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Estonian Review: November 21-27, 2005 
02.12.2005
TOP NEWS
FOREIGN NEWS
DOMESTIC NEWS
ECONOMIC NEWS
SPORTS NEWS
TOP NEWS
Paet met Germany's new Foreign Minister
Nov 24 - Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met Germany's new Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin. He also met with Wolfhang Gerhardt, Chairman of Germany's largest opposition party, the Free Democratic Party (FDP). The meeting took place on Steinmeier's second day in office, and was also Steinmeier's first bi-lateral meeting to take place in Berlin.
Under discussion at the meeting were: the EU's financial perspective, Europe's future, European Neighbourhood Policy, NATO air patrol and EU-Russia relations.
Speaking about the European Union's financial perspective, the foreign ministers were in agreement that a compromise should be reached as soon as possible. At the same time they acknowledged, that while the current member holding the presidency has not yet made any concrete proposals, the possibility of achieving an agreement is becoming more and more tricky. "There is still no need to feel grief or to give up altogether, it is necessary to work hard and continue to work towards an agreement at the December summit," remarked Foreign Minister Paet. At the same time he acknowledged that time is unfortunately working against us. The German Foreign Minister said that proposals made by the last country, to hold the European presidency, Luxembourg, should be the likely base for reaching an agreement in December.
The Estonian Foreign Minister and his colleague also exchanged views on Europe's future and over the Constitution.
Foreign Minister Paet confirmed that Estonia will continue the process of reviewing the Constitution at the national level and according to previous plans, while important themes included in the Constitution and Europe's future need to be further discussed by the Estonian parliament and generally, there is the need for broader and more thorough discussion among the Estonian public. Foreign Minister Steinmeier expressed his joy that Estonia has decided to continue the ratification process. This sends a message to France and Holland that if the new members are interested in a Constitution, then old members should not lose their faith or detract from the importance and meaning of the treaty," noted Steinmeier.
The parties talked about development in Ukraine and found that International presence should be increased there. The ministers agreed that a very good example of EU co-operation is the border mission to Transnistria on the Ukrainian side of the border, where Estonia and Germany have also decided to contribute. Foreign Minister Paet noted how important it is that parliamentary elections taking place there next year would be in accordance to all internationally excepted norms.
The Estonian Foreign Minister also raised the issue of the future of NATO's air protection policy with his German colleague and confirmed that the continuation of NATO air protection of Estonian airspace is extremely important from an Estonian point of view. The German Foreign Minister said he would mention the theme at his meeting with NATO's General Secretary, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.
The parties also discussed issues related to the Northern European gas pipeline. According to the words of the German Foreign Minister, it is necessary to discuss questions related to the project with all parties involved.
In his meeting with the Bundestag's largest opposition party leader, Wolfgang Gerhardt from the Free German Democratic Party (FDP), the two sides focused on the situation in Belarus. The sides acknowledged that the situation continues to be extremely concerning and Europe should make itself more visible there. Foreign Minister Paet noted that the 2006 presidential elections will be an important milestone in Belorussia's politics - this includes, an adherence to internationally accepted standards and also election results. At the same time the sides agreed that despite an increasingly worsening political situation, Estonia and Germany must continue to direct projects and form contacts with Byelorussia's civil society.
Focusing on European-Russian relations, both parties acknowledged that stable relations with Russia are important to all EU member states and that a democratic Russia is in everyone's best interest. The opposition party leader also promised to bring up theme's related to EU-Russia relations at the next German parliamentary debate.
Estonian parliament approves sending troops to Bosnia
Nov 23 - The Estonian parliament (Riigikogu) voted in favour of sending units of the Kaitseliit (Defence League) volunteer corps to Bosnia and Herzegovina on a mission lasting up to two years.
The bill was endorsed in the 101-seat Riigikogu with the votes of 57 deputies, with no one voting against or abstaining.
Estonia plans to join the European Union-led peace enforcement operation Althea in December, deploying up to 35 troops in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Plans are to send ESTGUARD-1 to Bosnia in December. The 29-strong unit will serve under the command of Lt. Margus Võsu from the Kaitseliit general staff.
