Today, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Henn Põlluaas hosts his Nordic and Baltic colleagues at the Arvo Pärt Centre at Laulasmaa. Regional security and hybrid threats will be discussed at the meeting.
Põlluaas believes that the cooperation between the eight countries is deeply rooted and fruitful. “We have chosen different paths in developing our defence policies and mechanisms, but our cooperation in security and defence is more active today than ever before,” Põlluaas said.
The President of the Riigikogu added that we still needed to enhance our cooperation, because the dynamics of global security changed rapidly and the developments taking place everywhere on our planet would sooner or later have an impact on our region.
The agenda of the annual conference of the Nordic and Baltic Speakers also includes fighting against false information and other influencing activities. Eastern Partnership issues and reinstatement of the rights of the Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will also be spoken about.
The Speakers will also discuss the exiting of the United Kingdom from the European Union and further developments.
The Nordic-Baltic cooperation, or NB8, is a regional cooperation format that has been bringing Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania around the same table since 1992. This year, the presiding country of NB8 is Iceland. In 2020, Estonia will become the presiding country.
NordenBladet —At today’s extraordinary sitting, the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) discussed the motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Jüri Ratas, which was submitted by 44 members of the Riigikogu. The motion of no confidence was not supported. 40 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour and 55 were against. The support of at least 51 members of the Riigikogu was needed to express no confidence.
Kaja Kallas(Estonian Reform Party) justified the submission of the motion of no confidence. “Jüri Ratas seems to be a nice person. I believe most of us are ready to sign such a statement. But today’s vote of no confidence is not about whether we like Jüri Ratas or not. We submitted the motion of no confidence because Jüri Ratas as the Prime Minister is responsible for what is taking place in our country,” Kaja Kallas said.
Kallas explained that Estonia had always wanted to be an equal among equals on the world arena, and we had made a success of it. “It can be said that the Prime Minister is not responsible for the signs and sayings made by the ministers of his government that have resulted in damaging the international reputation of Estonia. The Prime Minister has not made those signs. The Prime Minister is respectful. But we know that this does not count. Outside Estonia, it is the Government as a whole who gives a face to Estonia, and that face is no longer clean,” Kallas said. She presented an overview of the assessments from international media on the impression Estonia had left during the current Government.
Kallas analysed and evaluated different aspects of the activities of Ratas’s government and the sayings of its ministers. “We all know that the original source of the problems of this Government is the Estonian Conservative People’s Party, but what makes us worry is that the word of the Prime Minister does not count in this Government and the position of the Conservative Party always prevails. After the Government took office, the Prime Minister has said already 14 times that the behaviour of the Ministers of the Government was unacceptable, improper and must not be repeated. But still we see that the reproachable behaviour is repeated,” Kallas said.
“If there were single cases of breaches or misconduct, resigning of a specific minister could be requested. As these incidents repeat practically from week to week, it can take place only with the approval of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister who allows breaking up of Estonia is responsible for it even when it does not happen as a result of his active deeds but his passive onlooking,” Kallas added.
Prime Minister Jüri Ratas explained his activities as the head of government. “It has always been important for me as a politician and as the Prime Minister that we should be able to unite Estonia, to bridge the gaps in the society and to increase the bond between all of us. Over long years, several contradictions have emerged and existed in our society, regardless of our best wishes. Therefore I have said that the prime minister has to be the prime minister for all people of Estonia, not only for his or her supporters or voters.
Ratas denied the allegations that Estonia did not have a functioning government, and gave examples of decisions that had been passed. “For example, we agreed upon the necessary investments for improving the working conditions of the National Library and the National Archives and starting the construction of the new building for the Estonian Public Broadcasting. We also decided to contribute to modernising the regional centres of the Police and Border Guard Board and renovating the buildings of the Rescue Board brigades. Besides that, we allocated resources for the construction of state service bureaus in order to gather the services provided to the local population conveniently under one roof,” Ratas said. He added some more examples of the decisions adopted by the Government, which were important in his opinion.
“I understand that this coalition does not seem easy for many. I can assure you that we have had many difficult moments between the coalition partners,” Ratas admitted. In his opinion, there may be such moments in all governments. “It certainly is not easy to come from the opposition with little experience to the government. At the same time, I can feel every day that there is enough will between the partners to cooperate and find common ground. It strengthens my faith that dignified words and serious actions will stand out more than mistakes and miscalculations,” Ratas said.
Ratas also answered the questions from members of the Riigikogu.
During the debate, Indrek Saar (Social Democratic Party), Kaja Kallas (Reform Party), Siim Pohlak (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), Kadri Simson (Centre Party) and Helir-Valdor Seeder (Isamaa).
NordenBladet —The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) held its sitting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. They were given an overview of the draft of “Foreign Policy Development Plan 2030”, which will be discussed at the coming Autumn Session of the Riigikogu.
