Longest Serving Estonian Honorary Consul Jaak Treiman Recognized

Estonian Honorary Consul in Los Angeles, Jaak Treiman, took on the post before Estonian independence was restored and has worked as an honorary consul for 35 years – longer than any of his colleagues.

Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets thanked and congratulated Treiman by phone for his dedicated work in representing Estonia's interests, strengthening ties between the two countries and providing invaluable help to Estonian citizens.

Treiman took up the post of Honorary Consul on March 26, 1986, when he was appointed by the Consul General of Estonia, legendary diplomat Ernst Jaakson.

Estonia has 186 honorary consuls in 83 countries.

There are 11 Estonian honorary consuls in the U.S.

Demonstrations Against Increased Police Powers

There have been numerous protests in front of Estonia's parliament recently against proposed increased police powers.

A draft amendment has been proposed to change the Act on the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases to grant the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) additional powers.

If passed, the PPA will be able to carry out tasks on behalf of the Health Board.

These include initiating court proceedings against people breaking coronavirus restrictions, such as not wearing a mask in public.

Youth Song and Dance Celebrations Postponed to 2023

The Youth Song and Dance Celebrations planned for 2022 will be postponed by one year.

The 13th Youth Song and Dance Celebration will take place from June 30 to July 2, 2023 at Tallinn Song Festival Grounds and Kalev Central Stadium. Margus Toomla, director of the Song and Dance Celebration Foundation, said the pandemic has been hard for the entire culture sector and in the case of the Song and Dance Celebration tradition, this has led to too many missed rehearsals and performances.

Estonia the Focus of Classical Music Site Bachtrack

Young Estonian musicians and Estonian music are featured in the global classical music site Bachtrack, one of the most recognized channels among both music professionals and audiences interested in culture. Information on festivals and more can be found at https://bachtrack.com/country/estonia.