Estonian Review 1 - 7 October 2010

FOREIGN NEWS
DOMESTIC NEWS
DEFENCE NEWS
ECONOMIC NEWS
SPORTS NEWS
CULTURAL NEWS

FOREIGN NEWS

President Ilves: A Stable Afghanistan Means Greater Security for All

5 October - President Toomas Hendrik Ilves met with his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai during a working visit to Afghanistan, the first working visit to the country by an Estonian head of state. In their meeting, President Ilves said it is too early to start putting time limits on the NATO-led security operations in the country. “It is of key importance that the central government of Afghanistan is capable of controlling more and more of its provinces itself, which means taking greater responsibility in guaranteeing security and in organising the life of the country,” President Ilves said.
“Involvement in the building up of Afghanistan as a nation means diligence in terms of the security not only of the country itself, but also the region as a whole and that of the member states of NATO, as well as an understanding of how this is all interconnected,” said the Estonian head of state.
President Karzai thanked Estonia for its contribution to NATO’s security forces, in which more than 160 Estonian soldiers are currently serving – the majority in Helmand province, which remains unstable and prone to violence.
“Afghanistan is a significant transit country in the region, and a political bridge between the Middle East, Central Asia and Southern Asia,” said President Ilves. “A stable Afghanistan will boost security not only in its own region, but in a broader area in terms of terrorism, the drug trade and the flood of refugees.”
President Ilves commended the Afghan government on the measures it has taken to reinforce its army and police forces so as to eventually assume control from the NATO-led forces in the country. “A reliable government, transparent governance, a strong army, a dependable police force, and general economic development show the ordinary people of this country, who live in the crossfire and who are tired of the violence and fear, that the Afghan government is neither abstract nor weak, that the Taliban will not be restored to power, and that peace and security in Afghanistan are possible.”
The two presidents agreed that the dedication of the Afghan government and improvements in co-operation among its partners would hopefully make Afghans’ lives safer and more secure.
Talking about relations between Estonia and Afghanistan, President Ilves noted that December will mark the 80th anniversary of the signing of a friendship agreement between the two countries, in accordance with which “an unbroken peace and an unbreakable friendship shall reign” between the countries and their citizens. “Today we have the chance to truly give that agreement meaning,” said President Ilves.
The Estonian head of state said that his country wants to be an ally to Afghanistan in more than just military terms. “One of Estonia’s key objectives in contributing to the advancement of Afghanistan is to extend the influence of both the central government and local governments,” he said.
Accompanying President Ilves on his visit to Afghanistan are Estonian Defence Forces Chief Lieutenant-General Ants Laaneots, chairman of the National Defence Committee of the Parliament Mati Raidma, and Ministry of Defence Secretary-General Riho Terras.

Estonia Supports Ukraine’s Progress

5 October - Prime Minister Andrus Ansip met with his Ukrainian counterpart Mykola Azarov at Stenbock House today, where the two men discussed co-operation between their countries and Ukraine’s relations with the European Union. Prime Minister Ansip acknowledged Ukraine’s interest in integrating with the EU and noted that Estonia is willing to contribute to areas in which it has useful experience. “Estonia introduced some rapid and sometimes painful reforms, and not merely to fulfil EU criteria, but for the development of our own country,” he explained. “Our experience during the recession has shown us that people appreciate the way we have gone about running the country and recognise the need to make difficult decisions.”
In discussing the establishment of a visa-free regime with the EU, Prime Minister Ansip said that how quickly it comes about depends primarily on domestic co-operation within Ukraine.
Talking about reform within Ukraine, the Estonian prime minister emphasised the importance of stability. “Stability is not only important in political issues, but absolutely vital for the nation’s economic development.” He added that only a reliable legal environment would create the foundation needed for successful economic relations and foreign investment.
Following the meeting of the prime ministers, Ukrainian Minister of Social Affairs Vasil Nadraga and his Estonian counterpart Hanno Pevkur signed a social security agreement between the two countries at Stenbock House.

