ESTONIA

Põlluaas: Decision made 28 years ago shows commitment to Estonia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The August 20 Club held its traditional festive meeting in the White Hall of Toompea Castle today. President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Henn Põlluaas and Prime Minister Jüri Ratas spoke at the meeting.

Põlluaas emphasised in his speech that the resolution passed by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia 28 years ago today was one of the top moments in the history of Estonia, and it was not possible to diminish its importance.

The President of the Riigikogu recalled the complicated times full of political tension. “A reactionary coup attempt had taken place in Moscow, the armoured vehicles of Pskov air assault division had reached Tallinn and the communist Intermovement was very active,” Põlluaas said. “Passing of that resolution at that moment shows courage, bravery and commitment to the Republic of Estonia and the future of Estonia.” He acknowledged the contribution of all the members of the August 20 Club and thanked them from all his heart.

Põlluaas asserted that the Estonian people had preserved their democratic attitude through all times. “We have proven that we deserve freedom, we have experiences which show that we will never again surrender silently and we will firmly stand for our freedom,” he added.

Prime Minister Ratas said that he very much appreciated how 69 members of the Supreme Council at that time put the interests of our people and our country higher than their personal fate. “At that moment, there could be no full assurance that the decision that had been passed would remain in place,” Ratas said. “You could only believe and hope. By disregarding yourself, you shaped a much better fate for us all with your brave decision. Besides loving your fatherland, you did a huge work.”

Member of the August 20 Club and the Constitutional Assembly Liia Hänni delivered a report “The Choices Then and Now”. Hänni pointed out that our life consisted of choices we make every day. “These choices shape the lives of us ourselves and those close to us, but there are also choices that influence the future of the whole nation,” Hänni said. “Today, Estonia is decorated with flags to acknowledge the historical choice the Supreme Council made 28 years ago.”

On 20 August 1991 at 11.03 p.m., the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia adopted the Resolution to restore the national independence of Estonia with 69 votes in favour.

The President of the Riigikogu presented the blue-black-white flags that had flown on the Tall Hermann Tower to the four persons who had hoisted the flag on 24 February 1989. The flags were given to Helen Lepalaan, Sille Tamm, Madis Laansalu and Rauno Tagel.

 

Source: Parliament of Estonia

 

LIST of the Richest Countries in the World: Norway is the second richest in the world

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – The GDP of Norway ranks as the second largest in the world. Back in 2017, Norway’s GDP registered as 74,571 USD and 2018 by Worls Bank report Norway was the richest.

By looking at the GDP per capita, or gross domestic product per capita, of each country around the globe, it is possible to rank countries based on wealth and then compare them to each other. From there, you can determine which countries are wealthiest and then list the countries in descending order, from richest to poorest. Here is the conclusive list of the top fifty richest countries in the world, starting with the wealthiest country… (The Nordic countries are highlighted in blod letters)

TOP50

1. Luxembourg (GDP per capita: $119,719)
2. Norway (GDP per capita: $86,362)
3. Switzerland (GDP per capita: $83,832)
4. Ireland (GDP per capita: $81,477)
5. Iceland (GDP per capita: $78,181)
6. Qatar (GDP per capita: $65,062)
7. The United States of America (GDP per capita: $64,906)
8. Denmark (GDP per capita: $63,434)
9. Singapore (GDP per capita: $62,690)
10. Australia (GDP per capita: $58,824)
11. Sweden (GDP per capita: $57,945)
12. The Netherlands (GDP per capita: $56,415)
13. Austria (GDP per capita: $54,606)
14. Finland (GDP per capita: $52,320)
15. Germany (GDP per capita: $51,642)
16. Hong Kong (GDP per capita: $50,216)
17. Belgium (GDP per capita: $49,095)
18. Canada (GDP per capita: $48,604)
19. France (GDP per capita: $45,586)
20. The United Kingdom (GDP per capita: $45,491)
21. Japan (GDP per capita: $41,834)
22. The United Arab Emirates (GDP per capita: $38,961)
23. Italy (GDP per capita: $36,061)
24. Korea (GDP per capita: $33,495)
25. Spain (GDP per capita: $33,151)
26. Puerto Rico (GDP per capita: $32,705)
27. Malta (GDP per capita: $32,130)
28. Brunei (GDP per capita: $30,297)
29. Cyprus (GDP per capita: $29,224)
30. Kuwait (GDP per capita: $28,394)
31. Slovenia (GDP per capita: $28,247)
32. Taiwan (GDP per capita: $26,309)
33. Bahrain (GDP per capita: $26,083)
34. The Czech Republic (GDP per capita: $25,468)
35. Portugal (GDP per capita: $24,312)
36. Estonia (GDP per capita: $24,043)
37. Saudi Arabia (GDP per capita: $22,368)
38. Slovakia (GDP per capita: $21,278)
39. Greece (GDP per capita: $21,274)
40. Lithuania (GDP per capita: $20,644)
41. Latvia (GDP per capita: $18,861)
42. Trinidad and Tobago (GDP per capita: $18,018)
43. Uruguay (GDP per capita: $17,772)
44. Oman (GDP per capita: $17,668)
45. Chile (GDP per capita: $16,914)
46. Hungary (GDP per capita: $16,852)
47. Poland (GDP per capita: $16,782)
48. Panama (GDP per capita: $16,576)
49. Croatia (GDP per capita: $15,878)
50. Romania (GDP per capita: $13,229)

