Estonian Embassy in UK :: LATEST NEWS

BBC: How Estonia became E-stonia

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:21:52 GMT

‘The State of Cyber Security: Information Technology and Statecraft in the 21st Century’

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:43:06 GMT

A conversation with Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of the Republic of Estonia

Chair: James Morris MP, Treasurer, APPG Homeland Security

TIME: 12.30 – 1.30pm, Tuesday 21^st May 2013

VENUE: Committee Room 9, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

To attend please RSVP to: hanna.nomm@homeland-security.org.uk

The small republic of Estonia has come a long way since it regained its independence two decades ago. One success story in particular has made the name of the tiny nation known beyond its own corner of the world – the development and application of cutting edge solutions in information technology, or, as it has been called, the birth of E-stonia.

Having singled out information technology as a priority at a time when many wealthier nations were yet to fully realise the importance of this, Estonia is now a proud birthplace of Skype, a leader in e-governance, a bold innovator in education and health sectors, and a frontrunner in Internet freedom. Consequently, Estonia is also an important voice in matters related to cyber security. It was one of the first states to experience a series of targeted attacks on its key websites in 2007, and it is now the home to NATO’s Cyber Defence Centre.

By kind invitation of James Morris MP, The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Homeland Security is pleased to host a meeting with Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of the Republic of Estonia. President Ilves will discuss Estonia’s road to becoming a technological powerhouse and his experience of leading what is considered to be one of the most wired-up nations in the world. President Ilves will also discuss the implications that this has for security and defence, and for international cooperation in these fields. He will share the lessons learnt and highlight the challenges ahead.

Biography

Toomas Hendrik Ilves, was born on December 26, 1953, to an Estonian family living in Stockholm, Sweden. He acquired his education in the United States – he graduated from Columbia University in New York City in 1976 and received his Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1978.

Upon graduation, President Ilves worked in the academia – as a teacher and researcher at Columbia University and at the Open Education Center in Englewood, New Jersey. He also chaired the Vancouver Centre of Literature in Canada in the early 1980s. Since 1984 he moved to Europe, to work at the office of Radio Free Europe in Munich, Germany, first as a researcher and foreign policy analyst and later as the Head of the Estonian Desk.

From 1993 to 1996 Toomas Hendrik Ilves served in Washington as the Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the United States of America, Canada and Mexico. From 1996 to 1998, he was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia. After a brief period as Chairman of the North Atlantic Institute in 1998, he was again appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, staying in office until 2002.

From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Ilves was a Member of the Estonian Parliament; in 2004 he was elected a Member of the European Parliament. As an MEP, he initiated the Baltic Sea Strategy that later was implemented as official regional policy of the European Union.

Toomas Hendrik Ilves was elected President of the Republic of Estonia on September 23 and sworn into office on October 9, 2006. Ilves was re-elected for a second term in office on August 29, 2011 and renewed his oath of service on October 10, 2011.

During his presidency Toomas Hendrik Ilves has been appointed to serve in several high positions in the field of ICT in the European Union. He served as Chairman of the EU Task Force on eHealth from May 2011 to May 2012, and since November 2012 he became Chairman of the European Cloud Partnership Steering Board at the invitation of the European Commission. His interest in computers stems from an early age – he learned how to program at the age of 13, and he has been promoting Estonia’s IT-development since the country restored its independence. During recent years, president Ilves has spoken and written extensively at international forums on e-government, cyber security and other related topics.

President Ilves has published many essays and articles in Estonian and English on numerous topics ranging from Estonian language, history and literature to global foreign and security policy. His books include essay collections in Estonian, Finnish, Latvian and Hungarian.

Toomas Hendrik Ilves is married and has three children, a son and two daughters.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Homeland Security aims to research into and create awareness about homeland security issues and contribute to the development of government policy in the areas of homeland security and national resilience.

APPG Officers

Chair

Bernard Jenkin MP

Vice Chairs

The Baron Reid of Cardowan
The Baron Carlile of Berriew

Treasurer
James Morris MP

Secretary
The Baron Harris of Haringey

Conversation with HE Ambassador Aino Lepik von Wirén on the topic of “Small state diplomacy – challenges and opportunities”

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:12:51 GMT

Date: Tuesday, 14^th May, 2013
Time: 1-2.30 PM
Location: JSB Lecture Theatre, Richmond building, University of Bradford

University of Bradford welcomes Estonian Ambassador Mrs Aino Lepik von Wiren on 14^th May. She will give an informal talk introducing the work of ambassador and exploring how small state diplomacy differs from that of larger states.

The Ambassador Aino Lepik will bring a unique take on the current challenges and opportunities for countries such as Estonia within the EU and globally. The session will be in an interview format and the ambassador will welcome your questions.

