Estonia and United Kingdom

01.02.2012

The State Visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh to Estonia, 19–20 October 2006

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were re-established on 5 September 1991, following which the embassies were re-opened in Tallinn and London.

The current Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Estonia is Peter Carter (since November 2007). The current Estonian Ambassador to London is Aino Lepik von Wiren. Estonian interests are also represented in the United Kingdom by Honorary Consul in Cheltenham John Beevor, who started his activities in September 1998, Honorary Consul in Scotland Iain Lawson since November 2003, and Honorary Consul in Wales Sir Roger Jones since October 2005.

Former British Ambassadors to Estonia:

Nigel Robert Haywood (2003-2007)
Sarah Squire (2000-2003)
Timothy James Craddock (1997-2000)
Charles Richard Lucien de Chassiron (1994-1997)
Brian Buik Low (1991-1994).

Estonia's diplomatic representatives to the United Kingdom:

Margus Laidre, Ambassador (2006-2010)
Kaja Tael, Ambassador (2001–2006)
Raul Mälk, Ambassador (1996-2001)
Riivo Sinijärv, Ambassador (1993-1995)
Allan Sepp, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. (1992-1993)
Eerik Niiles Kross, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. (1991-1992).

Historical overview

The United Kingdom has always been a strong supporter of Estonia’s independence and development. This relationship had its beginning during Estonia's War of Independence, when the UK sent a Royal Navy detachment led by Admiral E.A. Sinclair to defend Estonia’s shores. The British seamen who gave their lives defending Estonia's freedom during the conflict were laid to rest in the Tallinn Military Cemetery.

In the 1920s and 1930s, political and trade relations between Estonia and the United Kingdom flourished. More than 30% of Estonia’s exports went to the UK, an important trade partner for Estonia at the time.

The United Kingdom never recognised Estonia’s annexation in 1940. The UK reaffirmed its recognition of Estonia's independence on 27 August 1991 after de facto independence had been restored. Since then, relations between Estonia and the UK have been exemplified by their consistency and vigour. In July 1992, the UK was the first EU member state to restore visa-free travel with Estonia.

Visits

The lively contacts between Estonia and the United Kingdom lead to a busy visit schedule. Estonia has been visited by several members of the British royal family and state officials of Great Britain.

Bilateral relations

The relations between Great Britain and Estonia are active and good – communication takes place on the level of ministries and offices as well as on a higher political level. Recent European Union matters that have been of interest to both parties are the internal market, including the digital internal market, and EU enlargement. In the Estonian-British relationship, the communication between ministries and other offices is becoming more and more important in connection with relevant EU issues. Great Britain is a major contributor to NATO and to the Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Union. That determines the character of the security policy dialogue between the two countries. Great Britain has provided assistance to Estonia in the implementation of defence reforms. The two countries also have an experience in joint solving of tasks in the international arena. Estonia and Great Britain are both members of the international coalition of stabilisation in Iraq and both countries are together in Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

Estonia and the United Kingdom have successfully co-operated in supporting third countries for years. In the course of this co-operation, Estonia has passed on its experience of implementing transition reforms to countries where such reforms are underway or are still in the planning stage. Jointly, the two countries have helped Ukrainian, Georgian and Moldovan state institutions, in, among others, the field of know-how and reforms of the legal and judicial system and defence structures.

An integral part of the relations between the two countries is co-operation between the parliaments. An Estonian parliament group is active in the British parliament, the Chairman of which is the member of the House of Commons Gordon Marsden. The Chairman of the British parliament group in the Estonian Riigikogu is Mailis Reps. Many Estonian and British political parties also have close ties. In 2009 members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Defence Committee, and the Welsh Affairs Committee visited Estonia.

In the autumn of 2002, the British-Estonian Association (BEST) was established. BEST unites members of the British community who take an interest in Estonia and who want to contribute to enhancing Estonia’s reputation in the United Kingdom. BEST has organised events to present various sides of Estonian public life, where guests from Estonia have as a rule participated. The magazine Lennuk is published twice a year for members and other interested parties.