Ansip Holds Bilateral Meetings at ASEM

4 October - Prime Minister Andrus Ansip met with the prime ministers of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam as part of the European Union-Asia summit (ASEM) in Brussels today. During his meeting with Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Ansip said that although Thailand is a popular destination among Estonian tourists, there has been very little trade and investment to speak of between the two countries. “Estonia is interested in stronger ties with Thailand,” said Ansip. “Thai entrepreneurs are looking for new markets, and the development of a regional distribution centre in Estonia would help them boost their presence in northern Europe at a lower cost.” Ansip expressed his satisfaction that preparations were almost complete for the signing of the agreement on the abolition of double taxation between Estonia and Thailand. An agreement on co-operation in the fields of culture and education is also being prepared.
Prime Minister Vejjajiva expressed interest in Estonia’s IT field. He said that a number of IT-related projects are under way in Thailand which could benefit from Estonia’s knowledge. Ansip confirmed that Thai IT specialists would always be welcome in Estonia.
Visa issues were also discussed during the bilateral meeting, with Prime Minister Ansip underscoring Estonia’s interest in better conditions for its citizens upon entering Thailand. Estonia is currently still on the list of the member states of the EU whose citizens are required to obtain a free 15-day tourist visa at the border. However, citizens of many other member states are able to remain in Thailand for up to 30 days visa-free. The Thai prime minister confirmed that they are reviewing their visa conditions.
Boosting interaction and co-operation and learning more about each other’s interests were also the topics discussed by Prime Minister Ansip in his meeting with Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh. “Although the distance between our two countries is great, improved travel options and new IT solutions are bringing us closer together all the time,” Ansip said. Both prime ministers expressed interest in working together in the logistics sector.
Co-operation in the United Nations was also discussed at all of today’s bilateral meetings.
The EU-Asia Summit, which opened this evening, is to focus on economic matters. Discussions will examine trade relations between Europe and Asia, fiscal policy, the role of international financial institutions in the economic crisis and more.

President Ilves Meets with ISAF Leaders in Afghanistan

5 October - On his official visit to Afghanistan, President Toomas Hendrik Ilves met with Afghan Defence Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak, NATO-led international ISAF forces commander General David Petraeus, the alliance’s highest-ranking civilian representative Mark Sedwill, special representative of the UN Secretary-General Staffan di Mistura and special representative of the European Union Vygaudas Ušackas in Kabul.
In his meeting with Defence Minister Wardak, the Estonian head of state emphasised the need to take a more active approach to the training of the Afghan army and police and to increasing Afghanistan’s responsibility for its affairs. President Ilves praised the Afghan defence forces, saying: “They are improving every day and becoming a more effective partner to the international stabilisation forces here.”
In his meeting with the special representatives of the Secretary-General of the UN and the EU, President Ilves stressed the importance of close co-operation between all of the international organisations in Afghanistan. “Co-ordination on the ground and the exchange of information between international contributors have noticeably improved,” said Ilves. “The Afghanistan missions of the UN and EU have done a lot to balance out the civilian contribution of foreign countries.”
He reinforced the significance of civilian projects in improving the lives of the people of Afghanistan, giving Estonia’s co-ordination of the health care system in Helmand Province as an example. In alleviating the situation in the country overall, President Ilves also deemed the programme of reintegration of more moderate rebels and members of the Taliban into society as important.
In their meeting with President Ilves, special representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Staffan di Mistura and General Petraeus underlined the strategic importance of the activities of Estonia’s military personnel and civilian experts, as well as the danger they face in the region close to the Afghan-Pakistani border.
The Estonian head of state said in his meeting with the ISAF leaders, “Estonia will continue to contribute to the international security forces in the country for as long as is necessary and expected.”

Paet and US Navy Secretary Discuss Afghanistan, NATO

6 October - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet discussed the situation in Afghanistan, energy security matters, and NATO’s Strategic Concept with Secretary of the US Navy Ray Mabus. The two also addressed cyber security, and the foreign minister noted that Estonia considers close co-operation with the United States in Afghanistan in both the military and civil sectors to be very important. “In addition to the fact that Estonia participates in the International Security Assistance Force, Afghanistan is also one of Estonia’s most important partners for development co-operation. We are working to build up the medical capabilities of Southern Afghanistan,” said Paet, adding that Estonia is prepared to develop co-operation with the USA for advancing Afghanistan’s civil sector.
Foreign Minister Paet and Navy Secretary Mabus emphasised that it is important to increase the responsibility of the Afghans. In order to boost the Afghans’ responsibility for their nation they must have greater participation in operations and the reconstruction of their nation, stressed Paet and Mabus.
In addressing energy security matters, Paet and Mabus emphasised that energy is an important sector of EU-USA co-operation. “Both the EU and the USA must find opportunities to diversify energy supplies. Energy security-related co-operation with the USA in implementing the Southern Corridor project is especially important,” stated Paet.
Paet and Mabus also discussed preparations for NATO’s new Strategic Concept. Foreign Minister Paet stated that the vision for NATO’s new Strategic Concept includes all the areas that are important for NATO regarding current and future dangers. In talking about cyber security, Foreign Minister Paet emphasised that Estonia and the USA must stand together in favour of strengthening NATO’s role in cyber security. “NATO’s ability to protect its population and forces from cyber threats must be increased significantly,” said Paet.

