Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Anders Nõmm
Video: Estonia exit EuroBasket after narrow defeat to Portugal
The Estonian men's national basketball team failed to advance from Group A after losing 65-68 to Portugal on Wednesday. Artur Konontšuk ended as Estonia's top scorer with 12 points in 3 minutes, including a free throw that had put them 65-64 ahead with only 42 seconds left in the game. However, Portugal were not to be defeated and it is they who advance to the next stage.
Johannes Erm breaks Estonian record, secures world cup silver
On the first day of the heptathlon at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, Johannes Erm ran the 60 meters in 6.94 seconds, leaped 7.77 meters in the long jump, threw the shot put 15.27 meters and cleared 1.98 meters in the high jump. By the end of the first day, he had accumulated 3,497 points, putting him 50 points ahead of the pace of his Estonian record (6,380) set in Apeldoorn.
Johannes Erm takes European Championships decathlon gold
With his 8,764 points, Erm put in the second-best decathlon result in Estonian sporting history, just 51 points shy of 2000 olympics gold medalist Erki Nool's domestic record. Erm told ERR's Debora Saarnak afterwards: "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls; what did I just do?! I'm the European champion! I'm so, so happy." "A huge thank you to everyone who was there, everyone at home, everyone watching on TV; every bit of support counted. Thank you!" he added.
Limited number of spectators allowed at sporting events from June
The Estonian government on Thursday decided to ease restrictions related to the coronavirus outbreak. From June 1, outdoor sporting events with spectators are permitted to be organized. Outdoor sports competitions may be organized with spectators from June 1, taking into account that there may also be a total of 100 participants. The organizers must ensure that disinfectants are available at the event site.
Motor insurance "green card" to be printed on white paper from July
From July 1, the green card, an international motor third party liability insurance policy, must be printed on a white paper instead of green, the Estonian Motor Insurance Bureau (LKF) says. Because of the amendment, insurance companies can issue the green card in electronic form as a PDF file. This means that customers must print the green card on a white paper before traveling abroad.
Tallink survey: Estonians keen on visiting neighbouring states this summer
Tallink Grupp in May carried out a survey among its loyalty programme Club One members in Estonia, Finland and Sweden to understand people's willingness to travel this summer. The survey results in Estonia showed that the vast majority of the respondents would like to travel somewhere already this summer if the travel restrictions are lifted, with for example 54 percent of the respondents indicating they would like to travel to Finland.
Ministry: Defense League rather than Defense Forces best suited for assisting police
The Ministry of the Interior believes police could provide training for military conscripts in order to include them in law enforcement when necessary. The Ministry of Defense has not immediately rejected the plan, but sees members of the Defense League better suited for assisting police.
Up to 100 participants permitted at indoor public events from June 1
The government on Thursday decided that from June 1 to June 30, public events may be organized with 100 participants instead of a maximum of 50 people. Adherence to the 2+2 rule and a maximum occupancy of 50 percent of a space's occupancy limit applies for indoor spaces.
Statistics: Industrial production fell to the level of a decade ago
According to Statistics Estonia, in April 2020, the production of industrial enterprises decreased by 17 percent compared to April 2019. Production decreased in all three industrial activities: manufacturing, energy production and mining. In April, the total production in manufacturing decreased by 15 percent year on year.
Death rate for under 40s continues to decrease
The overall number of deaths in Estonia stood at 15,198 in 2019, down 408 on year, according to the National Institute for Health Development. A little over half of all deaths - 8,750 - resulted from cardiovascular ailments, with the second largest cause (3,804) being malignant tumors. Accidents, traumas and poisonings were reported to be the third major cause of death (786). The overall number of HIV-related deaths decreased by nearly a fifth on year, from 48 in 2018 to 39 in 2019.
Amendment to parental benefits system to be discussed
The Minister of Population Riina Solman (Isamaa) said at a government press conference that a bill is being prepared that would extend the payment of parental benefits from the current 2.5 years between births to three years.