The lecture will be followed by a reception and meeting with the students from the Baltic States at 2.30pm.

Please register for both of the sessions by emailing Maarja Hallik on m.hallik1@bradford.ac.uk by May 10th.

Innovation Insights: Tiny Estonia Hailed Best E-Gov by UN

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:43:07 GMT

MailOnline: World's seven smartest cities named as they vie for title of Intelligent Community of the Year

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:40:36 GMT

Virgin.com: Making start-ups truly international by Richard Branson

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:53:58 GMT

Examiner.com: Three popular spring travel destinations for 2013

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:53:15 GMT

The Telegraph: Estonia: wolves and the wilderness

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:55:03 GMT

The Guardian: A lesson in public e-policy

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:53:15 GMT

The Telegraph: Branson backs start-up that cuts FX costs

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:51:24 GMT

TechCrunch: Fits.me Closes $7.2M Series A To “Aggressively Expand” Its Virtual Fitting Room Tech In Europe, Start Prepping For U.S. Push

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:40:56 GMT

The Financial Times_Estonia's digital leap

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:26:33 GMT

The Guardian_ Rules of cyberwar: don't target nuclear plants or hospitals, says Nato manual

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:28:48 GMT

UK and Estonia sign Memorandum of Understanding on digital government

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:16:26 GMT

Business Sense: Lessons from the world’s startup capital

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:29:39 GMT

FreshEst presents: Estonian Ministry of Creative Affairs Wins International Fashion Showcase 2013!

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 11:17:57 GMT

Estonian Design Centre and Estonian Embassy in London are delighted to announce that the Estonian Showcase has won the 2013 International Fashion Showcase! Having competed against 27 countries and 110 designers from across the globe, it is an honour to be awarded this prestigious prize for the four break-out designers involved.

Having used the contrast between the rigid structure of a Ministry as a façade for its living creative contents, the Ministry explored innovative ways of presenting Estonian emerging fashion through multidisciplinary means. Employing moving image, story-telling and set design, an audiovisual narrative introduces the viewer to the designers: Kadri Kruus (Leather Accessories), Kristina Viirpalu (Womenswear), Karl Annus (Wooden Spectacles) and Kristian Steinberg (Menswear).

Estonian showcase was organised by Estonian Design Centre and Estonian Embassy in London.

Quotes from the Jury:

"We were very impressed with the way in which they transformed the space; incredible how they presented a film onto a curtain of fringing. The curator really brought everyone together in a symphony. From the moment we arrived, there was a warm welcome. The varied and tight edit of talent, and the professional manner in which the designers seem to lend themselves, as well as great craftsmanship was indelible - the hand-tooled bags, awe-inspiring hand-embroidery and gauze knitted dresses, coherent menswear, the focused way in which the designers appeared to know where they wished to be sold and who their customer is; they ticked all boxes."

Mandi Lennard, Mandi's Basement

''I felt that each designer presented market-ready collections and had a clear customer in mind. This was enhanced by the sharply curated space, which showed taste and a relevant attitude.''

''The curator clearly understood the fashion audience, and transformed a space that already had a definite 'personality'.''

Tristan Webber, Royal College of Art

"They showed a solid mix of womenswear, menswear, spectacles and handbags, alongside a fashion film. They worked well on a smaller budget, and looked very coherent as a collective. The stand-out collection for me were the beautiful hand-knitted and embroidered dresses by Kristina Viirpalu. The craftsmanship of the work on display as a whole was consistently strong."

Julian Roberts, British Council

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More on the Ministry Of Cultural Affairs

The Estonian Ministry of Creative Affairs is a fictitious establishment, an umbrella-narrative for a showcase of four Creative Ambassadors from Estonia. The showcase is part of International Fashion Showcase, a collaborative project launched by the British Council and British Fashion Council in 2012.

Between 15th - 19th February, 2013, the Ministry had taken over a renowned London arts venue, The Horse Hospital, transforming the space into a mythical immersive journey – a world that has its own breathing, inspired by Nordic nature and its unique aura.

Their stories are united through a fairy-tale-like fashion film, featuring designers’ products as characters in a dream-like scenario. Shot with -20 C in deep Estonian winter by fashion photographer Indrek Arula, the film also has an unique soundscape composed by drawing on visual film stills, translating the pixel sequences into electronic melodies.

Concept and experience designed by Helen Sirp (CSM MA Narrative Environments).

Estonian showcase was organised by Estonian Design Centre and Estonian Embassy in London.