EU Hopes Moldova Will Overcome Domestic Political Stalemate

1 October - While discussing democratic developments in Moldova with the other European Union foreign ministers, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet noted that the EU hopes the parliamentary elections in Moldova in November will lead to a solution for the country’s domestic political stalemate. “We are not naïve enough to think that dramatic developments will take place overnight, but the changes in Moldova have been noticeable, and we can support the Moldovans as they implement democratic processes in their country,” Paet said, noting that hopes to overcome the stalemate are modest at the moment and require more support. Parliamentary elections will take place in Moldova on 28 November.
“In order to develop Moldova’s statehood and democracy, the EU is offering support within the framework of Eastern Partnership,” said Paet. “Moldova is one of Estonia’s priority development co-operation partners, so Estonia offers co-operation programmes to support the development of Moldova’s state systems,” Paet added.
Moldova is in the middle of Association Agreement negotiations with the European Union, and in June a visa dialogue between the EU and Moldova began as well. Paet stated that developments in the Association Agreement have been rapid. “We can hope that the quick tempo will be kept up in the discussion of visa issues as well,” he said, suggesting that Moldova’s leadership also feels the need for EU integration. “Integrating with the European Union will also hopefully bring needed economic development to Moldova, which is certainly an important factor in resolving the Transnistria conflict,” Paet asserted.
Foreign Minister Paet and his EU colleagues met in Chisinau with Moldovan Prime Minister Vladimir Filat and Foreign Minister Iurie Leanca.

Estonia Shares Know-how for Starting Businesses with Georgian IDPs

4 October - With the support of the Foreign Ministry a training programme for young Georgian internally displaced persons (IDPs) will begin in November, within the framework of which they will learn about Estonia’s experiences regarding starting businesses. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that Estonia would like to help improve the situation of Georgian IDPs. “Knowledge about starting up a business will offer the Georgian IDPs a chance to find work and return to their normal everyday lives. Frequently people know how to create a product or provide a service, but they lack the knowledge needed to start a business,” stated Foreign Minister Paet. “The project will also help promote contacts between Estonian and Georgian entrepreneurs as well as co-operation,” he added.
During the project of the Harju Economic Development Centre, Estonian experts will share experiences related to starting a business with young Georgian IDPs. Three training sessions for young Georgian refugees on the topic of starting a business will take place during the run of the project. After the training the young Georgians will have the opportunity to come to Estonia and become acquainted with how the support system for businesses works here. They will also meet with Estonian entrepreneurs who wish to find business partners in Georgia, thereby enlivening business contacts between the two countries.
There are about 17 000 people in Georgia who were forced to leave their homes after the Russia-Georgia conflict in August 2008 and go to live in displaced persons camps. According to World Bank data, unemployment in the DP camps is significantly higher than in the rest of the country, as the people in them were forced to leave their prior homes and workplaces.

DOMESTIC NEWS

Foreign Ministry and “Let’s Do It!” Co-operate to Introduce Initiative Globally

6 October - Today Foreign Minister Paet met with co-ordinator of the citizens’ initiative “Let’s Do It!” Eva Truuverk and communications director Tiina Urm. They discussed co-operation opportunities for introducing the clean-up project, which has been gaining notoriety, through Estonia’s foreign representations and network of honorary consuls.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the Foreign Ministry would like to support the “Let’s Do It!” initiative’s efforts to introduce the community clean-up movement outside Estonia. “‘Let’s Do It!’ is becoming an international movement. The Foreign Ministry would be happy to distribute information and contacts in order to introduce the cleanup project, which reflects positively on Estonia’s reputation,” he added.
The cleanup movement that began in Estonia in the spring of 2008 has inspired not only Estonians but also Estonia’s neighbours Latvia and Lithuania. Cleanup projects have also been carried out in Slovenia, Serbia, Portugal, Romania, and India, among others. Currently the international “Let’s Do It!” movement is developing at the hands of the international project team, which will gather for an organising conference in Slovenia next year. According to the “Let’s Do It!” team, after the conference in Slovenia the project will be introduced in more than 50 nations.

