economy – biodegradable waste and plastic. He also thinks that a balance should be found between reusable and singe-use packaging, which should be as adaptable as possible to circular use or recycling.
Thirdly, Savisaar highlighted energy, which needs to be more sustainable and carbon neutral. While transport has been dependent on oil and power and heat generation on oil shale, he would like to see these replaced with sun, wind, hydrogen, methanol, biofuels, and – for good measure – waste. He stressed that this did not mean closing down manufacturing or power plants with massive carbon emissions but that it was possible to capture this carbon.
“Over the last years, the price of CO2 has reached such a high point that the power produced from oil shale is no longer competitive on the market. The forecasts show that the price will go up further, and faster than before. This means that we must definitely find new methods for generating power. However, in practice, we are still missing a functional solution to oil shale industry,” he said.
Savisaar concluded with a few remarks on hydrogen. “On the one hand, hydrogen is clearly a fuel for the future, but on the other hand, it is also an excellent way to store energy,” he said. He emphasised that Estonia could contribute to hydrogen energy, especially by developing and testing a complete system. He explained that the next year’s budget had planned EUR 5 million for the purpose, with another at least EUR 25 million added in the near future. “Over the next five years, I would like us to reach a level where at least 25% of transport and energy in Estonia is based on hydrogen,” he added.
In her report, Kadri Simson presented the European Union Green Deal, new initiatives, and the Just Transition Fund.
Simson said that the purpose of the Green Deal was to turn Europe into the first climate neutral continent by 2050. “This is a growth strategy which covers all the fields, beginning with transport, environment, health care, and life in rural areas. However, the most important aspect of the Green Deal is energy, because up to 75% of the current CO2 emissions in the European Union come from energy,” Simson said.
She stressed that the Green Deal would remain a long-term priority of the European Commission even regardless of the crisis because the need to clean up European economy and make it more competitive has not gone anywhere. “As we are in a situation where the economy needs a pick-me-up and we can do this through additional investments, the conditions are more than ripe for the green transition,” she said. “Studies show that renewable energy creates more jobs and added values than injecting funds into chains that start with fossil fuels.”
The Commissioner for Energy iterated the clear recommendation of the European Commission to the Member States to use 30% of the EU long-term budget as well as the new recovery package for climate goals related investments.
She pointed to Ida-Viru County as being by far in the most precarious situation in the Estonian context, as it depends largely on the oil shale industry. Simson explained that the region would avoid a decline with the help of the new Just Transition Fund that offers assistance to regions that depend on fossil fuels mining or industries with large CO2 missions.
Simson confirmed that Estonia’s share of the total EUR 17.5 billion is EUR 340 million, with additional resources for technical assistance. She hastened to add that Estonia would receive the highest per capita support in Europe. “These funds can be used in Ida-Viru County, preferably to retrain and train the working age population so that they would find employment in some other field whose ecological footstep is smaller. These funds can and must be used to create new jobs as well,” she said.
As the latest developmental directions in European energy, Simson highlighted the higher emission reduction goals of the EU for 2030, and the strategies for integrating energy systems, hydrogen energy, renewed methane energy, off-shore renewable energy, and wave of renovations. “For us – Estonia and the countries around the Baltic Sea more broadly – wind energy could very potentially give a massive advantage in cheaply producing hydrogen,” she said and added that hydrogen was also an excellent method to store renewable energy or electricity.
Hardi Murula introduced the possibilities of green transition in Ida-Viru County.
He explained that the population numbers of Ida-Viru County have significantly decreased over the recent years, as have the per capita relative wellbeing and relative GDP. “We really treasure our people and we want to maintain their wellbeing, help them find motivation to remain in our County, and contribute to the transition,” Murula said.
Although the oil shale industry might not play the biggest role in the County’s economy in absolute employment figures, the industry does pay the highest salaries and does provide the largest added value. “If we remove this one industry from the equation, all the others stand to suffer as well,” Murula said. “We hope that the transition will increase our share in the national wealth of Estonia, raise our salaries, and ensure a sufficient budget for our local governments to accept these challenges; if not, it would be a clear failure.”
Murula stressed that the transition must be spread out over a longer period and follow an agreed plan. He also said that it was not possible to close and replace the existing structures overnight. A new alternative and the relevant business sector should be built up next to the existing one; after that, the regulations and the changes in the economic environment would contribute to reducing the importance of the oil shale sector in the economy of the County.
Speaking of the Just Transition Fund, Murula emphasised that 90% of its assistance should be directed towards the development of the business sector, including research and development, and 10% into the living environment. He also thinks that Ida-Viru County should receive a guaranteed regional loan, which would help to develop the business sector. Murula also mentioned the need to guarantee a specification in the regional labour taxes through the national level regulations as a way of developing entrepreneurship and ensuring wellbeing and economic growth.
Siim Kiisler (Isamaa), Dmitri Dmitrijev (Centre Party), Katri Raik (Social Democratic Party), Yoko Alender (Reform Party), Imre Sooäär (Centre Party), Mihhail Lotman (Isamaa), Keit Pentus-Rosimannus (Reform Party), and Tarmo Kruusimäe (Isamaa) took the floor during the debate.
