ESTONIA

President of Finland at the Riigikogu: We support each other, take care of each other and defend each other

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Stubb said in his speech that he had been extremely happy when Estonia had joined the European Union and the euro, and equally pleased, though a bit jealous, when Estonia had joined NATO. “Within a few years of independence, you had actually become more integrated to Western institutions than Finland, or any other Nordic country for that matter. This was of course good news for the security of the Baltic Sea in general, and Finland in particular. Your membership in NATO during those 20 years also gave us protection. At the same time, our strong and independent defence brought stability to the region,” he said, adding that Finland was very lucky to have Estonia as a neighbour.

According to Stubb, Finland was neutral during the Cold War, not out of free will or ideology, but out of necessity. “We did not have a choice. When we had a choice, we immediately joined the EU. When there was no other choice, we became NATO members. Better late than never. And rest assured, we will do our part in the Alliance. We understand the responsibilities that come with doubling NATO’s border with Russia,” Stubb said and stated that Finland’s defence capability strengthened the northeastern part of Europe. “That, combined with our concept of comprehensive security will continue to strengthen NATO in the Baltic Sea region. And we will do it together with Estonia.”

Stubb pointed out that the post-Cold War era was over, and the order, balance and dynamics of world politics were in flux. In his opinion, European security is marred by Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and a new Iron Curtain divides Europe.

Speaking of Russia, Stubb said that Finland’s base case rested on three simple realities: first, during the next few years Russia would continue to ramp up its military and would reach levels similar to when it began its attack on Ukraine. “Second, nothing indicates that Russia’s foreign policy will change from aggression and expansion to peaceful co-existence. Third, Russia is not in the process of becoming a liberal democracy any time soon. It is against this background that we must make sure that Ukraine wins the war. At the same time, we must continue to make sure that NATO’s defence and deterrence remains strong,” he underlined.

According to the President of Finland, the new normal is that Russia will continue its war of aggression in Ukraine while launching various hybrid operations in an attempt to intimidate and destabilise all EU and NATO countries. “We see this week after week in Europe. The best response is to stay calm and collected, or as I would say, Estonian and Finnish kind of response. The best way to prevent it going any further is to prepare. And that is exactly what we are doing,” he said, and added that, in the short term, we must continue to give Ukraine financial and military support; in the medium term, we must help Ukraine to achieve a just peace, and in the long term, we must make sure that Ukraine would become a fully fledged member of both the EU and NATO.

In his speech, Stubb quoted President Lennart Meri, who said that small countries could also affect the course of history, or at least they absolutely must try to do so, and in the world, no one would care about small nations if they did not themselves state their own intentions loud and clear. “I think his words should function as a guideline for the role of Estonia and Finland in the world. Small nations must make their voices heard. But, most importantly, we are now using our voice together with our allies and partners in Europe, the EU and NATO. It is important that we support each other, take care of each other and defend each other,” he said.

Stubb is on a state visit to Estonia at the invitation of President of Estonia Alar Karis. The visit will last until Wednesday. Besides Tallinn, Stubb will also visit Tartu. The visit focuses on the relations between Estonia and Finland, security and defence cooperation, security of the Baltic Sea region, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine  and supporting Ukraine.

Verbatim record (in Estonian)

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Video recording in Estonian and in English

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: President of Finland at the Riigikogu: We support each other, take care of each other and defend each other

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar and Stubb underlined the importance of close cooperation and exchange of information in ensuring security

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar said that Estonia and Finland had a completely unique relationship that needs to be kept and developed. “Finland has been a member of NATO for more than a year and the Baltic Sea has become NATO’s internal sea. This gives us a new perspective and an opportunity to take our defence cooperation to a new level,” he said, and added that there also was room for development of relations in several other areas.

During their meeting, Hussar and Stubb discussed Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and its impact on the global security situation, continued support for Ukraine both on the battlefield and in the reconstruction of the country, as well as holding Russia accountable for crimes and damage in Ukraine.

Speaking of Russia’s responsibility, Hussar mentioned the Act passed by the Riigikogu on the middle of May that allowed to use the assets of persons in Russia, which had been frozen under international sanctions, to be used to compensate the war damages caused to Ukraine. “It is good that more and more countries are creating similar regulations that enable to use not only the profits from Russia’s frozen assets but also the assets themselves to help Ukraine,” he said.

Development of defence industries, increasing of energy security and joint response to Russia’s hybrid attacks were also discussed at the meeting. “Operational exchange of information and cooperation with all allies and partners are particularly important in these issues,” Hussar said, and pointed out that it was also important to learn from Ukraine’s experience.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson, as well as Chair Anti Poolamets and Deputy Chair Kadri Tali of the Estonia-Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group also participated in the meeting of Hussar and Stubb.

