ESTONIA

Estonia: A Fascinating Nordic Country that continues to surprise and impress + GALLERY!

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet – Estonia, a beautiful country located in Northern Europe, is often overlooked by travelers but it is a hidden gem that continues to surprise and impress those who visit it. Known for its rich history, literature, and culture, Estonia is also considered a Nordic country and has much to offer in terms of luxury, tradition, and innovation. In this article, we will explore the many facets of Estonia, from its culture to its modern-day financial success, and discover why it is a fascinating destination for any traveler.

Estonia has a long and storied history, dating back to ancient times. Estonia was part of the Viking Age trade network and was known as a source of valuable furs and Baltic amber.


Photo: Tallinn. VisitEstonia/Tanel Murd (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Photo: Tallinn. VisitEstonia/Mart Vares (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Photo: VisitEstonia/Liina Notta (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Estonian culture has been influenced by a variety of different factors throughout its history. One of the most significant influences has been its geographical location at the crossroads of Northern Europe, which has allowed for a blending of cultures from neighboring regions.


Photo: VisitEstonia/Mariann Liimal (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Photo: Mooska farm in Võrumaa, Haanja municipality. VisitEstonia/Oliver Moosus (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Photo: Tammuri farm in Valga county. VisitEstonia/Danel Rinaldo (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Another major influence has been the country’s history of foreign domination and occupation, including periods of rule by the Danish, Swedes, Germans, and Russians. These periods of occupation have had a significant impact on Estonian culture, shaping its language, customs, and traditions.

Estonia’s indigenous culture and folk traditions have also played a significant role in shaping its culture. This includes traditional folk music, dances, and folktales, as well as a strong connection to the land and nature.


Photo: Tallinn. VisitEstonia/Aivar Pihelgas (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Additionally, the country’s recent history as an independent nation and its integration into the European Union have also had an impact on its culture, bringing about new influences in terms of technology and innovation.

Culture-wise, Estonia is a country of contrasts and surprises. From its medieval Old Towns to its modern-day tech startups, Estonia has much to offer the curious traveler. The capital city of Tallinn, in particular, is a must-see destination, with its beautiful Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its vibrant nightlife and dining scene.

Estonia is considered a Nordic country, and it shares many characteristics with its Nordic neighbors, such as a strong sense of community and a deep connection to the land. The United Nations (un.org) also named Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania among the Nordic countries. This Nordic influence is evident in Estonia’s luxurious spa and wellness offerings, as well as its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Estonia’s literature is also rich and diverse, with a long tradition of folktales and epic poetry. One of the most famous Estonian literary works is the “Kalevipoeg,” an epic poem that tells the story of the legendary hero Kalev, who is said to have been the founder of Estonia. The poem is considered a masterpiece of Estonian literature and has been translated into many languages.

In terms of finance, Estonia is a country that is proud of its technology and innovation. According to data from the World Bank, Estonia has one of the highest gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates in the European Union and a low unemployment rate. This financial success is due in part to Estonia’s highly educated workforce and its reputation as a leader in the tech industry.

Estonia is also a country that places a high value on quality and tradition. From its handcrafted pottery and textiles to its delicious traditional cuisine, Estonia is a destination for those who appreciate pure Nordic nature, crafts, luxury and quality. This is also evident in the country’s thriving tourism industry, which offers visitors a wide range of high-end hotels, resorts, and spas.


Viru bog in Estonia. Photos: 2 x VisitEstonia/Siiri Kumari (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Estonians are known for being deeply connected to their natural environment and are particularly proud of their thick northern forests, clean nature, and bogs. The country is covered in more than 50% of forest, and it’s been said that there are more trees than people in Estonia. This abundance of forests is a source of pride for Estonians and is deeply ingrained in their culture and traditions.

Estonia is also known for its clean and unpolluted nature. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Estonia has some of the cleanest air in Europe with an annual mean concentration of PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers) of 7.1 μg/m3, well below the WHO guideline of 10 μg/m3.


