SOCIETY / BUSINESS

Estonian ambassador to Moscow says access to information more difficult without high representative in Moscow

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Margus Laidre, the former Estonian Ambassador to Russia, who left Moscow at Russia’s request, has spoken about the challenges of diplomacy and information gathering without a high representative in Moscow.

Margus Laidre notes that a higher-ranked diplomat would have greater access to specific events, meetings, and people. He points out that although the United States had a deputy ambassador in Moscow for a few months, his access was limited. Laidre also emphasizes that it is important to synthesize information from both inside and outside sources to form a comprehensive picture. Laidre acknowledges that although none of the Baltic republics have an ambassador in Moscow, the Estonian Embassy has a capable temporary deputy, Jana Vanamölder, who is familiar with Russia and will continue to operate effectively.

Commenting on the Russian people’s attitude to the war in Ukraine, Laidre notes that they can adapt to difficult circumstances, but he also observes occasional bursts of anxiety, limited store selection, and rising costs of living in Moscow. He adds that Russians are reluctant to discuss the war for both psychological reasons and fear of punishment, and that they follow current events and use VPNs to circumvent country-specific internet restrictions.

Laidre also notes that Western sanctions are having an impact on Russia, but it takes time to show results. Although there are currently no signs of a power vacuum in Moscow, Laidre points out that Russia’s history has demonstrated events can begin quickly and that it is difficult to predict when a tipping point will occur. Regarding the possibility of Russian athletes being banned from participating in the Paris Summer Olympics, Laidre believes that it would have an effect on Russia, given the importance of sport in Russian politics.

Featured image: YouTube
Source: The article is referenced from ERR. Read the original article titled “Without ambassador it will be harder to get information from Moscow” here

 

Party ratings: MOST-supported candidates in each of Estonia’s twelve electoral districts

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Pollsters Kantar Emor have conducted a fresh survey of the most-supported candidates in each of Estonia’s twelve electoral districts, ahead of the March 5 Riigikogu election.

These are as follows:

Electoral district nr. 1 (Tallinn Haabersti, Põhja-Tallinn and Kristiine districts): Kristen Michal (Reform), Vadim Belobrovtsev (Center) and Signe Riisalo (Reform).

Electoral district nr. 2 (Tallinn City Center, Lasnamäe and Pirita districts): Mihhail Kõlvart (Center), Siim Kallas (Reform) and Leo Kunnas (EKRE).

Electoral district nr. 3 (Tallinn Mustamäe and Nõmme districts): Lauri Laats (Center), Martin Helme (EKRE) and Urmas Paet (Reform)

Electoral district nr. 4 (Harju- and Rapla counties): Kaja Kallas (Reform), Jüri Ratas (Center) and Henn Põlluaas (EKRE).

Electoral district nr. 5 (Hiiu-, Lääne- ja Saare counties): Kalle Laanet (Reform), Kalev Stoicescu (Eesti 200) and Helle-Moonika Helme (EKRE).

Electoral district nr. 6 (Lääne-Viru County): Hanno Pevkur (Reform), Anti Poolamets (EKRE) and Siret Kotka (Center).

Electoral district nr. 7 (Ida-Viru County): Yana Toom (Center), Maksim Iljin (Eesti 200) and Arvo Aller (EKRE).

Electoral district nr. 8 (Järva- and Viljandi counties): Jürgen Ligi (Reform), Jaak Madison (EKRE) and Helir-Valdor Seeder (Isamaa).

Electoral district nr. 9 (Jõgeva- and Tartu counties): Urmas Kruuse (Reform), Peeter Ernits (EKRE) and Aivar Kokk (Isamaa).

Electoral district nr. 10 (Tartu City): Urmas Klaas (Reform), Jaak Valge (EKRE) and Kristina Kallas (Eesti 200).

Electoral district nr. 11 (Võru-, Valga- ja Põlva counties): Liina Kersna (Reform), Anti Allas (SDE) and Igor Taro (Eesti 200).

