The speech by the President of the Baltic Assembly Timo Suslov focused on the changed security environment of the Baltic Sea, where physical and digital threats are ever more closely intertwined. Damaging submarine cables, signal interferences, cyber attacks, and misinformation that polarises societies show the wide spreading of hybrid threats. The resilience of the Baltic Sea countries depends on our ability to protect the critical infrastructure of the region and to prevent situations where a single incident could have a broader impact on the whole region.

Member of the Baltic Assembly Meelis Kiili, who also heads the BSPC Working Group on Strengthening Cyber and Information Resilience to Promote Democracy, presented the interim report of the Working Group with its seven political recommendations.

The presentation focused on ways the development of digital technology changes the threats facing democratic societies. Based on the work of the Working Group so far, he urged to reduce the fragmentation of the cyber security regulations, strengthen crisis preparedness, and protect the society against the manipulation and disinformation spread with the help of artificial intelligence. He also highlighted the need to increase the media competence of young people and to treat the protection of critical maritime, energy, and digital infrastructure more strongly as a joint regional issue.

The Conference adopted a joint resolution, emphasising the need to enhance the security and resilience of the Baltic Sea region. The countries were called upon to work in closer cooperation in combating cyber and information threats, better protect the critical infrastructure, and increase the awareness in the society about the influencing activities carried out via disinformation and AI. It also stressed the importance of including the youth and preparing for crises. The resolution confirmed the continued support for Ukraine and drew attention to the threats in the Baltic Sea region caused by Russia’s war of aggression and the activities of the shadow fleet.

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“It is only right that there is a place in the Riigikogu Building whose name serves as a reminder that freedom is not to be taken for granted,” Aller said. He added that the new name commemorated not only a historical event, but also the determination and courage with which Estonia’s national independence had been restored on 20 August 1991.

Jaak Valge, a Member of the Riigikogu and historian, noted that naming the hall with the date was a tribute to common achievements. Valge emphasised that 20 August marks an extremely significant vote, when the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia passed the Resolution on the National Independence of Estonia. “But in history, something new almost never emerges as a breakthrough on a single date. History is a process. 20 August is also significant in terms of how this outcome was achieved. It symbolises cooperation – the ability to overcome political and ideological differences at a decisive moment,” Jaak Valge said.

Member of the August 20th Club Ignar Fjuk also spoke at the ceremony. He highlighted the role the people who restored independence had had in securing Estonia’s freedom and underlined the need to keep alive the memory of the historic decision taken in August 1991.

The purpose of renaming one of the important rooms in the Riigikogu Building and unveiling of the memorial plaque is to commemorate the significance of the restoration of Estonia’s independence and to remind future generations that freedom, democracy and independence must be defended every day.

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“The right to freedom and a free future is the inalienable right of every nation. This is why the fight of the Ukrainians also resonates with us. Their fight touches the whole Europe. Ukraine’s security and Europe’s security are not two separate issues,” Hussar underlined.

According to Hussar, it is not the task of our generation to restore Estonia’s independence. “Our generation is tasked with keeping and strengthening it, and then passing it forward. Because we do not want our children and grandchildren to ask us: what did you do with the freedom that was recovered for you on 20 August 1991?”

President Alar Karis thanked the members of the August 20th Club for finding far-sighted wisdom and unity. “And I thank Iceland for your courage to support Estonia on its road to restoring its independence. Estonians will always remember your determination in 1990 and 1991, when you openly and persuasively took the side of the Baltic nations. Therefore, for almost 30 years, a square in central Tallinn, in front of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has carried the name of Iceland Square,” Karis said.

Karis pointed out that the clear and concise decision to restore the national independence of Estonia, which was made by the parliament of that time and had been born out of the agreement between the Supreme Council and the Congress of Estonia, considered both the past and the present in all their complexities and set a very clear goal for the future through the creation of the Constitutional Assembly.

“The fact that all the political forces were involved in writing the new Constitution played an important role in laying out the political future,” Karis emphasised. According to him, at that time there was essential wisdom and understanding in the Session Hall of the Riigikogu to realise that the future path of Estonia requires us to seek unity and find harmony in our society.

Karis pointed out that the future was not created at difficult moments alone. We create our future through our daily decisions and choices. And then we also need decisions that bring us together in seeking unity and do not drive us apart along political party or interest lines.

