NordenBladet – The United States’ incoming Ambassador to Estonia, George P. Kent, has arrived in Tallinn and is preparing to take up his official duties. The U.S. Embassy in Tallinn made the announcement on Monday (30.01.2023). The new ambassador will officially start serving after presenting his credentials to Estonian President Alar Karis. Until that time, Charge d’Affaires Gabrielle Cowan will continue to serve as the top-ranking diplomat for the US in Estonia.
Two weeks ago, Kent was sworn in as ambassador designate during a ceremony led by US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and attended by Estonian Ambassador to the US Kristjan Prikk in Washington. Kent is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of minister-counselor and has previously served as deputy assistant secretary in the European and Eurasian Bureau at the U.S. Department of State. He has also served as deputy chief of mission in Ukraine and senior anti-corruption coordinator in the State Department’s European Bureau.
Throughout his career, Kent has held various positions, including director for Europe and Asia in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL). He has also served in US diplomatic missions in Tashkent, Warsaw, Bangkok, and Kyiv. Kent holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian History and Literature from Harvard and Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and the Eisenhower School of the National Defense University, respectively. He speaks English, Ukrainian, Russian, and Thai and is a J. Kirby Simon Fund trustee.
Featured image: Ambassador Designate George P. Kent. January 30, 2023. Source: U.S. Embassy Tallinn/Flickr
According to the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees, the Russian Federation continues to grossly and blatantly violate international laws and obligations, including all principles of the UN Charter, through its aggressive war against Ukraine, its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. They point out that the planning, preparation, initiation or implementation of war of aggression infringing international agreements, treaties, or guarantees constitute a crime against peace.
“We underline that the crimes committed so far by the armed forces of the Russian Federation in Ukraine demonstrate cynicism and impunity, and a disregard for war regulations and laws that limit the use of military force. We condemn the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine and do not recognise the annexation of the captured territories,” the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees say in the Statement issued before the EU-Ukraine summit.
The Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees strongly support the investigation launched by the International Criminal Court to identify and prosecute all persons who have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity on Ukrainian territory. “We advocate the establishment of a dedicated international tribunal for bringing to justice the perpetrators of the international crime of aggression initiated by the Russian Federation on 24 February 2022 with a full-scale military invasion of the territory of sovereign Ukraine, by setting up an appropriate legal basis for this purpose, in addition to the International Criminal Court, which cannot exercise jurisdiction over this aggression,” they say.
The Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees also express solidarity with Ukraine and its people, encouraging all partners to demonstrate support in any possible way, including by visits to Ukraine.
The Statement has been signed by the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the European Parliament. Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Andres Sutt signed the Statement on behalf of Estonia.
NordenBladet – Estonian state-owned rail operator Elron signed a contract with the Škoda Group in December to build 10 new trains to meet the growing demand for rail transportation in the country. The number of train passengers in Estonia increased by over a million in 2022, requiring significant additions to Elron’s train fleet. The new trains will be built on the RegioPanter platform, used in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and will be 83.18 meters long with wider boarding areas and designated spaces for bicycles, passengers with prams, and wheelchairs. The first train is expected to arrive in Estonia in Q1 2024 and will cost a total of €90.7 million, covered by the EU’s Modernization Fund. Before the new trains arrive, Elron plans to host a competition to name them.
Estonian state-owned rail operator Elron signed a contract with the Škoda Group in December to build 10 new trains to meet the growing demand for rail transportation in the country. The number of train passengers in Estonia increased by over a million in 2022, requiring significant additions to Elron’s train fleet.
“At the moment, there are 37 trains, which serve passengers, however it is clear that significant additions are needed to Elron’s train fleet in order to meet customer expectations,” said Elron project manager Viljar Luchtein, ERR mediates.
The new trains will be built on the RegioPanter platform, used in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and will be 83.18 meters long with wider boarding areas and designated spaces for bicycles, passengers with prams, and wheelchairs.
“Preparations for the production of the train’s bulk structure began in December, which means that welding work is now at the initial phase and, in a few weeks, the train will be ready for assembly,” said Luhthein.
The first train is expected to arrive in Estonia in Q1 2024 and will cost a total of €90.7 million, covered by the EU’s Modernization Fund.
“According to the agreed schedule, the first Škoda train is set to arrive in Estonia in the first quarter of 2024, after which it will need to be properly set up for use and undergo a period of testing. It is therefore expected to be fully operational from December 2024,” the text stated.
