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Kalevipoeg, a giant hero and a protagonist of the Estonian national epic, caused the first security incident between the neighbouring Estonia and Finland. He was a man of thick skull and disputable social skills according to the modern standards. He went to hunt down the kidnappers of his mother, met a Finnish blacksmith named Ilmarine who prepared him a new sword. While celebrating the fresh blade, Kalevipoeg killed the blacksmiths’ son. Fortunately enough the concept of statehood was somewhat blurry these days so no war broke out. The retaliation though was very personal by the Finnish artisan as he cursed the very sword he had created and the Estonian giant lost his feet eventually. The relations between the neighbours have not always been as bright as they seem today.

Positive effects of the EU and NATO enlargement

The two decades that have passed since the collapse of the Soviet Empire and the Warsaw Pact have witnessed a smooth and steady westernisation of the security and defence sphere around the Baltic Sea (with one exception remaining, obviously). The positive effects of the EU and NATO enlargement processes cannot be overestimated both in terms of greater coherence in security and defence as well as stronger basis for the economic growth and intertwinement. The region has often been described as the one with the greatest growth potential in Europe, and sure there is every reason to believe in it. But wait, is that all? No frictions, no conflicting interests, no (hidden) ambitions? Let’s face some facts and try to draw some conclusions.

From Kurile Islands to Baltic states

The Baltic states are still quite a rare area in NATO with no balance of conventional arms across the Narva river in Estonian case. Russia has become visibly and worryingly active at its borders. There are more than 300 military instalments spread throughout the borders with the Baltic neighbours.  Should we be alarmed or are we simply witnessing Russia filling the gaps that were left by somewhat disorganised, sloppy and western-forced pull-out from its Soviet era borders in 1990’s. Russia has historically been severely allergic against any changes and dynamics concerning the border regions and thus often very defensive in behaviour. It should not be a surprise that the security concerns listed in the top of the agenda for Russian policy and strategy makers are the Kurile Islands in the east and the Baltic states in the west.

Number of regional initiatives

How should this influence the security thinking in the Baltic Sea region? First and foremost the region should be seen in the broader context, both geo-politically and in terms of the changes in economy and demographics that have led many nations to question the need and reduce the money and manpower necessary for security and defence. The Baltic Sea region is not unique in that sense. Since the understanding of Asia’s increasing role hit almost a decade ago, the US’s pivot towards the Asia-Pacific has been heavily debated by the Europeans, primarily. Americans seem to have much pragmatic view on the issue and are reserved in their explanations, denying the sudden loss of interest against Europe. The US interest in the Baltic Sea region is of utmost importance. How to maintain it? Co-operation and common understanding among the states in the region is the primary option.

There are number of regional initiatives (NORDEFCO, BALTDEFCOL and other Baltic Military projects) that may as well serve as good selling arguments. When the like-minded states in the region are able to pool their resources and give meaningful contributions where and when it’s necessary, there is a chance we are still seen as someone punching above his or her weight. In addition the UK’s initiative on the Northern Group may add another dimension to the Baltic Sea region co-operation. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Enhancement of Defence Co-operation between UK and Norway earlier this year may be seen as the first step in that path.

Baltic Defence College as a regional hub

It’s not a secret that countries like Finland and Sweden have contributed remarkably in NATO-led operations in the Balkans and in Afghanistan more recently. This is a strong argument for closer co-operation among the Baltic Sea region states both NATO/non-EU and non-NATO in military operations. Without any particular wish to cause allergic reactions, there is a stronger strategic interest towards the states that can form so called Coalitions of Willing when there’s a clear demand.

The Baltic Sea region has the potential to attract interest. Baltic Defence College in Tartu, Estonia is surely one of the examples that deserve closer attention. Established by the three Baltic states with strong involvement from Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway it has become the only modern English language based multinational military educational institution in the region. And there is a wish to broaden the focus so that not only the Baltic states could benefit from its educational outcome but the Nordic countries and other regional players as well.

Finally, one can’t discuss the security and defence affairs in the region without emphasising the prominent role of Poland. For the countries east of the Baltic sea, Poland has become a real and reliable partner and advocate in voicing and explaining security concerns. And it’s not only words that matter, Poland is one of the very few countries in Europe to maintain the level of defence expenditures close to the 2% of GDP and to possess real military power. It is vital to envisage deeper involvement of Poland in the regional initiatives in order to gain more visibility and credibility. Let the numbers do the talking – Nordic/Baltic countries all together have a population of 32 million, Poland a population of 38,5 million people.

Respected Minister of Defence,

The elders and members of the board of the Defence League,

Brigadier General Kiili, Colonel Klettenberg,

Honoured guests,

The basic ideas of the functions of the Estonian military national defence are simple and clear – The task of the Defence Forces and the Defence League, with cooperation from our allies is to protect the nation of Estonia. 