“I believe that confidence and sense of responsibility are indeed the two important keywords that made 20 August 1991 the important day that it was. They have brought us to this day, and confidence and sense of responsibility will also carry us forward,” Karis said.

Ants Veetõusme recalled the time 35 years ago. “Today, on 20 August, we are in the Session Hall of Toompea Castle to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the restoration of the national independence of Estonia. This hall has witnessed the most important moments of Estonia as a nation. It has seen the development of the nation, loss of independence, and its restoration. But one decision made in this building surpasses all others: the decision to restore the national independence of the Republic of Estonia.” Veetõusme said.

“This decision was more than just a political step; it was also a moral and historical step that said: Estonia is not lost. Estonia is not silenced. Estonia is ours—and it is up to us to safeguard it,” Veetõusme emphasised.

He explained that 35 years ago, nothing was obvious. “We were surrounded by insecurity, fear, confusion. But there was also something even stronger: the people’s conviction that Estonia needed to become free. This conviction had been born much earlier – in our homes, our culture, our language, our memory. This was born from songs that were sung in whispers and from flags that were kept in hiding places.”

He highlighted that 20 August 1991 had not been a random moment in time. It was a breaking point in history, which had been preceded by a long journey. Let us recap: Letter of 40 Intellectuals, Phosphorite War, joint plenary session of creative unions, Song Festival Grounds, Baltic Way, night song festivals, increasing national confidence. These were political acts and decisions of the people. These were steps that took us where we are today.

Veetõusme underlined that the cooperation between the Baltic States had been of great importance in the story of our restoration of independence. He recalled, “The Supreme Councils of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania cooperated in those years, which was extraordinary. This cooperation was not formal, but very real and strategic. We shared information, coordinated our steps, and assessed risks.“

President of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir, Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia Daiga Mieriņa and Andris Teikmanis from the 4 May Declaration Club of Latvia, and Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Juozas Olekas and President the Signatories of the Independence Act Club of Lithuania Birute Valionyte addressed the joint sitting.

Celebrations of the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia’s independence started with the flag raising ceremony and continued with laying of flowers at the 20 August Memorial Stone and presentation of the jubilee stamp in the White Hall of Toompea Castle.

The postage stamp tells the story of the restoration of Estonia’s independence. The historical gavel stroke by Ülo Nugis and the events of the Singing Revolution meet on the stamp designed by Jaan Saar. This serves as the starting point for the blue-black-and-white flag, the lower edge of which follows the shape of the arched stage of Tallinn Song Festival Grounds; below it are the people who gathered at the Song Festival Grounds in 1988. The postage stamp will be presented together with the first day cover and postmark. The design of the first day cover focuses on the Singing Revolution and the postmark on the Resolution of the Supreme Council on the National Independence of Estonia. 

Mixed choir HUIK!, conducted by Ode Pürg, sang at the joint sitting.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

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President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Lauri Hussar said that 35 years ago, thousands of people had gathered across Estonia to defend our budding freedom, and that the same responsibility must be taken today. He emphasised that preserving freedom requires faith in your country, language and culture. “Freedom is not to be taken for granted,” Hussar said, referring both to Estonia’s historical experience and to the battles taking place in Ukraine today.

“The Estonian spirit is not just an emotion or a passive feeling of “being Estonian”. It becomes visible when someone consciously takes responsibility for what belongs to them. Today, this means responsibility to safeguard our freedom and country, language and culture; support those who fight for their survival and freedom, and make sure that the flag in this tower would never again be submitted to a foreign rule,” Hussar said.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal said in his speech that in three and a half decades, Estonia had grown into a country that was regarded with respect around the world. According to him, Estonia’s success is rooted in its people’s determination, hard work and courage to take decisions that look beyond tomorrow. He also emphasised that freedom had to be safeguarded in the future as well. “Freedom does not stay on its own. A country can never be fully completed,” Michal said.

Archbishop of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Urmas Viilma said the words of blessing. Speaking at the flag-raising ceremony, he noted that the Day of Restoration of Independence reminded us how important it was to pass on the value of freedom to future generations. According to Viilma, what one generation sees as a miracle, must not be taken for granted by the next ones.

President of the August 20th Club Ants Veetõusme recalled that during the years of the Singing Revolution, the blue, black and white flag had been a symbol of courage and freedom. He called on the younger generation to carry on responsibility, and to treasure Estonia and its values. “We are handing all this over to the young people who have grown up in independent Estonia. You are now in charge of keeping Estonia from ever having to hide this flag again.”

