New U.S. Ambassador to Estonia Named
On Sept. 30, U.S. President Donald Trump announced William Ellison Grayson as the new candidate for U.S. Ambassador to Estonia. Grayson has extensive experience working in the public sector. The United States had been without an ambassador to Estonia since last summer. The previous U.S. ambassador to Estonia James D. Melville announced his resignation last summer. He cited controversial statements concerning NATO and European Union allies by President Trump as the reason.
Delegation of Congressmen Meet Foreign Minister in Tallinn
On October 1, Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalun met with a delegation of U.S. congressmen in Tallinn to discuss the European and global security situation and ways to strengthen cooperation.
Government Endorses 2050 as Target Year for Climate Neutrality
On October 3, the government endorsed Estonia’s position concerning the European long-term vision “A Clean Planet for All,” whereby Estonia supports setting 2050 as the target year for achieving climate neutrality across the European Union. According to an Eurobarometer survey, 85 percent of Estonia’s residents are in favor of making the European economy climate neutral by 2050. The transition to a climate neutral economy means Europe’s net greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) will be zero that year.
New ÜEKN Book Summarizes Estonian Diaspora History and Highlig
The new hardcover, richly illustrated 200 page “Estonians Throughout the World. The Story of the Member Countries of the Estonian World Council” provides an overview of the history and highlights of Estonian organizations in the 12 member countries making up the Council. It is the gift from the Council on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.
President opens New Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre Performance Centre
President Kersti Kaljulaid opened the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre’s new performance centre on Sunday in Tallinn. EAMT (EMTA in Estonian) is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The new center includes a concert hall which can seat 482 people, a black box theater with 130 seats, and 21 new classrooms. The building cost approximately €12 million and took one and a half years to construct.