Photo: Soomaa National Park. VisitEstonia/Sven Zacek (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Estonia’s bogs, also known as mires, are another unique feature of the country’s landscape. These wetlands are characterized by their spongy peat moss and are home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. They are also an important resource for the country, providing peat, which is used as a fuel source, as well as being a popular destination for hiking and wildlife watching. The bogs are particularly important habitats for many species of birds, such as the black stork and the white-backed woodpecker.

In conclusion, Estonia is a fascinating country that continues to surprise and impress those who visit it. With its rich history, literature, and culture, as well as its commitment to tradition, and innovation, Estonia is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in mythology, medieval architecture, or the latest tech startups, Estonia has much to offer the curious traveler.

Featured image: VisitEstonia/Siiri Kumari (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Read also:
Estonia: A Winter Wonderland for tech-savvy nature lovers

 

PACE is discussing Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

“Estonian delegation hopes for a pithy discussion on the war in Ukraine and on investigating Russia’s war crimes. PACE is adopting an interim resolution on these topics on Thursday, based on the report that is being drafted during the week. We are also planning to contribute to the report in cooperation with the Ukrainian delegation,” said Eerik-Niiles Kross. 

Kross added that he had initiated a draft at the last session of the Assembly together with several dozens of delegates from ten countries on imposing sanctions against the authorities who had imprisoned and repressed the Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza. A rapporteur will be elected for the draft at the Assembly. “I intend to apply,” Kross declared.

The Assembly will discuss the legal and human rights aspects of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine on Thursday. Oleksandra Matvichuk, the Head of the Center for Civil Liberties which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, will speak during the discussion.

Proposals of the PACE will also be submitted to the report of the 4th Council of Europe Summit of Heads of State and Government – #RoadToReykjavik. The Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir will speak on behalf of the Presidency country. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Annalena Baerbock will also speak.

Today, the Assembly will discuss attacks against employees of civil service, tensions between Pristina and Belgrade, and the issue of Daesh foreign fighters and their families returning to Council of Europe member states.

Tomorrow’s topics are conflict-related sexual violence and the impending Reykjavik Summit of the Council of Europe.

Wednesday’s schedule includes the impact of armed conflicts on the environment, issues raised by the use of tracking apps, progress and challenges in implementing the Istanbul Convention, and solutions to preventing gender-based violence and forced marriage.

New rapporteurs will also be elected to monitor Hungary. “Together with the former Prime Minister of Greece Georg Papandreu, we are applying for this task again,” Kross said.

 

Riigikogu Press Service
Merje Meisalu
Phone: +372 631 6300, +372 529 9512
E-mail merje.meisalu@riigikogu.ee
Questions press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: PACE is discussing Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The first meeting of Estonia’s Presidency in the Baltic Assembly focuses on Baltic cooperation in economy and security

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

According to the Head of the Estonian Delegation to the Baltic Assembly (BA) Urve Tiidus, Estonia takes over the presidency of the Baltic Assembly in 2023 with a strong will to continue building up a resilient, secure, reliable, and sustainable Baltic region, which is especially important while there is a war going on in a European country. “This is why Estonia’s motto as the presiding country of the Baltic Assembly is Security. Support. Sustainability.,” declared Tiidus. “By joining forces, we will also have greater capability and better opportunities to deal with the challenges posed by the invasion, such as the economic and humanitarian crisis, energy security, spreading of disinformation, and security concerns.”

The Head of the Delegation also pointed out that the war had caused extensive and serious damage to the environment as well as both immediate and long-term consequences to human health, ecosystem, and elsewhere. “This is why the Estonian Presidency also focuses on climate issues and challenges of the social sphere.”

“The years of experience of the Baltic States serve us in advising our international partners and European institutions on how to deal with Russia and its deceptive and aggressive behaviour,” Tiidus added.

The BA Security and Defence Committee and the Economics, Energy and Innovation Committee are meeting today at 10 for a joint meeting to discuss the economic impact of the aggression against Ukraine. The meeting is chaired by the Chairman of the BA Economics, Energy and Innovation Committee Mihhail Korb. The discussion on military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, which starts at 12 noon, and the discussion on Baltic digital cooperation and cyber security at 2.30 p.m. will be chaired by the Chairman of the BA Security and Defence Committee Vilja Toomast. The joint meeting will take place in the Conference Hall of the Riigikogu.