This will be Estonia's first major military contribution to the EU operation.
The unit will serve as part of an Austrian company, guarding the Tuzla airfield and Camp Eagle, based there.
The bill adopted by parliament sets aside 6.3 million kroons (EUR 0.4 mln) for mission-related expenses this year and 22.6 million kroons in 2006.
Estonia's defence forces have been participating in missions to Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1995. Currently four soldiers serve in that country.
Paet: the EU's Budget should be agreed upon in December
Nov 21 - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet participated in the European Union Foreign Ministers' Council in Brussels. The main focus at the meeting was on the European Union's next budget.
Urmas Paet acknowledged that finding a solution to the budgetary framework for 2007-2013 is difficult, but not impossible. "We still have a serious difference of opinions, but I nevertheless hope that the majority of Member States are ready to make a compromise," Paet said.
Speaking about the EU's ways and means, the Foreign Minister emphasized that Estonia favours a simple and transparent system based on gross national income and in case necessary, granting at the same time an equitable levelling off of the surplus budgetary burden. To back-up a smooth transition, Estonia is already willing to start updating the discussion of that system in the first year of the new budgetary period. Paet noted that Estonia supports the budgetary review clause, laying down the principles and a schedule for the reform of the EU's ways and means and of the common agricultural policy.
The foreign ministers also handled the topic of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial conference scheduled to take place in mid-December in Hong Kong and adopted their final conclusions, emphasizing the necessity to reach a comprehensive and balanced agreement.
According to Foreign Minister Paet, it is unfortunately unrealistic to reach an agreement of the hoped magnitude at the Hong Kong conference. At the same time the general objective of the negotiations should not suffer. "It is important to apply a balanced approach to various themes, allowing all WTO members to take part in these discussions," emphasized Paet.
FOREIGN NEWS
EU Foreign Ministers approved the underlying principles for the new Northern Dimension Action Plan
Nov 22 - In the framework of the Foreign Ministers' Council in November, EU Foreign Ministers approved plans for the future activity of the Northern Dimension in a conference on the subject. Member countries stressed the need for intensified co-operation with Norway, Iceland and Russia over environmental issues, - nuclear safety, - and climate change, but also in the area of social welfare.
According to Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, after the enlargement of the European Union the Northern Dimension has focused on co-operation with northwestern Russia. "The objective of the new action plan is to intensify joint activities in regional fields, which have been agreed upon in the EU-Russia co-operation plan for the four common spaces. This includes starting activities, which don't yet exist, but that could supply value at the local level if implemented," Paet said. The Foreign Minister confirmed that the Northern Dimension does not completely overlap with the action plan of the four common spaces. Its aims have been updated by the Estonian proposal, which allows the Northern Dimension to only take on those fields from the four common spaces, which can be successfully implemented on a regional level.
"The successful implementation of the Northern Dimension Action Plan will require serious efforts from all parties," Paet acknowledged.
Paet emphasized that in the framework of the Northern Dimension, Estonia is primarily interested in improving the environmental condition of the Baltic Sea and of its surroundings as well as in the implementation of significant energy and infrastructure projects.
"Certainly also, co-operation in the sphere of public health and social well-being is in Estonia's best interest, for it is focused on such relevant topics as the control of infectious disease," the Foreign Minister added.
Paet: "There are no new or old European states, just a New Europe"
Nov 24 - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet delivered a speech at the University of Jena Germany, in the federal state of Thuringia as part of a series of lectures devoted to the future of Europe, "Do the new members belong to Europe? - European identity."
Referring to the topic of the lecture series, the Foreign Minister confirmed that there are no "new" and "old" states in Europe, but instead there is a New Europe, which has changed a lot during the last 15 years. "We must be able to make efficient use of the economic and political potential of this new Europe," he said.
Paet emphasized that Estonia has always been part of the European historical and cultural sphere. "The fact that Estonia was cut off from Europe for half a century did not destroy our European identity, but actually served to strengthen it," the Foreign Minister noted. "Estonia's belonging to the European cultural space is as visible and recognizable at present as it was much earlier during the Hanseatic period," he said, acknowledging that historians have often regarded the Hanseatic League as a model of modern Europe. "Isn't the new actually the forgotten old?" the Foreign Minister asked rhetorically.
