Estonia and United Kingdom

11.12.2009

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). Estonian Ambassador to London Margus Laidre presented his credentials to the Queen on 28 March 2006. Estonian interests are represented in the United Kingdom also by Honorary Consul in Cheltenham John Beevor who started his activities in September 1998, Honorary Consul in Scotland Iain Lawson as of November 2003 and Honorary Consul in Wales Sir Roger Jones as of October 2005.

Former British Ambassadors to Estonia:

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

Estonia's diplomatic representatives to the United Kingdom:

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. This relationship had its beginning during Estonia's War of Independence, when the UK sent a Royal Navy detachment to block Bolshevik attempts to land troops behind Estonian lines. British seamen were among those who gave their lives defending Estonia's freedom during the conflict; some of them were laid to rest in Tallinn. British naval and material support was essential in securing the battlefront and gave Estonia time to organise a decisive counter-offensive to regain Estonian territory. British seamen who fell for the independence of the Republic of Estonia are buried 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. The United Kingdom never recognized 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 create an intense visits schedule. Estonia has been visited by several members of the British royal family and state officials.

Bilateral relations

The relations between Great Britain and Estonia are active and good, in recent years the co-operation has become even closer. Formerly, an important place in co-operation was occupied by Estonia’s preparation for the European Union and NATO membership. In connection with Estonia’s involvement in the work of those organizations and becoming a full member state in the spring of 2004, the character of co-operation has step-by-step been modified. In recent years, in co-operation in the field of the European Union a central topic has been energy and climate change. In the Estonian-British relationship, the communication between the ministries and other offices is becoming more and more important in connection with the EU topical issues.

Great Britain is a major contributor to the 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 solid assistance to Estonia in the implementation of defence reforms (see separately co-operation in the field of security). 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 stabilization in Iraq; both countries are together in the Helmand Province of 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 Sven Mikser. 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.

It is customary for visiting politicians or high-ranking officials to give lectures in the course of their visits. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet took the floor at Chatham House in November 2005, former Foreign Minister Kristiina Ojuland lectured twice – in February 2004 in Oxford and in 2002 at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London. In recent years, other lecturers have included former President Arnold Rüütel, former Prime Minister Juhan Parts, former Foreign Minister Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Minister of Economy and Communications Meelis Atonen, Ambassador Jüri Luik, Director of the European Union Information Secretariat of the State Chancellery Henrik Hololei (together with Peter Hain, member of the British cabinet), Vice-President of the Bank of Estonia Andres Sutt, Ambassador Matti Maasikas.

In January 2006, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip delivered a discourse in London School of Economics on the following topic. The European Union: a positive view. In February, President Toomas-Hendrik Ilves made a report at Oxford Union. In October 2008, Toomas Hendrik Ilves gave a lecture on EU security at the London School of Economics.

Agreements

• 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

* Pre and post 1 May 2004 data are incomparable. After accession to the EU, the import is calculated on the basis of the sending country, earlier this was based on the country of origin.

At the initiative of the Embassy, a seminar introducing Estonia’s electronics sector took place. More than 10 electronics businesses from Estonia and the United Kingdom participated. In 2009 the Estonian Guild in London (Eesti Gild Londonis), which brings together entrepreneurs and enterprising people in London, was also 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.

Trade

In 2008 Great Britain ranked 8th among Estonia’s trade partners, making up 3% of all foreign trade. Trade turnover was 579.2 million euros, of which 224.9 million euros was exports and 354.3 millions euros was imports, meaning the trade balance was positive for Great Britain by 129.4 million euros. In the first nine months of 2009 the negative trends in trade turnover continued and Great Britain has fallen to 13th place among Estonia’s trade partners: with a total turnover of 221 million, the balance is a negative 21 million euros. Trade turnover makes up 2.2% of Estonia’s total trade turnover.

It should be noted that the significant surplus of 2005 has become a sizable deficit, which has remained on the same level for recent years now.

Source: Statistical Office of Estonia

Main export articles in 2008:

• Wood and wood products - 20.1%
• Mineral products - 16.3%
• Other manufactured goods (mainly furniture) - 14.7%
• Machinery and equipment - 12.5%
• Metals and metal products - 8.8%
• Textiles and textile products - 4.6%

Main import articles in 2008:

• Food products - 29.3%
• Machinery and equipment - 27.9%
• Metals and metal products - 7.1%
• Chemical products - 3.7%
• Textiles and textile products - 3.3%
• Mineral products - 2.7%

All economic figures originate from the Statistical Office of Estonia

INVESTMENTS

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.