Before the new trains arrive, Elron plans to host a competition to name them. “Anyone interested can participate to ensure that the new trains get the most fitting names,” said the text.
At the virtual meeting of the Speakers of the EU countries, Ratas confirmed Estonia’s support to the priorities of the Swedish presidency, underlining the importance of parliamentary cooperation. The priorities of the Swedish Presidency, which began on 1 January, are security, competitiveness, the green and energy transitions, democratic values and the rule of law.
In his speech, the President of the Riigikogu spoke about security, the unity of the European Union and the need to continue supporting Ukraine. “We fully share your view that we need to increasingly focus on continued economic and military support to Ukraine, as well as support Ukraine’s reconstruction and integration with the European Union,” he said.
Ratas stressed that Europe’s response to Russian aggression had been strong and united, but it was necessary to do more. “Donating weapons, ammunition and other equipment to Ukraine is of critical importance right now,” Ratas said, and added that if we all did more to help Ukraine, Ukraine’s victory would come faster. He also pointed out that the military aid Estonia had provided Ukraine amounted to more than one percent of its GDP.
Ratas emphasised that at the same time it was necessary to increase the cost of aggression to Russia. “We need to continue working on further sanctions against Russia and on lowering the oil price cap. Russia must also be held accountable for the crime of aggression,” he said.
Ratas expressed hope that during the Swedish Presidency there would also be a significant change, with Sweden and Finland becoming members of NATO, which would have a positive impact not only on our region, but on the whole European Union and NATO.
Kaljulaid said that Germany was a very important partner to Estonia and a key contributor to the security of our region. Germany has enhanced its presence in Lithuania and has consistently participated also in the Baltic air policing mission.
Kaljulaid noted that Germany had given Ukraine more than two billion euro in defence aid and has supported Ukraine with a total of more than three billion euro. “We very much welcome Germany’s recent decision to provide Ukraine with Leopard 2 battle tanks. Ukraine needs rapid and extensive support to win the war,” he said, and added that the hardest battles were still ahead for Ukraine. “Therefore, it is crucial that the Western countries continue to provide assistance to Ukraine, and do this quickly and on a larger scale than before.”
During their visit in Germany, Kaljulaid and Laanet will meet with Chair of the Defence Committee of the Bundestag Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Defence Thomas Hitschler. Today and tomorrow they also plan to have meetings with representatives of political parties.
The representatives of the National Defence Committee will return to Estonia on Friday.
NordenBladet —The Government of Estonia decided to declare a defence readiness exercise Okas (Quill). 830 members of territorial defence units are expected to participate the snap exercise (snapex). According to the proposal of the Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, 658 reservists from territorial defence units of Pärnumaa, Saaremaa and Lääne districts, Territorial Defence Region West, Estonian Defence League, are ordered to participate the exercise. In addition, 172 members of the Defence League are invited to the exercise by commanders of …
NordenBladet – A recent poll conducted by the Levada Center in Moscow and commissioned by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has revealed that residents of Russia consider their relations with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to be strained, and view the Baltic countries as hostile and a threat to Russia. The poll, which surveyed 1,600 people and included focus group interviews in five cities, found that on a scale of 1-16, with 1 being the most positive and 16 being the most negative, respondents gave the Baltics a score of 4-8 in terms of the level of threat they pose to Russia.
The poll (here: levada.ru) also found that the general attitude towards Estonia has not changed much, but residents of Russia have become more critical of the Estonian government. Respondents in the focus group interviews were critical of the Baltic countries for joining NATO, suggesting that they have surrendered their independence in doing so, and that Estonians hate Russia and are rewriting World War II history and removing monuments.
In terms of relations with other western neighbors, respondents were the most positive about Belarus, scoring it 1-2 on the scale, with Finland and Norway receiving scores of 7-8. Relations with Ukraine received the maximum negative score of 16 from most respondents.
Additionally, the poll found that support for the war in Ukraine has fallen slightly, with 81% of respondents supporting the Russian invasion in March, falling to 75% in June, and 71% in December.
The presentation of the survey results was organized by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
NordenBladet – Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu of Estonia has stated that the country has no plans to close the Russian Embassy in Tallinn. This statement comes in response to Russia’s announcement earlier this week that it would be expelling Estonia’s ambassador. Reinsalu emphasized that having diplomatic representation in Russia is rational for the protection of Estonian citizens and consular interests.
