ESTONIA

The Riigikogu re-appointed Janar Holm Auditor General

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Holm assumed the office of Auditor General on 9 April 2018 and his powers last until 8 April 2023. Last December, President Alar Karis made a proposal to appoint Holm to the office of Auditor General for another five years.

Holm said in front of the Riigikogu that the last five years had been out of the ordinary, but in general the problems of the state had remained the same whilst many of them had become even more acute. “Five years ago I emphasised here that it is important that the National Audit Office look into the core functions of the state which most concern people’s lives: health care, the organisation of education, and social welfare. Infrastructure developments, large investments, energy, and the development of defence capabilities are resource-intensive. The National Audit Office has sent a number of reports on all these issues to the Riigikogu. All these issues should also be in the focus of the National Audit Office in the future as well. On top of that, there are the issues of how clear the distribution of our money is and how understandable the state budget is for decision-makers,” he said.

According to him, attention must also be paid to the green transition as it is a process that concerns all areas of life and its scale is even difficult to perceive. “I am emphasizing here that only in substantial debates does it actually become clear what is real and rational and what is really feasible and possible within the planned timeframe and what is not. Perhaps it would be necessary to become more sector-based and specific in this sphere, and to speak of what we are specifically doing in the energy sector, transport, agriculture, waste management, construction, and industry – so that there would be clarity and certainty for businesses, society and, ultimately, the state system,” Holm said.

Henn Põlluaas from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Faction took the floor during the debate.

At the secret ballot, 61 members of the Riigikogu supported the passing of the Resolution of the Riigikogu “Appointment of Janar Holm to the Office of Auditor General” (769 OE), submitted by the President. 14 voted against it.

At today’s sitting, the Riigikogu also passed the Resolution of the Riigikogu “Appointment of Margit Vutt a Justice of the Supreme Court” (752 OE), submitted by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. It appoints judge of Tartu Circuit Court of Appeal Margit Vutt a justice of the Supreme Court as of 17 July.

In the opinion of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve, Vutt is an experienced and recognised lawyer whose long and diverse professional experience in the judicial system and as lecturer of civil law at the School of Law of the University of Tartu will allow her to contribute significantly to the work of the Civil Chamber of the Supreme Court and the further development of Estonian civil law.

A public competition had been organised to find a new justice of the Supreme Court after the Supreme Court en banc had decided at the end of last November to release justice of the Supreme Court Peeter Jerofejev from office as of 15 July.

At the secret ballot, 55 members of the Riigikogu supported the appointment of the new justice of the Supreme Court and 10 were against it.

Today, the Riigikogu also deliberated again the Act on Amendments to the Foreign Service Act and Amendments to Other Associated Acts (45 UA), which the President of the Republic had refused to promulgate, and decided not to pass it again, without amendments.

The Riigikogu passed the Act in June 2020, in order to harmonise foreign service with the principles of public service and to make the current regulation clearer and simpler. Among other things, the Act was intended to update the foreign service salary system and to change the principles of the payment of the foreign mission allowance and reimbursement of the costs relating to long-term assignments abroad as well as the procedure for the assignment of specialised diplomats and non-staff administrative officials to foreign missions.

The President had refused to proclaim the Act, finding that it was in conflict with the Constitution as it prescribed that the allowance for spouse is paid to the spouse accompanying an official employed in a foreign mission when the official is sent on a long-term assignment abroad, but it is not paid to the official’s partner registered under the Registered Partnership Act.

The Constitutional Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee moved not to pass the Act without amendments and the plenary of the Riigikogu also supported it. 21 members of the Riigikogu supported the passing of the Act without amendments but 35 voted against.

Photos (Author: Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

The video recording of the sitting will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel. (Please note that the recording will be uploaded with a delay.)

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

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu re-appointed Janar Holm Auditor General

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu discussed the updated national security concept

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

According to the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Approval of “The National Security Concept of Estonia”” (775 OE), submitted by the Government, the updated national security concept will be approved. It describes the security environment as at the beginning of 2023, clarifies Estonia’s objectives in the increasingly tense security environment and describes the activities necessary to achieve the objectives.

The Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that the objective of Estonia was and had always been to make aggression against the Estonian state impossible. “However, we are now doing much more on our own and with our allies to ensure our security,” Kallas noted. She explained that Estonia had raised its defence spending to a historically high level. The defence spending of Estonia in 2023 will exceed one billion euros with 2.85 per cent of GDP. In 2022, we allocated an additional more than 1.2 billion euros to military defence.

The new national security concept points out that the greatest strategical challenge of the current security environment is the intensified confrontation between various political, economic and social systems. The value space based on democracy, market economy, rule of law and human rights is under pressure and the ideological counterbalance to it is increasing.

The Prime Minister said that we had gone from covert competition to open confrontation, including large-scale military action in Europe. “Although Tallin and Kyiv are separated by 1,200 kilometres, our common neighbour is the aggressor. It is existentially important to Estonia that we are part of the democratic community and the democratic community stays united and strong. The past year has brought out particularly clearly that which we have always known: upholding democracy is also part of security policy. In addition, the war in Ukraine has shown – once again – that working together is the key to our strength,” Kallas said.

“One of the main changes is that we jointly point out that the biggest security threat to Estonia is the Russian Federation. The goal of the Russian Federation is to dismantle and reshape the European security architecture and the rules-based world order and to restore the policy of spheres of influence,” the Prime Minister noted.

The national security concept covers Estonia’s activities in five areas: social cohesion and national resilience, economic security and vital services, internal security and public order, military defence, and international activities. Among other things, the base document prescribes defence spending at the level of at least three per cent of GDP, to which the funding of the expenses of Estonia as a host country for allies will be added. According to the national security concept, in the national budget strategy, permanent funding will also be ensured to the development of civil protection.

The document is based on an updated strategic threat assessment and builds on the National Security Concept adopted in 2017.

During the debate, Leo Kunnas (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), Mihhail Lotman (Isamaa), Kalle Laanet (Reform Party), Jaak Juske (Social Democratic Party) and Marko Šorin (Centre Party) took the floor.

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Amendment of the Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the International Military Operation Inherent Resolve”” (776 OE), submitted by the Government, will enable Estonia to contribute to the operation with up to 110 servicemen instead of the up to five servicemen as decided earlier.

The Government’s proposal is to start contributing to the United States-led operation on Iraqi territory this spring with a unit of the size of a reduced infantry company which would perform the tasks of a base defence and rapid reaction force. The unit would be supplemented with a national support element, staff officers and non-commissioned officers in the battalion-level headquarters in Erbil and the division-level headquarters in Baghdad of the United Kingdom-led operation. Estonia is ready to contribute additionally with a special operations force.

Estonia is wishing to increase its contribution to the operation to up to 100 servicemen until the end of 2023. However, in order to contribute additionally and flexibly in a limited amount where necessary, the draft Resolution prescribes giving a mandate for up to 110 servicemen.

The Riigikogu heard the reply to an interpellation

The Minister of Health and Labour Peep Peterson replied to the interpellation concerning the immunisation of students (No. 161), submitted by members of the Riigikogu.

During the open microphone, Mihhail Stalnuhhin and Tarmo Kruusimäe took the floor.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Video recordings of the sittings of the Riigikogu can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/riigikogu.
(Please note that the recording will be uploaded with a delay.)

Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal,
+372 631 6351, +372 5190 2837
gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu discussed the updated national security concept

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Foreign Affairs Committee delegation is in Helsinki to discuss support for Ukraine and NATO enlargement

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Chairman of the Committee Andres Sutt said that the members of the Committee intend to discuss plans for further support to Ukraine with members of the Finnish government. “Ukraine needs continuous military help from the allies, in the shape of modern tanks, air-defence, and other weapons. This is the only way to make sure that Russia’s war of aggression ends with Ukraine’s victory and liberation of its territory,” he said, adding that another item on the agenda would certainly be the establishment of a special tribunal to investigate Russia’s crime of aggression.

