ESTONIA

Riigikogu welcomes guests to National Flag Day ceremony and Tall Hermann Tower

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Saturday, 4 June, is the 138th anniversary of the national flag of Estonia. The Board of the Riigikogu and the Estonian Flag Association invite everyone to the solemn flag hoisting ceremony in the Governor’s Garden in Toompea at 7 a.m.

The flag is raised to the sounds of the national anthem of Estonia. Representatives of Aseri School (Ida-Viru County) and the Estonian Male Choir Association will offer their assistance.

President of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas and Chairman of the Estonian Flag Association Jüri Trei will speak at the ceremony. Archbishop of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Urmas Viilma will speak words of blessing.

The flag-raising units of the Guard Battalion, Defence League, Women’s Home Defence, Young Eagles, Home Daughters, Scouts, Guides, schools, and academic and patriotic organisations will also attend the ceremony in the Governor’s Garden.

The Estonian Military Orchestra will provide the music, and the choirs of the Estonian Female Song Society and the Estonian Male Choir Association will sing “Hoia, Jumal, Eestit” (”God Save Estonia”, with lyrics by Aleksander Leopold Raudkepp) and “Eesti lipp” (“Flag of Estonia”, with lyrics by Martin Lipp).

Tall Hermann Tower is open to visitors from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. In order to ensure smooth entrance, visitors will receive free tickets that indicate the time of entry to the tower.

The National Flag Day is celebrated on the anniversary of the consecration of the blue-black-white flag of the Estonian Students’ Society. The first flag was made in spring 1884 and was blessed and consecrated at Otepää parsonage on 4 June. Today is the 138th anniversary of the consecration of the Estonian national flag.

Programme of the flag raising ceremony.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

NATO Parliamentary Assembly calls on increasing assistance to Ukraine

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

At its today’s plenary session, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) approved a declaration in which it condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms and calls on increasing military, humanitarian and financial assistance to Ukraine.

Head of the Riigikogu Delegation to the NATO PA Marko Šorin said that the main purpose of the Spring Session was to express strong support to Ukraine. The session was due to be held in Kyiv, Ukraine, but had to be moved to Vilnius after Russia launched its war. According to him, at the meetings, an overview of the situation in Ukraine was given, and strengthening of the deterrence and defence posture in the Eastern flank of the Alliance, which is of great importance to Estonia, was discussed. The expectations for the NATO summit to be held in Madrid in a month’s time were also spoken about. “It is significant that the Speakers of the Parliaments of Finland and Sweden, who recently applied for NATO membership, also made speeches at today’s plenary sitting. The accession of our Northern neighbours will contribute to boosting security in the whole region,” Šorin pointed out.

In its declaration in support of Ukraine, the NATO PA urges member governments and parliaments of the North Atlantic Alliance to continue supporting Ukraine with all possible assistance and to increase pressure on Russia to cease all military operations. The declaration calls on maintaining and increasing sanctions against Russia, on substantially increasing the level of intelligence sharing and supplying of military equipment to Ukraine, as well as stepping up support to war refugees both within and outside of Ukraine. The NATO PA also urges to investigate the war crimes committed by Russia and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Šorin, who represented the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) at the Spring Session of the NATO PA, also attended the meeting of the Nordic and Baltic delegations in Vilnius and met with the representatives of Kosovo and Georgia. More than 230 parliamentarians from the 30-nation NATO Alliance and from almost 20 partner countries and institutions met at the 2022 Spring Session of the NATO PA, which started on Friday and ended on Monday.

NATO PA declaration Standing with Ukraine (in English)

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Ratas participates in the joint visit of Baltic and Nordic Speakers to Moldova

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Today and tomorrow, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas is in Moldova, where he participates in the joint official visit of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the Nordic and Baltic States.

Ratas said that the main topic of the visit would be the war launched by Russia and its consequences, including Moldova’s ability to manage the large influx of refugees from Ukraine. “We confirm our readiness to contribute to Moldova’s stability and security. During our visit, we also express our support for Moldova’s closer political and economic integration with the European Union,” he added.

In Chișinău, the Speakers of the Baltic and Nordic Parliaments will meet with President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova Igor Grosu, the Chairs of parliamentary factions, and parliamentary groups. On Tuesday, they will give a joint press conference in the Parliament Building. The Speakers will also have meetings with Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Natalia Gavrilița and visit the refugee centre.

Besides the President of the Riigikogu, Ināra Mūrniece from the Parliament of Latvia, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen from the Parliament of Lithuania, Matti Vanhanen from the Parliament of Finland, Andreas Norlén from the Parliament of Sweden, Masud Gharahkhani from the Parliament of Norway and Birgir Ármannsson from the Parliament of Iceland participate in the visit. Denmark is represented by Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Karen Ellemann.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

National Defence Committee discussed the impact of Finland’s accession to NATO in Helsinki

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

At the meetings held during their two-day working visit to Helsinki, Finland, the delegation of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) discussed how Finland’s decision to apply for NATO membership would influence the security of Finland, Estonia and the Baltic Sea region, and in which areas Estonia and Finland as NATO allies should particularly intensify their defence cooperation.