Electoral district nr. 12 (Pärnu County): Annely Akkermann (Reform), Mart Helme (EKRE) and Toomas Kivimägi (Reform).

Election week begins on Monday, February 27 and ends on Election Day, Sunday, March 5.

In Riigikogu elections, you can also vote in Estonian embassies abroad. Voting in foreign embassies takes place on at least two days from February 18 to February 23.

E-voting can only be done on a computer. In order to identify yourself and vote, you need either an ID card and an ID card reader or a mobile ID and the accompanying PIN codes. E-voting can be done from Monday to Saturday during the election week. On Sunday, it is possible to cancel your e-vote by voting in the polling station.

Featured image: Unsplash

Estonia: Nearly 25 tons of oranges arriving from Egypt were returned by the Estonian Agricultural and Food Board at the Muuga border

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Nearly 25 tons of oranges arriving from Egypt were returned by the Estonian Agricultural and Food Board at the Muuga border crossing due to the detection of residues of plant protection products not recognized in the European Union.

The contaminated oranges were discovered during a routine inspection, where all high-risk non-animal products are checked at the border, including documents and samples taken with a certain frequency. The Navel oranges from Egypt exceeded the maximum limit for the residues of three plant protection products not recognized in the EU, namely cyfluthrin, omethoate, and dimethoate. As a result, the oranges were sent back to their country of origin.

Regina Pihlaka, the head of the border inspection department of the Agriculture and Food Board, explained that non-compliance was also detected in two non-animal products last year. In the case of rice, the documents did not meet the requirements, and bamboo plastic products intended for food contact were not allowed in the European Union. The products came from China and were destroyed. The agency continues to take samples to detect pesticide residues in food, allowing them to identify potentially hazardous products and remove them from sale or send them back at the border point.

Featured image: Unsplash

Intimate videos leading to blackmail and extortion – a Growing Concern in Estonia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Since the publication of the so-called Nigerian letters, ETV´s television show “Pealtnägija” has made plenty of stories about all kinds of cynical schemes, how people are being robbed of money from a distant land. Unfortunately, this field of work does not end. Since the beginning of last year, police have received at least 50 official complaints from people who carelessly made intimate videos online and became victims of blackmail.

In Estonia, the number of people falling victim to blackmail and extortion due to intimate videos has been on the rise over the past year. This worrying trend has left many feeling vulnerable and violated.

Intimate videos, often recorded consensually between partners, are being used by perpetrators to demand money or other favors from their victims. The fear of these videos being leaked to family members, friends, or posted online can leave victims feeling helpless and trapped.

“It’s worth thinking about yourself in a real environment. First of all, if someone asks you to take off your pants after a few minutes of communication, has this ever happened in real life? You’re walking down the street and a girl walks up to you and says please take off your pants and show me something. This is never happen in real life and it won’t happen on the internet either,” warned Urmet Tambre, head of the Northern Prefecture Criminal Bureau.

According to Tõnu Tammer, head of cert.ee, which deals with cyber security incidents, extortions with intimate videos are unfortunately frequent.

This issue highlights the need for greater education and awareness around the dangers of sharing intimate content online. It is important for individuals to understand the potential risks and consequences before sharing such content, and to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their privacy.

Featured image is illustrative: Unsplash

Read also:
Finland sees increase of romance scams online
It has been estimated that roughly 3.8 million Euros have been lost in total due to online romance scams in Finland in the first half of 2022.

Norway: Oslo on course to become first capital city with zero-emissions public transport network

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Norway’s capital Oslo is set to become the first capital in the world to provide an all-electric public transport system, creating zero emissions. By the end of 2023, Oslo aims to become the world’s first wholly emissions-free city.

As part of this push, the city’s diesel-fuelled buses with be replaced by 450 electric buses. The program is set to cost 500 million Krone, aiming to save the city money over the long term.