The fields where UK firms have invested the most are whosale and retail comerce, processing and refining, financial services, real estate and rental and commercial service.

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.

As of 1 December 2008, according to the Enterprises Register, there are 629 enterprises partly or entirely owned by United Kingdom capital registered in Estonia.

Companies with the largest British ownership (mln EUR):

TOURISM

Tourism contacts between Estonia and the United Kingdom have significantly increased. In 1999, 35,417 Britons visited Estonia. In 2003, British visitors numbered 71,097, which means that within a five year span the number of tourists doubled. British subjects place 8th in terms of the number of visitors to Estonia. The number of Estonians visiting the United Kingdom is also on the rise. Estonian Air increased its number of flights to London (Gatwick) per week to nine in May 2004. In October 2004, the discount airline EasyJet added seven flights a week to the existing connection between Tallinn and London (Stansted). As of May 2005, Estonian Air flies to Manchester three times a week. The reputation of Tallinn and Estonia as a tourist destination has in recent years significantly improved. According to Statistics Estonia, in 2008 there were 112 423 overnight stays in Estonia by tourists from Great Britain.

Defence co-operation

Co-operation with the United Kingdom is one of the most substantial of Estonia’s international relationships. British aid is directed to the areas where it can help Estonia the most, considering the priorities of the development of our defence forces.

Under the Copenhagen Memorandum, the United Kingdom participated in initiating the training of the Baltic Peacekeeping Battalion (BaltBat). BaltBat has ended its activities, but the co-operation between the two countries in building up the land force is continuing. The United Kingdom supports several other Baltic regional projects, such as BaltRon (Baltic Naval Squadron), BaltNet (Baltic Air Surveillance Network) and BaltDefCol (Baltic Defence College). The BaltDefCol has been supported by teachers from the UK as well as previously in the form of British exchange students.

Great Britain has advised Estonia in the field of defence policy, from 1995-1998 the Johnson group (IDAB) worked in Estonia. In 2000, Sir Garry Johnson initiated trilateral defence related co-operation with Georgia.

On 15 January 2001, British adviser Tim Park started work in the Ministry of Defence and in the Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces. Park was replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Lucas in October 2003 whose work in Estonia finishes in May 2009.

One of the most important recent projects in the field of defence co-operation has been the participation of the Estonian contingent in the British-led PRT in Afghanistan. In April 2006, the Memorandum of Mutual Understanding between the Estonian-British Defence Ministries on the logistical support provided to the Estonian contingent participating in the UK-led PRT in Afghanistan.

On 14 September 2006 at Portsmouth Naval Base, Minister of Defence Jürgen Ligi signed an agreement with Great Britain on the procurement of three Sandown-class mine hunters. The cost of the transaction is nearly 800 million kroons, which for Estonia is one of the most voluminous procurements in the field of state defence. The first ship was handed over to Estonia on 26 April 2007 in the Port of Rosyth, Scotland. The ship is called Admiral Cowan – after admiral Cowan, who during the Estonian War of Independence commanded the British naval squadron. The formal ceremony marking the completed agreement occurred on 17 April 2009 in Tallinn’s Old City Harbour.

Bilateral defence co-operation between Estonia and Great Britain has been especially active. The activity of the Estonian unit in the mission in southern Afghanistan has been recognised before the public many times in 2009 by Prime Minister G. Brown and Foreign Minister D. Miliband. As a mark of close defence co-operation, Great Britain decided in November 2009 to send a residing defence attaché to Tallinn, who represents Great Britain in defence co-operation with all three Baltic states. In June the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious visited Tallinn twice. In September Estonia was visited by the First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff Sir Mark Stanhope, who got acquainted with the Estonian navy, showed his respect for the British seamen who supported Estonia’s fight for independence, and showed interest in the work of the Baltic Defence College.

Cultural Relations

The agreement on co-operation in education, science, and culture between Estonia and the UK 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.

Several British organisations have supported Estonian culture and the arts. For example, the British Headly Trust has supported the restoration of Tallinn's Holy Spirit Church (Pühavaimu Kirik), which now also holds services in English. Similarly, the Art Museum of Estonia has received assistance. The Welcome Trust, specialising in medical research, has financed Estonian scientific work in the field of molecular biology and gene technology, enabling outstanding scholars to work in their native country. In 2003, a subsidiary to the British Children’s Fire and Burn Trust was founded in Estonia with the objective of preventing fire and burn accidents suffered by children, and to promote the treatment of burns.

