Estonian Embassy in Ireland :: News & Events

Europe Day in Dublin

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:07:07 GMT

Estonian Embassy will take part in EUROPE DAY
on 9 May 2012 at the European Union House.
All are welcome!

President Ilves in Ireland: being responsible small countries, we have a perfect understanding

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:19:31 GMT

At his meetings with the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins and Prime Minister, Enda Kenny, President Ilves discussed the position of small countries in today's Europe, the future of the European Union and the opportunities available for international co-operation in the sphere of cyber security.

"We understand each other well as small countries, the smallness of our countries is also our strength; our national identity is based on culture which we've highly valued and kept safe throughout history," said President Ilves, who also discussed the survival of small languages in his first meeting with President Higgins, who was elected to the office late last year.

Challenges faced by the European Union and the future of the Communities, considering the economic situation in the euro zone and the Irish referendum on the European Union Fiscal Treaty, which is to take place early this summer, were also up for discussion at the meetings.

Prime Minister Kenny expressed his hope that people would vote yes in the Fiscal Treaty referendum.

"As both in Ireland and Estonia support for the European Union has been high, historically, it will help us to overcome this difficult period," President Ilves said. "Small countries will cope as they abide by the rules and laws and are responsible. This shared understanding brings us together as countries," added the Estonian Head of State in his meeting with Prime Minister Kenny.

President Ilves emphasised, both in the presentation that he gave yesterday at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) and during the meetings with President Higgins and Prime Minister Kenny, the need for international co-operation in ensuring cyber security, inviting Ireland to co-operate with the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn.

Within the framework of the meeting, President Ilves invited the President of Ireland to pay an official visit to Estonia.

President Ilves and Mrs. Evelin Ilves will return to Estonia tonight.

Office of the President
Public Relations Department
Phone +372 631 6229

President Ilves speaks about cyber security in Dublin

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:18:35 GMT

President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who is currently on a working visit to Ireland, today gave a presentation on cyber defence at a conference organised by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA).

President Ilves gave a presentation entitled "When Small Means Big or Why You Can't Bribe a Computer" at the conference, in which he discussed various cyber issues and introduced Estonia's achievement in the sphere of E-governance and cyber defence.

"When Estonia restored its independence in the beginning of the 1990's, we faced a fundamental challenge: what should such a small nation do to become competitive at the international level? Deliberate popularisation of computers and the Internet was one of the answers," President Ilves stated.

President Ilves also spoke of the threats – organised cyber attacks, launched against the Republic of Estonia and its society in spring 2007, which resulted for a limited period in the paralysation of the operation of state agencies, the media, the banking sector and even the rescue service.

"We must not underestimate cyber threats," President Ilves told the audience, pointing out that when critical infrastructures are attacked, not only are there devastating consequences from a security aspect, but that cyber espionage also threatens private sector investments in research and development activities.

President Ilves has emphasised before, in a number of reputable meetings and in earlier presentations of his, the importance of co-operation between private and public sector for the purposes of ensuring cyber security.

The Head of State suggested that the European Union – Ireland being one of its Member States – be more resolute in including cyber security on its agenda.

"Informed co-operation within the European Commission and the development of trans-European cyber strategy should be the first steps," President Ilves emphasised.

The Estonian Head of State will also meet the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins and the Prime Minister, Enda Kenny in Dublin.

Office of the President
Public Relations Department
Phone +372 631 6229

Estonian artist Ulla Juske's exhibition in Dublin MadArt Gallery

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:18:09 GMT

MadArt Gallery is proud to invite you to an opening reception of an exhibition by an Estonian artist Ulla Juske's first solo show in Ireland. Gatecrasher is a thought provoking story about unknown figure invading the artist’s personal space.

"One day I received a postcard. It had been addressed to me, but sent anonymously. On the front was a picture of me walking down the street. On the back, a quote from Ludvig Wittgenstein.

