ESTONIA

Hussar Armeenia Hussar to Armenian Speaker: We support deepening the EU-Armenia relationsspiikrile: toetame tihedamaid suhteid Armeenia ja Euroopa Liidu vahel

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar pointed out that the relations between Estonia and Armenia were excellent. “Democracy and freedom are our common values, and we will do all we can to support Armenia in its efforts to uphold democracy and to deepen cooperation with the European Union,” Hussar said, and underlined that due to our similar historical experience, we understood one another very well.

Hussar thanked Armenia for providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and supporting Ukraine in international organisations. “Ukraine needs help and more resources in this brutal war, the situation on the front is difficult. By helping Ukraine, we contribute to ensuring a rules-based world order,” he stated.

In reply to Hussar’s question on the steps Armenia has taken to move closer to Europe, Simonyan assured that Armenia saw itself as part of a democratic Europe and highlighted, among other things, the activities to strengthen Armenia’s energy security. The Armenian Speaker noted that reducing dependence on Russian gas was very important for both the EU and Armenia, and explained that a significant part of the energy consumed in Armenia already came from the Sun and that the construction of one more nuclear power plant was planned. Hussar pointed out that Estonia was facing the same issues. “The future development of energy is a topical issue in many countries. In Estonia, we are also talking about the possibility of building a nuclear power plant as well as promoting renewable energy,” he said.

Chairman of the Estonia-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group Mati Raidma also participated in the meeting. On Friday, Simonyan will meet with Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Liisa Pakosta.

The President of the of the National Assembly of Armenia also plans to meet with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna.

Photos (Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Maris Meiessaar
+372 631 6353, +372 5558 3993
maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Hussar Armeenia Hussar to Armenian Speaker: We support deepening the EU-Armenia relationsspiikrile: toetame tihedamaid suhteid Armeenia ja Euroopa Liidu vahel

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The commanders of the navies of the Baltic Sea countries met in Estonia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —This week, 4-6. of March, Baltic Commanders Conference 2024 was held in Vihula, the main topic of which was the question of ensuring the security of the critical underwater infrastructure of the Baltic Sea region. “The purpose of the event is to bring representatives of the navies to the same …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Speaker of the Parliament of Armenia Alen Simonyan visits Estonia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

On Thursday, Simonyan will meet with Hussar, as well as Chairman of the Estonia-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group Mati Raidma and other members of the group, and on Friday, he will have a meeting with Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta.

At the meetings, ways to support a democratic Armenia, the deepening of relations between Armenia and the European Union, humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus region will be discussed.

The President of the of the National Assembly of Armenia also plans to meet with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna.

Riigikogu Press Service
Maris Meiessaar
+372 631 6353, +372 5558 3993
maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

Link uudisele: Speaker of the Parliament of Armenia Alen Simonyan visits Estonia

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar and Fergus: Ukraine’s fight against Russia in the ongoing war of aggression is also our fight

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar said at the meeting that the situation on the front was very tense at the moment and Ukraine needed urgent help to fight Russia. “Ukraine needs decisions from the allies. They need more weapons and more ammunition, and they need them faster and in greater amounts,” he said.

Hussar acknowledged Canada for concluding a security guarantees agreement with Ukraine and noted that Estonia had also decided to provide long-term military assistance to Ukraine, which would amount to 0.25 per cent of GDP in the next four years. He said that Estonia called on other supporters of Ukraine to make a similar commitment.

The Speakers discussed the using of Russia’s frozen assets to support Ukraine and the developments related to this in both the United States and the European Union. The Government of Estonia initiated a Bill that allows to use Russia’s assets frozen under international sanctions to compensate the war damages caused to Ukraine, and it has passed the first reading in the Riigikogu.

At the meeting, Hussar and Fergus also discussed relations between Estonia and Canada and the strengthening of cooperation. Hussar expressed his pleasure that Canada had opened a full-fledged embassy in Tallinn and appointed an Ambassador to Estonia. He also welcomed the investment of Canadian companies in the construction of Europe’s first large rare earths magnets factory in Narva. “The construction of the magnet factory will create new jobs in the region and show that although we share a border with Russia, Estonia remains a safe country for investment,” he said.