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

 

Link uudisele: The first meeting of Estonia’s Presidency in the Baltic Assembly focuses on Baltic cooperation in economy and security

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Estonia: A Winter Wonderland for tech-savvy nature lovers + GALLERY!

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet – Estonia, a small country located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, is rapidly developing into a top winter destination for those looking for a blend of technology, nature, and culture. With its Nordic climate and abundance of forested landscapes, Estonia offers a dreamy winter wonderland for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

One of Estonia’s most famous proverbs is “Kus aeg läheb, seal puud ei kasva” which roughly translates to “Where time goes, trees do not grow”. This saying is a reminder of the importance of preserving Estonia’s natural resources, which is something that the country takes very seriously. In fact, Estonia has one of the highest forest coverage rates in Europe, with over 50% of its land area covered in trees.

Estonia’s relationship with technology is also noteworthy. Dubbed as the “most advanced digital society in the world” by the World Economic Forum (weforum.org), Estonia has a strong IT sector and a government that prioritizes the use of technology to make life easier for its citizens. From e-Residency to online voting, Estonia is truly a smart nation.

But Estonia is not just about technology and nature. The country also boasts a rich history and culture, particularly in its old towns. The Old Town of Tallinn, for example, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (unesco.org)known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Visitors can take a stroll through the cobblestone streets, admire the Gothic buildings, and immerse themselves in the local culture.

If you’re planning a winter trip to Estonia, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Visit the Lahemaa National Park. This park is one of the biggest (747 km²) and most popular tourist destinations in Estonia, and for good reason. It’s the perfect place to go for a hike or a snowshoeing adventure in the winter. With its vast stretches of forest, frozen lakes, and picturesque landscapes, Lahemaa is a nature lover’s paradise.


Photo: Lahemaa National Parl (Pexels)

Hiking in Estonia. Estonia is a hiker’s paradise, offering a wild and rugged landscape of Nordic forests that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The country’s pure and unspoiled wilderness offers a perfect setting for adventurous hikes.

Palivere Hiking Trail is a must-visit destination for hikers. It is a beautiful forest trail that covers around 10 km, and offers great views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a good trail for beginners, but it’s also challenging enough for more experienced hikers.

Here are some of the best hiking trails to check out in Estonia:

  1. Palivere Hiking Trail
  2. Lahemaa National Park
  3. Soomaa National Park
  4. Karula National Park
  5. Vilsandi National Park
  6. Matsalu National Park
  7. Alutaguse Hiking Trail
  8. Valaste Waterfall Trail
  9. Rannametsa Hiking Trail
  10. Kõrvemaa Hiking Trail


Photo: With its numerous hiking trails, Estonia is a great destination for those who love to explore nature on foot. (Pexels)

Photo: VisitEstonia/Arne Ader (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)


Photos: Experience tour and fine dining with fairies in Viru bog. 3 x VisitEstonia/Mariann Liimal (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Take a dip in an Estonian sauna. Saunas are a big part of Estonian culture, and there’s nothing like taking a dip in a hot sauna to warm up on a cold winter day. Many saunas in Estonia have outdoor sections, where you can jump into a hole in the ice to cool off.

In Estonia, saunas are traditionally heated with wood, and the heat is increased by pouring water on the hot stones. It is also common to use birch branches to gently whip oneself, which is said to improve circulation and help with relaxation. Many families have their own saunas in their homes, and it’s also common to find saunas in apartment buildings. Sauna culture is also an important part of Estonian tourism and many guesthouses, holiday resorts and spas offer sauna facilities.

Photo: The sauna has been a central part of Estonian life for centuries, serving not only as a place to cleanse and relax, but also as a social gathering spot and a place for spiritual and healing practices.  (Pexels)

Explore Tallinn’s Old Town. As mentioned earlier, Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for anyone visiting Estonia. Take a walk through the streets, admire the architecture, and stop by one of the local cafes for a traditional Estonian meal.

Visit the Estonia National Museum. Located in Tartu, the Estonia National Museum is a great place to learn about the country’s history and culture. The museum offers interactive exhibits, and it’s a great way to spend a winter afternoon.

