Estemb in Oslo :: News & events

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet: Well-Being of Estonian Economy is Most Closely Tied to Nordic Countries

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:25:32 GMT

At the economic conference "An Estonian and Finnish Economic Union?" held in Tallinn today, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet spoke about Estonia's foreign economic policy priorities as they relate to the Nordic countries, the European Union internal market, and free trade, as well as wider global opportunities. Finnish Minister of European Affairs and Trade Relations Alexander Stubb also spoke at the conference.

When speaking about economic co-operation with the Nordic countries, Foreign Minister Paet noted that the EU's Baltic Sea region is one of the most dynamic and successful regions in the world, while also being stable. "Our countries are in good shape in terms of economy and finances, as well as politics and society. The Nordic countries value the same liberal economic model as Estonia. We emphasise innovation, research and development, export, and economic growth," Paet stated.

Paet said that the well-being of the Estonian economy is most closely tied to the Nordic countries, which are also our primary foreign trade policy partners. "31% of Estonia's foreign trade is tied to the Nordic countries. And about 60% of direct investments in Estonia come from those same countries. Estonia-Finland relations specifically are intertwined on the level of businesses. Nowhere else do we have so many partners in small or medium enterprises," Paet added. There are over 4 000 companies with Finnish participation registered in Estonia.

Estonia's main trade partners are Finland, Sweden, Russia, Latvia, and Germany. "The other Nordic countries also have their main trade partners right here in Europe, though not necessarily as close neighbours like Estonia," Paet said.

In talking about the European Union internal market, Foreign Minister Paet emphasised that it still holds a great deal of potential. "First we must exhaust all the opportunities already offered to us by the internal market and also continue working to develop it. The European Union as a whole has a bigger economy than even the United States. This is a factor we must use to our advantage. The internal free movement of people, goods, services and capital is a truly unique phenomenon in the world," Paet asserted. He added that the development of information and communications technology has brought with it new opportunities that should be used in developing the digital internal market.

Foreign Minister Paet also addressed the matter of Estonia's transport connections in the context of the EU internal market and energy security.

In his speech, Paet also went into more detail on global free trade and business potential in the world in general. "The economy of Estonia or one of the Nordic countries on its own is too small. Together we must find opportunities to encourage growth in the exports and economies of the entire region, without doing it at one another's expense," said Paet. "To achieve success on new and growing markets we must do more to ensure that liberal economic relations thrive far from home as well. This all requires closer contacts, political co-ordination, and standing for our common interests within the EU and outside of it," he added.

Paet said that one good example of Estonia and Finland's common trade policy interests is their common neighbour Russia successfully completing negotiations with the WTO. "When Russia joins it will open up new opportunities on the market, where up until now there was a sometimes unpredictable business environment. Russia adopting the same rules is important to both Estonian and Finnish entrepreneurs that export their goods to Russia," said Paet. "Russia is already among the top three export markets for Estonia and Finland, and when it joins the WTO a number of obstacles that limited trade should disappear. It is important to ensure that Russia actually fulfils the promises it made during negotiations," said the foreign minister.

Foreign Minister Paet also talked about opportunities to enter Asian markets. Paet said that Estonia is working on increasing its capabilities to interact with Asia by increasing diplomatic representation in China and opening an embassy in India this summer. "A good example of successful co-operation with growing Asian markets was the recent joint visit of Estonian and Finnish ministers to Indonesia, together with business delegations," he added.

Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry

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www.vm.ee

Baltic Business Seminar in Oslo

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:22:05 GMT

Nordic-Baltic Summit to focus on economic issues

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:57:06 GMT

Estonian and Norwegian prime minister extol close bilateral cooperation

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:28:44 GMT

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 12 October 2011 – Discussions between Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip earlier today centred on bilateral economic relations, energy cooperation and joint action for overcoming the debt crisis in Europe.

Prime Minister Ansip expressed hope at the meeting that the Estonia’s more than 400 companies based on Norwegian capital would continue to enjoy success and expand their operations even further.

“Estonia is a good, secure environment in which to do business, as attested to by the fact that trade between our two countries increases each year. It is also a joy to note that more and more Norwegians are discovering Estonia as an attractive tourist destination. Last year, 40,000 Norwegians visited Estonia. This year the number already stands at close to 30,000,” said Ansip.

Norwegian Prime Minister Stoltenberg said the fact that Norway was not a member of the EU was in no way an obstacle to bilateral relations either at the political level or with regard to economic issues.