For a month, I received similar postcards. I wasn' t threatened or asked for anything, but someone was watching, following and photographing me. Someone was gatecrashing my life.."

The show will take place from 5th to 12th April 2012.

Mad Art Gallery
56 Lower Gardiner street,
Dublin 1

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gatecrasher/340978515943853

Portfolio Site: www.ullajuske.com

Chamber choir from Estonia invites you to enjoy an evening of unique and fabulous choral music

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:16:06 GMT

INVITATION

MIDSUMMER CONCERT

Kolga-Kuusalu chamber choir performs masterpieces of C.Kreek, V.Tormis, U.Sisask. and more.

10. July at 5.00pm
St.Audoens church
Cornmarket
Dublin 8
ADMISSION FREE!

Choir was established in 1987. Thanks to enthusiastic vocalists and conductor Taavi Esko, It has successfully performed at numerous festivals around the globe with gaining appreciation both home and abroad.

Please see the link below for directions to St.Audoens church: www.sacred-destinations.com

Estonian student in Ireland wins global honour!

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:01:50 GMT

Estonian student Reelika Ollo has scooped a rare City & Guilds Highly Commended Certificate in recognition of her exceptional work. Reelika is a student of the City & Guilds fashion design course at the Mallow College of Design and Tailoring.

Reelika was presented with her award recently by the Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock, at the City & Guilds Irish awards ceremony in Dublin. She is one of only nine winners in Ireland chosen from more than 20,000 learners in this country alone and over a million learners internationally.

“These accolades are a benchmark for all learners and trainers to aspire to as they demonstrate that dedication and hard work brings reward,” said Minister Sherlock. Mary Cashman, Head of Department at Mallow College of Tailoring and Design, nominated Reelika for her high standards of work, vast range of knowledge and excellent skills.

Reelika was born in Estonia and moved to Ireland ten years ago. She also enjoys jewellery making, painting and photography, and was a finalist in the Kerry Fashion Weekend this year with her jewellery designs. Reelika’s future ambition is to open her own fashion studio after completing her City & Guilds qualification.

Special acknowledgements for volunteers who joined forces in welcoming Viimsi Children’s Choir'

Fri, 13 May 2011 08:42:09 GMT

Estonian Embassy and Viimsi School would like to thank everybody who made Viimsi Children’s Choir’ visit from 27 of April till 2^nd of May to a very special experience. It is our pleasure to give special recognition and our deep gratitude to following people who dedicated their time and effort to make the experience of Cork Choral Festival and visiting Ireland for these kids memorable:

Riia-Reesi Sulg and Eneken Fleming
Special Thanks for introducing Cork city and its sights. Special thanks to both of you for your devotion and your enthusiasm throughout 5 days of the trip.

Toomas Ilves
Special Thanks for arranging the intercity transportation for the choir and also for organizing the night of entertainment in Dublin with local kids and for dedication to introduce Estonian culture in Ireland.

Rain Pauming and Inna Ryan
Special Thanks for your generous sponsorship towards the choir’s visit.

Kerry Foods
Special Thanks for being exceptionally enthusiastic about sponsoring Viimsi Choir and also for welcoming Estonian kids with your extremely tasty sandwiches.

Estonians in Dublin & Mark Gardner
Special Thanks to Estonians in Dublin who came up with the idea and who helped to organize the Good Will Concert in the lovely St Audoen’s Church of Ireland.

Ryanair Announces First Estonian Routes

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:02:54 GMT

Ryanair, the world’s favourite airline, today (30^th Sept) announced its first Estonian flights from Tallinn, the capital city, with seven routes to Dublin, Dusseldorf (Weeze), Edinburgh, London (Luton), Milan (Bergamo), Oslo (Rygge) and Stockholm (Skavsta) from December 2010, which will see Ryanair carry 300,000 passengers p.a. through Tallinn, creating and sustaining 300 local jobs.