Many well-known Estonian artists have presented their works in the museum.For example: Kaido Ole, Marko Mäetamm, Jaan Toomik, Ene-Liis Semper, Kristi Kongi, Toomas Kuusing, Marko Mäetamm, Reet Varblane, Andra Orn, Tõnis Saadoja and many others. This is a small selection of Estonian artists who have had exhibitions at the Estonia National Museum (ERM) over the years. The list is much longer, as the ERM has been hosting exhibitions of Estonian and international art for over a century. The museum has a large collection of Estonian art and regularly rotates its exhibitions to showcase different artists and periods.





Photos: The entire-family art exhibition “Our home witch kitchen” in Estonian National Museum (erm.ee) created and curated by Helena-Reet Ennet and Ivanka Shoshana. (NordenBladet)

Try ice fishing. During the winter, many of Estonia’s lakes and rivers freeze over, making them perfect for ice fishing. It’s a unique and exciting way to experience the country’s natural beauty, and it’s a great way to catch your own dinner.

Go skiing or snowboarding at Otepää Ski Resort. This ski resort is located in the southern part of Estonia and offers a wide range of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. There are also cross-country skiing trails for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

Estonia is known for its beautiful forests and Nordic climate, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Among the outdoor activities, skiing is a popular sport in Estonia. Estonians have made remarkable achievements in skiing, with names like Kristina Šmigun-Vähi, Andrus Veerpalu and Kelly Sildaru, all of whom have brought multiple victories to Estonia in skiing competitions. Kelly Sildaru is a young Estonian freeskier who has already won multiple world championships and X-Games gold medals at the young age of 20.

Take a winter sunset walk in Pärnu. Pärnu is a charming coastal town located on the west coast of Estonia. Take a walk along the beach and enjoy the beautiful sunsets, and make sure to visit the local market for some traditional Estonian food.

Visit the ice sculptures at the Tallinn Christmas Market. During the winter, Tallinn’s Old Town Square transforms into a Christmas market. The Tallinn Christmas Market is an annual event that starts in late November and runs until early January. It offers a variety of traditional crafts and gifts, as well as a large display of ice sculptures. Visitors can also enjoy live performances, festive food and drink, and a lively atmosphere. Some of the highlights of Tallinn Christmas Market include traditional Estonian Christmas treats, handmade crafts, and the beautiful ice sculptures.

The tradition of the Tallinn Christmas Market dates back to the medieval era, it has been a popular event in Tallinn’s Old Town for centuries. However, the current format of the market, with its focus on traditional crafts and gifts, as well as ice sculptures, has been organized since at least the 1990s. The Tallinn Christmas Market has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors, and it continues to attract thousands of people every year.



Photos: 2 x Christmas market in Tallinn old town. VisitEstonia/Birgit Varblane (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Photo: Tallinn’s Old Town Square (NordenBladet)

Photo: Old town of Tartu (NordenBladet)

Photo: The market is full of handicrafts. In the picture, Estonian handmade cosmetics from the brand Elisheva & Shoshana are presented (ElishevaShoshana.com)

Experience the traditional Estonian Christmas Eve. If you visit Estonia during the Christmas season, make sure to experience the traditional Estonian Christmas Eve, known as “jõululaupäev”. This is a time when families gather to sing traditional Christmas songs, eat festive meals, and exchange gifts.






Photos: NordenBladet

Photo: VisitEstonia/Birgit Varblane (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Visit the Kadriorg Palace. Located in Tallinn, the Kadriorg Palace was built in the early 18th century. The palace and its surrounding park are open to visitors all year round and offer a great opportunity to experience some of Estonia’s cultural heritage.

Take a trip to the nearby islands of Hiiumaa or Saaremaa. Both islands are known for their unique landscapes, charming small towns, and rich cultural heritage. They can be reached by ferry from the mainland and are great for day trips or weekend getaways.




Photos: Saaremaa (NordenBladet)

Visit the Tartu Toy Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of toys in Estonia and offers an interesting look into the country’s past. It’s a great place to visit with children and offers a fun and educational experience.

Visit the Open Air Museum of Estonia. The Open Air Museum is located in the capital Tallinn and offers visitors a chance to experience traditional Estonian rural life and culture. It has many reconstructed buildings from different historical periods and is a great way to learn about the country’s history.