Location is a major main player in the overall wealth of a country. Third-world countries in Asia, for example, do not rank very well when GDP is the variable in consideration. If access to certain items and necessities is restricted, then people are already working with a strong disadvantage. Places that are not war-stricken or already burdened with a less-than-ideal economy are not set up to do well in the competition of gross domestic products between countries.

This is why, when looking at the list of the wealthiest countries in the world, you’ll find that places where trade or massive production is a main source of income rank higher on the list. The poorer countries are less involved in global trading, and they are more independent in the sense that their direct involvement in international affairs is lesser than the wealthier countries. This is because money and power are so naturally interwoven, which contributes to the overall wealth and GDP of a country.

Featured image: Vågan, Norway (Pexels/Tobias Bjørkli)

Estonia: Põlluaas and Levits considered it important to cooperate in protecting the common interests

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — At the meeting of the President of the Riigikogu Henn Põlluaas and the President of Latvia Egils Levits, the mutual relations between the two countries as well as cooperation within the framework of the European Union were discussed.

Põlluaas congratulated Levits on his election as the President of Latvia, and recognised his decision to make his first foreign visit to Estonia immediately after he had assumed office.

Levits said that the aim of his first foreign visit was to strengthen good-neighbourly relations between the two countries and to develop regional cooperation.

At the meeting, it was stated that Estonia and Latvia had common interests and understanding in many areas that were important to the whole Baltic region. “The Baltic cooperation is a historically established and well-functioning institutional network which mainly aims at promoting the development of the region,” Põlluaas said.

Põlluaas and Levits considered it important to tighten the cooperation between Estonia and Latvia in protecting the common interests in the European Union when developing common positions and protecting them in the EU decision-making process.

At the meeting, the cooperation in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in connection with Russia’s activities was touched upon. Levits said that, in the near future, the Latvian parliament was going to discuss further action and would consult with other countries on how to respond to Russia’s activities.

Põlluaas and Levits gave a brief overview of the activities of the parliaments that had commenced work. The issues relating to the excise duty on alcoholic beverages which have been topical in the mutual relations between the two countries in recent times were also mentioned. It was stated that it was necessary to improve the exchange of information on the issues relating to excise duties as well as on other issues of interest.

In the afternoon, Levits also met Vice-President of the Riigikogu Siim Kallas and members of the Riigikogu Kadri Simson and Indrek Saar.

 

Source: Parliament of Estonia

 

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly focuses on human rights and promoting of security

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

From today until next Monday, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly meets for its Annual Session in Luxembourg. The theme of the Summer Session is the role of Parliaments in advancing sustainable development to promote security. The Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) is represented by Heljo Pikhof, Johannes Kert and Anti Poolamets.

Member of the Estonian Delegation Heljo Pikhof said that she participated in the work of the General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions, where debates on protecting children in conflict zones, educating schoolchildren to avoid human trafficking, and religious tolerance and overcoming discrimination against minority faiths would be held. Combating xenophobia, aggressive nationalism and intolerance will be spoken about as well.

Pikhof added that reducing the impact of migration among the youth and achieving gender equality would be discussed at the working lunch. “We will weigh different initiatives and share the experiences of countries on which initiatives could support young men. Besides educating young women, we have to speak of equal rights also to young men, so that they would understand what gender equality means,” Pikhof said.

Johannes Kert emphasised that he would highlight the issues of the conflict in East Ukraine and the militarisation of Crimea, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov by Russia in the work of his committee. In Kert’s opinion, it is important that regardless of Russia’s aggressive policy, international organisations help improve the security and human rights situation in Abkhazia, Georgia and South Ossetia.

Anti Poolamets said that parliaments had a decisive role in migration governance and promoting dignified return policies. Poolamets thinks that terrorism and the challenges related to the return and relocation of foreign fighters need special attention.

The topics on the agenda of the 28th Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly also include the impact of Brexit, energy security, issues relating to climate change, fight against corruption and promoting of good governance.

