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House Democracy Partnership Regional Study Tour Engaging Citizens in Building a Secure e-Society Briefing Book Tallinn, Estonia November 3 – 7, 2019 Travel Information It is strongly encouraged that participants arrive at their airport of origin at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure in order to check in, check luggage and pass through security. Taxi fare to the airport is fully reimbursable by HDP. All flight departure and arrival times listed are local. Should anyone experience delays or cancellations, please work with the airline or Key Travel and then notify Scott Nemeth or Amanda Zink of any delays or changes in flight plan. IRI Control Officers: Scott Nemeth, Legislative Strengthening Specialist, IRI: +1 (202) 322-5845 Amanda Zink, Program Associate, IRI Should you have any delays or problems with your flight or connection, please contact Key Travel and Scott Nemeth. Hotel Information: Nordic Hotel Forum Viru Väljak 3 10111 Tallinn, Estonia Phone: +372 622 2900 Important Numbers: Matt Adams, IRI Security Advisor: +1 (202) 213 2507 Key Travel: + 1 (646) 218-2100 Key Travel After Hours: + 1 (888) 339-1502 HDP.House.gov @house_democracy impact HDP 3 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Pre-Departure Memo ........................................................................................................... 6 Social Media Guide ............................................................................................................. 10 Delegation Biographies ........................................................................................................ 11 IRI Staff Biographies ........................................................................................................... 18 HDP Factsheet .................................................................................................................... 23 HDP in Georgia .................................................................................................................... 26 HDP in North Macedonia ..................................................................................................... 27 HDP in Ukraine .................................................................................................................... 28 Introduction to IRI ............................................................................................................... 29 Armenia Briefing ................................................................................................................. 32 Georgia Briefing................................................................................................................... 37 North Macedonia Briefing ................................................................................................... 41 Ukraine Briefing .................................................................................................................. 46 NDI Armenia Briefing ........................................................................................................... 50 NDI North Macedonia Briefing ............................................................................................. 51 NDI Ukraine Briefing ............................................................................................................ 54 World Watch Report: Estonia ...................................................................................................... 56 USAID Roadmap to Self-Reliance ................................................................................................ 59 5 PRE-DEPARTURE MEMO The House Democracy Partnership (HDP) and the International Republican Institute (IRI) appreciate your willingness to take time out of your busy schedule to participate in this program. The following information will help you prepare for your upcoming trip. Travel Information IRI has coordinated your travel to and from Tallinn, Estonia. IRI is required by U.S. law to follow the Open Skies Agreement regulations. IRI will provide you with a round-trip plane ticket, with a scheduled arrival in Tallinn by Saturday, November 2, and a scheduled departure from Tallinn on Friday, November 8, following the conclusion of the study tour. IRI’s travel agency, Key Travel, will issue your tickets, and your flight itinerary will be sent to you via email. All airline ticket sales are final, except in the case of personal or family emergency. Once tickets have been purchased, IRI will not make changes to your flight itinerary. Be advised that tickets cannot be changed directly with the airlines or the ticketing agent without prior approval from IRI. You will be held responsible for any costs associated with changes you make to your airline tickets without IRI’s knowledge and approval. If you have any problems en route to Tallinn, such as a delayed flight which causes you to miss a connection, please contact Key Travel directly at the phone numbers provided in the travel itinerary. Our travel agents will do their best to book you on the next available flight. Additionally, please contact Scott Nemeth by cell or SMS at +1 (202) 322-5845 to notify him of any itinerary changes or delays. Airlines recommend you arrive at the airport for check-in at least two hours prior to departure for international flights. Consider bringing select clothing and toiletry items in a carry-on bag, as checked luggage is sometimes delayed in arrival. Please note that due to security concerns, liquids, gels and/or aerosols are restricted. Check with your individual airline on specific restrictions prior to travel. Please also note that when carrying these items onto the plane, they must fit in one clear, re-sealable liter-sized plastic bag, in containers of 3.4 oz./100 ml. or less. When you arrive in Tallinn, after clearing customs and gathering your luggage, you will be greeted at the arrival gate by IRI and eGA staff holding an “eGA” sign. Please do not leave the airport 6 without your designated IRI and eGA escort. Should you have trouble locating this individual or clearing passport control, please contact Scott Nemeth for immediate assistance. IRI will provide you with transportation throughout the official program schedule in Tallinn. IRI will also provide transportation to the airport during the day of your scheduled departure. IRI will reimburse reasonable costs associated with travel between your home and your airport of origin, both at the beginning and end of your trip. Please save any taxi, bus, or train receipts related to this travel to submit for reimbursement at the conclusion of the program; these receipts must clearly indicate the price paid. Please scan any receipts you may have and send them via email to Amanda Zink ([email protected]) by November 15, 2019. IRI cannot complete these reimbursements without proper receipts. IRI can only reimburse tips up to 20% in Washington, D.C. and 15% in other cities. Lodging Information Nordic Hotel Forum Viru Väljak 3 10111 Tallinn, Estonia Phone: +372 622 2900 Each delegate has an individual room at the Nordic Hotel Forum reserved for the duration of the study tour. Please note that breakfast at the hotel is included in the price of your hotel room. Please also note that IRI cannot pay for personal charges such as food, phone calls, pay-per- view, business center expenses, laundry service, room service, mini bar, or alcoholic beverages. These charges will be the responsibility of the participant. Any charges must be settled by the participant prior to check-out and you will be asked to provide a personal credit card at check- in to cover potential incidental expenses. Reimbursements A majority of meals will be paid for by IRI during the duration of the program. Please be aware that you will likely want to have additional funds for any personal expenses you may incur during your time in Estonia. If you are a current staff member of the U.S. Congress, you will be reimbursed for any allowable costs associated with the program. This policy is in accordance with the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate Committees on Ethics and allowable costs include meals, snacks, bottled water, laundry etc. 7 Quick Travel Tips • Expenses o The official currency of Estonia is the Euro. It is suggested that you exchange some money in order to have Euros readily available. You may do this upon arrival at the airport or at the hotel. For suggestions on how much to exchange, please ask IRI staff. o Visa, American Express, MasterCard, and Diners Club are commonly accepted throughout Estonia. o Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 0.90 Euro ▪ For real-time conversion rates, it is suggested to download the OANDA phone application. • Security – please refer to the World Watch Report for more information. o Caution and keen awareness of one’s personal security situation is vitally important. o Petty crime like pickpocketing, purse snatching, and non-violent robbery are the most common crimes in Tallinn. o Please be aware of demonstrations/strikes and avoid large crowds as a precaution, as peaceful demonstrations can quickly turn violent. o Please secure all valuables left in your hotel room in the provided safe. o Only use IRI-provided vehicles to and from destinations. o Should you have any security concerns or experience crime, please contact the local police and IRI staff immediately. • Clothing/ Other o For travel days, please feel free to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for long periods of travel. o The dress code for all official program events is business. o Daily high temperatures in Estonia