Estonian Review E E S T I R I N G V a a D E VOLUME 20 NO 6 FEB 3 - 9, 2010
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2009: First Internet Election Year in Slovakia Case Study of Presidential, European and Regional Elections
2009: First Internet Election Year in Slovakia Case study of Presidential, European and Regional Elections Branislav Ondrášik Faculty of Media Bratislava School of Law ABSTRACT With the rising professionalization in Slovak election campaigning the Internet (as Web 1.0), user-generated content, and Web 2.0 social networking play ever-increasing roles. The rising relevance of this multimedium as a campaign and news tool is closely connected to the rising penetration of the Internet. By 2005 11,5 percent of Slovak households were connected to the Internet while in 2007 the number jumped to 34,5 percent and in early 2008 it was reaching almost 60 percent. In 2009, three elections have taken place in Slovakia. First in March and April there were two rounds of presidential elections. It was the first Election campaign in the history of the country where Web has played a major role. All major presidential hopefuls discovered that Internet is a useful tool. Not limited to regular Web, social networking and the blogosphere were also important. For example: opposition candidate Iveta Radičová had more than 17.000 Facebook supporters. The web was a major campaign medium two months later – during the European Election Campaign. This part of the paper is expected to be the most explanatory. All the major parties have created special websites, as did many MEP candidates. However Web 2.0 was lesser factor than in the presidential election. CENMEP project data will be used for the analysis of European Election in Slovakia and will be empirically rich in its analysis. Regional Elections took place in Slovakia in November and Web campaigning started as early as September. -
Select Briefing Europe East
SELECT BRIEFING EUROPE EAST CSIS East Europe Project Volume 2 ¦ Number 17 ¦ May 6, 2005 Central European Update Czech Republic with members of the European caust memorial ceremony at the tive message to Ukrainian policy- The newly appointed prime minister, Parliament over the issue. The former Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi makers and society, going beyond Jiri Paroubek, has asked for a con- government will debate the consti- death camp. Some 20,000 people the original goal of privileged part- fidence vote for his government to tution this month and discuss how marched at the ceremony, known nership.” be held on 13 May. A deal has been to ratify it. as the March of the Living, which ¯ ¯ ¯ reached within the ruling coalition to commemorates the victims of the Eliminating compulsory medical Poland allow the Social Democrats to Holocaust during World War II. examinations will be an important Polish President Aleksander Sharon flew to Poland with 20 planned change in the law, which choose who will fill the post of dep- Kwasniewski has decided to attend uty foreign minister, thus gaining the Holocaust survivors who emigrated sets regulations for foreign citizens the 9 May celebrations in Moscow, to Israel, and with another 20 of wishing to obtain a visa to Hun- support of all 70 Social Democrat after the Sejm Committee on For- MPs in the upcoming confidence their grandchildren who are serving gary. The amendment is expected eign Affairs rejected a draft resolu- in the Israeli army. Following the to decrease the processing time for vote. tion calling on the president not to ¯ ¯ ¯ ceremony, Sharon held talks with visa applications. -
Slovak Republic Page 1 of 14
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in the Slovak Republic Page 1 of 14 Slovak Republic Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2006 Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor March 6, 2007 The Slovak Republic, with a population of approximately 5.4 million, is a multiparty parliamentary democracy led by a prime minister and a 150 member Narodna Rada (National Council). The head of government, Prime Minister Robert Fico of the Smer (Direction-Social Democracy) Party, was elected for a four year term in June. President Ivan Gasparovic serves as head of state and was elected for a five year term in 2004. Both elections were free and fair. Six political parties, three of which comprise the governing coalition, sit in the National Council. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces. The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, there were problems in some areas. Notable human rights problems included lengthy pretrial detention; restrictions on freedom of religion; corruption in the judiciary, local government, and the health sector; violence against women and children; trafficking in persons; and societal discrimination and violence against Roma. The overall human rights situation did not significantly change during the year; however, a report was released that noted mistreatment of persons, particularly Roma, by police that occurred in recent years. RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS Section 1 Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom From: a. Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life There were no reports that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings. -
Estonian Academy of Sciences Yearbook 2018 XXIV
