Today the Ministry of Defence submitted for approval draft resolutions of the Parliament, which forsee in 2011 the participation of approximately over 200 members of Estonia’s Defence Forces in international military operations in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq, Middle East and in the EU Nordic Battle Group.

In accordance with the International Military Co-operation Act, the deployment of the Defence Forces in an international military operation is decided by the Estonian parliament, the Riigikogu. The approval of the draft resolutions entered in the approval procedure today will require a majority in the parliament.

According to Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo, Estonia’s defence capability is built on an independent defence capability and on collective defence by NATO. “Estonia is participating in international security operations under the principle that allies need to assist one another reciprocally in the event of military or other security threats. By participating in international missions, we are also growing our own independent defence capability through practical activity and in co-operation with our allies,” Aaviksoo said.

The biggest foreign mission for Estonian Defence Forces will still be in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, where, in accordance with the draft legislation, 160-165 members of the Defence Forces will be serving on an ongoing basis next year. Currently, Estonia is participating in the Afghanistan operation with an infantry company, logistics support element, fire support team, counter-IED team and staff officers in Southern Afghanistan, and with a military police close protection team in Kabul.

In accordance with the draft legislation, Estonia will also continue participation in the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR), with up to three staff officers and staff-NCO’s.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia will be still participating with up to 3 staff officers and staff-NCO’s in the headquarters of the European Military Force (EUFOR), in Sarajevo. Since the current security mission may in the near future evolve into a training mission, Estonian service members serving there may be replaced by the same number of instructors during the next year.

In accordance with the draft resolutions, in Iraq, the Defence Forces would continue participating in the NATO Training Mission-Iraq (NTM-I) with up to three staff officers. The principal task of NTM-I is to monitor and advise Iraqi training institutions; the staff officers there are not directly involved in field operations.

In the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in Middle East, Estonia would continue participation in 2011 with up to three members of the Defence Forces. The task of UNTSO supervisors is to monitor the following of truce agreements in the Middle East and prevent escalation of conflicts, and to assist other UN missions located in the region.

In addition to the usual mandates, a draft resolution of the Riigikogu was also submitted for approval regarding the participation of Estonian Defence Forces in the Nordic Battle Group of the European Union with an infantry platoon and staff officers – up to 55 service members in total. The Nordic Combat Group consisting of Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Irish and Estonian units will be in operational readiness in the first half of 2011.

The National Defence Development Plan for 2009-2018 foresees the contribution of Estonia's capabilities and units in foreign missions carried out by NATO, by the European Union and/or in case of a coalition of the willing. Its contribution to foreign operations helps Estonia to reach security policy goals and is also a significant catalyst for the Defence Forces and the Defence League.


Further information:
Peeter Kuimet
Press Officer, Ministry of Defence
Tel. +372 717 0116 / +372 56 56 41 88
peeter.kuimet@kmin.ee