According to Oslo’s last tender, e-buses were 5 percent cheaper than those with diesel engines.

Sirin Stav, Oslo’s Vice-Mayor responsible for environment and transport, explains, “The maintenance is cheaper, it’s also cheaper for the operators of the electric buses…All in all, this is a win-win situation.”

Featured image: Oslo, Norway (Unsplash)

 

 

Denmark and Germany to be linked by world’s longest underwater rail and road tunnel “The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel”

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The world’s longest combined rail and road tunnel linking Denmark and Germany is expected to be built by 2029. The tunnel, called The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, will be built of two double-lane motorways and two electrified rail tracks stretching across the Baltic Sea. The tunnel will connect Rødbyhavn on the Danish island of Lolland and Puttgarden in northern Germany.

Via the tunnel, the journey between the two countries should take seven minutes by train and ten minutes by car. The tunnel will help travelers avoid a 160-kilometer trip through Denmark’s mainland.

Furthermore, Denmark is planning on building high-speed electric rail lines to and from the tunnel, with trains continuing into the borders of Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

The project is expected to cost €10 billion.

Image: When the Fehmarnbelt tunnel is completed, the journey between Rødbyhavn and Puttgarden will take seven minutes by train and 10 minutes by car. Road users and train passengers will save about one hour each way compared to the ferry crossing. The Fehmarnbelt link will be open 24 hours a day as a tunnel is not affected by wind or weather. https://femern.com/

 

Finland: Q4 2022 saw investments in Finnish real estate drop by 58%

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — According to a market report published by CBRE, investments in Finland’s real estate dropped by 58% in Q4 2022. The report indicates that the fall was caused by global inflationary pressure and rising interest rates.

A total of 973 million Euros were invested in real estate, with over a quarter of that total invested in office real estate, roughly 270 million. Almost 200 million Euros were invested in the health care real estate, and the remaining of the value was invested in residential real estate.

Despite this drop, investments in the first half of 2022 were the highest on record, reaching up to 4.53 billion Euros.

The report states that Finland should expect to see a drop in investments of about 5–10% for the first half of 2023.

The report does offer some more optimism, claiming, “There are several deals in the pipeline for the Finnish market, and the market activity is expected to pick up in 2023 from the [second half] of 2022 despite the weakened economic outlook and high uncertainty.”

Featured image: Unsplash
Source: cbre.fi

US defense secretary Lloyd Austin arrives in Estonia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – On Thursday afternoon, United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Estonia to meet with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur (Both Reform).

During his visit, Austin* is set to discuss support for Ukraine, defense cooperation between the U.S. and Estonia, as well as issues related to NATO.

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* Lloyd James Austin III (born August 8, 1953) is a retired United States Army four-star general who, since his appointment on January 22, 2021, has served as the 28th United States Secretary of Defense. He is the first African American to serve as the United States Secretary of Defense. Austin previously served as the 12th commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM) from 2013 to 2016.

Austin was the 33rd vice chief of staff of the Army from January 2012 to March 2013, and the last commanding general of United States Forces – Iraq Operation New Dawn, which ended in December 2011. In 2013, Austin was appointed as the first Black commander of CENTCOM by President Barack Obama. He retired from the armed services in 2016 and joined the boards of Raytheon Technologies, Nucor, Tenet Healthcare, and Auburn University. On December 7, 2020, he was nominated for defense secretary by then-President-elect Joe Biden. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 22, 2021, by a vote of 93–2.

During the Russian war against Ukraine, the U.S. sent tens of billions of dollars in missiles, ammunition and other items to Ukraine. Austin said that he wanted to see “Russia weakened to the degree that it can’t do the kinds of things that it has done in invading Ukraine”. The New York Times reported that U.S. military may be providing real-time battlefield targeting intelligence to Ukraine. Austin said he “does not” believe that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will result in a nuclear war.