The protection of the nation of Estonia is a task demanding  fidelity, honesty and courage. The daily implementation of this is largely based on personal values  of people who freely give of their knowledge, strength and time to assist national defence.

The Defence League is the strength and incorporated knowledge that motivates those individuals to work together in exercises with one goal, to have patriotism in their hearts and to be the best among us.

There is one individual in our history whose importance to the Defence League and to Estonia cannot be overestimated. This is Admiral Johan Pitka. In his memoirs, Admiral Pitka reminices that „Due to a well thought out and envisioned Defence League conception, and because the Defence League was able to develop stronger Estonian military sections, it became a very needed and strong force in the establishment of the Republic of Estonia.“ 

This idea is also pertinent in todays Estonia. Estonia is taking the next steps to better prepare for and grow in the direction of  a stronger defence.  On this road of preparedness the Defence League has an important role to fulfill. Those tasks that the Defence League have been assigned by the new National Defence Development Plan requires a very high standard of  management as well as the joint effort of the entire organisation. The assignment of the Estonian militia means even better training for the Defence league and a need to increase the size and  strength of the ranks.

The history of the Defence League after re-independence has been one of searching and change. There are those that consider this as weakness. But that is not the case. The Estonian Defence Forces and the Defence League have grown and developed with the nation of Estonia. Changes are desperately needed to be in tune with the times. Changes are needed to better ones situation.

I want to thank Colonel Klettenberg, who has lead the Defence League during a time when all his attention and everyday efforts were required from him to ensure that the National Defence Development Plan and the laws and regulations of the  Defence League were properly instilled.

To the new commander of the Defence League, Brigadier General Kiili, I wish strength, common sense and perseverance so that the goals that the Defence League has set itself shall see fruition. I also wish that aside from the leading of the organization he will be able to plan for the future development of the Defence League. As I mentioned, change is not a sign of weakness but rather one of an ennobling higher purpose. Change is evolution.

Finally I want to share with you Admiral Pitka’s wishes as well as worries that additionally to the new and important tasks of the Defence League there would always remain „ a serious spirit and feeling for strong initiative.“ Patriotic spirit and initiative are decisive values that have existited in the Defence League throughout its history. Those values must be kept and appreciated. The central value of the Defence League is that a member of the Defence League is a citizen who of his own free will has agreed to guard our national defence. Only in this way can we  truly stay in touch with the concept between national defence and free will.

Thank you.

Highly respected Mr. President,

Honoured President Rüütel,

Mr. Prime Minister and

Members of Parliament,

Excellences, members of the Defence Forces,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is my privilege and honour to welcome you to the formal celebration of the 94th anniversary of the Estonian Defence Forces.

It would be difficult to find a more suitable place for today’s special event than the Estonia hall. Namely it was right here, in this nationally important spot that 101 years ago during a party the blue-black- white tricolour was raised to the rooftop alongside two Russian flags. Because the Tsarist regime found this activity unforgivable, the city district marshal was fined seven days arrest for negligence.

A year past completion of the Estonia there existed a church in this hall and a military hospital in the adjoining wing. World War I had begun. Regardless that it was such a malicious and previously unprecedented all-encompassing war, it did open up hopes and opportunities. The Estonian nation was established through the historical opportunities caused by the winds of this war.

The Estonian Defence Forces was founded on November 16, 1918, when the provisional government decided to call together a voluntary national military to defend the nation.

On this day, that we celebrate this event together, there reigned a year of huge confusion. The Soviets had taken power as well as the downfall of the fragile economy. Estonian military members were characteristically politically fractioned and in several different factions.

The second Estonian military congress was organized in this same room in January 1918, which fell apart because close to half of the hundreds in attendance were heartfelt in supporting Viktor Kingisepp and his comrades.

During these troubled times, few believed in the establishment of our own nation. The mentality that roused high school and university students and resulted in Independence War victory, was still a long way off. The monument in front of the School of Sciences is devoted to this faith and belief.

Dear guests,

20 years ago in October, the first Defence Minister after the Soviet occupation, Ülo Uluots passed on his ministers portfolio to his successor. He did in a way that today seems a little dramatic but very honestly and without doubt as a true statesman. He gathered his ideas about national defence on a few pages and called it politically his testament.

As we read his testament today, we understand the situation of National Defence at the time. „The current basic defence doctrine is bringing to life the creation of the Estonian Defence Forces,” Minister Uluots said in his appraisal of the situation.

The living conditions of the Defence Forces members was characterized by the lack of barracks, dining facilities, heating but also the lack of water and proper plumbing.

In the estimation of the Minister the funding of the National Defence was so poor that to earn funds, commercial activities took place: for example the sale of old metal.