Defense minister: Laying wreath at Bronze Soldier on May 8 justified
The Bronze Soldier at the Defense Forces Cemetery in Tallinn is considered to be a grave monument and a commemorative wreath is laid at it on May 8 instead of May 9 in order to lessen the power of hostile propaganda, Minister of Defense Jüri Luik (Isamaa) says. MP Kai Rimmel (EKRE) sent a written question to the defense minister, asking why the Estonian state lays an annual commemorative wreath at the Bronze Soldier with "from the Estonian people" written on it.
Court to decide about Baltika's reorganization on June 22 the latest
The Harju County Court will hold a hearing on the reorganization plan of Baltika on June 18 and decide about the approval of the reorganization plan no later than on June 22, the listed Estonian garment seller informed the stock exchange on Wednesday. AS Baltika submitted the reorganization plan approved by the creditors to the court on May 22. On May 25, one application was submitted for the court to not approve the reorganization plan, the Baltic News Service reports.
Private foresters ask for limiting access to public forest data
The Estonian Private Forest Union has proposed to the Ministry of the Environment to limit data available for public use in the Forest Registry, Maaleht reports. "Our aim is to not have the public information regarding forests out in such detail - not anyone should be able to see the amount of timber to be cut, as this information interests forest buyers.
Tallinn wants cheaper housing in city center to avoid segregation
The urban development plan of the Kesklinn (city center) district should determine the urban spatial principles in order to avoid socioeconomic segregation, the city of Tallinn notes in the terms of reference of the plan. According to a study published last year, Tallinn is the capital city undergoing the most rapid segregation in Europe. If the process were to continue, it would, in a few decades, lead to social and spatial fragmentation, which would in turn have a detrimental effect on economy.
Road Administration looking for operator for small island ferry lines
The Road Administration (Maanteeamet) is looking for an operator for the Kihnu, Vormsi and Sõru-Triigi ferry lines. On Tuesday, the representatives of TS Laevad and Tuule Liinid got onboard the passenger ferry Kihnu Virve to familiarize themselves with the vessel. Similar ferries Ormsö and Soela operate the Vormsi and Sõru-Triigi routes, which is why a single operator is sought for the three routes. It is currently operated by Kihnu Veeteed, "Aktuaalne kaamera" reports.
Anvelt on largest bank robbery of 90s: Case also piqued underworld interest
Wednesday marks 25 years since what was at that time the largest bank robbery in Estonian history, when an unknown man escaped with some 2.3 million kroons. At 9.37 a.m. on May 27, 1995, an unknown young man entered the collection room - in essence, the bank's vault - of the Hansapank building on Liivalaia Street. He ordered the two cashiers to lay down on the ground at gunpoint and then bagged 2.29 million kroons (the Estonian currency prior to adopting the Euro in 2011).
Reinsalu: Schengen area tourists could be allowed to enter Estonia in June
Speaking on the "Otse Postimehest" ("Live from Postimees") webcast of the daily Postimees on Wednesday, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu gave hope that the easing of restrictions regarding foreign tourism could come as early as June. According to the minister, one possibility would be to create an opportunity to test for coronavirus at airports and, in the long run, to abolish the quarantine requirement based on mutual trust.
T1 shopping mall reorganization plan not approved, process to continue
A substantial majority of the creditors of the troubled T1 shopping mall in Tallinn voted for the reorganization plan of the mall's owners, but the claims of the creditors who voted for the plan were not sufficient to get the proposal approved, AS Tallinna Moekombinaat informed stock exchange on Wednesday. However, the company can move forward with the proceedings and ask the court to approve the reorganization plan.
Controversial Center Party donation case to be sent to state prosecutor
The Political Parties Financing Surveillance Committee (ERJK) will send to the public prosecutor's office the materials of the recent controversial donation received by the Center Party. Coalition party Center received €108,705 in donations in the first quarter of 2020. Nearly half of that, €50,000, was donated by little-known businesswoman Jana-Helen Juhaste, ERR reported in April. According to the business register, Juhaste is actually a member of EKRE.
