Jonatan Vseviov nominated for secretary general of Defense Ministry

Photo: Sander Ilvest

Estonian Defense Minister Hannes Hanso has proposed to the government to appoint current deputy secretary general for defense planning Jonatan Vseviov secretary general of the Defense Ministry.

«Jonatan Vseviov has for a long time actively contributed to the development of national defense and security policy at both the domestic and international level, he has been one of the leaders in drafting important strategic papers that shape national defense and security,» Hanso said. "I am certain that Vseviov is the best pick for this important position."

Hanso put forward Vseviov's name for the government's approval this week after his candidacy had been approved by the top civil servants selection committee of the Government Office.

Vseviov has been serving as deputy secretary general in charge of defense planning since the summer of 2014. Since joining the Defense Ministry team in 2008, he has headed various structural units and performed the duties of deputy secretary general for defense policy. In 2005-2008 and 2013-2014 Vseviov worked as a diplomat at the Estonian embassy in Washington. He has directed the drafting of a number of strategic documents shaping Estonia's security policy and national defense.

Vseviov is a political science graduate from the University of Tartu and earned a master's degree with honors in security studies in Georgetown University.

The outgoing secretary general of the Defense Ministry, Mikk Marran, will take office as director general of the country's main intelligence agency Information Board at the beginning of next year.