NordenBladet — Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) discussed recent regional and international developments and the issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Finnish Parliament Eduskunta at a video conference today.
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Enn Eesmaa emphasised the value of the cooperation between the two committees. “The annual meetings of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Estonian and Finnish parliaments have become a nice tradition and an important means for developing the parliamentary cooperation between the two countries,” he said.
Eesmaa gave the Finnish parliamentarians an overview of the latest political developments in Estonia, including the adoption of the 2021 budget, and the long-term strategic documents “Estonia 2035” and the Estonian Foreign Policy Development Plan 2030. He also highlighted Estonia’s applying for observer status in the Arctic Council, and spoke of the organisation of the work of the Riigikogu and the Foreign Affairs Committee in the context of the pandemic.
Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson gave an insight into the new Foreign Policy Development Plan. He pointed out that the central topics of the plan were security policy, international relations, foreign trade and trade policy, maintaining relations with the Estonians living abroad and strong foreign service. Mihkelson added that in the last 30 years, the shaping of Estonia’s foreign policy had been based on strong consensus, and this had also been the basis for drafting the new Foreign Policy Development Plan.
The Deputy Chairman said that in spite of the pandemic and the restrictions it had caused, it was necessary to maintain the strong and continuous cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries. Mihkelson thinks that Estonia’s aspiration to become an observer state of the Arctic Council is an important opportunity for cooperation.
Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski, Raivo Tamm, Imre Sooäär, Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, Raimond Kaljulaid and Mihhail Lotman also participated in the video conference.
NordenBladet —At their meeting, the government approved an order on the new national restrictions and the restrictions in Ida-Viru County. In Ida-Viru County, the restrictions will take effect on Saturday, 12 December, and the national restrictions will take effect on Monday, 14 December.
Restrictions in force in Ida-Viru County from 12 December to 3 January (inclusive)
Entertainment and accommodation facilities, museums, and exhibitions must be closed to customers and visitors. The restriction on accommodation services does not apply to people directly involved in resolving the emergency situation, such as doctors and nurses who have gone to work in Ida-Viru County from other parts of Estonia.
All sports facilities must be closed to customers, including sports clubs, saunas, spas, swimming pools, water centres, and swimming pools. The restriction does not apply to professional sports activities taking place in the competitive system of sports governing bodies, including members and candidates of adult and youth national teams and big league teams, activities related to the country’s military defence and internal security, and people with special needs.
All sales and service halls of catering companies must be closed to customers. Food takeaway and related courier service will be allowed.
Both outdoor and indoor public meetings and events, including conferences, theatre performances, concerts, and cinema screenings are not allowed.
Churches and other religious venues may remain open under the current requirements.
It is prohibited to conduct youth work, hobby activities and education, refresher training, and refresher courses. These activities may only be continued as individual activities or at a distance. The restriction does not apply to activities related to the country’s military defence and internal security, as well as to people with special needs.
Exercise and training in public indoor areas are not allowed. Contactless individual activities and training are allowed outdoors, either alone or with a trainer. The restriction does not apply to professional sports activities taking place in the competitive system of sports governing bodies, including members and candidates of adult and youth national teams and big league teams, activities related to the country’s military defence and internal security, and people with special needs.
National restrictions in force from 14 December
Outdoor and indoor sports
Only contactless individual activities and training or activities and training done with e-solutions with a trainer are allowed indoors. The 2 + 2 rule applies and a mask must be worn. The obligation to wear a mask does not apply to children under the age of 12 or if it is not possible to wear a mask due to health reasons or the nature of work and activity. Shared items must be disinfected after each use.
Outdoor sports are allowed in groups of up to 10, plus a trainer.
The restriction does not apply to professional sports activities taking place in the competitive system of sports governing bodies, including members and candidates of adult and youth national teams and big league teams, activities related to the country’s military defence and internal security, and people with special needs.
Sports and exercise events are not allowed until 3 January 2021 (inclusive).
Sports competitions
Until January 3 (inclusive), sports competitions are allowed only for big league teams participating in the competitive system of sports governing bodies, professional athletes, and members and candidates of the Estonian national adult and youth team. Spectators are not allowed.
The 2 + 2 rule applies, but not to the competitors during the competition. A mask must be worn indoors. The above exceptions apply to wearing a mask. The organiser of the competition must provide disinfectants.
Youth work, hobby activities and education, refresher training and refresher courses
Youth work, refresher training, and refresher courses are only allowed at a distance or in contactless individual activities and training, which may be done with a supervisor. The 2 + 2 rule applies. A mask must be worn indoors, subject to the above exceptions. Shared items must be disinfected after each use.
Up to 10 people can take part in outdoor hobby education and hobby activities, plus a supervisor or coach.
The restriction does not apply to activities related to the country’s military defence and internal security, as well as to people with special needs. These restrictions do not apply to the Astangu Vocational Rehabilitation Centre.