Gallery: Oil spill from WWII wreckage cleaned up in Narva Bay
Pollution from a wreck of a German warship is being cleaned up in Narva Bay, near the borough of Toila. As the spill is far enough offshore, it poses no threat to the coastline. Pollution was discovered at Narva Bay on April 23 and samples taken indicated that a fuel mixture had been discharged into the sea. The source of the leak is the German torpedo boat T30, which sank in August 1944 together with its two companions, the T22 and the T32.
Filing islands as second residence forces ministry to consider amending law
Hundreds of people registered one of the western islands of Estonia as their second residence during the emergency situation. The accuracy of the process is not monitored by anyone, but the interior ministry is now thinking of amending the rules. The field for an additional residence was added to the population register in 2019, because people genuinely can have several residences - for example, living in one house during summer and in another while working in the city.
RMK to pay almost twice as much as originally planned in dividends
The State Forest Management Centre (RMK) Supervisory Board is planning on paying €66 million in dividends into the state budget instead of the planned €35.6 million. With additional income tax, the state will receive €80.6 million. RMK's improved economic performance is the basis of the increase in dividends as the net profit was €24 million higher compared to what was originally expected.
Additional lessons now required after third driving test fail
The new rules regarding driving schools and tests obligate students to return to the driving school for at least two additional lessons after they fail the state practical test for the third consecutive time. As this happened to more than 2,600 people last year, it increases the workload of driving schools, because the mandatory amount of driving lessons has also been increased. The amendment was made due to those who take failure as misfortune and hope for a better result next time.
Consumer protection board receiving many complaints regarding canceled trips
The Consumer Protection and Technical Surveillance Authority (TTJA) has received hundreds of complaints from people whose tourist trips or flights have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. "We are talking about hundreds of people," TTJA tourism and travel services line manager Helen Rohtla said on ERR's "Vikerhommik". Rohtla suggests for consumers to make their wishes clear to the companies in question.
Helme criticizes proposed EU recovery fund, Reinsalu calls for cool heads
Finance Minister Martin Helme (EKRE) on Monday criticized the proposed €500 billion recovery fund that would offer grants to European Union regions and sectors hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa) said rational decisions regarding the plan have to be made.
Estonian Free Party, Richness of Life planning to merge
The boards of the Estonian Free Party and Richness of Life during negotiations reached a memorandum of understanding in which members are presented with a proposal to form a new party on the basis of the two parties. "Last week, we presented to the members for review and discussion a document in which the common important principles were described on the basis of the programs of the two parties.
Ministry: Tourism between Estonia, Finland restored when both states ready
Commuting between Estonia and Finland is permitted for workers and students, but tourists cannot move freely just yet. Estonia and Finland plan on opening borders for visitors at the same time. Tourism between Estonia and Finland should be restored when it doesn't pose any risk to health and when both countries are ready for it, the foreign ministry's communications adviser Pia Kuusik told ERR's online news on Monday. According to her, one-sided tourism towards Finland is currently not an option.
Estonian football league match broadcast internationally for first time
Sunday's Estonian football league (Premium liiga) match between Viljandi Tulevik and FCI Levadia was live broadcast in Ukraine and various Balkan countries, marking the first time an Estonian league match has been broadcast internationally. Ukrainian channel Sport 1 and SportKlub, which is broadcast in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Slovenia, North Macedonia and Croatia, offered live coverage of the game on Sunday.
Finance committee chair opposes proposed €500 billion EU recovery fund
Chairman of the Riigikogu Finance Committee Aivar Kokk (Isamaa) says he doesn't agree with the proposed €500 billion recovery fund that would offer grants to European Union regions and sectors hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. The committee has yet to discuss the subject, but Kokk personally inclines towards not supporting the idea in its current form, Kokk told ERR.
