When and where will the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session be held?

The NATO PA Spring Session will be held on 25‒28 May in Tallinn, at Swissôtel.

Who will participate in the Spring Session?

About 300 members of parliament from 28 NATO member states will take part in the Session. Together with representatives of observer and associated states and international organisations (European Parliament, OSCE, ENPA), about 600 guests will arrive to Tallinn.

What will be discussed at the Session?

The agenda of the Spring Session covers various topics. Security problems in Middle East and North Africa will be the main issues on the agenda at the plenary session and committee meetings. The future of NATO, relations with international organisations, and cyber security and smart defence will also be discussed. On 25 May, the NATO‒Russia Council will be held, and at the plenary session on 28 May, the President of the Republic Toomas Hendrik Ilves, the President of the Riigikogu Ene Ergma and the NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow will deliver speeches.

Why is Estonia organising the Spring Session?

Every member state of the NATO PA organises the PA Spring Session within a certain period and the right to organise the 2012 Spring Session was given to Estonia in 2010. This is the first time that Estonia organises the Session.

What are the organisational costs?

The estimated budget cost is 630 000 euro.

How can journalists follow the Session?

To follow the Session, journalists are required to accredit themselves by 16 May at the latest. The accreditation form and information are available here. During the Session, the Press Centre in the hotel foyer and most of the meeting rooms on the 6th floor will be open. On the opening day, more detailed information on the upcoming Session will be given at a press conference at 11 a.m. English and French will be the working languages of the Session.

The Riigikogu Press Service

8 May 2012