Agreements

The following agreements have been concluded between the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:

• Agreement Concerning Air Services (came into force 3 Mar 93);
• International Traffic Insurance Agreement between the Estonian Traffic Insurance Fund and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (came into force 1 July 1993);
• Memorandum of Understanding of Defence Contacts and Cooperation (came into force 3 Oct 1994);
• Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments (came into force 16 Dec 1994);
• Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital Gain (came into force 19 Dec 1994);
• Agreement on Cooperation in Education, Science and Culture (came into force 18 July 1996);
• Agreement on International Road Transport (came into force 21 Aug 1998);
• Memorandum on Mutual Understanding on the Assignment of a Military Counsellor (came into force 4 Feb 2004);
• Memorandum on Mutual Understanding Regarding the Accreditation of a Military Attaché (came into force 4 Feb 2004).

Economic Relations

In 2009 the Estonian Guild in London (Eesti Gild Londonis), which brings together entrepreneurs and enterprising people in London, was established. In addition to the Enterprise Estonia representative for promoting exports and investments, in 2009 an Enterprise Estonia tourism representative also went to work in London. In 2010 a 15-member delegation from the Estonian space industry visited London. The British-Estonian Chamber of Commerce (BECC) has organised visits for business delegations – in 2010 a visit to London took place with a delegation led by Minister for Economic Affairs and Communications Juhan Parts and in 2011 a visit to Scotland took place with a delegation led by Foreign Ministry Secretary General Alar Streimann.

TRADE

Economic relations between Estonia and the UK are active. As of the III quarter of 2011 the UK was in 11th place among Estonia’s trade partners, making up 2.5% of Estonia’s total trade turnover with 459 million euros. Of this sum export totalled 175 million euros and import 283 million. The most important articles of export were wood and wood products, other manufactured goods, and machinery and equipment. Machinery and equipment were also one of the main import groups, along with prepared foodstuffs and beverages and chemical products (9%).

Estonia-Great Britain trade 2005-2010

Source: Statistical Office of Estonia

Main export articlesto Great Britain in first 9 months of 2010:

• Wood and wood products, wood coal - 34.1%
• Other manufactured goods (mainly furniture) - 19.6%
• Machinery and equipment - 14.4%
• Mineral products - 8.4%
• Textiles and textile products - 2.6%

Main import articles from Great Britain in first 9 months of 2010:

• Machinery and equipment - 32.5%
• Food products, drinks, tobacco – 25.4%
• Transport vehicles - 7.6%
• Chemical products - 7.5%
• Plastic and rubber products – 5.6%

INVESTMENTS

As a foreign investor the UK’s interest in Estonia has been fairly great, although in the first half of 2010 its investment position declined somewhat compared with the previous year. According to data from the Bank of Estonia, as of 30 June 2010, 1.5% of all foreign direct investments made in Estonia came from the UK, totalling 184 million EUR in value. This placed the UK in 11th place among foreign investors (at the end of 2009 it was in 6th place). More than third of investments went to real estate, 30% into the activities of headquarters, a fifth into the manufacturing industry, and 16% into wholesale and retail trade. Investments have also been made in financial services, water supplies, and construction.

According to the Commercial Register, as of 1 July 2010 there were 485 enterprises with UK involvement registered in Estonia (306 of them with 100% UK participation), which is 4% of all enterprises with foreign participation (6th place). There were 294 actually active businesses that presented their economic statements to the Commercial Register in 2008. The enterprises with the greatest UK capital are MCB Finance AS, GlaxoSmithKline Eesti OÜ, and Grand Marketing.

The fields where UK firms have invested the most are wholesale and retail commerce, the manufacturing industry, financial services, real estate, and rental and commercial service.

As of that same date Estonian investments in the UK totalled 30.8 million EUR, making up 0.7% of Estonia’s investments in foreign countries. A third of the sum was invested by information and communications companies and close to 30% by construction companies. Smaller investments have gone to wholesale and retail trade, financial intermediation, and real estate.

According to data from the Bank of Estonia, as of 30 September 2008 British companies had made direct investments totalling 258.7 million euros in Estonia. Estonian companies have invested 53.5 million euros in Great Britain.

In July 2004, United Utilities Group acquired participation in AS Tallinna Vesi; it now owns 35.3% of AS Tallinna Vesi stocks. The shareholders of United Utilities Group are 75% the Great Britain group United Utilities and 25% the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

British investments were also connected with Estonian Railways. Baltic Rail Service, which in April 2001 won 66% of the shares in Eesti Raudtee, was composed of four companies, one of which was Jarvis International of the Brits (the biggest railway maintenance firm of the Brits). On 12 June 2006, the Riigikogu approved the Government’s proposal to end the privatisation agreement for Eesti Raudtee with the consent of all parties, and Eesti Raudtee was purchased back by the state.