The flag guards of academic associations, patriotic organisations and schools attended the ceremony in the Governor’s Garden. Chamber choir Avis Animi, Mulgi Mixed Choir, mixed choirs HUIK! and Noorus and the chamber choir of Tallinn School No. 21 sang at the ceremony. They were accompanied by Tallinn Police Orchestra. The choirs and the orchestra were conducted by Riivo Jõgi, Leiu Ryland-Jones, Ode Pürg, Roland Viilukas and Kristjan Õmblus.

Speech by Lauri Hussar in English

Speech by Kristen Michal in English

Blessing by Archbishop Viilma in English

Speech by Ants Veetõusme in English

Photos of the flag raising ceremony (the photo gallery will be updated throughout the day; photographer: Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

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In addition to the upcoming celebrations, Hussar and the President of Iceland discussed the referendum on the resumption of European Union membership negotiations due to be held in Iceland on 29 August, as well as the meeting of the Speakers of the parliaments of the NB8 (the Nordic-Baltic cooperation format) that will take place on 27 August. Both the Speaker of the Riigikogu and the President of Iceland underlined the importance of Nordic-Baltic cooperation. “The NB8 is a very special family of nations, and many other countries have asked about our good relations with a touch of envy. I will remain in Iceland for the day of the referendum, and I look forward with excitement to the debates with both sides,” Hussar noted.

Hussar and the President of Iceland also discussed the artificial intelligence revolution, the need to win the trust of young people by better involving them in decision-making processes, as well as the importance of speaking the truth and standing for one’s values and principles regardless of size.

Chair of the Estonia-Iceland Parliamentary Friendship Group Margit Sutrop also participated in the meeting. On Iceland’s side, Minister of Culture, Innovation and Universities and Minister for Nordic Cooperation Logi Már Einarsson attended the meeting.

The President of Iceland will participate in the celebrations of the Day of Restoration of Independence of Estonia tomorrow. She will attend the flag raising ceremony in the Governor’s Garden at 7 a.m. and address the joint sitting of the 15th Riigikogu and the August 20th Club, which will begin at noon.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

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Plaited tapestry is one of the most distinctive forms of expression in textile heritage and textile art. Its roots reach into traditional Estonian rural culture, where rugs served not only practical purposes but also carried symbolic meanings. In the exhibition, the numerous tapestries, each on which carries its own message, enter into a dialogue with one another. Every life forms a unique pattern, shaped by personal life events, actions, relationships, emotions and thoughts. The same is true of the patterns woven into these tapestries: intertwined colours, shapes and symbols tell stories of home, nature, people and the passage of time.

The tapestry art created by Anu Raud brings together the legacy of Estonian folk art, personal landscapes of memory, and a profound respect for rural life, transforming the tapestries into visual narratives of the continuity of Estonian culture. Her works are distinguished by a rich symbolic language, masterful composition and a remarkable ability to weave everyday objects and traditional motifs into a timeless artistic whole. Anu Raud has been a mentor and an example for an entire generation of textile artists and craftspeople who draw inspiration from national heritage.

Christi Kütt is a lecturer, one of the first graduates of the Estonian native textile programme, and a master tapestry designer. She reinterprets the heritage of traditional Estonian tapestries in a modern style, weaving stories, symbols and personal reflections into her work. Her tapestries are more than just textiles; they are visual expressions of both the wisdom of our ancestors and the worldview of today.

The creators of the tapestries on display are all connected with Viljandi Culture Academy, where the study programme of native textile was opened in 1994 on the initiative of Anu Raud. Later this grew into the Estonian Native Crafts programme. The programme is offered by the centre for the study and development of material cultural heritage, and seeks to preserve, research and creatively advance Estonia’s traditional craft culture, connecting inherited knowledge with the needs of modern life. Students specialising in textile, construction, metalwork or circular technologies can study all main local craft techniques, skills, and materials. From the beginning, the design and weaving of plaited tapestries have formed an integral part of textile studies.

The tapestries are displayed in the Art Gallery of Toompea Castle and on the walls next to the Session Hall of the Riigikogu until 15.10.2026. The exhibition can be visited from Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors need to present an identity document to enter Toompea Castle. Please let us know in advance if you plan to visit the exhibition by emailing info@riigikogu.ee or calling +372 631 6300.