Education
Until 31 December 2020, the study buildings of general education schools, vocational education institutions, institutions of professional higher education, and universities will be closed. In exceptional cases, distance learning may be conducted at the decision of the school. Personal consultations, olympiads, internships, and examinations and tests may also be carried out exceptionally and at the discretion of the school (compliance must be ensured with the following requirements: 2 + 2 rule, wearing masks indoors with the above exceptions, availability of disinfectants).
Contact teaching can take place for students with special educational needs.
Kindergartens and childcare institutions will remain open.
The restrictions do not apply to institutions and schools for children with special needs.
The Government Communication Unit will publish the order and the explanatory memorandum on the website kriis.ee.
At today’s meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Social Affairs Tanel Kiik introduced the pre-purchase agreement of COVID-19 vaccine between the European Commission and the pharmaceutical company Moderna. It is one of seven pre-purchase agreements for the European Union’s vaccine portfolio that the government decided to join last week. State authorities and the health care system are preparing to start vaccination as soon as the vaccines arrive in Estonia. The first vaccines may receive an EU marketing authorization by the end of the year, and the first deliveries arrive in Estonia in January.
Last week, the members of the government gave their approval to joining all seven pre-purchase agreements with vaccine manufacturers in the joint procurement process of the European Union. “The government received an overview of the COVID-19 pre-purchase agreement between the European Commission and pharmaceutical company Moderna. The common vaccine portfolio of the European Union helps to mitigate the risks in case the development, launch or production of a vaccine should be delayed and ensure that vaccination can start in Estonia at the same time as in other European Union countries, “said Minister of Social Affairs Tanel Kiik. “Both public authorities and the healthcare system are preparing to be ready for the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in the begging of next year, so we can start vaccinating as soon as possible.”
Estonia has now signed agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers AstraZeneca, Jannsen Pharmaceutica NV, Pfizer / BioNTech, Curevac and Moderna. In the joint procurement of the European Union, the European Commission has also entered into an agreement with the vaccine manufacturer Sanofi, which Estonia can join later. Negotiations are also ongoing with the vaccine manufacturer Novavax. With the AstraZeneca contract, Estonia purchases COVID-19 vaccine for approx. 600,000 people, Jannsen Pharmaceutica NV for approx. 300,000 people, with the Pfizer / BioNTech contract for approx. 300,000 people, with the Curevac contract for approx. 330,000 people, with the Moderna contract for approx. 117 000 people.
According to the agreements, the vaccines will be delivered to the Member States after the vaccine has been granted a marketing authorization in the European Union. Estonia has an agreement with vaccine manufacturers that vaccines will be delivered to the Health Board, which will ensure the necessary conditions for storing vaccines (incl. particularly low temperatures and compliance with cold chain requirements). Estonia organizes the domestic distribution of vaccines to vaccination points in accordance with the vaccine distribution plan being prepared. Transport shall be ensured in such a way that it is not necessary to create special storage conditions at the vaccination points. Even the most pretentious vaccines can be stored for five days under normal conditions.
“Vaccines will gradually arrive in Estonia over several quarters. Already in the beginning of the summer, we mapped the risk groups for whom we want to enable vaccination as a matter of priority, “said Minister of Social Affairs Tanel Kiik. “These are, first and foremost, health and care workers, people working in healthcare institutions, residents of care institutions, the elderly and people with certain chronic diseases, providers of vital services. There are slightly more than 300,000 people in the COVID-19 risk group in Estonia. After that, it is planned to make vaccination available to all Estonian residents who wish to vaccinate. ”
The necessary conditions for the storage of vaccines are provided by the Health Board. Preparations for the storage and transport of vaccines to vaccination points and for the organization of vaccination (including training of vaccinators) are ongoing. “In order to organize vaccination, we will primarily use the systems used also today – hospitals, nursing homes, family doctor centers,” added Minister Kiik.
Pfizer and BioNTech have applied to the European Medicines Agency for a conditional marketing authorization for COVID-19 BNT162b2. If the data provided provide clear and substantial evidence of the quality, safety and efficacy of the vaccine, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency will evaluate the vaccine at an extraordinary meeting scheduled for 29 December. However, this deadline may change during the data evaluation and will be notified by the European Medicines Agency.
Moderna Biotech Spain has applied to the European Medicines Agency for a conditional marketing authorization for Moderna COVID-19 (mRNA1273). If the data provided provide unequivocal and fundamental evidence of the quality, safety and efficacy of the vaccine, the Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use will evaluate the vaccine at an extraordinary meeting scheduled for 12 January. However, this deadline may change during the data evaluation and will be notified by the European Medicines Agency.
The main objectives of procuring the COVID-19 vaccine and enabling the Estonian population to be vaccinated are to protect the most vulnerable groups of people, ie groups at risk, who are more likely to be infected or for whom the disease may be particularly dangerous; to protect workers in vital services in order to ensure the normal functioning of society; to reduce and prevent deaths caused by COVID-19 and to provide the opportunity to vaccinate also those Estonian residents who do not belong to the vaccination target group, but who want to be vaccinated.