Facta non solum verba ESTONIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES YEARBOOK FACTS AND FIGURES ANNALES ACADEMIAE SCIENTIARUM ESTONICAE XXIV (51) 2018 TALLINN 2019 This book was compiled by: Jaak Järv (editor-in-chief) Editorial team: Siiri Jakobson, Ebe Pilt, Marika Pärn, Tiina Rahkama, Ülle Raud, Ülle Sirk Translator: Kaija Viitpoom Layout: Erje Hakman Photos: Annika Haas p. 30, 31, 48, Reti Kokk p. 12, 41, 42, 45, 46, 47, 49, 52, 53, Janis Salins p. 33. The rest of the photos are from the archive of the Academy. Thanks to all authos for their contributions: Jaak Aaviksoo, Agnes Aljas, Madis Arukask, Villem Aruoja, Toomas Asser, Jüri Engelbrecht, Arvi Hamburg, Sirje Helme, Marin Jänes, Jelena Kallas, Marko Kass, Meelis Kitsing, Mati Koppel, Kerri Kotta, Urmas Kõljalg, Jakob Kübarsepp, Maris Laan, Marju Luts-Sootak, Märt Läänemets, Olga Mazina, Killu Mei, Andres Metspalu, Leo Mõtus, Peeter Müürsepp, Ülo Niine, Jüri Plado, Katre Pärn, Anu Reinart, Kaido Reivelt, Andrus Ristkok, Ave Soeorg, Tarmo Soomere, Külliki Steinberg, Evelin Tamm, Urmas Tartes, Jaana Tõnisson, Marja Unt, Tiit Vaasma, Rein Vaikmäe, Urmas Varblane, Eero Vasar Printed in Priting House Paar ISSN 1406-1503 (printed version) © EESTI TEADUSTE AKADEEMIA ISSN 2674-2446 (web version) CONTENTS FOREWORD ...........................................................................................................................................5 CHRONICLE 2018 ..................................................................................................................................7 MEMBERSHIP -
JAAK AAVIKSOO Jaak Aaviksoo Took Office As TTÜ Rector in 2015
JAAK AAVIKSOO Jaak Aaviksoo took office as TTÜ Rector in 2015. Aaviksoo has held the office of Minister of Education and Research of the Republic of Estonia twice and Minister of Defence of the Republic of Estonia once. 1998- 2007 he was Rector of the University of Tartu. KIRSTI NARINEN H.E. Mrs. Kirsti Narinen, Finnish ambassador to Estonia. Previously Ambassador Narinen has served at Mi- nistry for Foreign Affairs and Finnish missions abroad – St. Petersburg, Ljubljana. She has also served at the Embassy of Tallinn earlier, in 1993-1998. SEPPO ZETTERBERG Professor emeritus Seppo Zetterberg has worked as a Director of the Finnish Institute in Estonia in addi- tion to his university career. He is an Honorary Doctor of the University of Tartu. Mr. Zetterberg is a history researcher who has written several publications on Estonian history. MARJA NYKÄNEN Marja Nykänen has been a Member of the Board of the Bank of Finland since 1.2.2017. Ms. Nykänen is responsible for financial market issues, macroprudential policy, statistics, legal affairs, and financial and personnel administration. In addition, the risk control of investment activities and monetary policy fall within her area of responsibility. She is a member of the Economic and Financial Committee (EFC) of the European Union. PEETER LUIKMEL Economist Peeter Luikmel is the Head of Division, Monetary Policy and International Economics, at Bank of Estonia. KRISTEN MICHAL Kristen Michal is a Member of the Riigikogu. Mr. Michal has held the office of Minister of Justice and Mi- nister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure. ANDERS OLSHOV Anders Olshov is the Director and Founder of the Intelligence Watch think tank. -
HISTORY of SLOVAKIA Small State with Rich History Samova Ríša- Samo‘S Empire
HISTORY OF SLOVAKIA Small state with rich history Samova ríša- Samo‘s empire • Ancestors of Slovaks were Slavs. Their homeland was between the rivers Visla and Dneper, north of the mountains Karpaty. In 5th and 6th century they moved to another place. Some of them stayed on our territory.They nurtured the peasantry, beekeeping, handicrafts. • In 6th century Avars (nomadic tribes from Asia) came and they settled on the territory of today's Hungary. From there, they were attacking the neighbouring Slavonic nations. Slavs united in the 7th century to defend themselves against aggressive Avars. - in the fight Frankish merchant Samo helped them and with his help they won - Slavonic tribes created a tribal union- Samo‘s empire - it existed in years 623-658 Veľká Morava-Great Moravia • NITRA PRINCIPALITY - Slavs slowly started to build strong forts (Bojná, Pobedim) - the most important fort was in Nitra, it was the seat of the prince - first known prince was Pribina - in the west, there was Moravian principality, with the seat in Mikulčice, prince Mojmír ruled there - year 833- Mojmír I. expelled Pribina and occupied Nitra principality - by the combination of the two principalities Great Moravia originated • GREAT MORAVIA - GM resulted in conflicts with the Frankish Empire, Franks wanted to control GM - Mojmír I. didn‘t want to subordinate to Franks, so they deprived him of power and he was replaced by Rastislav. He invited Thessalonian brothers- Konštantín and Metod - Svätopluk betrayed Rastislav and issued him to Franks - when Svätopluk died, -
A Festival of Populism Slovakia After Its 2004 Presidential Election