Clothing and supplies were in a similar poor state. As a positive development, Minister Uluots signed an agreement with the Estonian Women’s league to knit 800 sweaters, pairs of socks and mittens. The Ministry of Defence of course arranged the yarn.

These are some of the more colourful examples. Socks, sweaters, old iron and plumbing are familiar topics for me personally as are they for many in our audience.

Why am I talking about all of this?

Primarily to highlight the development the Defence Forces has gone through. We have grown and matured along with the Estonian nation. It is clear that even today we are still living with limited resources and opportunities. The responsible planning and funding of the National Defence has a key meaning here. In this area Estonia has been set as an example for other nations.

Secondarily, because we recognize these individuals who, in course of the last twenty years, have given their contributions to Estonian National Defence. There are many who have done this and it gives me great joy. It allows me to confirm that the Estonian Defence Forces is a national force, our own peoples force.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The task of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Defence League along with our Allies is to defend the Estonian nation.

Relations with our Allies are paramount.

Lately there has been much discussion on the future of NATO after 2014, when the Alliance and partners military mission in Afghanistan ends.

Discussions have been held previously on the role of NATO and its place in the world. After the Cold War NATO has been constantly self-searching for the purpose of its existence.

I am happy to confirm that Estonia nor our Eastern European Allies currently no longer have to explain the existence of NATO. The Alliance’s basic task is and must remain collective defence. This has been very clearly understood after the Russian aggression against Georgia in 2008.

In the last twenty years NATO Allies have actively contributed in resolving conflicts worldwide. NATO has never worked jointly as well as it does now. This unique momentum must be held and developed. We realize that worries and wars have not disappeared from the world. We must be prepared for the unexpected.

To be fully militarily prepared, it is imperative to have high level exercises. I am very pleased that the past year was a challenging year for the Estonian Defence Forces. In addition to our own Defence Forces exercises we also had several international projects.

Behind complicated and foreign sounding named exercises there is a simple and understandable truth. We must be prepared here and now for Estonian National defence. But also tomorrow and in the far future. For that we must cooperate with our Allies as well as keep mentally alert at all times.

Estonia has been honourable and exemplary in its obligations to its Allies. I never tire of repeating – The Estonian soldier is the best in the world. I want to highlight non-commissioned officers of the Defence Forces, our iron hardware whose knowledge and experience is a guaranteed support to our officers in battle as well in exercises.

As you all know, we have not been without casulties. Those young men that have given their lives for Estonia must never be forgotten. We remember:

Ivar Brok, Agris Hutrof, Arre Illenzeer, Kristjan Jalakas, Raivis Kang, Jako Karuks, Marko Knaps, Aleksander Mjazin, Andres Nuiamäe, Allain Tikko, Kalle Torn, Eerik Salmus, Herdis Sikka, Aare Viirmaa.

Pause

Honoured guests,

Today’s Estonian Defence Forces has served our Estonian nation for 20 years. During that time there are many that have gone outside our borders on military missions. There have been those who have been wounded in foreign operations as well as while during their service here in our homeland. I am referring to our veterans.

I am truly pleased that in the last years we have laid the foundation for assessing the contribution and recognition of our veterans’ service.

In the soon to be future we will realize the start of Estonian veteran policy, which is a worthy beginning. I promise that I will do everything in my ability that this policy becomes a reality, a true support and recognition of our veterans.

Today is an appropriate and festive opportunity to recognize our work and accomplishments. It is a truer truth that the Defence Forces greatest asset is our own people. The encouragement and holding close of this valuable asset is needed to be significantly advanced. I assure you, that work has been done in this area and is still being  done and will continue to be done today and tomorrow with positive results we are about to see in near future.

National Defence development is like a complicated equation facing us with problems as well as between our use of existing resources, knowledge and opportunities. All changes bring along questions. We must maintain a calm and firm mind to resolve these issues.

Dear Defence Forces members, we are strong when we work together, are honest, friendly and open. Let’s be brave and skilled examples to one another.

I congratulate you on the occasion of the 94th anniversary of the Defence Forces. I wish all of us good luck, success and common sense in the Defence of Estonia.

The solid bronze statue of Swedish King Gustav Adolf stands by the convecation hall at Tartu University. During the course of a war 380 years ago he established the charter of our Alma Mater. A few months later the king fell at the battle of Lützen. History knows Gustav Adolf as a famous strategist but unbeknownst to him due to his establishing a university in Tartu, he ended up giving his royal assurance to Estonian independence.

Academia Gustaviana gave Tartu academic freedom. The opportunity to freely express your ideas opened up Tartu to European ideas.

University and freedom have always belonged together. Ideological freedom, a thirst for knowledge, standing up for your beliefs are qualities which reflect the spirit of Tartu. We would not have a culture nor a nation without those beliefs.