At the Summer Session, the observers will give an overview of the reports on the recent OSCE election observation missions. Besides that, numerous bilateral meetings and thematic side events will be held. The Session will also include a meeting of the Assembly’s Standing Committee, and elections of the OSCE PA President, Vice-Presidents and heads of committees.

The work of the committees will culminate on 8 July in the adoption of the Luxembourg Declaration, containing recommendations to national governments, parliaments and the international community in the fields of political affairs, security, economics, environment, human rights and humanitarian questions.

Riigikogu Press Service
Epp-Mare Kukemelk
+372 631 6356, +372 515 3903
epp-mare.kukemelk@riigikogu.ee 
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Estonia: Mihkelson: Mental hygiene helps handle propaganda

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Marko Mihkelson believes that having strong mental hygiene is the best way for handling propaganda both at the level of the individual and the society.

“The more aware and educated the user is, the harder it is to carry out influence activities and, through it, polarise open societies,” Mihkelson said in The Hague, Netherlands, at the conference on Russia’s influence campaigns, organised by Free Russia Foundation

In Mihkelson’s opinion, Europe should at last get used to the fact that Russia is conducting ceaseless hybrid war against us, where media space is used for influencing the public and the politicians in the name of a strategic aim – to demolish the post-Berlin Wall Euro-Atlantic security architecture.

“We do not so much need new regulations and legislation restricting media space, as we have to create the best possible informational deterrence within the framework of existing legal space, from the Constitutions to the fight against corruption,“ Mihkelson added.

In his speech, Mihkelson asked rhetorically why we were alarmed about the selling of the Russian S440 anti-aircraft weapon system to Turkey, but at the same time gave the green light to the activities of the media warriors of Sputnik and RT to win over the minds and hearts of our people.

At the end of his speech, the Deputy Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee emphasised that Europe still had very much to do to increase the awareness about information wars.

 

Source: Parliament of Estonia

 

Estonia: Members of the Riigikogu discuss the problem of Russia at PACE Plenary Session

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Members of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Eerik-Niiles Kross, Indrek Saar and Raivo Tamm participate in the Summer Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg this week. Key items on the agenda include strengthening the decision-making processes, and the issue of Russia’s credentials and voting right.

Member of the Estonian delegation Eerik-Niiles Kross said that, at its Summer Session, PACE focused on a possible amendment of the decision-making processes of the Assembly relating to the credentials and votings of the delegations of member states. “The key item on the agenda is essentially the restoration of the voting right of Russia. Developments that would totally eliminate the possibility to restrict the voting rights of delegations would significantly weaken the authority of PACE, would give an extremely negative signal to the defenders of human rights around the globe and would absurdly be a real prize for Russia,” Kross added.

The topics on the agenda of the PACE Summer Session also include Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination and the rule of law in Malta, combating of violence against women and achieving gender equality, ending of violence against children, and the statement by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children.

The Assembly will also discuss the situation in Syria, post-monitoring dialogue with Bulgaria, the murder of Boris Nemtsov, and the budget of PACE.

PACE will also elect a new Secretary General.

Pace is the oldest international parliamentary assembly in Europe that held its opening session on 10 August 1949. The task of the Council of Europe is to protect the fundamental values of its member states: human rights, the principle of the rule of law, and democracy.

 

Source: Parliament of Estonia

 

Estonia: EUAC is in Romania to discuss foreign trade and innovation with their counterparts

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Members of the European Union Affairs Committee (EUAC) are taking part in the Plenary Meeting of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) in Bucharest, the capital of Romania.

The Chairman of the EUAC Anneli Ott said that it was important for Estonia that the trade relations between the European Union and the USA remained free of stress and that strong trade partners would cooperate in reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO). “For a small country like Estonia, clear global trade rules are very important. The e-trade rules of the Organization are in dire need of updating and our digital state does everything in its power to support smoother internet trade, so that small businesses would also be able to break into the global market with their products,” Ott said.

The Deputy Chairman of the EUAC Riina Sikkut highlighted the European Commission proposal to increase the scientific research and innovation framework programme Horizon Europe to 100 billion euros during the new budgetary period. She pointed out that Estonian researchers have so far been highly successful in participating in the Horizon framework programme. “Our researchers have found that lively international scientific cooperation is one of the guarantors of viability. This improves the quality and visibility of our research institutions, while transnational cooperation generates new ideas and improves information exchange in different fields of research,” Sikkut added.

The COSAC agenda includes the perspectives on international trade relations within the Community and future relations with the United Kingdom, the European Education Area as a driver for common market, innovation based economy, and the role of the national parliaments in supporting the “new economy”. The Prime Minister of Romania will report on the results of the European presidency.