The NATO accession process of Finland and Sweden will also be discussed. Sutt is of the opinion that the NATO enlargement would significantly enhance the security of our region, which is why Estonia hopes to see both countries join the Alliance as soon as possible.

The delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee will meet their Finnish counterparts, but also the Minister of Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto, Minister of Defence Mikko Savola, and Chief of Defence Timo Kivinen.

Sutt is accompanied on the visit by Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Enn Eesmaa and member of the Committee Henn Põlluaas.

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

Link uudisele: Foreign Affairs Committee delegation is in Helsinki to discuss support for Ukraine and NATO enlargement

Source: Parliament of Estonia

National security concept containing agreement on increasing defence spending will be presented to the Riigikogu

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

According to Raimond Kaljulaid, the Chairman of the National Defence Committee, which is the lead committee for the adoption of the National Security Concept, a consensus approval of the updated National Security Concept in the Riigikogu would provide certainty in regard to the financing of national defence, and this would be a strong cross-party message.

“One of the most important changes is that the National Security Concept specifies that we will continue also in long-term perspective to spend at least three per cent of GDP on national defence, to which the funding of expenses of Estonia as a host country for allies will be added. The Concept also provides that in order to increase the crisis resilience of the country and the population as a whole, the permanent financing of non-military capabilities of national defence will be ensured in the state budget strategy,” he said. “If these two principles are approved in the plenary, it will be a significant cross-party agreement on national defence. This is also certainly a message internationally, to our allies as well as to potential adversaries, that Estonia is ready to defend itself and ready to contribute to its defence.”

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Andres Sutt considered it important that the National Security Concept emphasised alliance relations, and alongside the threat posed by Russia, also highlighted the growing influence of China as a long-standing strategic rival on the international arena. “It is important that this Riigikogu updates the National Security Concept, because due to Russia’s full-scale war of aggression, the global security picture is quite different from the picture at the time the previous Concept was approved. I hope that we can approve the updated National Security Concept in the plenary of the Riigikogu in the coming weeks,” he said.

The National Security Concept submitted by the Government is based on updated strategic threat assessment and builds on the National Security Concept adopted in 2017. The aim of the document is to describe the security environment as of the beginning of 2023, to clarify Estonia’s objectives in the increasingly tense security environment and to describe the activities necessary for achieving them. The document covers Estonia’s activities in five areas: social cohesion and national resilience, economic security and vital services, internal security and public order, military defence, and international activities.

At today’s joint sitting of the National Defence Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas gave an overview of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Approval of “The National Security Concept of Estonia”” (775 OE). The National Defence Committee decided unanimously to make a motion to the plenary assembly to conclude the first reading of the Draft Resolution on 6 February. The Riigikogu will approve the National Security Concept at two readings.

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

Link uudisele: National security concept containing agreement on increasing defence spending will be presented to the Riigikogu

Source: Parliament of Estonia

“No Significant Changes” in Estonia’s Corruption Perception Index

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Estonia’s ranking in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index remains unchanged for 2022, tying for 14th to 17th place with Canada, Iceland, and Uruguay. The head of Transparency International Estonia, Steven-Hristo Evestus, stated that the lack of change in their position reflects a “slumbering state” and calls for fresh initiatives. Despite gaining 10 points since 2012, the country has been stagnant since 2018 and could perform better.

The Corruption Perception Index evaluates corruption levels in the public sector and policy-making as perceived by foreign experts and businesses, with scores ranging from 0 to 100, with 0 indicating high levels of corruption and 100 representing low levels. No country has achieved a perfect 100. The 2022 Index showed that most nations have failed to progress in the fight against corruption, with over two-thirds of countries scoring lower than 50 out of 100.

While public access to the business register was established in 2022 to help identify corruption and money laundering risks, initiatives to protect whistleblowers, amend the Political Parties Act, and introduce good lobbying practices have been delayed. This inaction has left the door open for policies to be manipulated, illegal cash flow, and a lack of transparency in policy-making, according to Evestus.