Introduction Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik German Institute for International and Security Affairs A Festival of Populism Slovakia after Its 2004 Presidential Election Kai-Olaf Lang SWP Comments Ivan Gasparovic, the controversial former president of parliament, has won the presi- dential election in Slovakia. In the final runoff ballot on 17 April 2004, he defeated his former political associate and former prime minister, Vladimir Meciar. Both of these politicians had been largely responsible for Slovakia’s international detachment during the 1990s. As Gasparovic is being supported by the most dynamic opposition power of the populist party Smer (“Direction”), the result of the election is a warning signal for Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda’s moderate-right coalition. A new axis in Slovak politics is looming on the horizon. In addition, this election is a forewarning to the newly extended European Union (EU). The outcome of the election has shown that some populist groups and politicians have joined the EU thinking that they are capable of winning elections. The EU must decide how to deal with these members if radical, populist, and Euroskeptical parties come into power. In previous years Slovakia gained a positive 2. Ivan Gasparovic quite unexpectedly image because of its determined zeal in re- finished in second place and therefore forming economic policies. But this image qualified for the final ballot. is subject to interference by the new head 3. Eduard Kukan, who had been supported of state, who in the past has tended to be by his own and Prime Minister Dzu- a confrontational, populist politician. rinda’s party, the Slovak Democratic Further eroding this image are continuing and Christian Union (SDKU), as well as unsolved social problems and numerous the liberal governing party, the Alliance scandals within the governing coalition. -
Apprenticeship, Partnership, Membership: Twenty Years of Defence Development in the Baltic States
Apprenticeship, Partnership, Membership: Twenty Years of Defence Development in the Baltic States Edited by Tony Lawrence Tomas Jermalavičius 1 Apprenticeship, Partnership, Membership: Twenty Years of Defence Development in the Baltic States Edited by Tony Lawrence Tomas Jermalavičius International Centre for Defence Studies Toom-Rüütli 12-6 Tallinn 10130 Estonia Apprenticeship, Partnership, Membership: Twenty Years of Defence Development in the Baltic States Edited by Tony Lawrence Tomas Jermalavičius © International Centre for Defence Studies Tallinn, 2013 ISBN: 978-9949-9174-7-1 ISBN: 978-9949-9174-9-5 (PDF) ISBN: 978-9949-9174-8-8 (e-pub) ISBN 978-9949-9448-0-4 (Kindle) Design: Kristjan Mändmaa Layout and cover design: Moonika Maidre Printed: Print House OÜ Cover photograph: Flag dedication ceremony of the Baltic Peacekeeping Battalion, Ādaži, Latvia, January 1995. Courtesy of Kalev Koidumäe. Contents 5 Foreword 7 About the Contributors 9 Introduction Tomas Jermalavičius and Tony Lawrence 13 The Evolution of Baltic Security and Defence Strategies Erik Männik 45 The Baltic Quest to the West: From Total Defence to ‘Smart Defence’ (and Back?) Kęstutis Paulauskas 85 The Development of Military Cultures Holger Mölder 122 Supreme Command and Control of the Armed Forces: the Roles of Presidents, Parliaments, Governments, Ministries of Defence and Chiefs of Defence Sintija Oškalne 168 Financing Defence Kristīne Rudzīte-Stejskala 202 Participation in International Military Operations Piret Paljak 240 Baltic Military Cooperative Projects: a Record of Success Pete Ito 276 Conclusions Tony Lawrence and Tomas Jermalavičius 4 General Sir Garry Johnson Foreword The swift and total collapse of the Soviet Union may still be viewed by some in Russia as a disaster, but to those released from foreign dominance it brought freedom, hope, and a new awakening. -
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Introduction Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik German Institute for International and Security Affairs A Festival of Populism Slovakia after Its 2004 Presidential Election Kai-Olaf Lang SWP Comments Ivan Gasparovic, the controversial former president of parliament, has won the presi- dential election in Slovakia. In the final runoff ballot on 17 April 2004, he defeated his former political associate and former prime minister, Vladimir Meciar. Both of these politicians had been largely responsible for Slovakia’s international detachment during the 1990s. As Gasparovic is being supported by the most dynamic opposition power of the populist party Smer (“Direction”), the result of the election is a warning signal for Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda’s moderate-right coalition. A new axis in Slovak politics is looming on the horizon. In addition, this election is a forewarning to the newly extended European Union (EU). The outcome of the election has shown that some populist groups and politicians have joined the EU thinking that they are capable of winning elections. The EU must decide how to deal with these members if radical, populist, and Euroskeptical parties come into power. In previous years Slovakia gained a positive 2. Ivan Gasparovic quite unexpectedly image because of its determined zeal in re- finished in second place and therefore forming economic policies. But this image qualified for the final ballot. is subject to interference by the new head 3. Eduard Kukan, who had been supported of state, who in the past has tended to be by his own and Prime Minister Dzu- a confrontational, populist politician. rinda’s party, the Slovak Democratic Further eroding this image are continuing and Christian Union (SDKU), as well as unsolved social problems and numerous the liberal governing party, the Alliance scandals within the governing coalition. -
Estonia's Digital Transformation: Mission Mystique and the Hiding Hand
Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose Estonia’s digital transformation: Mission mystique and the hiding hand Rainer Kattel Professor of Innovation and Public Governance Deputy Director, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose Ines Mergel Professor of Public Administration, University of Konstanz, Department of Politics and Administration Working Paper IIPP WP 2018-09 September 2018 About the Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose The UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP) aims to develop a new framework for creating, nurturing and evaluating public value in order to achieve economic growth that is more innovation-led, inclusive and sustainable. We intend this framework to inform the debate about the direction of economic growth and the use of mission-oriented policies to confront social and technological problems. Our work will feed into innovation and industrial policy, financial reform, institutional change, and sustainable development. A key pillar of IIPP's research is its understanding of markets as outcomes of the interactions between different actors. In this context, public policy should not be seen as simply fixing market failures but also as actively shaping and co-creating markets. Re-focusing and designing public organisations around mission-led, public purpose aims will help tackle the grand challenges facing the 21st century. IIPP is housed in The Bartlett, a leading Global Faculty of the Built Environment at UCL, with its radical thinking about space, design and sustainability. Suggested citation Kattel, R. and Mergel, I. (2018). Estonia’s digital transformation: Mission mystique and the hiding hand. UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose Working Paper Series (IIPP WP 2018-09). -
P. 1 Implementation Report Format the Format Below Follows the Structure of the CITES Strategic Vision: 2008-2020 and Aims to Co
Implementation report format The format below follows the structure of the CITES Strategic Vision: 2008-2020 and aims to collect information to enable the Strategic Vision indicators to be implemented. CITES vision statement Conserve biodiversity and contribute to its sustainable use by ensuring that no species of wild fauna or flora becomes or remains subject to unsustainable exploitation through international trade, thereby contributing to the significant reduction of the rate of biodiversity loss and making a significant contribution towards achieving the relevant Aichi Biodiversity Targets. Article VIII, paragraph 7 (b), of the Convention requires each Party to submit to the CITES Secretariat a report on legislative, regulatory and administrative measures taken to enforce the provisions of the Convention. The report format allows Parties to present information in a standard manner, so that it can be easily collated, with three main objectives: i) To enable monitoring of the implementation and effectiveness of the Convention; ii) To facilitate the identification of major achievements, significant developments, or trends, gaps or problems and possible solutions; and iii) Provide a basis for substantive and procedural decision-making by the Conference of the Parties and various subsidiary bodies. Information on the nature and extent of CITES trade should be incorporated into the annual report [Article VIII paragraph 7 (a)], whereas the report provided under Article VIII paragraph 7 (b) should focus on measures taken to implement the Convention. The report should cover the period indicated in Resolution Conf. 11.17 (Rev. CoP16) which urges that the report should be submitted to the Secretariat one year before each meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP). -
President Ivan Gašparovič of the Slovak Republic Visits UNFICYP
President Ivan Gašparovič of the Slovak Republic visits UNFICYP THE BLUE BERET Voices must be heard - Editorial Published monthly by the: Public Information Office Despite frequent public disagreements over the Civil Society and the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in process set in motion by the Gambari Agreement Cyprus almost a year ago, representatives of the two sides Cyprus Problem HQ UNFICYP continue to meet and to exchange proposals. Some- ypriots must feel that their voices have been about attitudes towards prospects for an early PO Box 21642 times, these proposals are on paper, sometimes 1590 Nicosia heard and that they have had a say in Cyprus settlement, “shows the crying need for they are transmitted orally. It does not help the Cyprus shaping that solution – the Cyprus problem dialogue, debate and discussion between and process to publicly dispute or second-guess the C Tel: 2261-4550/4416/4408 must have a Cypriot solution, SRSG Michael among the island’s communities on all the issues merit of each and every idea or suggestion as and Fax: 2261-4461 Møller said, opening the International Civil Society which make the mosaic of life on the island and, when it is put forward given that the ongoing E-mail: [email protected] Fair at Ledra Palace in early May. just as importantly, the need to overcome the [email protected] exchange of proposals is an intrinsic part of the There can be no sustainable solution to the pervasive and persistent lack of trust between the Website:www.unficyp.org consultative dynamic. Cyprus problem unless and until every Cypriot is two communities.” Editorial Team SRSG Møller, a self-professed optimist, insists that convinced that he or she truly understands all its Civil society serves both as “catalyst” and Brian Kelly there is considerable commonality of positions components and ramifications.