Estonia’s Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu has clarified that the country has no intention of closing the Russian Embassy in Tallinn. Russia has also made no announcements of doing so. Appearing on a politics show “Esimene stuudio” , Reinsalu stated “Our embassy [in Moscow] will remain in place. We have not set as an intention closing down the Russian embassy on the territory of the Republic of Estonia, while Russia has not announced such an intention either.”
Reinsalu further explained that Estonia’s response to diplomatic measures is based on the principle of parity and that Russia must take that into account. This means that as of now, there is no intention to expel or recall all diplomats on the part of either state. Reinsalu also noted that maintaining diplomatic ties with Russia is not irrational and that the reduction in the diplomatic corps does not mean a reduction in the information flows Estonia will have access to regarding its eastern neighbor.
Reinsalu also highlighted that the countries share a common body of water and border each other, making communication on some level “inevitable”. He also clarified that Estonia’s position on Russian aggression in Ukraine has not changed.
Establishing diplomatic parity with Russia is set to be completed next month and has been a topic of discussion for a long period of time at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, given the number of times Estonia has had to expel Russian diplomats from its soil due to inappropriate activity. Latvia is also reported to be following suit in establishing diplomatic parity.
Photo: Urmas Reinsalu (Riigikogu fotoarhiiv/Erik Peinar)
The Prime Minister noted that the decisive factor in achieving of the goals set in the strategy “Estonia 2035” would be our ability to direct the local research and development in such a way that it would support the need of Estonian people and society in the best way. “In addition to the fundamental research based on researcher’s curiosity, we will need more applied research that would support society and economy. No one else in the world will undertake to study the challenges of Estonian society, economy and environment in order to improve the standard of living of our people. We will have to do it ourselves,” the Prime Minister said.
According to Kallas, we have been increasing the budget planned for research and development continuously for several years already. “Never have more funds been allocated for research and development from the state budget than this year, in 2023 – 386 million euro. It is 51 million more than last year. This year, we have directed 45% of the research and development funds in the state budget to increase the capabilities of society and economy,” the Prime Minister said. In her words, we will have to take care that the desired change does not bring about excessive fragmentation and bureaucracy of research funding. “Even more importantly, we also decided to raise extraordinarily the state budget funding of higher education within the framework of the budget strategy in order to make up for the underfunding of higher education institutions that has developed over the years. This is one of the most important agreements of today’s government coalition,” Kallas noted. She explained that, without strong higher education, we could not meet the labour market demand for educated employees or to increase the competitiveness of the Estonian state. In a four years’ time, we are planning to increase the higher education activity support by nearly 130 million euro. Due to underfunding, universities have had to cover the lacking funds for instruction from research funding resources. It will no longer be so in the future.
The Prime Minister pointed out that, in 2021, 551 million euro had been spent on research and development in Estonia which was 15% more than a year earlier. Estonia’s investments in research and development grew considerably faster than those of their neighbours. “We could see a great increase in research spending for a second year in a row and in all sectors, above all in businesses and universities. Public sector research and development spending was 237 million euro in 2021, which was an increase of 13%. In 2021, Estonian businesses contributed 314 million euro to research – 42 million euro more than a year earlier and fifty per cent more than as recently as three years earlier,” the Prime Minister noted.
Growth in R&D expenditure in the private sector is no longer being driven by ITC companies, as was the case for so many years, but by the processing industry, which is responsible for the lion’s share of our export turnover. Processing industry companies have increased their spending on research and innovation by two and a half times in three years.
Kallas noted that the level of our academic research was higher than could be presumed on the basis of our size and wealth. For the first time, the University of Tartu has made it among the 250 best universities in the university ranking created by the journal Times Higher Education. Among educational institutions in ‘New Europe’, this equates to the highest ranking.
The Prime Minister said that turning research results into innovation and thereby a competitive advantage for a business was complicated and time-consuming. In terms of the proportion of applied research funding, we will have to make efforts to catch up with the European innovation leaders. The examples of other countries show that each euro a state invests in applied research generates three to four euro in tax revenue.
The Research and Development Council has recommended that Estonia establish its own centre for applied research, guided by the needs of and options available to local companies. The aim of such a centre would be to support companies in undertaking applied research and to consult them on technological issues, making it possible to systematically transfer the results of scientific work out of the laboratory and into production.