The Corruption Perception Index is based on up to 13 independent studies and expert reports. However, it does not account for private sector corruption or money laundering incidents.

Featured image: The head of Transparency International Estonia, Steven-Hristo Evestus (YouTube)

Rainer Rohtla appointed as new CEO of Coop Eesti Central Union

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Rainer Rohtla has been appointed as the new CEO of Coop Eesti Central Union starting February 1st, 2023. Prior to this, he led the Via 3L group, one of the largest logistics and transportation companies in the Baltic region, and previously worked at the courier company DPD Estonia.

Coop Eesti Central Union, the largest grocery chain in Estonia, has been searching for a new CEO since October 2022. Alo Ivask led the company from October 1st, 2019 until recently, and prior to that, he was the head of the Entrepreneurship Development Foundation (EAS).

The choice of Rainer Rohtla as the new CEO was based on his extensive experience in managing both Estonian and international companies and increasing their market share in Estonia and the Baltic region.

According to the Chairman of the Coop Eesti Central Union Council, Väino Sassi, Rohtla brings valuable logistics experience in addition to his management skills.

Coop Eesti is the largest and oldest food and consumer goods chain in Estonia, consisting of 18 local consumer unions, owning 320 stores with a total revenue of 752 million euros in 2021, leading the market with a share of about 25%. Today, over 6000 people work at Coop.

Source: NordenBladet.ee
Featured image: Coop

Estonian startups struggle to raise capital amid economic downturn

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet – Estonian startups are facing difficulties in securing funding due to the current economic climate. Companies such as Hagen Bikes and Robus Group, which make steel cargo bikes and training equipment respectively, have had to lay off staff and borrow money. Despite the challenges, the companies are still optimistic about their future prospects and continue to grow. The companies have also seen a reduction in investment interest, but startups in the climate, energy, and infrastructure technology sectors are still attracting investment.

Estonia’s startups are facing difficulties in raising capital due to the current economic downturn. Hagen Bikes, which produces steel cargo bikes, has had to lay off staff and borrow money to continue its development. The company’s CEO, Kaspar Peek, stated that raising money has become increasingly difficult in the past two years and that the future of the financial markets is uncertain. Despite these challenges, the company is still performing well and has secured a bike rental contract with the German city of Kiel, which has expanded. Hagen Bikes sells 95% of its products abroad and is hopeful that the Estonian market will grow in the future.

Another Estonian company, Robus Group, which trades on the Tallinn Stock Exchange’s alternative list, has also experienced difficulties in securing funding. Despite a successful €77,000 share sale last spring, the market has cooled down, making it harder for the company to find funding. However, the company is still growing and has seen an increase in the number of strategic partnerships. The board member of Robus Group, Mikk-Alvar Olle, stated that investors are being more cautious with their money, but companies that see opportunities for cooperation are still willing to make investments.

In conclusion, while Estonian startups are facing challenges in securing funding due to the current economic downturn, they are still optimistic about their future prospects and continue to grow. Climate, energy, and infrastructure technology startups are still attracting investment, while other companies are seeking alternative funding options and forming strategic partnerships. Despite the challenges, Estonian startups are determined to overcome the obstacles and continue their growth and development.


Source: Aktuaalne Kaamera, Friday, 27.01.2023
Featured image: Kaspar Peek (YouTube)

Estonian Inflation to Slow Down in H2 of 2023: Bank of Estonia Deputy Governor

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet – According to Bank of Estonia Deputy Governor Ülo Kaasik, inflation in Estonia has not risen notably since last August and is expected to slow down to single-digit levels in the second half of 2023. The decrease in inflation is due to the drop in energy prices and the price of oil and natural gas, while food prices will continue to rise. The real estate market has also sensibly settled.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has raised interest rates to slow inflation in the euro area, and Kaasik noted that the monetary policy had reacted firmly. He said that “there are no good ways to tackle inflation that has gotten too high, so we have to choose between bad and worse, and inflation remaining high for too long would be the most harmful outcome for people and for the economy as a whole.”