The Plenary Meeting of the COSAC is taking place in Vienna on 24–25 June. Other participants from Estonia are Tarmo Kruusimäe, Anti Poolamets and Urve Tiidus.

 

Source: Parliament of Estonia

 

Estonia: Laneman is taking part in a security forum on fight against terrorism

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The Chairman of the Security Authorities Surveillance Committee Alar Laneman is taking part in the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum, which focuses on the fight against terrorism.

The Chairman of the Select Committee expects the forum to examine the situation in anti-terrorist activities. “We will discuss the current situation in the fight against terrorism around the world, and ways to support countries in combating terrorism,” the Chairman said.

Laneman said that the parliamentarians would also discuss anti-terrorist strategy. “It is important for countries to exchange experiences and engage in closer cooperation both in preventing and combating terrorism,” he said.

The Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum will take place for the 14th time. The purpose of the forum is to raise awareness on the fight against terrorism. The forum gives parliamentarians across the world an opportunity to learn from the experiences of countries in combating terrorism and funding for terrorism, as well as a place to discuss important security topics more broadly.

 

Source: Parliament of Estonia

 

Estonia: European Union Affairs Committee expects explanations from the Minister of Finance on contravening the Riigikogu mandate

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) decided to invite Minister of Finance Mart Helme to give explanations to the Committee about the meeting of the Eurogroup in inclusive format, where the positions of the Minister on reforming the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) did not correspond to the mandate received from the European Union Affairs Committee.

“So far, the European Union Affairs Committee has proceeded from the position approved by the Government that the decisions regarding the ESM are made as it is written down in the existing treaty – unanimously, as a general principle. Only in emergency, when the stability of the whole euro area is threatened and the decision is time-critical, qualified majority voting is used,” Chair of the Committee Anneli Ott said. She added that the assessment of crisis situation was based on the analyses of the European Commission and the European Central Bank.

Deputy Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Riina Sikkut pointed out that abandoning of the unanimity requirement had not been discussed at the meeting of finance ministers last week. “The protective measure of the Single Resolution Fund of the Banking Union, which will be established and the limits of which will be decided unanimously, was discussed. Payments from it are made by a majority vote only in emergency, when the speed of decision-making is decisive. Such decisions can be made only within the framework that has been unanimously established earlier,” Sikkut said.

At its sitting on 10 June, the European Union Affairs Committee supported the positions regarding the ESM reform that had been agreed upon at the sitting of the Government on 22 November 2018. Pursuant to § 1524 of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, the European Union Affairs Committee, acting in the name of the Riigikogu, has the right to take a position, and the Government is obligated to adhere to it. If the Government fails to do so, it must at the earliest opportunity explain its reasons to the European Union Affairs Committee.

Today, the European Union Affairs Committee again discussed the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) reform in connection with Estonia’s positions at the coming Euro Summit. Prime Minister Jüri Ratas gave the Committee an overview of Estonia’s positions, and said that Estonia has supported finding a balanced solution in the decision process of ESM loans. In the opinion of the Prime Minister, it should be possible to make the decisions regarding the granting of loans to the Single Resolution Fund in cases of emergency, in a big crisis, sufficiently fast, but taking into account the competences arising from the constitutions of Member States. The European Union Affairs Committee supported the positions of the Government.

 

Source: Parliament of Estonia

 

Estonia: President of the Riigikogu and President of Croatia acknowledged common values

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Henn Põlluaas and President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović acknowledged at their meeting today that Estonia and Croatia were close by their common values and world view, and stood for the rules-based world order.

“The relations between our two countries are excellent,” Põlluaas said. “Although we are not neighbours, our histories have a lot in common, and we have common values that we share.”

Future of the European Union, the work of the European Parliament, which was elected in spring, and the formation of the new European Commission were spoken about at the meeting. The relations between the Balkan countries were also discussed.

Põlluaas pointed out at the meeting that tourism played an important role in the relations between Estonia and Croatia. “Already now, Croatia is a well-known destination country for the Estonian tourists, and we would be very happy to welcome more Croatian tourists in Estonia,” Põlluaas said.

Põlluaas thanked Croatia for their support at the UN Security Council voting, and praised the excellent cooperation of the two countries in the European Union and NATO. He expressed hope that Croatia would join the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence located in Estonia before the end of this year.

The President of Croatia gave an overview of the plans of her country for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will take place in the first half of 2020, and said that Croatia would like to learn from Estonia’s experience. Croatia’s priorities include the development of economy and the challenges to education, and also the security of the European Union.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Enn Eesmaa also participated in the meeting. He pointed out that Estonia supported further enlargement of the European Union and the open doors policy. In his opinion, the European Union will not be ready before all Balkan countries that wish to accede are members of the Union.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

 

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