“The close relations between our countries in the Nordic and Baltic networks, Baltic Sea regional cooperation and the Europe’s free trade area is a superb example of countries getting along,” said Stoltenberg.

The head of government singled out Estonia’s decision to join the Nordic countries’ single power exchange, NordPool. “From our experience, we can say that for Norway, this decision increased the profitability of the investments made into the energy sector and the effectiveness of the entire system. If the common energy market is to function even better, we must establish additional network connections. To sum up, this will guarantee even greater reliability of supply for consumers.”

Stoltenberg offered assistance to Estonia in establishing the planned liquefied natural gas terminal in the Baltic region and affirmed Norwegian companies were interested in participation in the project.

In discussing the European debt crisis, the prime ministers declared jointly that the best way of staving off a recession is to make trade relations even closer and to incentivize investments in each other’s country.

Ansip thanked Norway for the support it gave Estonia in the framework of the EEA Agreement and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. The assistance from 2009-2014 made up 48.6 million euros, which is being used to fund various culture, social and infrastructure projects.

In the afternoon, Prime Ministers Stoltenberg and Ansip opened the Norwegian-Estonian business seminar, which focuses on the experience of Norwegian firms operating in Estonia in the field of energy and shipping, and corporate social responsibility.

The relations between Estonia and Norway are characterized by close cooperation in the field of the economy, culture and national defence. Among other things, the good economic relations between Estonia and Norway are characterized by the relatively large trade volume, and the fact that the tempo is picking up. Last year Norway ranked ninth among Estonia’s foreign partners and trade volume grew 43 percent during the year.

The Norwegian Prime Minister’s one-day visit to Estonia will conclude with a meeting with President of the Republic Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

Photographs of the meeting can be viewed on the Government Office website
http://valitsus.ee/et/uudised/pildialbum#1432-1

The recording of the press conference following the meeting of the Estonian and Norwegian Prime Ministers can be viewed athttp://www.valitsus.ee/et/uudised/videod#3042

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet: we recognize Iceland’s courage in being first to recognize Estonian independence

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:46:14 GMT

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Iceland Day, observed on August 21, is an opportunity to thank that country for its bravery it displayed in 1991 when it became the first to recognize Estonia’s newly regained independence.

"Iceland recognized Estonia as newly independent already on 22 August and on 26 August, Estonian and Iceland restored diplomatic relations. Less than a month later, Estonia became a member of the United Nations," said the Estonian Foreign Minister.

According to Paet, Estonia and Iceland, although geographically disparate, are united by more than initial appearances might suggest. “Both countries have lived under the rule of larger neighbours yet have managed to preserve a rich and distinctive culture. Today in Tallinn, everyone has an extraordinary opportunity to see, hear and taste everything Iceland’s music, art scene and cuisine have to offer. This will bring Estonia and Iceland even closer to each other,“ he said.

Paet added that Estonia had a chance to support Iceland on its road to the European Union, as Iceland’s accession talks began a month ago. “Estonia is prepared to provide all facets of assistance to Iceland and hopefully the European Union will undergo enlargement in Northern Europe as well.”

Paet and Icelandic Foreign Minister Össur Skarphéðinsson are attending a concert featuring Icelandic music on Tallinn’s rooftop cinema. They will also visit an Icelandic food market on Iceland Square (Islandi väljak) and Sfäär restaurant for the opening of an exhibition of nature photographs by Pal Stefansson. Skarphéðinsson will also open an exhibition at the Rahva Raamat bookstore in the Viru Keskus shopping centre.

Iceland Day is taking place all over Tallinn, in various courtyards and concert venues and on Iceland Square, featuring over ten musical groups from the island nation, Iceland-themed exhibitions and a food market. For more information: http://www.20.ee/islandipaev.

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Foreign Minister Urmas Paet: Estonia Welcomes Its Close Partner Iceland into European Union

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:45:23 GMT

During his meeting today with Icelandic Foreign Minister Össur Skarphéðinsson, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised the special relationship between Estonia and Iceland and confirmed Estonia’s readiness to help Iceland with its accession to the European Union.

Foreign Minister Paet stated that Iceland played a special role in Estonia’s return to the international community 20 years ago. “Iceland’s quick decision to recognise the restoration of Estonia’s independence was a historical turning point -- the decision paved the way for a lot of other countries to recognise Estonia as an independent nation once again,” he stated.