Speaking about Estonia's experiences as a new Member State, Paet noted that at this stage a lot of new experiences have been acquired and we have learned a thing or two about ourselves as well as about our partners."I am convinced that the European Union is a great project with an extensive potential," the Foreign Minister said and acknowledged at the same time that, too often domestic concerns of the Member States become obstacles to greater ideas and to European thinking.
"Politicians, however, are only actors in the political theatre and electors are the public, who may also boo them off," Paet acknowledged. "We need more bold decisions from politicians to remain steadfast to European values, preserving our way of life, but also moving on," he added.
In his speech Paet touched upon the role of the European Union in more depth and found that the power of Europe in the world would grow, if we remain steadfast to our common values also concerning external relations. "We must be more bold in our relations with America, Asia, as well as with Russia, representing our ideals and values," Paet said. "We must not shut our eyes to violations of human rights taking place in partner countries. We must also be more active in disseminating the principles of democracy and the rule of law," he found. According to the Foreign Minister, the EU processes large quantity instruments, which can be put to use in the dissemination of the European values. "Why don't we believe more strongly in ourselves and in our values and try to make the world a better and safer place through their promotion" Paet said.
Speaking about the enlargement of the European Union, the Foreign Minister noted how important it is that other countries in the neighbourhood of the European Union, should partake in its stability and welfare. "That's of course when they are ready to make this step," underlined Paet. The Foreign Minister explained that the Estonians know well from personal experience, how important an EU perspective is in pursuing difficult and painful reforms. "The maintenance of this motivation in the EU's neighbourhood is also relevant with regards to the Union's own safety and harmonious development," Paet confirmed.
After his speech, the Foreign Minister participated in a colloquium; where together with the professors, students and guests of the university, issues related to the relationship between Estonia and Germany were discussed.
Finnish Prime Minister visited Estonia
Nov 24 - Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen made a one-day working visit to Estonia.
Vanhanen and his Estonian counterpart, Andrus Ansip, discussed matters related to the European Union's budget for the next period, co-operation within the framework of the EU's Northern Dimension, free movement of labour, and the natural gas pipeline planned to be laid at the bottom of the Baltic Sea. According to the words of Vanhanen, Finland has not yet decided to join the pipeline project. "The planned pipeline is apart of Europe's gas pipeline network as a whole, and Finland is paying very close attention to the development of this project. More thorough investigation has to be done on the environmental impact of such an undertaking," said Vanhanen. The Finnish Prime Minister added that all countries bordering the Baltic Sea have the right to express their concern over such a project."
Meanwhile, Both Ministers consider it necessary to increase the effectiveness of Europe's Foreign and Security Policy, (CFSP) making note of the need for a unified policy towards Russia. "We would like to see a Europe of solidarity and strength. This means that we need a more unified approach in the area of Foreign and Security policy then that which exists today and we also need more intense co-operation in various fields such as energy for example. For Estonia, it is very important that the European Union would have a unified approach in its policies towards Russia," said Ansip.
Vanhanen also attended a Cabinet session of the Estonian government, and got acquainted with the electronic sessions system.
Estonian president visited Georgia
Nov 24 - Estonian President Arnold Rüütel met with his Georgian counterpart President Mikhail Saakashvili in Tbilisi and participated in the celebration of the 2nd anniversary of the Revolution of Roses.
In a bi-lateral meeting between the two heads of state, Estonia's assistance to Georgia and Georgia's potential accession to NATO and the European Union were discussed. President Rüütel confirmed the continued readiness of Estonia to support Georgia in its reform process.
President Rüütel also spoke at a forum dedicated to the 2nd anniversary of the Revolution of Roses in which the heads of state of Georgia, Ukraine and Romania participated.