See Helen Sirp’s Fashion Film Exclusively at Love Is The Law: http://www.loveisthelawmag.com/LITL-EXCLUSIVE

For more information about the designers and collections, please contact:

Sara Kieztmann | Saintil Communications

sara@saintilcommunications.com

https://www.facebook.com/FreshEstFocus

https://twitter.com/FreshEst_Design

http://pinterest.com/freshestdesign/

Instagram: @FreshEst_Design

Estonia Opens Honorary Consulate in Great Britain in Aberdeen

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:49:05 GMT

Today Estonia opened the Estonian Honorary Consulate in Aberdeen, Scotland, Great Britain. The Estonian honorary consul in Aberdeen is Simpson Buglass. It is Estonia’s fifth honorary consulate in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Aberdeen is the biggest city in north-eastern Scotland and an important centre for trade and the oil industry.

When opening the honorary consulate, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the north-eastern coast of Scotland has historically had close trade relations with Estonia and the Baltic Sea region. The opening of the Estonian Honorary Consulate will provide a good opportunity to once again create closer contacts with that region.

Foreign Minister Paet also said that many Estonians live and work in the area around Aberdeen and over 100 Estonian students study at the University of Aberdeen. “The opening of an honorary consulate will also allow better opportunities for providing consular services to Estonians living in and around Aberdeen,” he added.

The consular area for the Aberdeen honorary consulate are the Scottish shires of Aberdeen, Angus, Dundee City, Highland, Moray, Perth, and Kinross and the islands of Na h-Eileanan Siar, Orkney, and Shetland. The honorary consulate is located at 21 Carden Place, Aberdeen, AB10 1UQ. The honorary consulate can be reached by phone at +44 1224 625024, by fax at +44 1224 625026 or by email at simpson.buglass@g-s.co.uk

Estonian Honorary Consul Simpson Buglass was born on 30 November 1952 in Glasgow. He has a degree in land economics and has worked as a geodesist and a real estate advisor. Currently Buglass is a partner in the real estate firm Graham & Sibbald. He is also a member of the board of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

PRESS DEPARTMENT
+372 637 7654
press@mfa.ee

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet in London: A Strong and Functioning European Union and Euro Zone Are in Estonia’s Interests

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:08:18 GMT

While talking about developments in the European Union during his meeting with Foreign Minister of Great Britain William Hague in London today, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that a strong and functioning European Union and euro zone are in Estonia’s interests. “At the same time, Estonia understands the importance of reforms, since we need a better, more competitive Europe that is closer to its citizens,” Paet emphasised.

Foreign Minister Paet stated that one essential pillar of a strong European Union is a well-functioning internal market, including a digital internal market. “Together we must make an effort to turn the potential of a single market into a functioning reality that raises the competitiveness of the EU,” said Paet.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Hague confirmed that Great Britain, like Estonia, would like to develop the European Union’s single internal market. “In addition to a single market, we also feel that economic growth, creating new jobs, facilitating innovation, and concluding trade agreements with rapidly developing third countries is important,” said Paet, listing more examples of Estonia and Great Britain’s common interests in the EU.

When talking about the upcoming European Council, Paet and Hague also noted that they expect that an agreement will be reached regarding the European Union’s next budgetary period. “We hope that an agreement will be reached,” said the Estonian foreign minister.

Paet and Hague discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the need to expand civilian co-operation and development aid geared towards the country. “We have worked well together with Great Britain in Helmand Province for many years, and we would like to continue that co-operation in a new form after the removal of troops. For example, this year there are plans to send an Estonian expert to join Great Britain’s Department for International Development in Kabul,” said Paet. The foreign minister also confirmed that Afghanistan remains a development co-operation priority partner for Estonia and this year we will increase our support for Afghanistan even more.

Paet added that considering Estonia and Great Britain’s close ties in Afghanistan, the countries must also co-ordinate the reduction of their troops in Helmand Province.

In talking about bilateral relations between Estonia and Great Britain, the ministers discussed intensifying co-operation related to cyber security and e-state matters. The foreign minister expressed satisfaction over Great Britain’s decision to join the NATO Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn. “When Great Britain and France have joined, all the countries that are deeply involved in the cyber security question in NATO will be represented at the Cyber Defence Centre,” Paet said. The foreign minister also noted that Estonia would like to work more closely with Great Britain in strengthening the EU’s cyber security.

Paet stated that co-operation between Estonia and Great Britain in the realm of e-state activities also holds great potential. “Estonia has a lot in common with Great Britain in terms of its approach to developing an information society. We think it would be useful to exchange experts, hold training sessions, and conduct joint pilot projects in, for example, the areas of electronic identity and e-health,” he stated. Paet added that the Estonian Foreign Ministry is interested in the activities of British diplomats in the digital diplomacy realm.