Paet said that this coming Sunday, when Iceland will be in focus all over the city of Tallinn, is a day dedicated to the special relationship between the nations and Iceland’s role in recognising Estonia’s restored independence.

Iceland recognised Estonia’s independence on 22 August 1991 and established diplomatic relations with Estonia on 26 August.

Paet and Skarphéðinsson discussed the status of Iceland’s accession negotiations with the European Union. The EU would like to conclude the accession negotiations started on 16 July of this year by the middle of 2013. “Iceland sets a good example for other candidate states striving to join the European Union,” Paet emphasised. “We welcome Iceland to the European Union and are ready to support them with experts and share our accession experiences. It is positive that European Union enlargement is continuing in Northern Europe as well,” Paet asserted.

In April of 2010 Estonia organised a seminar for Icelandic state officials that addressed sectors important to EU accession such as agriculture, structural funds, public informing, and regional and environmental policy.

Foreign Minister Paet invited Iceland to join the work of the NATO Co-operative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. “This would give both Estonia and Iceland an opportunity to expand and intensify their co-operation in bilateral and multilateral cyber defence,” stated the foreign minister. The foreign ministers also discussed matters related to the NATO air policing policy and the mission in Afghanistan.

On 21 August, Iceland Day Will Spread Icelandic Culture Throughout Tallinn

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 05:46:20 GMT

On Sunday, 21 August, the Icelandic cultural festival ICELAND DAY will take place throughout Tallinn. The day will be kicked off at midnight by Icelandic President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson during the major event “Song of Freedom” at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds.

The Estonian state is using Iceland Day to thank the Republic of Iceland for its bravery in being the first to recognise Estonia’s restored independence in 1991. During the day dedicated to Iceland, over ten musical acts from the island nation will appear in Tallinn’s courtyards, venues, and on Iceland Square, Iceland-themed exhibits will be unveiled, and a Nordic-inspired food market will take place. Many of the scheduled events are free of charge.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia’s independence, the Foreign Ministry and the Estonian Foreign Policy Institute have organised a conference on 20 August entitled “20.08.1991 – Twenty Years On”, which will see the participation of the current and former foreign ministers and other political figures from our neighbouring countries. At the conference the former and current government leaders and foreign ministers of the Nordic countries, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Russia will focus on the experiences gained over the last 20 years as well as new challenges. Participating in the conference will be former Finnish prime minister Esko Aho, former Polish deputy prime minister Leszek Balcerowicz, former Latvian prime minister Ivars Godmanis, former Icelandic foreign minister Jón Baldvin Hannibalsson, former Russian deputy prime minister Fjodor Shelov-Kovedyaev, Icelandic Foreign Minister Össur Skarphéðinsson, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, Danish Foreign Minister Lene Espersen, Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, Latvian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that Iceland Day and the foreign policy conference will take place to thank Iceland and to celebrate the special relationship between Estonia and Iceland. “For Estonia, Iceland’s decision to be the first country to recognise the restoration of Estonia’s independence less than a full day after independence was declared is and will remain a historical turning point,” said Paet. “Iceland’s bold step made the decision easier for a lot of other countries, who then followed its example,” he added.

“The fact that Estonia has decided to dedicate the 20th anniversary of the restoration of its independence to another country, calling it Iceland Day, is a great honour for our country. Our appreciation of this decision is reflected by the fact that at midnight on 20 August Iceland Day will be kicked off at the Song Festival Grounds by the Icelandic president. I am certain that this day full of music, design, literature and photography will strengthen the cultural ties between our countries even more,” commented Icelandic Ambassador Elín Flygenring.

On 21 August Iceland Day will start off with a Jazzkaar brunch at 12.00 in the Rooftop Cinema, where the highly regarded new-generation Icelandic composer and pianist Olafur Arnalds will perform together with a string quartet. Iceland Day will continue late at night at the Rooftop Cinema with the popular Icelandic group Sigur Rós’ documentary film “Heima”. At 13:00 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland Össur Skarphéðinsson will open the poster exhibition “Fabulous Iceland – Portraits of Icelandic Contemporary Authors” at the Rahva Raamat book store in Viru Centre, where authors Andri Snær Magnason and Aðalsteinn Ásberg Sigurðsson, familiar to Estonian readers thanks to translations of their works, will also be in attendance.