In his speech, President Rüütel expressed support for the far-reaching reforms currently underway in the Georgian Republic. He added that Estonia is ready to contribute to the sharing of valuable experiences. Today our experiences with reform are still fresh in our minds. The people leading the reform process are still active in these areas and can therefore be considered a valuable source of knowledge. I believe that our development model could serve as a useful example for continuing the process of reform in Georgia, the President said.
President Rüütel also attended a ceremony where he layed a stone for the foundation of the Freedom Monument in Tbilisi and attended the gala concert dedicated to the 2nd anniversary of the Revolution of Roses.
Portuguese and Italian Ambassadors presented credentials in Estonia
Nov 21 - Portugal's Ambassador Ana Paula Baptista Grade Zacarias and Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Piaggesi presented their credentials to Estonian President Arnold Rüütel.
In a meeting with the Portuguese envoy, Rüütel said that a friendly political dialogue, numerous high-level visits and co-operation on many levels have characterized relations between the two countries.
The Portuguese ambassador acknowledged Estonia's rapid development and expressed hope that there would be co-operation between the two countries in the area of information technology, but also in more traditional areas such as tourism. Zacarias is the first Portuguese ambassador to reside in Tallinn.
During his meeting with the Italian Ambassador, President Rüütel highlighted the consistent work of the Italian embassy, making Italy better known to Estonians and in its promotion of more multi-faceted interaction between the two countries.
The relationship between Estonia and Italy is, as usual, excellent, friendly and mutually strong, the ambassador said.
DOMESTIC NEWS
Estonian Parliament Okays introduction of short-term tourist visas
Nov 23 - The parliament adopted an amendment that allows for the issuance of single-entry tourist visas for a period of up to five days, without prior invitation required.
The law was adopted in the 101-seat chamber by 72 votes to five.
An additional requirement is that the visa applicant must be in possession of the means allowing him or her to bear costs that normally are borne by the inviting party. He or she must have the means to pay the costs of staying in Estonia and the fares to leave the country.
Interior Minister Kalle Laanet said in parliament that the government intends to pay a lot of attention to security risks involved with the short-term issuance of tourist visas.
The amendment, which is effective, starting 1 January 2006 does not change other preconditions for the issuance of visas or the circumstances, which rule out the issuance of a visa, nor does it call for any exceptions to the current visa procedures.
Most stateless residents want Estonian citizenship - survey
Nov 23 - According to a survey by the European Union's Transition Facility, sixty-one percent of residents with undetermined citizenship in Estonia wish to become Estonian citizens. Meanwhile, thirteen percent would like to have Russian citizenship and six percent, the citizenship of some other country. 17 percent are not interested in changing their present stateless status.
The survey revealed that a person's place of birth plays an important role in his or her preferences regarding citizenship. Of people born in Estonia, 73 percent wished to become citizens of this country. Estonian citizenship was the preferred choice for less than half of those born elsewhere. The older the person, the more likely it is that he or she doesn't want to take any citizenship at all.
The main motives for attaining Estonian citizenship were to feel as a full-fledged member of the society, get better work in Estonia or abroad and to ensure a better future for one's children. Fifty-four percent of respondents were confident that they would be more competitive on the job market if they were Estonian citizens.
When respondents were asked what would help them most to acquire citizenship, 31 percent mentioned special courses to help Russian-speakers prepare for the exam on the constitution and citizenship law.
The Foundation for the Integration of Non-Estonians intends to arrange such courses free of charge for 10,000 people within the framework of the EU's Transition Facility.
The purpose of the survey was to learn about peoples' knowledge of the requirements for acquiring citizenship and also to find out how keen they are to become naturalized citizens. The polling company Saar Poll interviewed One thousand persons with undetermined citizenship for the survey.
ECONOMIC NEWS
Estonia formally joins Stockholm Agreement on maritime safety
Nov 24 - The government endorsed Estonia's becoming a party to the agreement on stepped-up survivability requirements for ro-ro ferries in north-western Europe and the Baltic, known as the Stockholm Agreement. Under the Stockholm Agreement of 1996, all ro-ro passenger ferries operating on international voyages to and from ports in north-western Europe and the Baltic Sea must meet a high basic survivability design standard (known as SOLAS 90) and be able to resist capsize with up to 50 cm of water entering the car deck.