Tallinn Airport to lay off 111 employees
Tallinn Airport, comprising of AS Tallinna Lennujaam and AS Tallinn Airport GH, will decrease its operating costs and lay off 111 employees over the course of three months. CEO of Tallinn Airport Riivo Tuvike said the decision to lay off employees was postponed as much as possible, but the Unemployment Fund wage compensation measure offers only short-term aid and there is no way around redundancies.
T1 mall received a bankruptcy caution from contractor Merko in January
The 70 creditors of the troubled T1 Tallinn shopping mall will on May 26 vote whether to support the restructuring plan of the owner of the mall or trust a potential new owner. Last week, the mall's principal creditor Lintgen said they will reject the restructuring plan drawn up by the mall's owner Tallinna Moekombinaat (TMK), as they see it unjust for creditors and also not in the interests of the mall's lessees and other cooperation partners.
Tourist numbers down 20 percent due to coronavirus crisis
The number of tourists visiting Estonia from EU countries decreased by more than 20 percent in the first quarter of 2020, according to figures published by the Bank of Estonia on Monday. Every third tourist visited Estonia from Finland in the first quarter, but the number of tourists from Finland decreased by 20 percent compared to the same period last year. Every fourth visitor came from Russia, the number of Russian tourists decreased by just ten percent.
Basketball NT training together in "sports city" until end of summer
The Estonia men's national basketball team will have joint training sessions in the Nord Cramo Sports Center until the end of the summer. The so-called sports city, unique in Estonia, will house 30-40 players vying for places in the national squad. At the end of the emergency situation, Nord created a so-called sports city, which includes four basketball courts.
Crisis helpline 1247 to remain in use after emergency situation
The coronavirus crisis helpline 1247, opened by the Alarm Center at the begininning of the emergency situation, will remain in work as a uniform helpline providing information about what is happening in the country. Even after the emergency situation, the crisis helpline still receives more than 500 daily calls from people asking for clarification regarding restrictions. The Alarm Center has thus decided to keep the number 1247 active.
Private schools and water companies asking state for help during crisis
More than 15,500 establishments have applied for the Estonian Unemployment Fund (Töötukassa) employee remuneration benefits, mainly in manufacturing, commerce, accommodation, and catering. Some non-profit organizations, water companies and private schools have also requested aid. One of the private schools affected by the crisis is the International School of Tallinn, the turnover of which has fallen sharply, according to school director Olavi Otepalu.
Police: Emergency situation rules broken 6,000 times
During the emergency situation, police responded to more than 6,000 breaches of restrictions imposed by the government. Twice as many patrol units as usual worked across Estonia during the emergency situation. The Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) are now reducing the amount of patrols, with the Health Board (Terviseamet) now in control of ensuring compliance with coronavirus restrictions.
Coronavirus restrictions eased carefully in Latvia
The Latvian government decided on Thursday to further relax coronavirus-related restrictions. As of June 1, state examinations and training sessions for professional athletes will be permitted. From June 1 it will be allowed to hold state exams, including professional qualification exams and entry exams.
Popov: Easing of coronavirus restrictions need not be feared
The continued easing of coronavirus restrictions in Estonia is justified and there is no reason to fear, head of the Health Board's crisis team Dr. Arkadi Popov said on Friday. As the epidemiological situation in Estonia is calm, mitigations seem reasonable and carry minimum risk, Popov said on Friday. Popov added that there are currently 82 infectious coronavirus patients in Estonia. "In this context it can be said that relaxations must be considered and not be feared," he said.
Number of drownings lowest since Estonia regained independence
35 people died in water-related accidents last year, the lowest number in Estonia since the country regained independence. The Estonian Rescue Board has completed an analysis of circumstances and statistics regarding deadly water-related accidents of 2019. A vast majority, 30, of the people drowned were men. The average age of drowned was 53, 50 for men but 69 for women.