The heart of the day’s events will be the “Inspired by Iceland” food market at Iceland Square. Icelandic cuisine will be introduced by well-known Icelandic chefs Ragnar Omarsson and Bjorgvin Myrdal, and many Estonian restaurants will be offering Nordic- and Iceland-inspired menus. The food market at Iceland Square will be opened by the Estonian and Icelandic foreign ministers. The stage at Iceland Square will feature the Karlakor Men’s Choir and one of the coolest party bands of Iceland’s younger generation, Retro Stefson.

One of the day’s most important events is surely the opening of the Icelandic Contemporary Design exhibition by the president of Iceland at the Museum of Applied Art and Design, which will be followed by a concert in the museum courtyard by the Icelandic post-rock foursome For a Minor Reflection, who are frequently compared to their compatriots Sigur Rós.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland Össur Skarphéðinsson will open Pall Stefansson’s exhibition of nature photos “Light Years” in the restaurant SFÄÄR and then the day will continue in the courtyard of the Muusikamaja, where guests can meet with well-known Icelandic authors Adalsteinn Absberg Sigurdsson and Andri Snaer Magnason. In the Estonian History Museum’s Great Guild Hall courtyard an Icelandic take on the Americana sound will be heard from singer-composer Lay Low, the Mosfells Choir will share its songs at Towers Square, the works of neo-folk singer-songwriter Snorri Helgason can be enjoyed in the Masters’ Courtyard, and the courtyard of the Gustav Adolf Grammar School will be filled with the positive baroque-pop sounds of the mini-orchestra Hjaltalin.

At the Rootsi-Mihkli Church there will be a chance to hear the compositions of the top names of three generations of Icelandic composers – Atli Heimir Sveinsson, Atli Ingólfsson, and Páll Ragnar Pálsson – presented by the Konveier Ensemble.

Iceland Day will be wrapped up with a huge Iceland Day party that will take over the Von Krahl Theatre building from 21:00-03:00. The six exciting and diverse ensembles that performed throughout the Old Town during the day will give performances in Von Krahl’s club space, theatre and terrace, being joined the energetic Reykjavik electro trio Sykur. Bringing home the end of the party will be a DJ set by a founding member of the electronic soul trailblazer band GusGus, the multi-talented President Bongo.

“Iceland Day is a unique and extraordinary event – one small country coming to visit another small county, bringing along a significant piece of its cultural scene. The possibility to see and hear so much world-class Icelandic art and music over the course of a single day here in Tallinn is truly a great gift to us from both the Estonian and Icelandic states,” noted the organiser of Iceland Day, Helen Sildna.

Iceland Day was made a reality by the Foreign Ministry and the state of Iceland; events were organised by Musiccase and project partners were Iceland Music Export, Iceland Film Centre, Iceland Design Centre, Literature Fund (Bókmenntasjóður), Sagenhaftes Island / Fabulous Iceland, Tallinn Music Week, Jazzkaar, Konveier, Black Nights Film Festival, Rooftop Cinema, Estonian Association of Designers, Design Night, EMTD, and the Carma Group.

Additional information:
www.20.ee/islandipaev

Helen Sildna
helen@musiccase.ee
Project manager

Kristiina Herodes
Kristiina.Herodes@mfa.ee
Foreign Ministry press spokesperson’s office
Tel: 6377613, mob: 51 11528

President Ilves expressed condolences to Norway

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 16:56:28 GMT

“The thoughts of the whole of Estonia and me are with you at this very difficult and extremely tragic hour. I am shocked to hear of the terrible tragedy that has struck Norway. I am consumed by grief, sadness and incomprehension, as I think of the bomb explosion in Oslo, which claimed many victims, and the multiple fatalities on Utøya Island. Estonia will extend its hand to Norway in sympathy on these tragic days and we send you our words of support,” wrote the President, Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, in his letter of condolences to the Norwegian King, Harald V, expressing condolences to the next of kin of the deceased and wishing all of those injured a quick recovery. “Just like evil will never conquer goodness, horrible and incomprehensible crimes can never close our open societies; these will deepen our commitment to the principles of a democratic society.“

Office of the President
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Foreign Ministers Paet and Tuomioja: Estonia and Finland Mourn Together With Norway

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 15:02:03 GMT

During their meeting in Tallinn today, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja expressed profound condolences to the people of Norway over yesterday’s tragic events. “This is a tragedy for Norway as well as all of Norway’s friends. Estonia and Finland are mourning together with Norwegian society,” said Paet and Tuomioja.

Paet stated that Estonia is feeling the pain of yesterday’s events along with Norway. “The murder of at least 90 people at the youth camp and in Oslo is a shocking and brutal crime that has deeply affected Estonian society as well,” he said.