Stubb is on a state visit to Estonia at the invitation of President of Estonia Alar Karis. The visit will last until Wednesday. Besides Tallinn, Stubb will also visit Tartu. The visit focuses on the relations between Estonia and Finland, security and defence cooperation, security of the Baltic Sea region, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and supporting Ukraine.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Hussar and Stubb underlined the importance of close cooperation and exchange of information in ensuring security

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Committees of the Riigikogu focus on Estonia’s interests in the next EU budget at public sitting

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta said that the next year it must be unambiguously clear that the financial preparations for the accession of at least Ukraine and Moldova had been agreed upon and made. “The EU budget was also increased for Estonia’s accession, now it is our turn to take it forward for Ukraine and other acceding countries. Setting Estonia’s priorities early will help achieve a larger budget,” Pakosta pointed out.

“Estonia must also be the leader in increasing Europe’s defence capability, where currently at least 600 billion euros are lacking. In both issues, other Member States need to be convinced,” Pakosta said. “In any case, putting off difficult budgetary disputes into indefinite future should be avoided, as this will also reduce the motivation of the Ukrainian soldiers fighting on the front.”

Chair of the Finance Committee Annely Akkermann pointed out that if we approved Estonia’s initial positions on the long-term budget and the future of Cohesion Policy now, we could find countries that are thinking along the same lines, and together influence the long-term budget in the direction that suited us, even before the European Commission presented its budget proposal.

“Together with the budget, it is necessary to speak about the future of Cohesion Policy. Here, we want the continuation of the current rules that avoid a sharp reduction in support provided to a country when the country’s prosperity increases,” Akkermann said. “It is also very important to put an emphasis on cooperation between European countries so that the internal market would work effectively and the competitiveness of the European Union would improve.”

In June next year at the latest, the European Commission will submit a proposal for a new long-term budget of the European Union, including the size of funds and programmes.

Analyst of the European Union Policy Unit Karin Kondor-Tabun and Head of Foreign Funding Unit Triin Tomingas from the Ministry of Finance will give an overview of Estonia’s positions for the negotiations on the long-term budget of the European Union starting in 2028, and in regard to the future of Cohesion Policy.

The public sitting will start at 1.30 p.m. in the Conference Hall of the Riigikogu. It can be followed online on the Riigikogu web page. Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

For more information, please contact: Liisa Pakosta, phone +372 502 6191

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Committees of the Riigikogu focus on Estonia’s interests in the next EU budget at public sitting

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Speakers of seven European countries call on Georgia to continue on the EU path

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Speakers of the Parliaments of the Baltic States, the Czech Republic, France, the Netherlands and Poland stated in the letter sent to Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia Shalva Papuashvili that the law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, adopted by Georgia’s parliament, sought to silence media and civil society organizations that played a vital role in a democratic society and were instrumental in helping Georgia on its path to the EU.

“We urge you to withdraw this law and engage in a meaningful and inclusive dialogue with organized civil society and citizens. We also urge you to respect the fundamental values by upholding the rights of people to assembly and discontinue the use of violence and intimidation against the peaceful demonstrators,” the Speakers said in the letter.

They pointed out that they had been with Georgia every step of its EU integration progress. “We have seen remarkable political transformation and enormous efforts you invested in the reform progress in the previous years. You have led the way and set an example for other aspirants to follow. We have proudly supported you and are committed to continue providing all the necessary assistance you need to continue on this path,” the Speakers said, and underlined that Georgia’s European aspirations and efforts had been rightly recognized by the European Union member states, and that Georgia had been given a clear path to start accession negotiations.

According to the Speakers, recent decisions by Georgia are a matter of concern for them since they run contrary to those values and principles Georgia has committed to be guided by and that are at the core of its European aspirations. “The decision to pursue EU membership is a sovereign choice of Georgia and its people as it was for those of us who joined the EU 20 years ago. That path was neither guaranteed, nor easy. Unwavering commitment and support of friends made it possible,” they said.

In the letter, the Speakers from seven countries expressed hope that Georgia would not waver in its commitment to using the historic window of opportunity to bring Georgia’s people into the common area of peace, and prosperity, but also freedoms, and values. “We believe in Georgia’s European future and are committed to supporting you,” they emphasised.

The President of the Riigikogu added that the joint letter was necessary in order to point out to the leaders of Georgia clearly and unambiguously that they were moving away from the path to Europe. “I very much hope that the Parliament of Georgia will understand this criticism, withdraw the law that is contrary to the European values and continue its efforts towards EU membership,” Hussar said.

Text of the joint letter in Estonian and in English

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Speakers of seven European countries call on Georgia to continue on the EU path

Source: Parliament of Estonia

NATO PA discusses Washinton Summit and supporting Ukraine at Spring Session

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Before the Plenary Sitting of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, discussions will be held in the committees of the Assembly on Saturday and Sunday. Kaljulaid is a member of the Defence and Security Committee and Mihkelson is a member of the Political Committee.

On Monday, the Assembly will come together for the Spring Session held in NATO’s 75th anniversary year. Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg and Kerstin Lundgren, Speaker of the Parliament of Sweden that joined NATO in March, will speak at the plenary sitting. Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umerov will deliver an online address.