DEFENCE NEWS

President Ilves Meets Estonian Troops Serving in Southern Afghanistan

6 October - Today President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who is on a working visit to Afghanistan, flew from Kabul to Helmand Province. The head of state visited Wahid Patrol Base, where the Estonian infantry company ESTCOY-10 is based and where Camp Bastion, the largest base of the NATO led International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF), is located.
According to the Estonian head of state, one of the main goals of his visit to Afghanistan is to learn about the service of the Estonian troops and thank these men and women for their service. “You serve in an area that is of special importance for entire Afghanistan. It is essential that this region is brought under Kabul’s central power and ISAF control,” said President Ilves. According to the head of state several Afghan leaders, high-ranking ISAF officers and representatives of international organisations assured him that there are signs of the Taliban getting exhausted, and next year the security situation can be expected to improve.
President Ilves recognised the good training and courageous service of the Estonian troops in one of the most dangerous provinces in Afghanistan where eight of our troops have given their lives. “You defend the right of the people of Southern Afghanistan to a secure life, but you also defend the security of Estonia, our NATO allies and our partners,” said the Estonian head of state.
President Ilves emphasised that the state must provide the troops in Afghanistan with the best and most modern equipment as well as strong social guarantees for the troops and their families. “Service in Afghanistan calls for different equipment and arms than in Estonia. In the coming months our troops in Helmand should, with the help of our allies, get the best equipment that will increase their security,” said the head of state. “Secondly, we have to do everything to improve the situation of the troops who have been injured in the mission, provide them with all kinds of support. This includes legislative amendments so that our injured troops could continue active service in the Defence Forces in a position that is suitable for them.”
In Lashkar Gah Brigadier Richard Felton, the chief of the Helmand Task Force, gave President Ilves an overview of the NATO-led operation. “Estonia does not intend to make any significant changes to its military contribution in the foreseeable future. We understand the meaning of Helmand and do not plan any quick retreat,” assured the Estonian head of state.
To thank the Estonian troops for their courage and excellent service, President Ilves gave them silver collector coins made by the Bank of Estonia.
The president also attended the opening of a monument to fallen Estonian troops at the Cap Bastion military base. The monument was erected on the initiative of the National Defence Committee of the Parliament and the Estonian Reserve Officers Association.

Estonia to Contribute 50 Troops to Nordic Battle Group

5 October (BNS) - Estonia will contribute 50 troops to the Nordic Battle Group of the European Union that will be on standby in the first half of next year. The Defence Forces will assign staff officers, a staff protection team, a national support unit, a reconnaissance team, a military police investigator and a movement and transport co-ordination team to the battle group, the General Staff said.
The Estonian troops will head to Sweden on Sunday to take part in Nordic Battle Group trainings Initial Effort 2010 and Joint Action 2010 in weeks 42-46. The objective of the exercises is to build interoperability among participating units.
The Nordic Battle Group, which consists of Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Irish and Estonian units, will be on standby in the first half of 2011. Estonian units will be stationed at home during that period. Participation in the Nordic Battle Group will cost Estonia 16.22 million kroons (EUR 1.04 million).

Defence Ministry’s Biggest Investment Next Year Will be Into Ämari Air Base

1 October (BNS) - Next year the Estonian Defence Ministry will channel nearly EUR 34.5 million into investments; of this about EUR 9.6 million will go into the renovation of the Ämari Air Base.
According to the state budget bill, the Defence Ministry will spend EUR 34 484 808 on investments. Compared with this year the investments made by the Defence Ministry will contract by EUR 1.9 million. The most important project of the Defence Ministry sphere of administration is the continued renovation of the Ämari Air Base, which will require EUR 9.47 million. The other major investments are renovation of training grounds (EUR 4.68 million), building of a 3D radar on Muhu Island (EUR 2.1 million), a hall for the repair of howitzers, radars and trucks at the Tapa training centre (EUR 2.8 mln) and of barracks for the accommodation of 240 enlisted men (EUR 2.8 million). The development of the Jagala compound will also continue next year.