Paet and Tuomioja expressed condolences to the loved ones of those killed in Norway. “The explosion in Oslo and the shooting of people at the youth camp on the island of Utøya are grave crimes for which there is no justification,” the foreign ministers said.

During their meeting in Tallinn Paet and Tuomioja also talked about the development of Estonia-Finland relations. Among the areas in which Estonia would like to develop co-operation with Finland are the defence and security policy sectors, including cyber security. “The Estonian Embassy is the NATO contact embassy in Helsinki for 2011-2012,” Paet stated. “Finland has also contributed to the creation of the Estonian Centre of Eastern Partnership, and the members of our defence forces work together in the Nordic Battle Group,” said Paet, naming examples of Estonia and Finland’s joint activities. Finland is one of Estonia’s most important trade partners and Estonia is the most important target market of Finland’s tourism economy.

Paert said that Estonia is prepared to offer Finland a chance to share embassy space in Minsk. Estonia represents Finland for the issuing of Schengen visas in Minsk and Pskov. The foreign ministers also discussed Estonia-Finland co-operation in education and research, environmental protection, and the cultural sector.

In talking about Nordic-Baltic co-operation, Paet noted that Estonia and Finland’s co-operation is made special by the fact that the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia’s independence will be celebrated together in August. “For example, on 30 August a foreign ministers’ conference dedicated to the relations of the Nordic and Baltic nations will take place in Helsinki,” Paet stated.

This year Estonia is the leader of Baltic co-operation and Finland the head of co-operation among the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8). “The topics that are most important to us are security, energy, and matters related to the economy and environment,” said Foreign Minister Paet.

International developments discussed by the Estonian and Finnish foreign ministers included the situation in Northern Africa and the Middle East as well as the transfer of responsibility for security from the international community to the Afghan authorities.

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Government calls on people to raise flags of mourning tomorrow

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 18:22:44 GMT

The government is calling on all state institutions to raise the Estonian flag as a flag of mourning tomorrow, 24 July, to commemorate those killed in the shooting and explosion in the Kingdom of Norway and to express condolences to the people of Norway.

“The incomprehensible and brutal crime that took place in Norway has deeply shaken Estonian society. As a sign of solidarity, the government is asking that people raise a flag of mourning to express support for the loved ones of the victims and to all the people of Norway,” said Prime Minister Andrus Ansip. According to the directive approved during an extraordinary session of government held over the phone, tomorrow all state institutions must raise flags of mourning, and the prime minister is also calling on all people to join in mourning and raise flags of mourning.

A flag of mourning without a black ribbon is raised so that the bottom edge of the flag is halfway up the flagpole. To bring the flag to this position it must first be raised slowly all the way to the top of the flagpole, then lowered so that the bottom edge of the flag is at the centre of the pole. To lower the flag at the end of the day, first raise the flag all the way to the top of the pole. To make a flag of mourning on a staff, a 50 to 100 mm wide black ribbon is attached to the top end of the staff. The ends of the ribbon must fall along the edge of the flag to the bottom edge of the flag material.

20th Anniversary of Re-Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Norway, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Celebrated in Oslo

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:27:32 GMT

Norway, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania celebrated the 20th anniversary of the re-establishment of their diplomatic relations in the Nobel Peace Centre in Oslo. Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, Latvian Foreign Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis, and Lithuanian Deputy Foreign Minister Egidijus Meilunas participated in the event.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Støre stated that to Norway the re-establishment of diplomatic ties with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania was not the start of a new sentence in mutual relations, but rather the continuation of an interrupted sentence. Støre emphasised that Norway has a lot to learn from Estonia. “Estonia is the most integrated country in Northern Europe and in many ways it sets an example for Norway,” he noted.

Estonian Foreign Minister Paet said that Estonia has once again secured its position in Europe. “Our neighbours, the Nordic countries, played a very important role in this,” he added.

The Estonian and Norwegian foreign ministers agreed that Nordic-Baltic co-operation holds tremendous potential. “This partnership between like-minded nations is fairly unique in the world. Our partnership includes many areas of co-operation that benefit not only the countries along the Baltic Sea, but also many others,” said Foreign Minister Paet.

Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry

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Foreign Minister Paet: Baltic Sea Environment is in Delicate State

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:26:49 GMT

At the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) in Oslo, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the council must help to improve the state of the Baltic Sea environment.