Chairman of the Estonia-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group Peeter Tali also attended the meeting of the Speakers.

Fergus is in Estonia for the first time at the invitation of Hussar. On Wednesday, will meet with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur and Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna. He will also have meetings with Head of State Electoral Office Arne Koitmäe and representatives of software development and business consulting services companies CGI and Nortal, and visit the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom.

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 Fergus: Ukraine’s fight against Russia in the ongoing war of aggression is also our fight

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Mihkelson and Stoicescu expressed appreciation to NATO for strengthening collective defence

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Stoicescu said that the meetings with NATO Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security Scott Bray and NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning Angus Lapsley had given reassurance that the Alliance had learned the right lessons from Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, but the work to strengthen deterrence and speed up defence capability development must continue at an accelerated pace. He underlined that at the NATO summit in Washington in July, the allies must demonstrate not only unity and effective support for Ukraine, but also tangible progress in strengthening collective defence.

Mihkelson pointed out that it was good to see that NATO was in good health and making rapid progress in defending its members and deterring the enemy. “This applies in particular to military planning and command and control. At the same time, the member states need to understand already today that the new floor for defence spending should be three per cent of GDP – just as we have already done in Estonia,” he stated.

Before the meetings at NATO Headquarters, Mihkelson and Stoicescu participated in the Inter-parliamentary Conference for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy in Bruges, Belgium, where the discussions focused on continuing and consistent support to Ukraine and strengthening European security. The Conference also addressed the impacts of the war between Israel and Hamas on the global security situation.

The Conference was held within the framework of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which lasts from 1 January until the end of June.

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

Link uudisele: Mihkelson and Stoicescu expressed appreciation to NATO for strengthening collective defence

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada Greg Fergus visits Estonia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Fergus, who is in Estonia for the first time, will meet with Hussar, who visited Canada together with other Baltic Speakers at the end of January and invited him to visit Estonia. Fergus will also have meetings with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur and Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna.

At the Riigikogu, Fergus will also meet with Chair of the Estonia-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group Peeter Tali and other members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group. Relations between the two countries and strengthening cooperation, further support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia, taking into use of Russia’s frozen assets and the strengthening of NATO’ deterrence and defence posture will be discussed at all meetings.

During his stay in Tallinn, the Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada will also meet with Head of State Electoral Office Arne Koitmäe and representatives of IT and business consulting services companies CGI and Nortal, and visit the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom.

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

Link uudisele: Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada Greg Fergus visits Estonia

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Estonian Division takes part in Austere Challenge 24 (AC24), a staff exercise led by US European Command beginning today

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —AC24 command post exercise (CPX) is a joint and combined series of operations, in response to an ongoing theater crisis, intended to strengthen the strategic partnerships between the U.S., NATO, Allies, and key partners. The primary training audience of the exercise are the headquarters of the US European Command and …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Mihkelson and Stoicescu discuss supporting Ukraine and EU enlargement with EU counterparts

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

During the two-day conference held in Bruges, Belgium, the supporting of Ukraine in the fight against Russia that is continuing war of aggression as well as the ongoing enlargement of the EU are discussed. The priorities of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defence Policy, and common vision of security and defence sector will also be spoken about at the sessions.

The Conference is part of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which lasts from 1 January until the end of June. Priorities of the Belgian Presidency include defending rule of law, democracy, and unity, as well as promoting a global Europe.

After the Conference, Mihkelson and Stoicescu will meet with NATO Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security Scott Bray and NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning Angus Lapsley at NATO Headquarters to discuss the efforts of the Allies to implement NATO’s renewed deterrence and defence posture and regional defence plans as soon as possible.