Ryanair celebrated its first Estonian routes by releasing 1 million €7seats for travel on over 500 routes across its European network in late October and November which are available for booking on www.ryanair.com until midnight tonight (30^th Sept). Ryanair’s seven new Tallinn routes go on sale tomorrow (1^st Oct) on Ryanair.com.

Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara said:

“Ryanair is pleased to announce our first seven Estonian routes which will commence in December and offer Tallinn passengers really low fares for the first time. Ryanair’s Tallinn routes will deliver 300,000 passengers p.a. and sustain 300 local jobs. Estonian consumers/visitors can now beat the recession and escape the high fares charged by Estonian Air and Air Baltic by choosing Ryanair’s lowest fares and our no fuel surcharge guarantee.

“To celebrate the opening of our first Estonian routes we are releasing 1 million €7 seats for travel in late October and November on 500 routes which are available for booking today on www.ryanair.com. Ryanair’s new routes from Tallinn start from December.”

RYANAIR’S SEVEN TALLINN ROUTES

New	Start
Dublin	14^th Dec
Dusseldorf Weeze	13^th Dec
Edinburgh	10^th Jan
London (Luton)	10^th Jan
Milan (Bergamo)	16^th Dec
Oslo (Rygge)	13^th Dec
Stockholm (Skavsta)	13^th Dec

http://www.ryanair.com/ie/news/ryanair-announces-first-estonian-routes

Estonian Ambassador to Ireland Presents Credentials

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:56:13 GMT

On Tuesday, 14 September, the new Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to Ireland Mait Martinson presented his credentials to President Mary McAleese.

In the discussion following the presenting of credentials, Ambassador Mait Martinson and President Mary McAleese discussed Estonia-Ireland bilateral relations and opportunities to develop them further. President McAleese mentioned that with European Union membership, many co-operation areas opened up and common interests also grew. The Irish president recalled with gratitude her own personal contacts with Estonian state leaders and the reciprocal visits that have taken place. President McAleese said that it is important that the current generation in both countries realise the changed circumstances and use these in the best possible way in domestic, bilateral, and pan-European endeavours.

Mait Martinson was born on 19 June 1969. In 1993 he graduated from the economics department of Moscow State University. Mait Martinson began working in the diplomatic field in 1993 as an attaché of the Foreign Ministry’s external economic policy department. From 1994-1995 Martinson was a third secretary in the external economic policy department, and from 1995-1996 he was the director of the Central and Eastern Europe division in the same department. Following that, from 1996-1999 he worked in the Estonian Embassy in Washington as a first secretary. From 2000-2002 Martinson was the trade negotiator for the external economic policy department. From 2002-2007 he was the Estonian Ambassador in Beijing. Prior to assuming his current position, Martinson was the director general of the Foreign Ministry’s state protocol department.

Photos from the presentation of credentials:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/4991907475/

SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE
+372 637 7654
pressitalitus@mfa.ee

Celebrating Europe Day

Sun, 09 May 2010 17:54:07 GMT

Europe Day is celebrated all over Europe every year on 9 May. It is the occasion for activities and festivities that bring Europe closer to its citizens and the peoples of the Union closer to one another.

Europe Day 2010 marks the 60th anniversary of the "Schuman declaration". On 9 May 1950 Robert Schuman presented his proposal on the creation of an organised Europe, indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations. The proposal, known as the "Schuman declaration", is considered to be the beginning of the creation of what is now the European Union

This year, one of the various events in Ireland will be Open Doors afternoon, European Union House, 18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2, 2.pm to 4.pm

Tea/coffee and an international selection of cakes supplied by the EU Embassies in Dublin to the tune of lively polkas with the North Strand Kontra Band. Entry free of charge.

Come and join us!

Music of contemporary Estonian composers in Dublin

Sat, 15 May 2010 11:07:17 GMT

Award winning chamber choir The Mornington Singers will perform music of contemporary Estonian composers Arvo Pärt and Veljo Tormis.

The concert "A Midsummer Nights Dream" will take place on May 15, 8 pm. St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral (Marlborough Street, Dublin 1).