Photo gallery of the tapestries and opening of the exhibition (new photos will be added after the opening; photos by Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

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On 20 August 1991 at 11.03 p.m., the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia adopted the Resolution on the National Independence of Estonia, with 69 votes in favour. The state that was proclaimed on 24 February 1918 was restored. This year we celebrate the 35th anniversary of this historical event.

On 19 August at 5 p.m., President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar will open a joint tapestry exhibition “Woven from Heritage” (“Pärandist põimitud”) in the Art Gallery of Toompea Castle. The exhibition is dedicated to the anniversary of the restoration of independence and consists of works by Anu Raud, Christi Kütt, and students of the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy.

20 August events at Toompea

At 7 a.m., the flag raising ceremony will be held in the Governor’s Garden.

President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar, Prime Minister Kristen Michal and President of the August 20th Club Ants Veetõusme will deliver speeches. Archbishop of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Urmas Viilma will say a blessing.

The flag guards of the academic associations, patriotic organisations and schools will attend the ceremony in the Governor’s Garden. Chamber choir Avis Animi, Mulgi Mixed Choir, mixed choir HUIK!, mixed choir Noorus and chamber choir of Tallinn School No. 21, conducted by Kristjan Õmblus, Ode Pürg, Leiu Ryland-Jones and Roland Viilukas, and Tallinn Police Orchestra, conducted by Riivo Jõgi, will perform at the ceremony.

The event can be followed on ETV and ETV+.

At 9 a.m., ecumenical thanksgiving service will be held at St. Mary’s Cathedral at Toompea. At the same time, meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will take place in the Riigikogu.

At 10 a.m., flowers will be laid at the 20 August Memorial Stone.

Member of the August 20th Club Ants Käärma will deliver a speech at the ceremony, President of the August 20th Club Ants Veetõusme will lay the flowers. Memorial bouquets will also be laid on behalf of the President of the Republic of Estonia, the Riigikogu, the Government of Estonia, the 4 May Declaration Club of Latvia and the Signatories of the Independence Act Club of Lithuania.

At 11 a.m., the postage stamp dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the restoration of independence will be presented in the White Hall of Toompea Castle.

President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar, Chairman of the Board of Omniva Martti Kuldma, representative of the August 20th Club Aldo Tamm and designer of the stamp Jaan Saar will speak at the ceremony. The stamp depicts the legendary gavel stroke, colours of the Estonian flag and joyful people. The first day cover focuses on the Singing Revolution and the postmark on the Resolution of the Supreme Council on the National Independence of Estonia. All who are interested can acquire the stamp from Omniva’s tent in front of Toompea Castle from 3 p.m.

At 12 noon, the August 20th Club and the 15th Riigikogu will hold a joint formal sitting.

President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar, President of the Republic Alar Karis and President of the August 20th Club Ants Veetõusme will deliver speeches.

President of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir, Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia Daiga Mieriņa and Andris Teikmanis from the 4 May Declaration Club of Latvia, and Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Juozas Olekas and President the Signatories of the Independence Act Club of Lithuania Birute Valionyte will address the sitting.

Mixed choir HUIK!, conducted by Ode Pürg, will sing at the sitting.

The sitting will be broadcast by ETV and ETV+.

At 1 p.m., the naming ceremony and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque will take place in the Riigikogu Conference Hall, during which the hall will be named the August 20 Hall.

Vice-President of the Riigikogu Arvo Aller, representative of the August 20th Club Ignar Fjuk and member of the Riigikogu Jaak Valge will speak at the naming ceremony.

At 3 p.m., the free concert “Voice of the Past. Sound of the Future” will begin in the Governor’s Garden. At the concert, Estonian folk music will meet modern electronic musical language.

The concert will feature performances by SADU, NOËP, Puuluup, EiK, Duo Ruut, Sander Mölder, bagpipe quartet and percussions quartet. At the concert, the artists will open up a world that transcends stylistic boundaries, where traditional runic verse, folk instruments, drum machines, and electronic textures create an entirely new sonic experience.

The concert will be produced by Danel Pandre.

The concert can be followed on ETV and ETV+.

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Vaga thanked Vice President Hsiao for Taiwan’s warm hospitality, noting that every visit by an Estonian parliamentary delegation further reinforces the friendship between the two countries.

“Taiwan’s remarkable economic success, innovative spirit and societal resilience are an inspiration for Estonia. We see growing opportunities to deepen cooperation in high technology, defence industries, investment and innovation. Today, Estonia and Taiwan are closer than ever before,” Vaga said.