In the period from 2005-2008, the introducing of Estonian culture in the United Kingdom has increased remarkably. Notable events have included: an Estonian cultural festival in Oxford and Estonian Culture Days in Scotland (2005); the performance of Arvo Pärt’s “Passio” in Westminster Abbey (2006); the celebration of the Republic of Estonia’s 90th anniversary and the presenting of Estonia’s musical gift in London, as well as the WALESTONIA Festival (2008). The latter was a festival of Estonian culture that lasted for four months and was one of the largest presentations of Estonian culture ever organised abroad.

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.

Estonia has been represented in all the European Commission’s London cluster projects: the documentary film festival “Voyage” (2007), the contemporary dance festival “DancEUnion” (2008), and the art-themed documentary film festival “What’s Art Doc?” (2008).

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.

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 made it into London’s Fashion Week with her collection. Mare Tralla, who lives in London, has had many exhibitions there.

In 2007, the first piece of Estonian art was sold at the Christie’s auction house in London—Alice Kask’s “Käe fragment” (“Fragment of a Hand”). KUMU, the Kingston Museum, and Dorich House are co-operating to study the works of internationally compelling Estonian related sculptor Dora Gordine.

In October 2003, the Rotermann Salt Storage Exhibition Hall of the Art Museum of Estonia exhibited a retrospective of British pop art, “As Is When. British Pop Art. Graphics from 1961-1972”. In April 2004, Rotermann presented the British op-art classic Bridget Riley’s graphic art from the years 1962-2003. Marking the tenth anniversary of the activities of the British Council in the Baltics, an exhibition named “POSH” was opened in the Tallinn Art Gallery in April 2003.

On 17 October 2006, to mark the visit of Britain’s Queen Elisabeth II to Estonia, two exhibitions were opened in Tallinn. A joint exhibition by Estonian artist Jüri Arrak and British artist P.J.Crook was unveiled at Draakoni Gallery, arranged by the Estonian Embassy in London; the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2005 exhibition was opened in KUMU Art Museum organized by the British Embassy and the British Council, compiled from entries to the world’s largest and most prestigious wildlife photography competition.

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; their most noteworthy performances include: The Sage Gateshead (2005); a tour with Dhafer Youssef (2007); a performance in the Royal Opera Linbury Hall (2008); in St. Paul’s Cathedral and Banqueting Hall together with the Weekend Guitar Trio (2008); and the Vale of Glamorgan festival (2008). Veljo Tormis has been in the centre of attention—an author concert in London, the guest of honour at the Swaledale music festival, recordings (Holst Singers and Hyperion), a lecture in London’s Royal Academy of Music; the Toccata Press has given out CDs of Tormis’ men’s choir pieces and Ester Mägi’s orchestra pieces. Two works have been ordered from Urmas Sisask to premier in Britain, of which the last one—Veni Creator Spiritus—was Estonia’s musical gift to the United Kingdom in honour of Estonia’s 90th anniversary. 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 (2008). The Estonian Philharmonic Orchestra has been a guest on BBC Proms twice (2005, 2008) and were invited to the Edinburgh festival for the first time (2008). The concert of the Estonian National Men’s Choir with the BBC Wales National Symphony Orchestra during the WALESTIONIA Festival was broadcast by BBC Radio 3.

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 Petti 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, will do 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 this year from 23 June to 9 July, 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

Estonian ballet is known in Great Britain thanks to Toomas Edur and Age Oks (stage names Thomas Edur and Agnes Oaks), who have been the lead dancers of the English National Ballet for years. Estonian ballet dancer Tiit Helimets is a lead dancer in the Birmingham Royal Ballet Theatre. Estonian ballerina Eve Mutso has been seen on Scottish stages since 2003. On 30 June 2009 Age Oks and Toomas Edur ended a nearly 20-year career as the leading couple of the English National Ballet, are arguably the Estonian artists that have gained the most attention, having performed in the memorial concert for Princess Diana at Wembley Stadium, which 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.