“The Bank of Estonia expects inflation to come down and approach a more normal level in the second half of this year,” Bank of Estonia Deputy Governor Ülo Kaasik said at the recent annual conference of the Estonian Economic Association (EMS).

The deputy governor also acknowledged that difficult times will continue for the Estonian economy, but the outlook is better for the second half of the year, with government spending supporting demand in the domestic market and growing company profits. The ongoing war in Ukraine is expected to impact Estonia’s economy more strongly this year, but Kaasik noted that the number of people employed in the Estonian economy is at a near record high. He stressed that the significant budget deficit is a feature of Estonia’s state finances and additional spending requires additional revenues.

Featured image: Ülo Kaasik (NordenBladet)

Estonia: Shift in consumer behavior towards focused shopping and price consciousness

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-
toit nordenbladet

NordenBladet – In a recent interview with ERR, Marge Kikas, head of sales for Maxima, a grocery chain that sells Latvian, Lithuanian, and Polish products, revealed a shift in consumer behavior in their stores. Customers are buying smaller quantities, avoiding impulse buying, and basing their purchases on price rather than the country of origin of the food.

“People look at the price. If the Estonian product happens to be cheaper, that is what they buy, while shoppers buy Latvian or Lithuanian if it is cheaper. Many clients decide based on the final price,” Kikas said.

Furthermore, consumers are also more likely to opt for private label alternatives to brand products, keeping an eye out for discounts. The supermarket chain has responded by increasing its private label selection.

Kikas noted a recent price rally in the last six months, with some product categories stabilizing in prices, however, the general price level is still rising. The future of prices is uncertain, as price negotiations are ongoing, but Kikas pointed out that eggs, mayonnaise, sugar, and flour have seen the greatest price advance, and sour cream has become significantly more expensive due to rising dairy prices.

“We can see some alleviation, while final stabilization is still some way off,” she said.

You can find the link to the original article “Toidupoes läheb ostjatele korda rohkem kauba hind kui päritolumaa” in the grocery store HERE.

Featured image: NordenBladet

Estonian Literature Day: President Karis emphasized the importance of preserving one’s own language and culture

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet – Estonian President Alar Karis emphasized the importance of preserving one’s own language and culture in a speech marking Estonian Literature Day, which is celebrated annually on January 30th. He recognized literature as one of the core pillars of Estonian culture and a vital source of Estonian spirit and thought. The birth anniversary of Anton Hansen Tammsaare, a notable Estonian writer, is also celebrated on this day.

“January 30 marks a momentous day in Estonia’s cultural history – we celebrate Estonian literature, one of the core pillars of our culture, as a national holiday. On December 7, 2022, our parliament (Riigikogu) found literature to be important enough to be the wind under this popular initiative’s wings. And with good reason. Only through Estonian literature are the spirit and thought of Estonia born, developed and retained; the things around us named and what is happening inside us, our story, told. It takes place nowhere and speaks of no one else,” president said.



The Estonian Literature Day is celebrated as a flag day for the first time today – 30.01.2023. The day kicked off on Toompea Hill with a speech by President Alar Karis and the literature teacher of the year award.
Tall Hermann Tower , 2015 (Photo: Riigikogu / Paul Kuimet)

President Karis emphasized the universal appeal of specific, personal experiences, feelings and stories that are expressed through literature. He also stressed the importance of reading, especially in one’s own language, for personal growth, self-expression and understanding others.

In a world dominated by headlines and slogans, the President encouraged people to delve into literature to gain true knowledge and broaden their perspectives. Literature, especially Estonian literature, holds timeless truths that are often lost in the fast-paced world of social media and news portals.

The President concluded by urging the care of Estonian culture and its creators, reminding that language and culture are not a given for small nations.

Featured image:  Estonian president Alar Karis (Riigikogu /Erik Peinar)

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