Visit the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design. The museum is located in Tallinn and offers a great opportunity to see and learn about the country’s applied art and design. It has a large collection of traditional and contemporary Estonian crafts, including textiles, ceramics, and jewelry.

Estonia is a rapidly developing country that offers a unique blend of technology, nature, and culture, making it the perfect winter destination for tech-savvy nature lovers. With its Nordic climate, abundance of forests, and rich history and culture, Estonia offers a dreamy winter wonderland that is both safe and smart.

As a tech-savvy nation, Estonia offers a variety of activities and events for visitors interested in technology. One popular event is the Tallinn Digital Summit (digitalsummit.ee), an annual conference that brings together leaders in the tech industry to discuss the latest innovations and trends.

Visitors can also explore the e-Estonia Showroom (e-estonia.com), a digital innovation hub that showcases Estonia’s e-services and digital solutions. It is a great place to learn about how Estonia is using technology to improve the lives of its citizens, and also offers a glimpse into the future of technology.

Another way to experience Estonia’s tech-savvy culture is by signing up for an e-Residency program. e-Residency (e-resident.gov.ee) is a government-issued digital identity that allows individuals and businesses to access Estonia’s e-services and conduct business online. It’s a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and digital nomads to experience the benefits of Estonia’s advanced digital society.

In conclusion, Estonia is a winter destination that offers a unique blend of technology, nature, and culture. With its Nordic climate, abundance of forests, and rich history and culture, Estonia is a dreamy winter wonderland that is both safe and smart. Whether you’re a nature lover, a tech enthusiast, or just looking for a new travel experience, Estonia has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags and head to Estonia for a winter vacation that you’ll never forget.

Featured image: Pexels
Source: NordenBladet.ee

Read also:
Estonia: A Fascinating Nordic Country that continues to surprise and impress +GALLERY!

 

 

Bill allowing for paperless court proceedings passed the second reading

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Riigikogu concluded the second reading of the Bill allowing for digital court proceedings, as well as the Bill regulating the service of documents in cross-border matters. The Bill facilitating the administrative proceedings for children of repressed people passed the first reading.

The Bill on Amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure and the Code of Administrative Court Procedure (transition to paperless court proceedings) (723 SE), initiated by the Government, passed the second reading. It will give legal effect to the digital court file in order to facilitate a transition to paperless court proceedings.

Currently, court case files in civil and administrative matters are maintained mostly on paper and in bound form. In all other court matters, courts have the obligation to register documents in the courts information system, while the Code of Civil Procedure provides for an obligation to maintain paper files. Thus, two files are maintained in parallel, and the paper file has legal effect. The maintenance of two files is however burdensome for courts.

Digital court proceedings have been implemented in part in courts since 2017. Of all proceedings registered in the courts information system, in 2019, around 27 per cent of civil and administrative matters were heard without paper file and, in 2020, around 38 per cent.

According to the Bill, the amendments will enter into force from 1 April. The current regulation will be applied to the maintenance of files in court cases commenced before that.

The Bill on Amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure, the Vital Statistics Registration Act and Other Acts (731 SE), initiated by the Government, passed the second reading. It will make in Estonian Acts amendments necessary for the application of two EU Regulations. They are new versions of the EU Regulations regulating the taking of evidence and service of documents in cross-border civil and commercial matters.

Among other things, the Bill provides that circuit courts of appeal and the Supreme Court will also be able to directly use the possibilities provided for in the Regulations, in addition to district courts. Notaries will be able to use the relevant Taking of Evidence Regulation when taking evidence.

In the future, it will also be possible to issue data from the population register to people simply by e-mail and regular mail. Under the current law, this is allowed to be done by e-mail only in encrypted form and in regular mail as a registered item. According to the amendments, the issuer of data will be able to decide for themselves how to issue data in a particular case. For example, where data only on place of residence are issued, sending by e-mail can be used but where special categories of data are issued, data will have to be sent in an encrypted form or as a registered item.

The Bill on Amendments to the Persons Repressed by Occupying Powers Act (770 SE), initiated by the Social Affairs Committee, passed the first reading. It will give the status of repressed person to people who were born while their parent was in forced exile and whose parents did not return to Estonia immediately after the receipt of a release certificate.