He praised Taiwan’s comprehensive efforts to strengthen its national defence, emphasising that Taiwan is investing not only in modernising its armed forces but also in technological innovation, civil preparedness, cognitive resilience and active diplomacy.

“These reforms demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to safeguard its democracy and freedom. Estonia shares the same approach. This year we are investing 5.4 per cent of our GDP in defence, modernising our armed forces and continuing our unwavering support for Ukraine,” Vaga said.

The meeting also highlighted the rapidly expanding practical cooperation between Estonia and Taiwan. The two countries’ Ministries of Defence continue to exchange expertise, while Estonia is sharing valuable lessons learned from Ukraine’s battlefield experience that contribute to Taiwan’s preparedness. The delegation also discussed growing cooperation between Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) and innovative Estonian defence companies.

Cooperation is also expanding beyond security. Estonia’s development cooperation agency ESTDEV and Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement, Taiwania Capital has invested in Estonia’s technology sector, and cultural and educational exchanges continue to deepen. Estonia also reiterated its support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization.

“Although Estonia and Taiwan are separated by geography, we are united by our shared values. Taiwan’s humanitarian assistance to Ukraine demonstrates that it shares our commitment to freedom and is contributing to the victory of freedom on the European continent. At the same time, Estonia and Taiwan have enormous potential to deepen economic cooperation, particularly in the technology sector. Taiwan’s recent investment in the Estonian company Skeleton Technologies marks the beginning of even closer economic ties between our two countries. Freedom, democracy, innovation and an open society—these shared values form the foundation of our partnership and give us the confidence to face future challenges together,” Vaga said.

In addition to Vaga, the Estonia–Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group delegation included members of the Riigikogu Peeter Tali, Hanah Lahe, Anti Poolamets, Evelin Poolamets and Kalle Laanet.

During the visit, the delegation met with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Speaker of the Legislative Yuan Han Kuo-yu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Minister of National Defense, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu, representatives of the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), the leadership of the National Palace Museum, representatives of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the state-backed Taiwania Capital investment fund.

The meetings focused on strengthening parliamentary cooperation between Estonia and Taiwan, security and defence issues, cooperation in defence industries and high technology, investment, cultural exchange, and closer coordination among democratic countries in support of the rules-based international order.

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All three committees of the OSCE PA will have meetings during the Annual Session. Pikhof is a member of the General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions. She will also take part in the traditional meeting on women’s rights and represent Estonia at the meeting of Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8) and the US delegation.

Over 250 parliamentarians from North America, Europe, and Central Asia are taking part in the Assembly. Over several days, the parliamentarians are working in committees to discuss resolutions on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, hybrid threats, strategic competition in the Arctic, and developments in the Middle East. Other topics include climate change, competition over resources, demographic changes, drug trade, cyber security, and management of AI. The Session should end with the adoption of the Hague declaration on Wednesday.

The aim of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is to increase the involvement of its participating states in resolving European political and security issues, to enhance civilian control over military affairs, and to strengthen the responsibility and influence of members of parliament.

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Hussar underlined that ahead of the NATO Summit taking place in Ankara, Türkiye, on 7 and 8 July, it was crucial to maintain focus on ensuring that allies continue to strengthen their defence capabilities and implement the decision to raise defence spending to five percent of GDP. “The threat from Russia remains unchanged, and the Allies are committed to unity, but we nevertheless face difficult discussions in Ankara on how to get all countries to contribute equally to defence. The Baltic States serve as an important example for other countries in this regard,” he noted.

Hussar and Rinkēvičs also discussed support for Ukraine, ways to counter Russia’s shadow fleet, the situation in the Middle East, and improving connections between the two countries through road and rail construction projects.

Chairman of the Estonia-Latvia Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu and Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee and member of the National Defence Committee Peeter Tali also attended the meeting.

The visit of the President of Latvia to Estonia began yesterday with his arrival on the island of Ruhnu, where he was greeted by President of Estonia Alar Karis. Today, Rinkēvičs is in Tallinn, where he laid a wreath at the Monument to the War of Independence, visited the National Library of Estonia and attended the Livonia Award ceremony. He will also meet with Prime Minister Kristen Michal and visit the Mine Harbour Naval Base. Tomorrow, he will visit Kumu Art Museum.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu

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