Companies with the largest British ownership (mln EUR):

TOURISM

Tallinn and Estonia’s reputation as a tourist destination has grown significantly in Great Britain over the past few years, which is why Great Britain is classified as a developing market (high potential) in Estonia’s tourism development plan. In 2004 nearly 30% more tourists from the UK used lodging in Estonia than in the previous year, largely thanks to Estonia joining the European Union. There was even more rapid growth (60%) in 2005, when 62.3 thousand UK tourists used Estonian accommodation establishments. Over the next few years the number of UK tourists using lodging in Estonia steadily decreased, and in 2009 only 33.4 thousand UK citizens used Estonian accommodation establishments. In the first half of 2010 there were 16.3 thousand people from Great Britain that used Estonian lodging, which was 7% more than a year earlier. In addition, for UK tourists Tallinn has become one of the most popular destinations among Baltic cruise ports. In terms of cruise tourists, in 2010 the UK remained in second place behind the USA.

Estonian interest in Great Britain has also grown year by year. In 2004 nearly 16 thousand Estonian tourists visited the UK with the help of travel agencies. The following year the number decreased slightly, though in 2006 the number of Estonian tourists that visited Great Britain was back up to about 16 thousand. In 2007-2008 travel agencies sent about 14.5 thousand Estonian tourists per year to Great Britain. In 2009 the number reached only 10.2 thousand. However, many Estonian visit London and the surrounding areas independently, without the help of travel agencies.

There are now three airlines with direct flights: Estonian Air, Easyjet, and Ryanair.

Cultural Relations

The agreement on co-operation in education, science, and culture between Estonia and the UK signed in July 1996 has facilitated and promoted co-operative efforts in many different areas.

The Tallinn-based British Council has supported British art, music, literature, theatre and film in Estonia. Culture festivals devoted to different regions of Great Britain have taken place. The British Council has also dealt with offering English teachers supplementary training.

Scheduled to coincide with the 93rd anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, the first festival dedicated entirely to Estonian culture “Eesti Fest” took place in London in 2011. The large-scale event organised in co-operation by the Estonian Embassy in London and BBC Radio 3 consisted of a programme of Estonian music and musicians at King’s Place. The best works of Estonian contemporary, classical, and jazz music were presented, and digital Estonia was presented in a talk by Skype founder Sten Tamkivi.

In October 2011 an event geared towards the younger generation took place. With the help of the Embassy, the London Estonian School organised the children’s photo exhibit “Nondigitally Estonian”. The exhibit was shown in the 12 Star gallery at the Europe House and was curated by photographer Karel Polt. Young photographers aged 4-14 had a special experience – each child was given a film camera with 27 shots for one week. The concept of the exhibit – home, friends, the environment, and life in London through the eyes of a child – produced an interesting result that also fit well with the profile of the gallery.

Kristian Steinberg, a fashion designer with Estonian roots, presented his menswear collection “Scars” at London Fashion Week. Estonian groups that have performed in London include Vox Clamantis, Hortus Musicus, and others.

We must also mention our shining star in music Arvo Pärt, who received the title of Composer of the Year at the Classic Brit Awards 2011.

The WALESTONIA Festival, which was dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, was visited by President of the Republic Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Mrs. Evelin Ilves. Minister of Culture Laine Jänes paid a working visit to Scotland and Wales, where she participated in many Estonian cultural events, including a performance by the Estonian National Opera. Estonia’s honorary consuls have also helped to introduce Estonia’s culture: Iain Lawson in Scotland, Sir Roger Jones in Wales, and John Beever in England. The Britain-Estonia Association (BEST) in London has also made a contribution. In accordance with the decision made by the board of the Programme of Academic Studies of Estonian Language and Culture Abroad, an office for Estonian language and culture was established in Glasgow University with the support of the Estonian state in 2006. In University College London, it is possible to study Estonian as an elective in their School of Slavonic and Eastern European Studies (SSEES). In 2005, the position of cultural adviser was created in Estonia’s London embassy with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture. Preparations for larger co-operation projects have led to the creation of close ties between many cultural institutions in Estonia and the United Kingdom.