CINEMA

During the 2006 International Animation Festival, three days in the Curzon Soho in London were dedicated to Estonian animated films. In addition to the focus on Estonian animated films and Estonian puppet films at the aforementioned festival, which showed a majority of the recent works by Estonian animators, there was also a comprehensive exhibit dedicated to Estonian puppet films entitled “Having Soul” at the festival. Works by Mari-Liis Bassovskaja, Jelena Girlin, Rao Heidmets, Urmas Jõemees, Ülo Pikkov ja Riho Unt have been included at festivals, and Kaspar Jancis, Mait Laas, Priit Pärn and Priit Tender have gone to introduce their own works at festivals. Priit Pärn has conducted film training sessions in London and Newport Wales.

Films that have earned the most attention in 2008 and 2009 are Ilmar Raag’s “The Class” (“Klass”), Veiko Õunpuu’s “Autumn Ball” (Sügisball”), and René Vilbre’s “I Was Here” (“Mina olin siin”), which have been shown at many festivals, including in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London. The films “The Art of Selling” (“Müümise kunst”) and “Revolution of Pigs” (“Sigade revolutsioon”) have been screened in Glasgow University’s cinema (2008); the films were commented by Jaak Kilmi and Tristan Priimägi. Ivar Heinmaa’s “Wounds of Afghanistan” (“Afganistani arme”)(2007) and Kersti Uibo’s “Still Life with Wife” (“Vaikelu naisega”)(2008) were shown at documentary film festivals in London; both films were introduced and commentated by their creators. Jim Tusty’s documentary film “The Singing Revolution” was shown on Estonia Day during the Swaledale Festival in 2006. The Estonian film days in Bradford brought in Jaak Lõhmus for commentating and showed many documentary films—“We Live in Estonia’s Forests” („Kes meil metsas elavad“), “Alchemist of Coal” („Söerikastaja“), “My Estonia” („Minu Eestimaa”), “Smiling Women” („Naeratavad naised“),animated films “Lotte” and “Lotte from Gadgetville” („Leiutajateküla Lotte“), as well as “Names in Marble” („Nimed Marmortahvlil“).

Earlier films that have been screened in the UK include “The Highway Crossing” („Ristumine peateega“) (2002), “Good Hands” („Head Käed“) (2003), and “Names in Marble” ("Nimed marmortahvlil") (2004).

OTHER

In September 2003, Wales Day was celebrated in Tartu. The Secretary of State for Wales Rhodri Morgan together with the writer Jaan Kaplinski held a public discussion on the theme “Wales and Estonia: to be yourself in Europe”. The moderator of the debate was professor Jaak Aaviksoo, rector of the University of Tartu. A series of events presenting Welsh culture took place in Tartu.

A good example of collaboration between British and Estonian scholars is the Gene Forum that took place in September 2003, the third of a series.

Co-operation with the University of Tartu has resulted in the British Studies Conference becoming a regular event. The latest conference – “Great Britain between Europe and America” – was held in Tartu in April 2004.

Welcoming Estonia’s accession to the European Union, the British Council and the British Embassy in Estonia organized various events under the name of “Crossroads for Ideas” from March to July 2004. These events included the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra concerts in different Estonian towns, a club weekend, young goalkeepers day etc.

In July 2004, Scottish week took place in Tallinn including a wide variety of business events (more than 50 businessmen participated with over 60 stands at the business seminar) and culture events (the Perth Youth Orchestra, Dumbarton and District Pipe Band, North Sea Gas et al).

From 1-9 November 2005, the Estonian Days of Culture in Scotland took place, which was the biggest undertaking of all time in Great Britain. The concerts of the Estonian National Male Choir, traditional music workshops and concerts at different places over Scotland, jewellery art symposia and different exhibitions were arranged. Three business seminars with the participation of nearly 40 Estonian businessmen, the visit of the Foreign Minister and of the Cultural Minister took place.

In the University of London’s School for Slavonic and Eastern European Studies (SSEES), Estonian language courses are offered on a facultative basis. The British Foreign Office and the SSEES, in conjunction with the Estonian Ministry of Education, will supply resources required by this programme until 2005.

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 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.

In 2008 Andrei Korobeinik, the creator of rate.ee, brought victory to Estonia in the first-ever international competition for young entrepreneurs working with multimedia. Within the framework of the WALESTONIA Festival, the international elite school Atlantic College gave a scholarship to one Estonian student to study at the school for the years 2009-2011.

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.

The main goalkeeper of the Estonian national team Mart Poom has played in English football clubs FC Portsmouth, FC Derby County, FC Sunderland and as from 2005 to 2007, he was guarding the gate of London Arsenal. In March 2009, Mart Poom was chosen as the second-best keeper in Derby’s 125-year history.