Paet stated that while the state of the Baltic Sea environment has improved, the risk level is still high. “The Baltic Sea is largely a sensitive sea area that is also an important transport terminal. Every year 500 million tons of goods are transported over the Baltic Sea and there are always at least 50 passenger ships on the move. These numbers are growing and this includes the transport of crude oil products, which comes with certain risks,” he added.

Paet said that the goal of the Council of the Baltic Sea States should be to help to reduce all the risks that pose a threat to the environment.

During the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Council of the Baltic Sea States in Oslo, Norway passed the presidency of the organisation over to Germany.

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Estonia and Norway Sign Financial Agreement

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:24:35 GMT

Today in Oslo Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre signed memorandums for the implementation of the financial mechanisms of the European Economic Area and Norway with Estonia. Estonia will receive a total of 44.9 million euros of support from the European Economic Area and Norway by 2014.

Paet stated that the sum will be used to finance environmental, social, and cultural projects. Both of the financial mechanisms were created as part of the European Economic Area Enlargement Agreement in 2004. In accordance with that agreement, the three non-members of the European Union Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein are to support 15 European Union member states on the principle of solidarity. Norway provides over 95% of the funds.

At the signing of the agreements, Foreign Minister Paet said that ever since Estonia’s accession to the European Union, co-operation with Norway in implementing the financial mechanism that supports various projects has been very good. “During the last five-year period from 2004 to 2009, Norway mainly financed projects in the environmental, cultural heritage, health care, and regional policy sectors,” Paet noted. “The biggest projects were renovating the infectious disease centre of West Tallinn Central Hospital with Norway’s support and creating a project to renovate schools located in old manor houses. An SOS Children’s Village was also established in Põltsamaa,” he added.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed that the results from the first period are very good. The financial mechanisms have been greeted with enthusiasm and inspired a great deal of activity among Norwegian partners. In addition, political dialogue and co-operation between Estonia and Norway have grown even stronger, said Støre.

During the second period of the programme from 2009-2014 many different sectors in Estonia will receive support. For example, health care projects will receive 8.9 million euros and projects geared towards high-risk children and youths will get 6.5 million euros in support. The financial mechanisms focus on environmental issues and green innovation. Other areas that will receive support are cultural heritage, civil society, the education and research sector, and gender equality projects. There is also an emphasis on promoting co-operation between Estonia and donor countries.

Additional information is available at www.eeagrants.org

Photo from the signing: http://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry

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Enterprise Estonia is looking for an EXPORT CONSULTANT to work in Oslo

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:45:28 GMT

Enterprise Estonia was established in 2000. It promotes enterprise and regional policies in Estonia and is one of the largest institutions in the state support system for enterprise development. It provides financial aid, consultation, cooperation possibilities and training to economic operators, research institutions, public and third sector. Additional information is available at www.eas.ee and www.estonia.eu

Job duties of the export consultant:

responding to information queries from Estonian exporters and serving as a consultant for them
aiding firms in establishing contacts with new customers
aiding firms in organising marketing events

You can become a member of our team if you:

have a higher education
are able to communicate in English in addition to Norwegian (Estonian is a bonus)
can consult Estonian firms about the local business environment
want to help Estonian firms to establish new business contacts
are active and have good communication skills

We offer:

an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the export of Estonian firms
a possibility to participate in developing cooperation between Norway and Estonia
an opportunity for self-realisation and self-development

To apply for the position, please send your cover letter and CV in English with "Export consultant for Norway" on the subject line to personal@eas.ee by 30 April 2011 at the latest.

If you have any additional questions, please contact: Allar Korjas, Director of the Export Division at Enterprise Estonia. E-mail: allar.korjas@eas.ee

Innovative ideas discussed for improving quality of life and economic growth

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:21:58 GMT

Foreign Ministry Secretary General Emphasised Importance of Creative Industries at Northern Dimension Meeting

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 20:48:11 GMT

At the meeting of the Northern Dimension foreign ministers in Oslo, Foreign Ministry Secretary General Marten Kokk emphasised that Estonia sees important co-operation potential in the Northern Dimension Cultural Partnership that is to begin soon.

Kokk stressed that Estonia hopes that the Northern Dimension will develop into a vigorous and dynamic political and co-operation framework. “For example, two new partnerships of the Northern Dimension are about to kick off: the Transportation and Logistics Partnership and Cultural Partnership. Prioritising cultural exchange and export is one trend that will improve the competitiveness and visibility of the Northern Dimension region,” said Kokk. “Cultural partnership gives an opportunity to develop the creative industries of the entire region. By addressing the issues of creative industries, we can help form an appropriate environment and cultural communication network that will facilitate the work of creative enterprises,” he added, also mentioning Estonia-Russia co-operation in the organisation of the “Golden Mask” festival and inviting his colleagues to visit the European Capital of Culture Tallinn in 2011.