LITERATURE

Although previously the only Estonian novels that had been released by British publishers were Jaan Kross’s “The Czar’s Madman” (“Keisri hull”) (1992), “Professor Martens’ Departure” (“Professor Martensi ärasõit”) (1994), “The Conspiracy” (“Vandenõu”)(1995), and “Treading Air” (“Paigallend”) (2003)—released by Harvill Press—as well as Tõnu Õnnepalu’s “Border State” (“Piiririik”)(2000, Northwestern University Press), in 2009 the translated works of many authors were published: Kristiina Ehin, Doris Kareva, Imbi Paju, Ly Seppel, A.-H. Tammsaare, Mati Unt, and Livia Viitol, by the publishers Norvik Press, Oleander Press, Lapwing Publications, Coiscéim, and others. Kristiina Ehin’s poetry compilation in Welsh is being published by Barddas Publications. In 2005, Andres Ehin’s “Poems” (“Luuletused”)(Southword Editions) was published, and in 2007 Viivi Luik’s novel “The Beauty of History” (“Ajaloo ilu”)(Norvik Press). In 2007 in London, Ilmar Lehtpere was presented with the Corneliu M Popescu European poetry translation award for translating Kristiina Ehin’s poetry compilation “The Drums of Silence” (Oleander Press). Estonian publishers have been represented for many years at the London book fair, and in 2008 they were present for the first time at the Hay-on-Wye literature festival within the framework of the WALESTONIA Festival. During the past few years, Kristiina Ehin, Jürgen Rooste, Asko Künnap and Karl Martin Sinijärv have performed during poetry evenings. In 2009 an Estonian library was opened at the University of Glasgow.

Three exciting book launches have also taken place. At the beginning of the year director of the Estonian Foreign Policy Institute Andres Kasekamp presented his book “History of the Baltic States” at the School of Slavonic and Eastern European Studies at University College London. In June Tiina Tamman presented the English-language book “August Torma – Soldier, Diplomat, Spy”, which was based on a doctoral thesis written about the former Estonian ambassador in London August Torma. In December the anthology of Estonian literature “The Dedalus Book of Estonian Literature” was presented in Glasgow, where the guest of honour was the book’s translator Eric Dickens.

ART

Estonian art has been introduced in Great Britain through exhibits by many artists. In addition to internationally known names like Kadri Mälk, Marko Mäetamm, Mark Raidpere and Jaan Toomik, many other graphic, video, textile and industrial artists have had their first shows in Great Britain: Kadri Alesmaa, Peeter Allik, Liisu Arro, Inga Heamägi, Minna Hint, Monika Järg, Kai Kaljo, Raul Keller, Mare Kelpman, Andrei Kormašov, Eeva Käsper, Krista Leesi, Kristiina Norman, Katrin Pere, Kaie Pungas, Mari Sobolev, Maksim Šurin, Aune Taamal, Aili Vahtrapuu, Veronika Valk, Tanel Veenre, Urmas Viik, Kadri Viires, and Jaak Visnap. Annika Haas, Age Peterson, Birgit Püve and Krista Mölder have all displayed photo exhibits, and Hanno Soans and Andres Kurg have given lectures on Estonian art. Jüri Kask’s author exhibition took place in Oxford, Vilen Künnapu and August Künnapu had a joint exhibit at the WALESTONIA Festival, and the artist residency programme begun by Tiiu Kirsipuu was continued at the same festival. Reet Aus and Kristian Steinberg made it into London’s Fashion Week with their collections. Mare Tralla, who lives in London, has had many exhibitions there.

MUSIC

Estonian culture is often represented in Great Britain through music. In recent years the works of Arvo Pärt and Erkki-Sven Tüür have frequently been performed, including in the series showing successful classical music concerts, BBC Proms. The names of both composers can be found on the British classical music charts. British choirs and orchestras have also performed the works of other Estonian composers. Estonian conductors Neeme Järvi, Paavo Järvi and Arvo Volmer have worked with many distinguished British symphony orchestras.

After a long hiatus, Neeme as well as Paavo and Kristjan Järvi are in the media spotlight for conducting London orchestras. Anu Tali will make her London debut in the spring of 2009. Olari Elts has been the first guest conductor of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra since 2007. Vox Clamantis has had a successful British debut. In addition to performances of Erkki-Sven Tüür and Arvo Pärt’s works, there have also been British premiers of the works of Toivo Tulev, Helena Tulve and Tõnis Kaumann.