In the opinion of Chairman of the National Defence Committee Enn Eesmaa, the Defence Committees of Estonia and Finland have excellent, long-standing cooperation and Estonia is very happy that Finland has recently applied to join NATO. “We strongly support the accession decisions of both Finland and Sweden,” he said. “In our discussions with our Finnish colleagues, we spoke about the additional investments of Estonia and Finland to strengthen the defence capability of both countries and about Russia’s criminal military activities in Ukraine. We promised our northern neighbours that the Riigikogu would ratify the protocols on Finland’s accession to NATO as soon as they would be submitted for parliamentary proceedings.”

Deputy Chairman of the National Defence Committee Leo Kunnas added that the Finnish Defence Forces that were based on a reserve army were very strong and Finland’s contribution to collective defence and the security of our region would be significant.

During the visit, the National Defence Committee held a joint sitting with the Defence Committee of the Eduskunta (Parliament of Finland), which is chaired by Petteri Orpo. The members of the National Defence Committee also met with Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces, General Timo Kivinen, Minister of Justice Anna-Maja Henriksson and representatives of the National Emergency Supply Agency of Finland, and visited the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA).

Members of the National Defence Committee Heiki Hepner, Peeter Rahnel and Mati Raidma also participated in the visit, along with the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Committee.

The National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu has been cooperating closely and holding annual working meetings with the Defence Committee of the Eduskunta since 1993.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Foreign Affairs Committee discussed upholding unity of EU with their Czech colleagues

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Today, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) discussed the priorities of the Czech Presidency of the European Union, including supporting Ukraine, strengthening the defence capability of Europe and the need to uphold the unity of Member States, with the delegation of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson said that Ukraine had to win the war Russia had started against it and restore its territorial integrity without any concessions. In his opinion, Ukraine needs constant military and economic support of the West to achieve that. “We have to be ready to support Ukraine for months, maybe even for years,” he added.

Mihkelson thinks that it is important at the same time to continue putting pressure on Russia. “We have to continue working to impose new sanctions as well as move towards ending the energy dependence of the European countries on Russia,” he explained.

Mihkelson emphasised that as an important political signal, Ukraine needed the status of a candidate state for membership of the European Union at the first opportunity. He is also convinced that it is necessary to do everything to support investigating Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine. “War criminals must not go unpunished but have to bear full responsibility for the crimes they have committed,” he said.

Strengthening of the defence capability of Europe was also discussed at the meeting. In Mihkelson’s opinion, it is necessary to ensure that Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO would be rapid and smooth. He also thinks that the defence and deterrence posture of the alliance should be strengthened and its forward presence on the NATO eastern flank should be enhanced.

Mihkelson pointed out that in further supporting of Ukraine, continuing pressure on Russia and strengthening the defence capability of Europe, it is important that the Member States showed unity. At the meeting with his Czech colleagues, he expressed happiness that the Czech Republic considered keeping and strengthening the unity of states important also during its Presidency of the EU, which will begin on 1 July.

Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Czech Parliament Marek Ženíšek, Vice-Chair of the Committee Jaroslava Pokorná-Jermanová and members of the Committee Marek Benda and Vladimír Balaš participated in the meeting with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

NATO Allies fired Multiple Launch Rocket Systems as part of the Military Exercise “Siil”

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

For the first time in Estonian history, NATO allies conducted live-fire exercises of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) at two different locations in Estonia.

The M270 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) was fired by 19th Battery of the 26th Royal Artillery Regiment of the British Army. The exercise was carried out at the Estonian Defence Force’s Central Training Area (Keskpolügoon) in Harjumaa, Estonia.

The two rocket systems fired together short-range trainer rockets, all of which struck their intended targets.

“The MLRS is the only precision fire system in the British Army. It can fire 12 missiles in less than a minute, up to 84 kilometers,” said Lieutenant Lauren Bailey, the unit’s safety officer.

Meanwhile, US allies fired M142 HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems on naval targets north of the Undva peninsula in Saaremaa.

Undva was also the location for target practice by US A-10 subsonic attack aircraft. The entire operation took place under the supervision of Estonian command and coordination elements.

“After receiving a call for fire support, we determined the targets in cooperation with the Estonian unit. Then, we transmitted this information digitally to the battalion under my command and executed the mission flawlessly,” described Colonel Chris McKee, commander of the 169th Field Artillery Brigade, in Saaremaa.

The live-fire exercise were part of the joint NATO exercise Defender Europe 22 and the Estonian Defence Force exercise “Siil 2022”.

“I have always been impressed by the proficiency of the Estonian Defence Force and the Defence League. They are highly competent soldiers. We’re always happy to come here and train with them. It’s a win-win for both sides,” said Brigadier General Jori Robinson, Commander of the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard.

The long-range multiple launch rocket system has the capability to attack high-value targets at long range. Multiple launch rocket systems use a “shoot-and-scoot” tactic to avoid enemy counterfire.