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

Link uudisele: Mihkelson and Stoicescu discuss supporting Ukraine and EU enlargement with EU counterparts

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The European Union Affairs Committee discusses new requirements for treatment of end-of-life vehicles at a public sitting

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta thinks that as many materials from scrapped vehicles as possible should be recycled. “The number of cars is growing, and huge amount of materials with a large environmental impact are used for manufacturing them. Such wasting should be stopped. Manufacturers of the components and spare parts needed to make cars must also be obliged to make better use of the scrap from old cars,” the Chair explained. “We also believe that the manufacturers of vehicles belonging to other categories, like motorcycles, mopeds, trucks, buses and trailers, should be included in the system,” she noted.

In Pakosta’s opinion, in the light of the possible vehicle tax, and also the shipment of waste to third countries, there is a need to clarify what is an end-of-life vehicle and what is a used vehicle, and how exactly they should be defined. “We have also invited the representatives of interest groups to the Committee sitting, so that the decisions would take into account the needs of businesses. For example, it is necessary to move in stages for the new requirements to take effect, and economy needs at least three years’ notice,” Pakosta said.

The European Union Affairs Committee will discuss Estonia’s positions on the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on circularity requirements for vehicle design and on management of end-of-life vehicles. The aim of the proposal is to provide even transition to circular economy by establishing circularity requirements for motor vehicle production and improve the requirements for the treatment of end-of-life vehicle to ensure more efficient collection, more sustainable repair and availability of secondary raw materials.

Deputy Secretary General for Living Environment and Circular Economy Ivo Jaanisoo and Adviser of the Circular Economy Department Piret Otsason from the Ministry of Climate, CEO of the Estonian Association of Car Dealers and Services (AMTEL) Meelis Telliskivi and CEO of the Estonian Automotive Recyclers Association Siim Sellik have been invited to the sitting.

Public video sitting of the European Union Affairs Committee starts at 1.15 p.m. and it will be streamed online. Video recording will be available to watch on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

Riigikogu Press Service
Maris Meiessaar
+372 631 6353, +372 5558 3993
maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

Link uudisele: The European Union Affairs Committee discusses new requirements for treatment of end-of-life vehicles at a public sitting

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Members of the Riigikogu wish to have closer relations with Israel

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The representatives of the Riigikogu were in Israel from Sunday to Thursday as part of an international delegation that also included representatives of Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, France and the United States. The delegation met with members of the Parliament of Israel, as well as high-level representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Council, who gave the delegation an overview of the circumstances surrounding Hamas attack on 7 October last year, and the aims and prospects of Israel’s military operation.

Stoicescu said that the representatives of Estonia and other Baltic States raised issues relating to Russia’s aggression at the meetings, and drew parallels between terrorist Hamas and Putin’s Russia. “Israel has not provided lethal aid to Ukraine so far, but this may change,” the Chairman of the National Defence Committee pointed out.

According to Stoicescu, the representatives of Estonia also drew the attention of the hosts to Russia’s aggressive propaganda channels that are broadcast freely in Israel and the transmission of which is restricted or banned in Europe. “The representatives of the Baltic States and Israel agreed upon the need to have closer mutual contacts in the future to exchange information and discuss the situation,” he said.

The delegation visited Erez Crossing, the border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel that was first attacked by Hamas on the morning of 7 October, as well as Kfar Aza kibbutz and the Nova music festival area, where hundreds of people were murdered and raped. “During Israel’s military operation, a large number of civilians in the Gaza Strip have been injured and killed, and many Western allies have called on Israel to minimise the number of civilian casualties as much as possible, considering the specific nature of the operation, i.e. the hiding of Hamas members among the civilian population,” Stoicescu said.

Stoicescu also pointed out that it should not be overlooked that support for Hamas in Gaza and the West Bank was very high, over 60 and 80 percent respectively, according to polls. “The Palestinians must understand that Hamas is not made up of freedom fighters, but of brutal terrorists whose aim is not a normally functioning state of Palestine, but killing people, to be precise, Jews,” Stoicescu said. He added that the Palestinians had a right to their own state, but not to a terrorist formation.

The international delegation also visited the production facilities of Israel’s space industry, which produce top level drones, aircraft, missile systems, space rockets and satellites.

The visit was organised by European Leadership Network that promotes the relations between Europa and Israel.

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

Link uudisele: Members of the Riigikogu wish to have closer relations with Israel

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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