Estonian choir music has been brought to the British Isles by Estonian Radio’s Laulustuudio, Estonian Television’s Girls’ Choir, The Estonia National Opera Boys’ Choir, Orthodox Singers, and Heinavanker. The Heiki Mätlik Trio, Anto Pett and Anne-Liis Poll, and the Uus Tallinn Trio have all done concert tours. Also notable is the success of young mezzo soprano Monika-Evelin Liivi in important roles on the Royal Opera Stage in Covent Garden, as she was chosen to participate in Jette Parker’s young singers programme. Juhan Tralla gave an impressive performance in the Singers of the World competition in Cardiff. Mikk Murdvee made his conducting debut in London before the Southbank Symphony in 2008. The folk music ensemble Ro:toro has done many tours of the United Kingdom and has performed together with the Estonia-Wales folk duo Sild. Kärt Johanson and Tõnis Mägi have performed in London, and the duo of Raivo Tafenau and Meelis Vind gave concerts in London as well as Kent. The jazz quartet made up of Raivo Tafenau, Kristjan Randalu, Tanel Ruben and Taavo Remmel gave many concerts during the WALESTONIA Festival; pianist Kristjan Randalu has played with many international collectives in the renowned jazz club Ronnie Scott. Bullfrog Brown, who was recognised for the best European blues album of 2008, did two tours of the United Kingdom in 2009. The indie music group Pia Fraus has given concerts in London. In 2008, Hannah did her album release tour together with Jason Donovan. Pop singer Kerli, whose music video has been seen on MTV, has also performed in London. Other regular faces on the music scene are Silver Ainomäe, Anna-Liisa Bezrodnõi ja Sten Lassmann, who study in London music schools. Estonia and its capital Tallinn were among the spotlights of the City of London Festival held from 23 June to 9 July 2009, thanks to the music of Estonian composers.

British musicians have also come to Estonia and participated in music festivals. Several British rock and pop groups have performed in Tallinn during the last several years, such as Blur, Big Country, Prodigy and the Rolling Stones. In March 2004 the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra gave concerts in Tallinn, Tartu and Pärnu.

THEATRE, DANCE

On 30 June 2009 the British ballet public bid adieu to the beloved star couple Age Oks and Toomas Edur, who ended a nearly 20-year career as the leading couple of the English National Ballet. They are arguably the Estonian artists that have gained the most attention, having performed in the memorial concert for Princess Diana at Wembley Stadium that was broadcast by TV channels in 140 nations. Eve Mutso dances lead roles with the Scottish National Ballet. The Estonia National Opera made its first Great Britain appearance with the contemporary ballet performance “Hamlet” at the Taliesin Centre in Wales; the author of the ballet’s original choreography is Oksana Titova. Titova, Taavet Jansen, and Päär Pärenson gave successful performances at the London dance theatre The Place in the piece “The Last Hairy”.

Performances of the VAT Theatre’s “Kalevipoeg” took place in the notable new London art centre ICA. Jaan Tätte’s “The Highway Crossing” (“Ristumine peateega”) was very successful in London; it was even shown on two stages, the Blue Elephant Theatre and the Arcola Theatre. The director was Liisa Smith. Staged readings of Urmas Vad’s show “The Real Elvis” took place in the Unicorn Theatre in London. Anne Juren and Krõõt Juurak performed at The Place in London with their contemporary dance performance “Look Look”, and Triin Reemann and Silver Elvest took the stage at the Purcell Room in South Bank Centre with their performance “Good Knews”.

For many years now, young actors, directors and dramaturges from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre have studied at Rose Bruford College in London as exchange students through the Socrates programme.

OTHER

In the University of London’s School for Slavonic and Eastern European Studies (SSEES), Estonian language courses are offered on a facultative basis.

Both Great Britain and Estonia have striven to record and to publicise historical events important to both countries. The Laidoner Museum has conducted research on the operations of the British Navy in the Gulf of Finland after the end of World War I, where the Navy blocked the further advance of the Bolsheviks.

On the isles of Naissaar and Vaindloo, the tombs of British soldiers have been marked. On 28 May 1998, a plaque in memory of the British seaman who served and gave their lives during the Estonian War of Independence from 1918-1920 was unveiled on the wall of the Maritime Museum by Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. In the summer of 2003, a memorial tablet for all the British soldiers who perished in 1918-1920 during the Estonian War of Independence was unveiled in Tallinn's Holy Spirit Church. In Great Britain, an equivalent memorial plaque was opened on 16 December 2005 in Portsmouth Cathedral by Prince Andrew and Chief of Estonian Defence Forces Admiral Kõuts.
With the support and help of the Embassy, the Estonian School in London started up in 2009, which offers supplementary Estonian-language education to children. The children’s summer camp held in Central England celebrated its 60th anniversary this year.