Estonia’s One-Month UN Security Council Presidency Begins
As of May 1, Estonia will hold the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for a month. Estonia intends to place special emphasis on the links between the COVID-19 pandemic and the security environment, cyber security, the fundamental principles of international law, including the protection of civilians, and making the Security Council more transparent during the crisis.
Saaremaa Islanders Hold Sitting Protest Against Restrictions
At noon on Sunday, April 25, residents of Saaremaa sat for half an hour in chairs in Kuressaare city center, on their home street or in their yards to show their opposition to the strict movement restrictions imposed on the islands of Saaremaa and Muhu by the state. A total of 600 people took part in the silent protest, both on the islands and the mainland. Two days later, the government decided to allow travel between the islands and mainland to those who live on the islands (according to the population register) and as of May 18, anyone will be allowed to travel to the islands. Half of the 52 people who have died after contracting COVID-19 in Estonia were from Saaremaa, the Health Board said on Thursday.
Estonia to Establish a Separate Border Guard Unit
A separate border guard component within the existing Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) is to be established, following a decision by interior minister Mart Helme and based on the coalition agreement signed a year ago. The current coronavirus pandemic and its fallout have given an added impetus to the move, Helme said. Work in putting the new component together starts in May. A new PPA crisis reserve force is also to be formed, “to ensure crisis preparedness and comprehensive management of the arena,” Helme continued.
Farmers in Difficulty Asking Buyers to Favor Estonian Food Products
In a situation where the economy is unstable and food security has become a key issue, domestic small producers and farmers who are in difficulty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have made a joint appeal to the Estonian public, calling for people to purchase and consume locally grown and produced food.