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Enn Eesmaa thinks that the principles of the Foreign Policy Development Plan are ambitious. In his opinion, it is a positive trend that the connections with other agencies are clearly set out in the development plan. Eesmaa said that the discussions would continue at tomorrow’s sitting of the Committee, and the Committee planned to analyse all chapters of the Development Plan separately.
Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson said that today’s sitting had been an introduction to the discussion that would take place in the Riigikogu. He added that the Development Plan had to be backed by a strong political consensus, and that the political forces represented in the Riigikogu had the opportunity to submit their proposals through the Foreign Affairs Committee during the legislative proceedings. He also said that he was happy that the topics which had been discussed by the Foreign Affairs Committee for years, like foreign economic policy and strengthening of foreign service, had been taken into account in drafting the Development Plan.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Reinsalu told the Committee that the process of drawing up the Development Plan had taken a long time, and various institutions and interest groups had been involved in mapping the trends of the future. In the opinion of the Minister, the Foreign Policy Development Plan is realistic and related to the practical activities of the coming years. This is the first time a development plan of this kind has been composed. He hoped there would be a serious debate on the document in the Parliament.
Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rainer Saks gave the Committee an overview of the draft Development Plan. He underlined that the foreign policy objectives would be implemented through three central actions. In addition to foreign trade and ensuring of security, he pointed out the increasing involvement of Estonians living abroad and effective consular services as a new important initiative.
The draft “Foreign Policy Development Plan 2030”, initiated by the Government of the Republic and accepted for debate by a resolution of the Board of the Riigikogu in the middle of August, puts stronger emphasis on bilateral regional relations than set out in earlier strategies. Cyber issues and greater cohesion of foreign policy and foreign relations have also been added to the area of administration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The general objectives of the Development Plan are a strong foreign service and the growth of Estonia’s reputation and influence.
NordenBladet —Head of the Estonian delegation to the Baltic Assembly, Chairman of the Cultural Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Aadu Must and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Enn Eesmaa attend the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Baltic Way in Riga.
“The Baltic Way, whose 30th anniversary we are celebrating today, was a wonderful thing! It changed every one of us, as well as the world around us,” Must said. “It made us all understand that our three nations – Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians – are not alone in their desire for freedom, and that together we are much, much stronger. The world also learned that the freedom of the three Baltic states was something everyone in our countries desired. People in different countries of the world sympathised with the Baltic Way,”
Must emphasised that the values of the Baltic Way were carried forward among others by the Baltic Assembly, which united the three Baltic Parliaments, because there was more energy in doing things together and it gave better result.
Eesmaa recalled that 30 years ago the people of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania stood side by side and hand in hand, forming a human chain from Tallinn to Vilnius. “The striving for freedom and right to self-determination of the three nations and their belief in democracy bore fruit,” said Eesmaa.
In Eesmaa’s opinion, this is a living memory of the past, and we will never forget the support of the international community to the Baltic States. “Now we are ready to share our experience with those who are about to make or have already made similar decisions on the development of their countries,” Eesmaa said, keeping in mind first of all the Eastern Partnership countries Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.
The members of the Presidium of the Baltic Assembly and the Prime Ministers of the Baltic States meet in Latvia today. A festive ceremony will be held at the Freedom Monument in Riga, an exhibition on the Baltic Way can be viewed at the Freedom Square, and a room dedicated to the Baltic Way will be opened in the Latvian Parliament. The evening will culminate in a concert, where essays by Winners of the Baltic Assembly Prize in Literature Māris Bērziņš (Latvia), Hasso Krull (Estonia) and Vladas Bražiūnas (Lithuania) will be read out.
NordenBladet —President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Henn Põlluaas met with Vice-President of India Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu today. They discussed e-governance and intensifying of bilateral parliamentary cooperation.
“The excellent relations between Estonia and India have become closer in recent years,” Põlluaas emphasised. He said that although Estonia and India were different, they still had very many common interests. Among other things, he mentioned international cooperation to combat terrorism in the changed security situation.
Speaking of practical cooperation, Põlluaas said that Estonia was ready to share its experience and know-how in building up digital governance. Estonia is also looking for more possibilities for cooperation in higher education, business diplomacy and promoting tourism between the two countries.
Reform of the United Nations Security Council was also spoken about at the meeting, and both sides expressed hope for good cooperation. Estonia is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2020–2021. If India is elected, we will have the possibility to cooperate in 2021.
President of the Riigikogu called on India to open its embassy in Tallinn.
Põlluaas congratulated India on its Independence Day, which was celebrated on 15 August. Vice-President of India Naidu congratulated Estonia on the Restoration of Independence Day yesterday. He acknowledged the development of Estonia and said that both countries should share their best practices.
Vice-President of India invited the President of the Riigikogu to visit India.
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Enn Eesmaa and Chairman of the Estonia-India Parliamentary Group Sven Sester also participated in the meeting. Sester underlined the long-time excellent cooperation of the Estonia-India Parliamentary Group of the Riigikogu with the representatives of the Indian Embassy.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