According to Secretary General Kokk, the Transportation and Logistics Partnership is significant for improving the transportation connections of the Baltic Sea and Barents regions. “Fixing transportation connections and using them effectively, as well as addressing the facilitation of border crossings, are important from the perspective of the entire region’s development. Transportation and logistics co-operation will help first and foremost in advancing the economic development of the region,” he said.

Secretary General Kokk stated that for the further development of the Northern Dimension, it is also important that all the nations in the region make a contribution to achieving common regional goals. “Therefore we support Belarus joining as an observer in Northern Dimension co-operation,” Kokk noted.

The Northern Dimension is a primarily project-based EU foreign policy instrument for regional co-operation. The European Union, Norway, Iceland, and the Russian Federation all participate as equal partners. The Northern Dimension’s everyday work also includes many other co-operation partner, like for the four so-called Nordic councils— the Council of Baltic Sea States, the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Arctic Council, and the Barents Euro-Arctic Council. The Northern Dimension is also an external dimension of the Baltic Sea Region Strategy.

More information on the Northern Dimension can be found on the European Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/north_dim/.

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Ryanair Announces First Estonian Routes

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:06:17 GMT

Ryanair, the world’s favourite airline, today (30^th Sept) announced its first Estonian flights from Tallinn, the capital city, with seven routes to Dublin, Dusseldorf (Weeze), Edinburgh, London (Luton), Milan (Bergamo), Oslo (Rygge) and Stockholm (Skavsta) from December 2010, which will see Ryanair carry 300,000 passengers p.a. through Tallinn, creating and sustaining 300 local jobs.

Ryanair celebrated its first Estonian routes by releasing 1 million €7seats for travel on over 500 routes across its European network in late October and November which are available for booking on www.ryanair.com until midnight tonight (30^th Sept). Ryanair’s seven new Tallinn routes go on sale tomorrow (1^st Oct) on Ryanair.com.

Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara said:

“Ryanair is pleased to announce our first seven Estonian routes which will commence in December and offer Tallinn passengers really low fares for the first time. Ryanair’s Tallinn routes will deliver 300,000 passengers p.a. and sustain 300 local jobs. Estonian consumers/visitors can now beat the recession and escape the high fares charged by Estonian Air and Air Baltic by choosing Ryanair’s lowest fares and our no fuel surcharge guarantee.

“To celebrate the opening of our first Estonian routes we are releasing 1 million €7 seats for travel in late October and November on 500 routes which are available for booking today on www.ryanair.com. Ryanair’s new routes from Tallinn start from December.”

RYANAIR’S SEVEN TALLINN ROUTES

New	Start
Dublin	14^th Dec
Dusseldorf Weeze	13^th Dec
Edinburgh	10^th Jan
London (Luton)	10^th Jan
Milan (Bergamo)	16^th Dec
Oslo (Rygge)	13^th Dec
Stockholm (Skavsta)	13^th Dec

http://www.ryanair.com/ie/news/ryanair-announces-first-estonian-routes

FM Paet: Nordic-Baltic report includes 38 specific cooperation proposals

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:25:56 GMT

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said at the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Baltic states and the Nordic countries in Riga that the proposals contained in the Nordic-Baltic cooperation report provide a good foundation to make future cooperation even more effective. "The report offers specific proposals with regard to cooperation between the Nordic countries and the Baltics,“ said Paet.

Paet said that both Estonia and the other Baltics and Nordics wish to devote more attention to cooperation both in coordinating foreign policy positions and with regard to the foreign service, where examples include consular assistance or exchange of diplomats. "Every country should designate at least one foreign representation where it would be possible to engage the services of diplomats from other Nordic countries or Baltic states. We should also examine opportunities for the exchange of diplomats. We have such a practice in place with our Finnish colleagues. Next year an Estonian diplomat will be sent to the Finnish representation in Lusaka, Zambia," said Paet. Paet also said that better coordination of common positions would increase the visibility of the Nordics and Baltics in international organizations.

The report also offers a number of ideas for cooperation on energy issues and environmental and defense issues. Paet said Estonia supports the establishing of additional energy links between the Baltic and Nordic regions and Poland.