Featured image: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin (Wikipedia/CC BY 2.0)

 

Flower Power: The Surprising Benefits of Green Infrastructure for Flood Mitigation

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Green infrastructure, such as flower beds, can play a key role in managing urban stormwater runoff and reducing the impact of floods. Bioretention systems, which incorporate plants into their design, are becoming increasingly popular as they improve water quality and help to control runoff volume and peak flows. A recent study compared the performance of four different plant species commonly used in bioretention systems, including Cornus sericea, Juncus effusus, Iris versicolor, and Sesleria autumnalis.

The study found that all bioretention systems, regardless of the plant species used, were effective in reducing water volume and flow as well as pollutant levels during both the growing and dormant periods. The plants helped to improve the removal of macronutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus, and also improved the removal of trace elements such as heavy metals.

The study also found that the species of plant used played a significant role in the effectiveness of the bioretention system. The results showed that the species with the highest evapotranspiration rates, such as Cornus sericea, were the most effective in reducing runoff volume and improving water quality. The results of the study highlight the importance of selecting the right plant species for bioretention systems in temperate climates.

In conclusion, incorporating flower beds and other forms of green infrastructure into urban design can help to mitigate the impacts of floods and improve water quality. This study highlights the significance of plant species selection in bioretention systems, and the potential for flower beds to play a key role in reducing runoff volume and improving water quality during floods.

Featured image: Unsplash

 

THE GROWING popularity of machine learning in Scandinavia: Opportunities and Challenges

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Machine learning is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to transform many aspects of our lives. The technology is already being used to improve healthcare, finance, and education, among other industries. In Scandinavia, machine learning is gaining popularity among professionals, educators, and students, who are curious about its potential and eager to develop the skills to use it.

In the Nordic countries, there has been a growing interest in machine learning in recent years, driven by advancements in technology and the recognition of its value. Professionals with experience in the field are in high demand, as companies seek to leverage machine learning to improve their operations and create new products and services.

One of the reasons for the popularity of machine learning in Scandinavia is the strong emphasis on education and professional development in the region. Nordic countries are known for their commitment to providing high-quality education, and there is a growing number of courses and programs available that focus on machine learning and other areas of technology.

Read also:

SOME of the technologies that are commonly used in machine learning and AI development
The backend of companies that develop and promote friendly AI in the form of advanced machine learning models are likely made up of a combination of several different technologies and architectures, including..

The Future of Jobs: A look at the professions with the MOST POTENTIAL
In the rapidly changing world of work, it’s important to understand which jobs are likely to have the most growth and stability in the future. This is especially true for people who are just starting their careers or considering a career change. With advancements in technology and shifting job market demands, some traditional jobs may become obsolete, while new and exciting careers may emerge.

This is particularly true for younger professionals, who are eager to develop their skills in the field. According to several surveys, machine learning is one of the most popular areas of technology among students and young professionals in the Baltic and Nordic countries. This is due in part to the exciting possibilities that the technology offers, as well as the recognition of its value in the job market.

While machine learning is growing in popularity in Scandinavia, there are also challenges that must be overcome. One of the biggest challenges is the financing of machine learning projects, as many companies struggle to find the resources to invest in new technologies.

Another challenge facing machine learning in is the lack of professionals with the necessary skills. While there is a growing interest in the field, there is still a shortage of professionals who have the knowledge and experience to apply machine learning to real-world problems.

To address this challenge, many universities in the region are working to incorporate machine learning into their curriculums, and companies are investing in training programs to help employees develop the skills they need to be successful in the field.

Machine learning is becoming increasingly popular in Scandinavia, as professionals, educators, and students recognize its value and potential. While there are challenges that must be overcome, such as financing and the lack of skilled professionals, there is also a growing interest in the field and a commitment to developing the necessary skills and resources.

With the right education and experience, professionals in the Nordic countries can position themselves for success in the rapidly growing field of machine learning. By leveraging the latest technology and trends, they can contribute to the development of the region and help drive innovation and progress.

Featured image: Unsplash

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