At their meeting, the foreign ministers also discussed the situation in Mali. “It is essential to successfully ward off the rebels and restore the political process in the country. We would like for the European Union’s military training mission to head to Mali as soon as possible,” said Paet. The foreign minister added that Estonia recognises Great Britain, France, and other European Union member states as well as countries in Western Africa that have made a contribution and taken decisive action in this critical situation.

The foreign ministers of Estonia and Great Britain also discussed the situation in Syria and matters related to the Middle East peace process.

SPOKESPERSON’S OFFICE
+372 637 7654
press@mfa.ee
www.vm.ee

David Cameron Announced UK’s Plans to Join the Centre

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:13:12 GMT

UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced yesterday that UK is determined to join the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence this year. The statement was given during the bilateral meeting with Estonia’s Prime Minister Andrus Ansip. Joining process for UK is expected to be completed within 2013.

“Having UK joining as one of the Sponsoring Nations of the Centre is something that we see as a confirmation to our successes and to the high quality of research being done here,” said Colonel Artur Suzik, Director of the Centre. “We are looking forward to the cooperation, the ideas and expertise that will be added to the Centre soon.”

“Prime Minister David Cameron was pleased to tell Prime Minister Andrus Ansip personally during his visit to London that the UK has decided to join formally the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence,” noted H.E. Chris Holtby, British Ambassador to Estonia. “UK will send an expert, as well as continue the wider co-operation between the UK and the Centre which already exists. The UK values strongly the work of the Centre, and looks forward to increasing our contribution to its important work.”

Currently three NATO nations have announced their plans to join the Centre within 2013 – Turkey, France and United Kingdom. Official joining process includes the signing of the Notes of Joining which will be staffed in all the current Sponsoring Nations of the Centre – Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain and the United States.

NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence is an International Military Organisation located in Tallinn, Estonia. Its mission is to enhance the capability, cooperation and information sharing among NATO, its member nations and partners in cyber defence by virtue of education, research and development, lessons learned and consultation.

For more information:

Kristiina Pennar
Public Relations
+372 717 6811

https://www.ccdcoe.org/398.html

Prime Minister Ansip meets with Prime Minister Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Clegg of the United Kingdom

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:16:21 GMT

Prime Minister Andrus Ansip met with Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg of the United Kingdom in London today. Discussions ranged from defence cooperation and the NATO mission in Afghanistan to issues related to the European Union. Prime Minister Cameron also mentioned that the United Kingdom would be joining NATO’s cyber defence centre of excellence, which is based in Tallinn.

“Relations between Estonia and the United Kingdom are very good,” Ansip said. “There are many reasons for that, but one is without doubt our excellent cooperation in the field of defence. We’re glad to hear that the United Kingdom has decided to join the cyber defence centre of excellence and appoint its own expert to the centre.”

Prime Minister Ansip also thanked the United Kingdom for its contribution to Baltic air security.

Speaking of defence, the heads of government agreed that the NATO allies had achieved an outstanding level of cooperation as part of the Afghanistan mission and that their joint defensive work should continue in future. Prime Minister Ansip confirmed that Estonia would contribute further to efforts in Afghanistan this year, again with a full deployment of 170 defence forces personnel, and that the country would fulfil its duties as an ally for as long as its support is needed.

Prime Minister Ansip also spoke to Prime Minister Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Clegg about EU-related issues, primarily developments within the internal market.

“Estonia feels that bolstering the eurozone will foster development in the single market,” Ansip explained. He also outlined Estonia’s position in terms of the new EU budget, underscoring the importance of financing infrastructure to connect the continent. He also referred to the joint wish of the three Baltic States for Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian farmers to receive direct support from the new budget which is fairer and closer to the European average.

Discussions between Prime Minister Ansip and Deputy Prime Minister Clegg focussed on the successful launch of e-state cooperation between Estonia and the United Kingdom. Since the visit last May of British cabinet minister Francis Maude, who is responsible for the country’s civil administration, an Estonian expert has been advising the United Kingdom on the digitalisation of its national administration and on innovations in the IT management of its national institutions.

Prime Minister Ansip said that there are many similarities in the approach that Estonia and the United Kingdom take to developments in the information society and potential for the two countries to work together even more closely therein at the EU level, for example in advancing the single digital market.

Prime Minister Cameron will be attending the meeting of the heads of government of the Nordic countries and Baltic States to be held in Riga in February.

Prime Minister Ansip also expressed his condolences to Prime Minister Cameron at the meeting in regard to the deaths of the British citizens taken hostage in Algeria.

Pictures from the meeting are available online at http://valitsus.ee/et/uudised/pildialbum#2503-1.