Nordic-Baltic cooperation - NB8 - is a regional cooperation format in which Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania further political dialogue and practical cooperation.

SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE
637 7654
521 6821
pressitalitus@mfa.ee

Paet: EU should receive observer status in Arctic Council

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:10:37 GMT

At his meeting in Oslo with Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre, Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet emphasized the importance of protecting and preserving the Arctic and proposed that the European Union should receive observer status in the Arctic Council*. “We consider it important to increase the role of the European Union in Arctic issues. Developments in polar regions are important for the countries of the world from the standpoint of assessing environmental risks and climate change. Closer cooperation would bring greater benefits for all in the field of the environment, the economy and security,” added Paet.

Paet also discussed Estonia’s imminent accession to the Eurozone with his Norwegian colleague along with developments in the Estonian economy. ”On 1 January of next year, Estonia will become the 17th member of the Eurozone. Estonia has an interest in contributing to a strong and functioning monetary union. Accession to the Eurozone is the result of our long-term economic and financial policy. Estonia’s recovery from the economic downturn has been better than expected and today we have reached positive economic growth,” said Paet.

Among other things, the good economic relations between Estonia and Norway are characterized by the relatively large trade volume. “Norwegian investments into the Estonian economy have also increased consistently since the mid-1990s,” said Paet. Norway is the country with the fourth-most investments into Estonia as of the end of 2009.

Paet said Estonia considers Norwegian financial assistance through the Norwegian and EEA financial mechanisms. “Most recently, Norwegian assistance was used to open a Peipsi region visitor centre and SOS children’s village in Põltsamaa,” said Paet. The Norwegian financial mechanism has thus far provided over 30 million euros of financing for Estonian projects.

In discussions on the situation in Afghanistan, Paet said that Estonia has consistently stressed the need to develop the process of transferring security responsibility in Afghanistan. “It is very important that Afghanistan’s government play an increasingly leading role in stabilization of the security situation, reintegration, national reconciliation and implementation of reforms to promote sustainable institutional and economic development. This must take place with the continued support of the international community,” said Paet.

Paet and Støre also discussed cooperation in international organizations. The foreign ministers considered “promising” cooperation between the Baltic and Nordic countries for supporting each other’s candidates in the UN. Paet said Estonia had a high regard for Norway’s support for Estonia’s candidacy in the UN Human Rights Council 2012-2015 and considers Norway’s role to this point to be very important.

At a meeting with Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide, the chairwoman of the Norwegian parliament’s standing committee on foreign affairs and defence committee, Paet spoke of regional cooperation, particularly in the Council of Baltic Sea States and the Baltic Sea strategy and the Northern Dimension

From 1 July Norway holds the presidency of the Council of Baltic States. The three national priorities of Norway’s presidency are maritime policy, including developing marine rescue capability for disasters; the fight against human trafficking; and developing the activities of the Council of Baltic Sea States. Paet expressed pleasure with well-functioning Nordic-Baltic cooperation.

* The Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum responsible for pursuing cooperation between countries and peoples in the Arctic. The member states are Canada, Denmark along with the Faroe Islands and Greenland, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the US.

SPOKESPERSON’S OFFICE
+372 637 7654
+372 521 6821
pressitalitus@mfa.ee

Concert of Tõnis Mägi in Stavanger

Sat, 15 May 2010 11:37:56 GMT

15th May 2010 at 19.00
Stavanger, Sola Ruinkirke

Tõnis Mägi is an Estonian singer and songwriter who has been one of the most influential and remarkable names in Estonian popular music of the past 40 years. His originality quickly made him one of the most popular and widely touring singers not only in Estonia, but in the entire former Soviet Union. His audience then was 300 million people. During the time of Estonia's "Singing Revolution" he was one of the most prominent singers with his song "Koit" (Dawn) achieving anthem status.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOsjQ9DdAP0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN260ZFfHLM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDvwwoV28Fc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FemlrCUFxHU

For decades he has written and sung songs in a wide range of styles from blues and jazz to rock and folk music.

Tõnis Mägi is unique among musicians of his generation for his depth, individuality and great creativity. The theme of communication runs through his entire diverse repertoire. Rock, blues, soul, disco, funk, national ballads. he has contributed more than anyone else in Estonia to these musical genres. After more than forty years of performing, he is still possessed of a great life force. The early years had been a life journey, a search for self discovery but Tõnis is no longer looking for himself. Rather he's just passing through, taking life and ideas as they come.