Tickets 15 euros (concession 8 euros).

Estonia to reintroduce border control at its internal borders during the meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:24:46 GMT

For security reasons, Estonia will reintroduce border control at its internal borders during the unofficial meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers from 17 – 23 April in Tallinn. To ensure the highest possible level of public policy and internal security, controls at the border will be introduced at Estonia’s border with Latvia and at ports and airports.

Border controls will be carried out in accordance with the Schengen Borders Code and State Borders Act.

Estonia, positively surprising!

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:34:15 GMT

This year, on the 24th of February, Estonia celebrates her 92nd Anniversary!

Find out more about this small and vibrant country that lies on the shores of the Baltic Sea at the special information stand, in the Central Library, ILAC Shopping Centre, Dublin 1, on the 24th of February from 11am-4pm. A short film on Estonia will be shown at 3pm.

The event is organised by the Estonian Embassy in Dublin in cooperation with the Central Library.

Poetry night in Dublin with KRISTIINA EHIN

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:18:06 GMT

November 3, 2009
Time: 6.30 pm

112 St Stephen's
Green West
Dublin 2

Admission: free
Contact: info@poetryireland.ie

Reading in Estonian, English and Irish from Põletades Pimedust/Burning the Darkness/An Dorchadas Á Dhó (Coiscéim 2009) by Kristiina Ehin, translated into English by Ilmar Lehtpere, and in Irish by Gabriel Rosenstock. The evening will also feature Irish and Estonian music by Dave Murphy.

More about the Poetry Night

Estonian conductor Tõnu Kaljuste in Drogheda - welcome return to Irish shores

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:40:13 GMT

24 September, St. Peter's Church of Ireland, Drogheda

This year the Louth Contemporary Music Society's event Temenos: Sacred Songs and Arkhangelos will be dedicated to the works of Ukrainian composer Valentyn Silvestrov. As a guest conductor Tõnu Kaljuste will reappear at the Temenos on the 24 September 2009, St. Peter's Church of Ireland, Drogheda. The programm will feature two world premieres : 5 new pieces performed by Elizabeth Cooney, violin and Elisaveta Blumina piano and 5 Sacred Songs performed by new Irish choir Louth Voices conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste who is making a welcome return to Irish shores.

More information: http://www.louthcms.org/?p=1656

Estonia is waiving the visa invitation requirement

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:00:14 GMT

Estonia is simplifying the visa application process for people travelling to Estonia. On May 7 the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) approved an amendment that will waive the visa invitation requirement. The amendment will enter into force on July 30. Visa invitations submitted to and approved by the Citizenship and Migration Board before July 30 will be valid in foreign missions of Estonia as documents certifying the travel purpose within 6 months following the date of the corresponding decision,Waiving the visa invitation requirement means that those applying for visas no longer have to present an invitation approved by the Citizenship and Migration Board or other form of invitation, and from now on other documents will be sufficient to prove the purpose of travel.

The waiving of the invitation requirement will make the visa application process faster and easier. All other requirements will remain as before.

The most important thing for the visa applicant is to present his or her travel plans honestly and clearly and to fill in the visa application with his or her contact information and primary address of residence in Estonia. It is also required to submit documents that certify the purpose of travel and prove the existence of sufficient resources to cover return travel, sustenance and accommodation. It would also be useful for the applicant to indicate his or her connection to Estonia (for example, documents proving marital or family status, or a letter or email written by the person being visited in Estonia describing the person’s connection to the visa applicant).

The consul still reserves the right to ask the visa applicant or relevant individual or organisation to present oral or written explanations of the need for a visa. As before, the consul may request documents that certify the applicant’s intention to leave the Schengen area upon the expiration of the visa: return tickets, sufficient means of subsistence, proof of employment, proof of real estate in the country of residence, proof of ties with the country of residence (family ties, professional status) etc.