According to the Bill, all people who were born within five years after their parent who was in forced exile had received a release decision will be deemed to be repressed persons regardless of the reasons why their parents did not return to Estonia. Currently it is complicated for people who were born while their parent was in forced exile to obtain the status of repressed person as a long time has passed from the events and there is no evidence of justification of the postponement of the return. In the future, an applicant will not have to explain or prove to the administrative authority the reasons for not returning and it will be sufficient to submit an application indicating the date of the decision on the release of the parents and the date and place of birth of the applicant.

Henn Põlluaas (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) and Helmen Kütt (Social Democratic Party) took the floor during the debate.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Ratas underlined importance of strengthening relations between Estonia and Armenia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

At the meeting with President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan today, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas confirmed the desire to deepen practical cooperation between Estonia and Armenia and strengthen parliamentary relations between the two countries.

Ratas said at the meeting that the relations between Estonia and Armenia were excellent and stable but the two countries had much more potential than before to deepen their relations. In his opinion, the two-day working visit of the President of Armenia is a good opportunity to bring the countries closer and to develop practical cooperation among other things in such areas as IT and digital solutions. “Estonia is gladly willing to share its experience with the implementation of democratic reforms over the last 30 years,” he assured. He added that he also considered parliamentary diplomacy very important and hoped that the relations between the parliaments of Estonia and Armenia would become stronger.

The meeting also covered the need for a peaceful solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the relations with the neighbouring countries and the war started by Russia in Ukraine. Ratas said that, in the current situation, it was crucial that countries do their utmost to support Ukraine. “We are convinced that Ukraine has to win the war, and for that, the country needs military, economic as well as diplomatic assistance,” he said.

Photos of the meeting (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Baltic and Polish Speakers want to deepen parliamentary cooperation in response to geopolitical threats

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas and the Speakers of the Parliaments of Latvia, Lithuania and Poland issued a joint declaration at their meeting in Warsaw, Poland, today. They declared their willingness to deepen parliamentary cooperation between the four countries in response to geopolitical threats in order to keep the need to further support Ukraine on the agenda of international meetings.

The Speakers underlined in the Joint Declaration that the present geopolitical situation, further complicated by Russia’s imperialist pursuits in the post-Soviet area, constituted a major challenge to the European security system as well as a test of international solidarity and cooperation.

“Our countries present a very similar stance on fundamental issues pertaining to the construction of security in Europe as well as on the measures to be taken towards Russia. We continuously call for a strong and consistent sanctions policy, for political, military, humanitarian and economic support of Ukraine and for strengthening international efforts to end the conflict,” they said.

The Baltic and Polish Speakers attach great importance to the development of parliamentary diplomacy as a very valuable tool for implementing the foreign policy of their countries. “Therefore, we declare our readiness and willingness to deepen parliamentary cooperation between our countries at various levels: parliamentary bureaux, sectoral committees and parliamentary groups,” they said, adding that further strengthening of the parliamentary dimension of the Three Seas Initiative and the Crimean Platform would have a great potential in developing a strong voice of the parliaments.

“We strive to collectively influence the international community in order to keep the need to further support Ukraine, whose stability provides a crucial guarantee of security for Europe on the agenda,” the Speakers emphasised. “We will seek close cooperation in international parliamentary assemblies and organisations to ensure their effectiveness and respect for international law and international agreements.”

The Speakers added that they aimed to foster a permanent presence of parliaments in the international debate on strategic issues, to contribute to the measures taken by their governments and to strengthen cooperation between their countries.

The Joint Declaration is signed by Jüri Ratas, Edvards Smiltēns from the Parliament of Latvia, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen from the Parliament of Lithuania and Elżbieta Witek from the Parliament of Poland.

Text of the Joint Declaration in Estonian and English

Photos of the meeting

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Sutt encouraged Armenia to continue on reform path and cooperate with the EU

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Andres Sutt said at the meeting with President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan today that Estonia was ready to share its reform experience with Armenia and saw opportunities for the country’s closer cooperation with the European Union and other democratic countries.

