Postimees Digest, Friday, March 1
Please note that the article is more than five years old and belongs to our archive. We do not update the content of the archives, so it may be necessary to consult newer sources.
POSTIMEES
Editorial: faith and reality in Estonian compulsory military service
Yesterday’s report by Ministry of Defence on last year’s compulsory military service (CMS) level is both encouraging and worrisome. On the one hand, the number of conscripts at 3,406 was last 11 years’ record, stating society’s strong support and recognition of CMS’ importance.
During last six months, the mounting problems have again raised the question if CMS is really needed. Or could Estonia, perhaps, do with voluntary service in times of peace.
Many a country in Europe has opted for professional military. At the same time, in Estonia, meaningful dialogue is somewhat hampered by our nation’s solid CMS-faith, which – even in the face of some weighty arguments – still tilts the scales towards compulsion. Which may indeed be good: looking at the outcome in comparable countries like Latvia and Lithuania, an alternative to compulsory military service looks quite non-existent.
Government allocates further millions for EA.
The government decided yesterday to treat national airline Estonian Air to a 16.6 million euro loan following the company's conclusion that it needs 37 million euros to realize its reorganization plan. Since the government has previously treated the company to 8.3 million euros of operating capital, a further loan of around 12 million euros is expected over coming months.
The European Commission is currently looking into the legality of the government's multiple decisions to provide the company with state aid. Chairman of the supervisory board of EA Erkki Raasuke said yesterday that 8 million euros of the new loan will be used to terminate existing contracts as lease providers are willing to find new owners for the aircraft EA doesn't need for a fee. The company's management board has said the new strategy only calls for five aircraft while EA currently has ten. Raasuke added that the other half of the loan will be used to cover running costs and that the process to reshape the airline has now reached the half-way point.
Baltika bounces back.
Clothing retailer Baltika ended last year with a 3.725 million euro EBITDA signalling the company's return to profit for the first time in four years. The group reported a net profit of 1.075 million euros and a turnover of 16.188 million euros for Q4 of 2012. Head of Baltika Meelis Milder said that the company is back on track for growth and plans to concentrate on the Russian and Baltic markets.
"In two years' time we will be a company that is virtually debt free and capable of takeovers, eligible for loans and able to pay out dividends," Milder said.
Theatre Award nominees: definite top acts
The Beatles of Vanemuine, by Tartu New Theatre. Carrmen! by Vanemuine. Luts in Springtime and Pentecost, by Estonian Drama Theatre. These three are running for Production of the Year title, awarded by Estonian Theatre Union and financed by Cultural Endowment of Estonia. The winning theatre will be proclaimed on March 27th.