Tartu graduates were the voice of the people during the awaking of the nation. Without the graduates of Tartu University the establishment of an independent Estonia 94 years ago nor clearly the regained independence of our country 20 years ago would not have been possible.

Freedom and an independent Estonia are sometimes taken for granted and become a part of daily life. As we take our children to school, set our dining tables or light our fireplaces we rarely think of Estonian independence. It is only when things are not right do we remember and think upon our independence. Conversely we also think of our nation when we the people individually or our nation are the benefactors of exceptional prosperity.

We should actually think of Estonian independence more than a few times a year because the Estonia as a nation is something very special for all of us.

A complicated history has formed us into a wise nation which knows how to protect our ways and language.

The ideas and the people that brought about the birth of Estonia, the global trends and situations were unique. As soon as our independence was declared, our nation had to stand and prove itself, in armed conflict during our War of Independence. Luckily we were not alone and had allies in our fight with our enemies.

The Royal Navy turned the situation in the Baltic Sea to our favour. The Estonian forces would have had a hard time holding the front without the assistance of the Finns, Swedes, Danes, Americans and French. It was very important then as it is exceedingly important today to maintain our relationships with our allies.

The War of Independence was one of ultimate survival, a heroic epic but mostly it was still a war. A war that brought about misery, broken families and lost lives.

The independence war fed our beliefs. Our belief in ourselves, belief in our future, belief in the chosen path to justice. The faith in the nation we created. With a sense of duty, readiness and bravery to protect our nation.

The critical days of the independence war brought about a change in public attitudes as well as with volunteer university students and school boys. Youth, hardly men went to the independence war in corpore from their classes, associations and fraternities because they believed in a free Estonia. This same faithfulness exists to this day. I truly believe this.

Yesterday when I met with the students of Tallinn # 21 high school and the Tallinn English College, I saw belief in Estonia. Because of the victory of the War of Independence, I see today, this same belief in the soldiers, sailors, defence league members and university students in this parade on the banks of the Emajõgi.

Estonia must exist and must be protected every hour of every day!

Military readiness is ensured by a strong non-commissioned officer cadre, senior non-commissioned officers with war experience give military units strength and officers confidence in every situation. I have served with many of them in various units; I have seen them in battle. These men do not bend, these do not tire.

Estonia can be proud of its officers. The lion’s share of Estonia’s young officers has received their knowledge and experience at the Estonian Military Academy right here in Tartu. The Estonian National Defence College and the Baltic Defence College have found themselves a firm and supportive home here in this university town. It is a fertile field for the growth of intelligence.

Estonian military personnel are world-class. This has been stated by all of our allies who have been next to our troops in battle. Trust is most important in battle and difficult situations. We have the trust of our brothers in arms. Estonia is trusted. We are trusted more than our population, country size or economic situation would ever expect.

Estonia’s contribution to NATO’s most important military operation has not gone without notice. The blood and sweat of Estonian soldiers in Afghanistan is tied directly to NATO’s decision to continue to indefinitely protect the skies of Estonia.

The economic crisis has forced many of our allies into critically reviewing their expenditure on defence. But I am greatly happy that in the history of Estonia the military national defence currently exceeds 2% of gross domestic product margins. This truly shows our credibility. This is a sign to our allies that we do not discount our national defence.

Estonia is the frontier border for Europe and its borders must be protected, there is no other way. A look at past history shows that the map of Europe is diffuse and answers the question, is security and national defence important to us. A positive answer assures us that our efforts and contributions to national defence are well warranted.

In these complex economic times NATO and the European Union must find a way to organize our security that it does not jeopardize our interests or values. We have to have smart cooperation. The founder of Tartu University, Gustav Adolf proved conclusively that battles can be won with limited resources. You simply need confidence, understanding and openness.

Since the War of Independence our military has been a military open to the people, with our officers and soldiers being represented by individuals from all walks of life. Today’s national security ensures that, our military is endeared to the people, because national security involves the nation. The Defence League has a special role in maintaining a strong bond with the people as do the former active duty reservists.

Cooperation means openness. Year to year we have moved towards a broader based openness in National defence. In such an important area as is security for our nation and its people. Our nation is too small to have everyone deal in their own speciality areas. Cooperation advises us and gives us strength which is hard to break. Estonian security is the honour of every civilian. Compulsory military service is honourable. It is an honour to serve in the military. You have to be honest to yourself and to others. You must be honest in your work, your service. This must be self apparent.

Estonian independence and freedom has never been nor never should be taken for granted. The Estonian nation was created for the protection and the freedom of the Estonian people.

Vivat, crescat, floreat Estoniae in aeternum!

(Live, grow ,florish Estonia forever!)

Long live the Republic of Estonia!