Defence Minister Proposes Trans-Arctic Alliance to Develop NATO-Russia Relations

7 October (BNS) - Speaking at a security forum in Poland on Thursday, Estonian Defence Minister Jaak Aaviksoo suggested that the transatlantic alliance NATO could in the longer perspective grow together with Russia into a trans-Arctic alliance. "Thinking of NATO-Russia relations in the more distant future, developing the present trans-Atlantic alliance into a trans-Arctic alliance could be considered," the minister proposed. Aaviksoo stressed in his presentation at the Wroclaw Global Forum that the common values of Europe and the United States are the cornerstone of real security in the 21st century, the Defence Ministry said.
"Most participants in the security forum recognised the importance of co-operation between NATO and Europe and saw great potential for development in the continued enlargement of NATO and the EU," the minister said.
The objective of the international forum organised by the Atlantic Council is to reinforce USA-EU partnership. The significant and growing role of NATO in the 21st century was the central topic of the inaugural event. Participants also discussed whether Russia poses a threat today and what NATO is doing in Afghanistan. Participants included former Polish president Aleksander Kwasniewski, former EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe Adm. James Stavridis.

ECONOMIC NEWS

Blue1 to Co-operate with Estonian Air on Helsinki Route

6 October (BNS) - Blue 1, a Finnish airline in the SAS group, will launch flights on the Tallinn-Helsinki route from 31 January in co-operation with Estonian Air. Blue1 will be flying on the route twice a day with ATR-72 type aircraft of 72 seats.
"With the new Tallinn-Helsinki route, Blue 1 will strengthen its position at the Helsinki transit station and will offer a new competitive time schedule in co-operation with the Star Alliance network into Finland, Scandinavia and many European destinations," the company said.
The flights on the Tallinn-Helsinki route will depart daily at 5.55 (except on Sundays) and at 15.05 (except on Saturdays). It is possible to fly from Helsinki to Tallinn every day at 14.05 and 23.55 (except on Saturdays).
Blue 1 has been an airline of the SAS Group in Finland since 1998.

Estonian State Budget Takes in 76.1 Percent Tax Revenue Target by End of September

6 October (BNS) - According to the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, 47 billion kroons (EUR 3 million) tax revenue, 76.1% of the year's target, was paid into the Estonian state budget by the end of September. Of this total, 5.3 billion kroons was paid into the state budget in September, in line with the Finance Ministry's summer forecast. By the end of September last year 46.5 billion kroons of tax revenue, 73.3% of the target, had flown into the state coffers.
The sum total of the social tax paid into the state budget by the end of September was 19.9 billion kroons, 73.9% of the target. Of this two billion kroons, 0.2% less than in 2009, flew into the state budget. The significant contraction compared with the August inflow was due to seasonal factors, but in Q4 the influence of the contraction in employment cannot be ruled out, the Finance Ministry said.
Of individuals’ income taxes, 1.8 billion kroons was paid into the state budget, 55.4% of the annual target. The September inflow was 320.5 million kroons, 15.4% more than last year.
The sum total of value-added tax paid into the state budget since the beginning of the year is 14.6 billion kroons, 76.9% of the target. In September 1.8 billion kroons of VAT was paid into the state budget, 21.5% more than in 2009. At the same time the strong growth is partly based on smaller than usual value-added tax returns and therefore that much smaller inflow is to be expected next month.

New Container Ship Line to Link Tallinn, St. Petersburg with Rotterdam

4 October (BNS) - The container ship operator Sea Connect will start operating a new line, Rotterdam-Tallinn-St. Petersburg- Rotterdam, from Wednesday.
Currently Tschudi Lines runs a once-a-week connection between Estonia and Rotterdam, which is not sufficient to meet the local market's needs for transit operations, the company said. The transit time from Rotterdam to Tallinn will be four days, a day or two less than now, whereas the transit time to St. Petersburg will be one day.
Sea Connect is a company based in Lithuania that started business in 2007 and currently operates five container ships. The agent for Sea Connect in Estonia is SCS Estonia OU.