The agreement applying a higher survivability standard to ro-ro ferries was suggested by a panel of experts commissioned by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) following the loss of the Estonia ferry in September 1994.
There are currently eight passenger ferries sailing under the Estonian flag, to which the agreement will formally apply.
All old member states of the European Union from north-western Europe and the Baltic Sea region have acceded to the agreement, along with Norway and Iceland.
Even though Estonia had not formally joined the agreement, Estonian ship owners had by 1998 made all the necessary modifications to comply with the agreement's requirements. Estonian laws have called for the same requirements that are pursuant to EU law.
In Estonia, the agreement will come into effect 30 days after the letter of accession is deposited with the secretary general of the IMO.
Estonian Air to launch direct flights to Croatia in spring
Nov 22 - Estonia's national carrier, Estonian Air will launch a direct service to Croatia's seaside resort of Dubrovnik. Starting next April, there will be a twice-weekly regular flight service to Croatia, lasting the whole spring and summer season from 19 April until 28 October, the company announced. "Next to traditional western European destinations, Estonians are increasingly discovering holiday opportunities and travel destinations outside the European Union. Dubrovnik is a city with an interesting culture and traditions where festivals and other activities are attracting holiday-makers all the time," Estonian Air vice president Mart Relve said.
Airline tickets to the Adriatic resort town are already available. The price of a one-way ticket starts at 1,150 kroons, (EUR 73.5) provided the ticket is bought online from the firm's website.
In March Estonian Air will also start flying to the capital of Crimea, Simferopol. Estonian Air carried more than 485,000 passengers in the first nine months of the current year. The firm flies direct to 14 European destinations.
Estonia: Unemployment falls to 7 percent in Q3
Nov 22 - In the third quarter of this year the unemployment rate in Estonia dropped to 7 percent according to a report by the Statistical Office.
Over the past five years joblessness has declined almost by two.
The unemployment rate that rose to the past decade's highest level in 2000 when it was around 13% has been steadily declining since then.
In Q3 the rate of unemployment was significantly smaller in comparison with both 8.1 percent in the second quarter and 10 percent in Q3 of 2004. According to the labour force survey, 611,000 of the population aged 15-74 were employed, 46,000 were unemployed, and 391,000 were economically inactive (discouraged persons, students, homemakers, retired persons, etc) in the third quarter of 2005.Compared with the same quarter a year earlier, the number of jobless was down by 20,000. The number of the employed meanwhile grew by 15,000 mostly on account of an increase of employment in the services sector. The rate of unemployment was the highest in north-eastern Estonia and lowest in central Estonia.
The biggest drop in joblessness was recorded in the northern part of the country, from 11.3 to 6.7 percent.
Over the past two quarters unemployment has noticeably decreased also in Northeast Estonia, the region with the highest rate of unemployment.
Currency Rates in Kroons
November 27, 2005
British pound - GBP - 22.877
Canadian dollar - CAD - 11.355
Swiss franc - CHF - 10.096
Danish krone - DKK - 2.097
Japanese yen - JPY - 0.112
Latvian lat - LVL - 22.485
Lithuanian lit - LTL - 4.532
Norwegian krone - NOK - 1.986
Russian rouble - RUB - 0.462
Swedish krona - SEK - 1.647
US dollar - USD - 13.311
Euro - EUR - 15.647
SPORTS NEWS
Šmigun placed third at MM freestyle in Kuusamo
Nov 27 - Kristina Šmigun got to stand on the winners' podium for the first time this season, when she placed third on Sunday in the 10 Kilometre free-style of the world cup series in cross country skiing held in Kuusamo Finland. Katerina Neumannova from the Czech Republic got first place. Šmigun lost to her by 26.3 seconds. Russian Skier Julija Tsepalova, who beat Šmigun by 5 seconds placed second in the race.
EESTI RINGVAADE is compiled from local news services, including BNS, and is issued by the Press and Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Eesti Ringvaade is also available through the Internet at http://www.vm.ee
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