What “c” do Aberdeen, Miami and Tavira have in common? Currency? No. Climate? Certainly not. The “c” in this case stands for consul – honorary consul, to be precise. Of the 193 countries in the United Nations, the Republic of Estonia has a diplomatic presence of some kind in 82 of them, ranging from embassies […]
Mapping diplomacy – Estonia’s global servants Read More »
The 20th century was turbulent for Estonia in many fields, architecture being no exception. Many of the buildings that popped up during this period were influenced by the economic and political considerations of Soviet policy or simply by the over-riding aim of replacing war damaged buildings quickly and cheaply. Consequently the country didn’t enjoy a
Exhibition “Conversion in Contemporary Estonian Architecture” opens in London Read More »
While Estonia was an unwilling member of the Soviet Union, from a military perspective it was a legitimate target in the event of a Soviet nuclear first-strike attack on the UK or its NATO allies. I will never forget the first time I saw a Vulcan bomber take-off. Standing next to the runway at RAF
Target: Estonia – Britain’s nuclear plan for Tallinn, Tartu and Viljandi Read More »
Despite a decrease in global piracy during 2012, almost 300 vessels were boarded, hi-jacked or fired upon while sailing on the high seas. In the worst affected areas, such as the coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, warships from a coalition of international navies are on patrol to act as a deterrent and
Estonian firm floats a new idea to combat naval piracy (video) Read More »
In the battle between a border crosser and a border guard, the latter has usually been on the back foot. Last year, over 72,000 people illegally entered the European Union and those states who border a non-EU country are required to make sure their national frontiers are secure and don’t become crossing points for illegal
Defendec – Estonia’s smart border guard technology Read More »
DSEI (Defence Systems and Equipment International) bills itself as the “world’s leading defence and security event”. Over 1,500 companies from 50 countries showcase their wares to an estimated 30,000 people over a four-day period at London’s ExCel Centre. During day one, I caught up with Estonian Eli Airborne Solutions and took a closer look at
Estonian innovation: day one at DSEI 2013 defence expo Read More »
The Cambridge Baltic Conference, due to take place on October 12, will bring together leaders in politics, science and business with students and young professionals. Notable speakers include former Prime Minister of Estonia and Vice-President of the European Commission Siim Kallas, former President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus and International Editor of The Economist Edward Lucas.
The Cambridge Baltic Conference — connecting leaders Read More »
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons of the Belgian Air Component have today taken over NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, after a ceremony at Šiauliai Airbase in Lithuania. Responsibility for airspace integrity over the Baltic states was transferred from the French Air Force, who had been on duty since April 30 this year. This is the
Belgium takes over NATO Baltic air mission Read More »
Poland has joined the European Defence Agency Joint Procurement Initiative scheme for the common purchase of ammunition for the Carl Gustav recoilless rifle. The scheme, initiated by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in March 2013 is run by the EDA, which acting as a central purchaser, pools and consolidates demand and allows member states to purchase
Poland joins Baltic States’ ammo procurement scheme, Czechs signal intent Read More »
During a March 2013 visit to NATO Headquarters by Estonia’s President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen remarked that “Estonia is an exemplary ally. Your troops are serving shoulder to shoulder with their NATO colleagues in one of the toughest parts of Afghanistan. They perform their duties with great courage and great skill.”
Infographic: Defending Estonia – the Estonian Defence Forces Read More »