To prove the purpose of travel, the following supplementary documents could be submitted (the list is non-exhaustive):

For business travel: written confirmation from the company organising the meeting, conference, etc.; invitations/tickets to a fair or seminar; documents that prove the existence of business ties or certify the applicant’s connection to or status in a company.

For personal travel: documents confirming accommodation (hotel reservation, a letter or email which confirms that the receiver will allow accommodation for the visa applicant); travel package; copies of travel tickets.

Estonian architecture exhibit in Limerick

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:09:42 GMT

Exhibition "Estonia: History reflected in architecure" will be open in Limerick City Council, Istabraq Hall from the 1st of July until 31st of August, from Monday till Friday 9am-5pm.
Entrance: free

The exhibition gives a panoramic cross-section of Estonian architecture through the centuries. Among the selected objects are fortifications and sacred buildings, public buildings from theatres to sports structures, dwellings from the rehetare (barn-dwelling) to functionalist villas and contemporary social housing projects, that all, one way or another, reflect changes in centuries, styles, rulers and views of the world. Each era will be introduced by a brief overview of the events and processes that affected Estonian history, which will be supplemented by comments about the various architectural objects.

The exhibition is brough to Ireland by The Estonian Embassy in Dublin in collaboration with The Museum of Estonian Architecture.

Fingerprints in travel documents

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:38:25 GMT

Starting from June 29th, 2009, all applicants of Estonian travel documents are required to give their fingerprints. The fingerprints are included onto the chip inside the passport cover. Children above the age of 6 are also required to give fingerprints, children below the age of 6 will not have to give fingerprints. As the result of compulsory fingerprint-giving, the procedure of applying for repeated passports by mail will change. In the future, it is possible to apply for a repeated passport by mail only in the case when the person has already received one passport containing fingerprints and less than 2 years have passed since the issuance of this passport.

It is possible to apply for a repeated passport by mail until June 28th, 2009 (passport applications bearing a postal stamp of a later date will not be reviewed without fingerprints - the applicant will have to go to an Estonian foreign representation or to Estonia to give fingerprints). Applications for repeated passports until June 28th, 2009 can be submitted by those persons, whose passport will expire soon (a few months are left until the expiration date) or by persons who for any other reason would like to receive a new passport. There are no changes in the procedure of applying for the initial passport (applications can be turned in at Estonian foreign representations, it is not possible to submit them to the Honorary Consuls). Additional information concerning the fingerprint-taking, use of fingerprints and other questions can be found on the website of the Citizenship and Migration Board.

We’re Celebrating Europe Day on 9 May!

Sat, 09 May 2009 12:59:50 GMT

The motto of Europe Day this year is "A Taste of Europe". The Estonian Embassy in Ireland, as well as the other European Union embassies in Dublin, will be offering traditional desserts from each member state in the Europe House on Dawson Street in Dublin from 11.00 – 16.00 on 9 May. The Estonian dessert on offer will be kama.

See you on Europe Day!

The Early Music Group of Kiili - Pious and Playful

Thu, 14 May 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance
Saturday, 16 May 2009, 2pm
Galway Civic Museum.
Admission: free
Galway Early Music Festival

Monday, 18 May 2009, 8pm
St. Finian's Lutheran Church, Adelaide road, Dublin 2
Admission: free

The Early Music Group of Kiili has became a very famous early music group of young musicians. The group has given concerts since 2003. The ensemble has performed in many manors, churches, concert halls, but most of all in the Town Hall of Tallinn. The ensemble has been often invited to perform to festive events and festivals. The group has given successful concerts in Sweden, Finland, USA and Canada and has performed also in TV and radio programs.
Sometimes they give school-concerts for young people to show that early music is interesting and living art, not something just for museum.
In 2004 and 2007 ensemble got the price "Act of Year" in local community.
The repertory mostly consists of the music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance era.
That is why the favourite places to perform are historic halls, where the interior adds a little something to the music and supports the performers. The musicians are usually dressed in historic costumes.