Kallas noted that the Riigikogu had started the deliberation of a major regulation for the research and development and innovation management: the Organisation of Research and Development and Innovation Bill. “It is the result of a complicated and long-drawn-out compromise achieved between the parties. For the first time, we will regulate at the level of Act the mechanisms to support innovation in businesses, and the principles for the organisation of research ethics and open research. I hope that the Riigikogu will deliberate this Bill quickly and think along constructively,” Kallas said.
The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of education to a small country. “Good education will ensure the protection and development of the Estonian culture and language and the competitiveness of the Estonian state and citizens and will save the costs on social aid, health care and security. All talents must be developed, and education must meet the needs of future work,” Kallas said.
During the debate, Marko Šorin (Centre Party), Jaak Juske (Social Democratic Party), Margit Sutrop (Reform Party) and Mihhail Lotman (Isamaa) took the floor.
The Riigikogu passed two Acts
The Act on Amendments to the Water Act (709 SE), initiated by the Government, transposes the EU directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption. The purpose of the Act is to reduce the risks to health and environment related to the supply of drinking water, to optimise the costs of handling drinking water and to ensure safe drinking water to inhabitants. Another purpose of the amendments is to increase consumers’ confidence in tap water, to reduce the manufacture of plastic and waste generation and thereby to protect the environment.
The Act introduces a risk assessment-based approach to the water supply chain. It will also improve people’s access to drinking water and the related information and lay down the requirements for materials that come into contact with drinking water and for water treatment chemicals as well as for reducing water leakages. Obligations are provided for drinking water suppliers, owners of public premises, local governments, the Health Board, the Environmental Board, and the Ministry of the Environment.
59 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Act and 16 voted against.
The Act on Amendments to the Release into Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms Act (744 SE), initiated by the Government, brings the Act into conformity with the European Union regulation that aims to ensure increased transparency and to provide citizens and scientists access to all information concerning food safety that the business operator has submitted during the risk assessment process, except for information that can be classified as confidential business information.
With a view to improving transparency, all EU regulations and directives on food, feed and genetically modified organisms have been reviewed and the data that can be classified as confidential business information have been harmonised in the regulation. Earlier, data that may be or must not be confidential business information were listed in various laws and regulations. In the future, only data that can be classified as confidential business information will be listed in all laws and regulations relating to food and genetically modified organisms. The same amendments also need to be made in Estonian legislation.
While the current Act lists the information that must not be classified as confidential business information, now a list of data that can be classified as confidential business information is established. So the amount of information that can be classified as confidential business information will become more limited and defined. This will increase transparency because all information that is not considered confidential business information will be available to the public. The Act is also amended by adding the requirement that, where international standard data formats exist, data will have to be submitted| in accordance with such data formats in an application. This will simplify the comparison of various data and thus the assessment of applications will take less time. The need to inquire additional information from applicants will also decrease.
60 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Act and 16 were against.
The Riigikogu concluded the second reading of one Bill
The Bill on Amendments to the State Assets Act, the Land Reform Act and the Local Government Organisation Act (712 SE), initiated by the Government, will make the acts relating to land between local governments and the state simpler and more transparent.
The Bill will harmonise the possibilities to mutually ascertain and exercise public interest upon transfer of lands of the state and local governments, and the state will be given the right to intervene to acquire lands in the event of public interest. When a local government begins to transfer land or constitute the right of superficies on land that it has previously received from the state without charge, it will have the obligation to ascertain whether the immovable property has utility for the state. Upon the return of land to the state, the state will compensate to the local government for beneficial costs incurred on the immovable, provided that these have significantly improved the immovable.
Under the Bill, the compensation and consideration that local governments pay to the state will be reduced from 65 per cent to 50 per cent of the usual value of the land upon further transfer of immovable property received without consideration as well as upon the transfer of immovable property that is suitable for developing the business environment or for use as residential land. At the same time, any beneficial costs incurred on the immovable by the local government can be deducted from the consideration paid to the state. In addition, the term for payment will be extended from five to seven years upon the transfer of immovable property that is suitable for developing the business environment or for use as residential land.
During the debate, Rene Kokk (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) took the floor.