The weapon systems employ long-range precision munition that is capable at firing at ranges beyond 300 km. The main tasks of the multiple launchers on the battlefield are to suppress and destroy high-value enemy targets. Their role is to eliminate potential threats before they are able to cause damage.

GALLERY

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu visits Finland

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Today, the delegation of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) goes on a two-day working visit to Finland on the invitation of the Chairman of the Defence Committee of the Eduskunta (Parliament of Finland).

In the opinion of Chairman of the National Defence Committee Enn Eesmaa, the long-time excellent cooperation of the Defence Committees of Estonia and Finland is all the more important now when Finland has recently applied to join NATO. “We strongly support the accession decision of both Finland and Sweden. It has a huge impact on the security of Estonia and our region more widely,” he said. “During the visit, we will discuss with our Nordic neighbours plans for further strengthening of defence capabilities and cooperation between parliaments as well as confirm the readiness of the Riigikogu to ratify the protocols on accession to NATO as soon as they are submitted to the Parliament.”

The delegation of the National Defence Committee will have a meeting with the Defence Committee of the Eduskunta that is chaired by Petteri Orpo. The members of the Committee will also meet with Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces General Timo Kivinen, Minister of Justice Anna-Maja Henriksson and representatives of the National Emergency Supply Agency of Finland, and visit the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA).

Besides the Chairman of the National Defence Committee, Deputy Chairman Leo Kunnas and members of the Committee Heiki Hepner, Peeter Rahnel and Mati Raidma participate in the visit.

The National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu has closely cooperated with the Defence Committee of the Eduskunta and held annual working meetings since 1993, which makes it the Committee with the longest bilateral cooperation relations in the Riigikogu.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

President of the Riigikogu is on an official visit to Azerbaijan

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Today, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas starts his three-day official visit to Azerbaijan.

During the visit to Azerbaijan, Ratas will have meetings with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova and Prime Minister Ali Asadov. The President of the Riigikogu also plans to meet with the Minister of Digital Development and Transport and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. At the meetings, the relations between Estonia and Azerbaijan as well as further cooperation between the countries will be discussed.

The President of the Riigikogu is accompanied on the visit by Chair of Estonia-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group Sven Sester and Chair of the Environment Committee of the Riigikogu Yoko Alender.

20 April this year marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Estonia and Azerbaijan.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Navy is monitoring the SIIL (HEDGEHOG) exercise with new mobile radars

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

In Saaremaa, the Navy was tasked with taking the entire Kura Kurk (Irbe straights) and the port of Mõntu in Saaremaa in order to ensure the laying of minefields by transmitting information to their units and to detect the movement of opponents.

In order to carry out this task, a radar station was set up with another in reserve to have the widest possible area under observation. The radar will provide the Navy with sufficient observation of both the Kura Kurk and the area around the port of Mõntu. “We can see over 40 kilometers away with what is happening in this area all the way to Latvia, even the smallest fishing boats can be identified,” said Janno-Joosep Naaber, the head of the monitoring group. “In addition, there is also a camera with a very high zoom at the top of the radar, which has thermal performance.

Here at night you can even see, rabbits moving in the grass behind the coast i.e. we have good observation, the detection capability is good and first security is also guaranteed by us.””The force we have here is enough to deal with the first attack, but we are not a combat unit. We are the eyes and ears, then when displaying the situation at sea to our combat units,” he explained. “If we find an opponent, we can get the relevant units to react. The plus of the current position is that we have more power to react. We have the resources to man the posts, patrols and, of course, the radar itself.”

Since SIIL 2022 is the first time that they have actually been on the scene with this unit, consequently many things are still being practiced. “We have written everything down on paper, but it’s now a real practice for this unit to see how these things actually work in the field. How long do they work, how long do they take and how long will it take to pack this whole thing up and move away here,” Naaber said.

GALLERY

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Finnish army units join the military exercise Siil/Hedgehog

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

A Finnish army infantry company and a group of combat engineers started a cooperation exercise today with the Scouts Battalion in Tapa, and next week the combined unit will take part in the maneuver phase of the exercise Siil/Hedgehog 2022.

The Contingent of the Finnish Army consists of a jaeger company made up of reservists, which uses the armoured vehicles Pasi as well as a group of combat engineers and a close air support controller. The deputy commander of the Scouts Battalion during the exercise is the Commander of the Finnish Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Risto Kohonen.

In total, during the exercise , the size of the Finnish contingent is more than 200 Finnish Defence Forces members.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Eero Aija, commander of the Scouts Battalion, the initial cooperation with the Finnish units has gone very well and a common language has been found. “I’m sure that by the end of the week, the jaegers will be integrated into the scouts,” said Lt. Col. Aija.

The Estonian-Finnish combined unit will conduct cooperation exercises this week, and by the beginning of next week the battalion will be ready to participate in the exercise Siil/Hedgehog in Southern Estonia.

Additional information: 1st Infantry Brigade, Public Affairs Officer captain Ott Aro, 5302 8317

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

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