Sutt acknowledged Armenia’s efforts to implement its partnership agreement with the European Union and carry out democratic reforms. “We support Armenia’s closer relations with the EU and will also contribute to this,” he said. Sutt underlined that Ukraine’s victory in the war started by Russia was in our common interests.

Speaking of bilateral relations, Sutt said that it was necessary to deepen economic cooperation between Estonia and Armenia, seeing development opportunities in the fields of IT, digitalisation as well as space technology, where the first contacts have already been established. He also thinks that it is necessary to continue the cooperation with Armenia that started within the framework of Eastern Partnership.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its potential solutions were also discussed at the meeting. Sutt emphasised that Estonia supported Armenia’s territorial integrity and said that it was important to use all possibilities to resolve the conflict peacefully. He also expressed support to the deployment of a full-scale EU mission to the region.

Photos of the meeting (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Ratas attends the meeting of Polish and Baltic Speakers in Warsaw

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

On Monday, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas will attend the meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the Baltic States and Poland in Warsaw, where enhancing the parliamentary cooperation between the four countries in the current complicated security situation will be discussed.

According to Ratas, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has cardinally changed the security environment in Europe and therefore close cooperation between the countries of our region is particularly important. “Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have supported Ukraine in every way and have actively worked to put increasing political and economic pressure on Russia, thereby raising the cost of aggression and paving the way for Ukraine’s victory,” he said.

Ratas pointed out that since Russia had not yet lost the war, it was necessary to continue working on the international arena, and it was wise to do this in an effective and even better coordinated cooperation between the countries of the region. He added that it was also necessary to act together to strengthen the security as well as connectivity, energy independence and economic cooperation in the region.

The development of cooperation between countries as well as between parliaments to respond to the current geopolitical threats will be discussed at the meeting of the Speakers of Parliaments on Monday. The opportunities of parliamentary diplomacy to influence strategic issues at the international level will be addressed separately. At the end of the meeting, the Speakers from the four countries plan to adopt a joint declaration.

Besides Ratas, Edvards Smiltēns from the Parliament of Latvia, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen from the Parliament of Lithuania, and Elżbieta Witek from the Parliament of Poland will attend the meeting in Warsaw.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Bill concerning anti-personnel mines was dropped from the legislative proceedings

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Today the first reading of one Bill was on the agenda of the Riigikogu plenary assembly, and it was dropped from the legislative proceedings.

The Bill on the Denunciation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (726 SE), initiated by members of the Riigikogu Ants Laaneots, Alar Laneman, Leo Kunnas, Kalle Grünthal, Henn Põlluaas, Helle-Moonika Helme, Rene Kokk, Riho Breivel, Merry Aart, Mart Helme, Kert Kingo, Martin Helme, Uno Kaskpeit, Jaak Valge, Paul Puustusmaa, Peeter Ernits, Anti Poolamets, Siim Pohlak, Ruuben Kaalep and Urmas Reitelmann, did not passe the first reading. The aim was that Estonia would exit the Ottawa convention which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requests their destruction.

The explanatory memorandum to the Bill states that it is no longer in Estonia’s national interests to adhere to the requirements of the Ottawa convention, and it is weakening our defence capability. The explanatory memorandum states that, in the current new situation, Estonia is forced to do everything in its power to strengthen its military national defence. At the same time, Estonia cannot allow that, in the event of war, other countries who have refrained from acceding to the Ottawa convention could use anti-personnel mines in the Estonian territory while Estonia cannot do that.

The explanatory memorandum also points out that, after denunciation of the convention, Estonia will be able to make a unilateral commitment to refrain from selling anti-personnel mines and otherwise transferring them to other countries and to declare that it will not use anti-personnel mines outside its territory.

The Riigikogu ratified the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction in March 2004, a few weeks before Estonia was accepted as a full member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The Ottawa convention entered into force for the Republic of Estonia on 1 November 2004.

During the debate, Marko Mihkelson (Reform Party), Raimond Kaljulaid (Social Democratic Party), Alar Laneman (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) and Heiki Hepner (Isamaa) took the floor on behalf of their factions.

The Reform Party Faction moved to reject the Bill. 30 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 21 were against. The Bill was dropped from the proceedings.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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