Tallink’s September Passenger Numbers Climb 9 Percent

4 October (BNS) - The listed Estonian shipping group AS Tallink Grupp carried 606 193 passengers during September 2010, 9% more than in the same month a year ago.
The number of passenger vehicles carried grew 17% year on year to 81 425 and the number of trucks and vans was up 9% at 24 671, the shipper announced on Monday.
Passengers on the Estonia-Finland route numbered 301 511, on the Estonia-Sweden route 59 984, on the Latvia-Sweden route 45 800, on the Finland-Sweden route 193 131 and on the Finland-Germany route 5 767, marking annual rates of increase of respectively 16.3%, 13.8% and 6.5% in case of the former three and annual drops of 0.4% and 13.2% in case of the latter two.
Talking about the factors that influenced its operation during the month, Tallink said that at the beginning of September M/S Regal Star stopped operating on the Turku-Stockholm route. Since the beginning of September the vessel is back on the Paldiski-Kappelskar route between Estonia and Sweden while the M/S Kapella stopped operating on that route. On the Latvia-Sweden route, the cruise ferry M/S Romantika was docked for eight days in September and was not replaced by another vessel.

Free Market Price for Electricity on Wednesday Set at EUR 48.91

5 October (BNS) - The price of electricity for Wednesday in the Estonian price area of the Nordic electricity exchange Nord Pool Spot (NPS) was established at 48.91 euros per megawatt-hour at the day-ahead auction on Tuesday. The average free market price in the Estonian price area for Monday was 48.89 euros per MWh.
On the Finnish market Wednesday’s price will be also be 48.91 euros just like in Estonia, and in the whole NPS system it will be 48.64 euros per MWh. In the Estonian price area 13 902 MWh of electricity was bought and 11 017 MWh sold for Wednesday. The average price of electricity in the Estonian price area of NPS moved in a range of 46.67 to 54.07 euros per MWh in October.
The range of the average price was from 46.25 to 57.26 euros per MWh in September. In August it was 30.14-461.97 euros, in July 36.91-122.27 euros and in June 29.73-45.77 euros per MWh.

SPORTS NEWS

Estonia to Host UEFA European Under-19 Championship Finals in 2012

4 October (BNS) - The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has given Estonia the right to organise the European Under-19 Championships in 2012, the Estonian Football Association said on Monday.
"Organising the final tournament of the European under-19 championships in 2012 is the first step in the Estonian Football Association's plan for bringing major competitions to Estonia," president of the association Aivar Pohlak said.
This will be the first-ever final tournament of European soccer championships in this country and also the first time an Estonian team of any age group makes it to the finals, the association said.
Eight squads in all will qualify for the finals, which according to preliminary plans will be played in Tallinn, Rakvere and Haapsalu in July 2012.

CULTURAL NEWS

Alice Kask Exhibit in Estonian Embassy in Helsinki

6 October - An exhibit of Alice Kask’s paintings will be opened in the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki on Thursday, 7 October. Alice Kask has earned fame primarily as a painter, and she has been described as “gifted—the likes of which has not been seen in Estonian painting in ages, but was eagerly awaited” (Harry Liivrand).
The background for her incredibly detailed painted figures is a nondescript space devoid of any details. A pale light coming from outside the picture is fixated by the gravity-defying poses or everyday stillness of the anonymous bodies occupying the silent space. Alice Kask’s painting style differs from photorealism through its sketch-like quality and because it takes the everyday into spaces where it loses its connection to reality.
Alice Kask’s works can be seen in the Estonian Museum of Art, Tartu Art Museum, the art collection of the city of Tallinn, AS Eesti Kunstigalerii, the Newmünster Museum in Germany, and in private collections in Estonia and abroad.
Painter Alice Kask was born in Tallinn in 1976. In 1999 she graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts, specialising in painting. In addition to numerous individual and group exhibits in Estonia, Alice Kask’s works have been displayed in Latvia, Finland, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Lithuania, France, the USA, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. In 2003 Alice Kask’s works were awarded the Konrad Mägi Award.
The exhibit will remain up until Christmas and you can visit it by registering beforehand with the embassy secretary by phone at +358 9 622 02 60 or by agreeing on a time with cultural counsellor Liisa Ojaveer.