The debates at the plenary sitting will focus on two topics: first, the priorities of the NATO Summit to be held in Washington in July will be discussed, and then immediate and long-term support to Ukraine until it has won the war launched by Russia. Among other issues, both the strengthening of NATO’s coordinating role in assisting Ukraine and the implementation of NATO’s defence plans and commitments relating to defence spending will be addressed at the sitting. The NATO PA also plans to adopt a declaration on both topics of discussion at the sitting.

Head of the Estonian delegation Kaljulaid will also participate in the meeting of Nordic and Baltic heads of delegations, and the visit of the Defence and Security Committee to Novo Selo Training Area.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: NATO PA discusses Washinton Summit and supporting Ukraine at Spring Session

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Estonia–Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group: Application of the International Criminal Court for arrest warrant for leaders of the State of Israel is regrettable

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

We express our indignation about the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue a similar warrant of arrest against Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defence of Israel Yoav Gallant, as against the leaders of Hamas. 

With this, the ICC Chief Prosecutor is placing the democratically elected members of the Government of Israel on the same level as the leaders of an Islamist terrorist organisation.

Israel is a state governed by the rule of law, where an independent judicial system is in place. Alleged war crimes, including those committed by the Israel Defence Forces, are investigated and the perpetrators prosecuted. Hamas is a terrorist organisation whose main aim is to destroy the democratic State of Israel. 

ICC arrest warrants call into question the impartiality and competence of the International Criminal Court. They make it more complicated to resolve the conflict, release the hostages and achieve a lasting ceasefire. 

The credibility of the ICC is in Estonia’s national interests, especially in the current times, and undermining it is worrying and regrettable.

We reaffirm our continued support for the State of Israel and its right to self-defence.

We call on the governments of Estonia and Estonia’s allies not to recognise ICC arrest warrants against the leaders of the State of Israel.

The Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) is composed of Chairman Eerik-Niiles Kross and members Yoko Alender, Vadim Belobrovtsev, Meelis Kiili, Andrei Korobeinik, Lauri Laats, Jürgen Ligi, Riina Solman, Aivar Sõerd, Peeter Tali, Vilja Toomast and Kristo Enn Vaga.

For more information, please contact:
Eerik-Niiles Kross
chairman of Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group
eerik-niiles.kross@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Estonia–Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group: Application of the International Criminal Court for arrest warrant for leaders of the State of Israel is regrettable

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Largest annual military exercise Spring Storm 2024 comes to an end

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —Today marked the end of the Estonian Defence Forces’ largest annual exercise, Spring Storm, which took place from May 6 to 17. Nearly 14,000 conscripts, reservists, active-duty personnel, members of the Estonian Defence League, and allied soldiers participated in the exercise. After the exercise, units will gather initial feedback from …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Hussar at the meeting with his Czech counterpart: Russia must pay for the damage caused by aggression

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Both Speakers stated that the cooperation between Estonia and Czechia was excellent, we could rely on one another and we had very similar history and values. They acknowledged at the meeting that Europe was facing many challenges, especially relating to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

“Ukraine needs our support, both in the form of words and in the form of ammunition,” Hussar emphasised. The Estonian and Czech Speakers stressed the need to continue supporting Ukraine and to give Ukrainians what they need to win the war. They also found that it was necessary to support Ukraine on the road to joining the European Union and NATO. They also highlighted the importance of keeping unity in Europe.

The using of Russia’s frozen assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine was also discussed. “Russia must pay for the damage it has caused by aggression. If they do not do it themselves, we will have to force them to do it,” Hussar said, and added that on Wednesday, the Riigikogu had passed an Act on Russia’s frozen assets.

The situation in the Middle East, the EU’s enlargement policy in general, the elections of the European Parliament and cyber and energy security were also spoken about at the meeting. Both Speakers expressed satisfaction that as an excellent example of the economic cooperation between Estonia and Czechia, the new electric trains for Estonia had been ordered from the Czech Republic.

Chairman of the Estonia-Czech Republic Parliamentary Friendship Group Aivar Sõerd and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson also participated in the meeting, and Ambassador of Estonia to Czechia Gita Kalmet and Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Estonia David Král.

Tomorrow, the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic will have a meeting with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and speak at the Lennart Meri Conference.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Hussar at the meeting with his Czech counterpart: Russia must pay for the damage caused by aggression

Source: Parliament of Estonia

OSCE Arms Control representatives visit Spring Storm exercise

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —May 17 marks the end of the international arms control visit in Estonia, which runs from May 12 to 17. During this period, 39 observers from 22 countries, representing the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), will visit military units and equipment, and observe the Spring Storm exercise. …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Spring Storm exercise focused on aiding civilians and combat casualties

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —Yesterday, during the Spring Storm exercise, a medical drill was held in Tali, Pärnu County, where the functioning of the medical chain in emergency conditions was practiced, drawing on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. “Units of the Estonian Defence League defend areas near their homes, and these units …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

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