The Riigikogu concluded the first reading of one Bill
The idea of the Bill on Amendments to the Estonian Health Insurance Fund Act and Amendments to Other Associated Acts (renaming of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund as the Estonian Health Fund) (772 SE), initiated by the Social Affairs Committee, is to change the name of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund into“ the Estonian Health Fund”. According to the explanatory memorandum to the Bill, at the time the Estonian Health Insurance Fund was established, its main function of was to administer the solidary health insurance system and to enable health insurance benefits to insured people. However, by today the fund has acquired more functions compared to the time it was established. It is also responsible for the emergency care and the services related to the protection of public health provided to people not covered by health insurance. Due to the changed tasks, it is relevant to change the name of the legal person governed by public law. The new name will be “the Estonian Health Fund”, which emphasizes the final objective of the activities of the fund – to maintain and restore the health of the people. The name “Estonian Health Fund” was considered already at the time the health insurance system was established in 1990-1991. Back then, the name of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund that had been used historically was opted for. 30 years later we are adopting a name that stresses the result of the work of the fund.
During the debate, Henn Põlluaas (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) took the floor.
The Estonian Conservative People’s Party Faction moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. The result of voting: 15 votes in favour and 30 against. The motion was not supported. The first reading was concluded.
During the open microphone, Tarmo Kruusimäe took the floor.
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.)
NordenBladet – Estonia is an attractive destination for foreign talent, and the International House of Estonia (IHE) is dedicated to providing support for the adaptation of these individuals. As a unified service center in Tallinn, IHE offers important consultations and public sector services to both foreign specialists and their colleagues, as well as local employers.
What is the International House of Estonia (IHE)?
The International House of Estonia (IHE) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding between different countries and cultures. They offer a variety of programs and services, such as language classes, cultural events, and support for international students and visitors. The IHE is also a resource center for information and assistance on a wide range of topics related to international living and working in Estonia. Their goal is to help individuals and groups to integrate into Estonian society and culture, and to promote international cooperation and understanding. They are also useful for people who want to learn about other cultures and for people who are looking for an opportunity to practice their language skills.
Language support: IHE provides language classes and resources to help foreigners learn the local language, making it easier for them to communicate and integrate into the community.
Cultural orientation: IHE offers cultural orientation programs to familiarize foreigners with the customs and norms of the local society, helping them to understand and navigate the culture more easily.
Legal advice: IHE provides legal advice and assistance to foreigners on issues related to immigration, employment, and housing.
Networking opportunities: IHE organizes networking events and activities to connect foreigners with local businesses, organizations, and individuals, which can help them find job opportunities and build a support network in their new community.
Job matching services: IHE offers job matching services to help connect foreign job seekers with local employers, including resume reviews, interview preparation, and negotiation support.
Relocation support: IHE provides relocation support services to help foreigners with finding housing, opening bank accounts, and other tasks associated with moving to a new country.
Business advice: IHE offers business advice and support to local employers on issues related to hiring and retaining international employees, including compliance with immigration and labor laws and best practices for multicultural teams.
Employee retention programs: IHE offers employee retention programs to local employers to help them retain international employees and mitigate the costs associated with high turnover.
Diversity and inclusion training: IHE offers diversity and inclusion training to local employers to help them create an inclusive and welcoming workplace for international employees.
Support groups: IHE organizes support groups for foreigners to connect with others who have similar experiences, share information and support.
The Enterprise Estonia (EAS) opened the International House of Estonia (IHE) in the Ülemiste township in November 2018 in cooperation with Mainor AS in order to increase cooperation between the public and private sectors and attract top specialists to work in Estonia. IHE helps Estonian companies whose success depends on smooth foreign recruitment.
Why Estonia?
Estonia is a technologically advanced country where innovation is deeply ingrained in the culture. With 99% of public services available online and the ability to sign documents digitally, it offers a highly efficient and streamlined way of life. Estonians value clear communication and a flat organizational structure, which allows for individuals to be judged based on their skills rather than their position. This allows for young professionals to rise quickly in their careers. Additionally, the country offers a great work-life balance, with short commute times and flexible working hours, as well as access to clean air, nature, and one of the safest cities in Europe. All of these factors make Estonia an attractive destination for foreign talents looking to further their careers and enjoy a high quality of life.
The International House of Estonia:
Street: Valukoja 8,
C wing, ground floor,
Ülemiste City, 11415, Tallinn.
Phone: +372 627 9701 (IHE business hours only)
E-mail: ihe@workinestonia.com
Website: https://workinestonia.com