Government extends wage compensation measure to cover June
The government on Thursday decided to support continuing with the current Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund wage compensation measure in June. Under new conditions, the revenue or turnover of the company must have decreased by at least 50 percent compared to June of the previous year.
Pandemic causing legal confusion for some Estonians working in Finland
Employers in Finland have started to break more rules and bypass laws while hiring Estonian labor during the coronavirus crisis. In a particularly vulnerable situation are Estonia's Russian-speaking minority who know neither the Finnish language nor the laws. Up to 100,000 Estonian people are working in Finland, ERR's online news in Estonian reports. However, many have yet to clearly understand Finnish laws and employers are taking an advantage of that.
Finnair may not resume flights to Tartu before next spring
Finnish carrier Finnair, which used to fly to the South Estonian city of Tartu six times a week before the crisis and was mulling an increase in frequencies, has announced that flights to Tartu will not resume before March of next year, Tartu Postimees reported. Mayor of Tartu Urmas Klaas (Reform) told the newspaper that negotiations with the carrier are underway and there's a ray of hope that state aid rules for the period of crisis will enable to reopen the service earlier.
Kokk recommends voluntary unemployment tax for company directors, sole proprietors
Chairman of the Riigikogu Finance Committee Aivar Kokk (Isamaa) says sole proprietors (FIE) and board members of companies should be provided with an opportunity to insure themselves against the risks of a worsening economic environment. Board members of companies should be able to voluntarily pay unemployment insurance premiums, Kokk believes. "This will provide company board members with an opportunity to insure themselves when they are, for example, asked to step down from the management body.
Local governments request raising passenger train speed limit to 240 km/h
Local governments of counties connected to the Tallinn-Tapa-Tartu/Narva, Tartu-Valga and Tartu-Koidula railway lines addressed the government on Wednesday and requested raising the speed limit of passenger trains to 240 kilometres per hour. Estonia has to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent by 2030 in relation to EU's climate goals.
Oldest pub in Tallinn closes doors over leasing disagreement
A well-known Tallinn Old Town pub Karja Kelder closed its doors as its tenants could not reach an agreement with the owner of the property during the emergency situation. Aare Hallop, who ran Karja Kelder in Tallinn Old Town together with Raul Juur for 22 years, told Eesti Päevaleht (link in Estonian) that he had thought about closing the place for many years. The pub needed renovating, lease contract had been signed ages ago and sharply biased towards the lessor.
Police to reduce patrol units doubled due to emergency situation
Twice as many patrol units as usual worked across Estonia during the emergency situation. Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) are now reducing the amount of patrols, with Health Board (Terviseamet) now in control of ensuring compliance with coronavirus restrictions. The number of patrol units was increased in relation to the restrictions. As the emergency situation has ended and the restrictions are being eased, the number of units is also being reduced.
Prime minister to Riigikogu: Our national defence readiness is good
Prime Minister Jüri Ratas (Center) gave an overview of the implementation of the National Security Concept of Estonia in national defence to the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu on Wednesday. "In 2017 we assessed the global security environment to be perilous and there is no reason to change this assessment now," Ratas said. "Together with our allies and friends we must stand for the safety, stability and international law," he added.
Gallery, video: Baby camels on display at reopened Tallinn Zoo
Tallinn Zoo reopened its outdoor exposition area on May 19. Among other animals, visitors are able to see baby camels who were born during the quarantine. The indoor exhibits will be open to visitors from June 2. Until then it is possible to walk around the zoo and observe animals outdoors. The 2+2 rule must be followed and the zoo calls for visitors to refrain from touching enclosures and glass walls.
Bank of Estonia supervisory board may take office before Midsummer's Day
The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Bank of Estonia (Eesti Pank) Mart Laar has presented the Finance Committee of the Riigikogu with four nominees for membership of the Board. Laar proposed as candidates for the board four experts in the field: Kaie Kerem, Enn Listra, Rein Minka and Urmas Varblane, all of whom were members of the previous board.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Anders
Contact Anders, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack