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Undersecretary for Defence Readiness Lauri Abel: local governments across Estonia have a key role in protecting the population

6. June 2022 - 8:44
On the initiative of the Ministry of Defence and the Defence League, the kick-off for a series of seminars on national defence took place in the 1st Infantry Brigade at Tapa.
On the initiative of the Ministry of Defence and the Defence League, the kick-off for a series of seminars on national defence took place in the 1st Infantry Brigade at Tapa.

On the initiative of the Ministry of Defence and the Defence League, the kick-off for a series of seminars on national defence took place yesterday in the 1st Infantry Brigade at Tapa. Leaders of local governments, representatives from the Defence League, the Ministry of Defence, the Rescue Board, and the Police and Border Guard Board discussed the defence of the Estonian state and population, and the role of local governments. Local government leaders from Lääne-Viru and Järva counties participated in the seminar.

“We all have the opportunity to contribute to national defence, and part of that is being aware of your role in times of crisis and war. National defence does not just mean active military duty. There are many other ways to contribute to the functioning of the state and national defence. This is what we refer to as broad-based national defence, where military defence is coupled with effective support services that ensure the survival of the state and its people,” emphasised Commander of Defence League Brigadier General Riho Ühtegi in his opening remarks.

“Local governments across Estonia have a crucial role in the protection of Estonia’s population: organising everyday life, ensuring vital services and providing information in case of danger or crisis, to name but a few of their tasks. The local government is a strategic partner in preparing possible defence activities, since it is familiar with local life through and through,” said Undersecretary for Defence Readiness Lauri Abel.

Kati Nõlvak, Head of the Social Department of the Türi Rural Municipality Government, added that the greatest protection for residents is cooperation.

“The basis for good cooperation is that everyone knows what their role is and what to do. I am pleased that national-level defence organisations and local authorities are not only talking to each other but also practising together for different situations. The next step could be to carry out such joint exercises with local people,” she said.

Discussions with city and rural municipality leaders focused on securing services and supplies, the compulsory use of resources, keeping communities united, and informing the population.

The next national defence seminars will be held in Võru and Narva, and in the second half of the year in Lääne, Pärnu, and Harju counties. The aim of this series of seminars is to raise awareness among local governments about their national defence responsibilities and identify bottlenecks.

Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzSD6X

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