“This year, as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine rages on for the second year, we are remembering and thanking all colleagues who, in their daily work, contribute to ensuring Ukraine’s victory in Russia’s bloody war of aggression, thereby helping to preserve values that Estonia cherishes,” the foreign minister said. “All of our work is driven by upholding the freedom of Estonia.”
“This year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is awarding Crosses of Merit to 24 people whose extraordinary services and remarkable efforts have helped Estonia to be seen, heard and lead the way in several initiatives,” Foreign Minister Tsahkna said.
“Estonia is leading the way internationally with several important principal matters that often requires swimming against the current,” Tsahkna said. “However, Estonian people are skilful and tenacious when it comes to standing up for our values and aims.”
The Order of Merit, First Class is awarded for extraordinary services in raising Estonia’s profile in the world, and contributing to Estonia’s independence or significant international cooperation to former president Kersti Kaljulaid for supporting Ukraine and the UN Security Council campaign; and to journalist and politician Edward Lucas for his long-standing advocacy of Estonia’s interests and raising Estonia’s profile in the world.
“The actions of President Kersti Kaljulaid on the foreign policy arena opened several important doors to Estonia and they remain open today,” Tsahkna noted. “Kaljulaid’s personal contribution to making sure Estonia can sit at one of the most important tables, at the UN Security Council, is invaluable.”
Recognising Edward Lucas, Tsahkna said his engaging writing has significantly contributed to raising Estonia’s profile. “Lucas’ powerful words have played an extremely important role in explaining the positions of our region in the world,” the foreign minister noted.
The Order of Merit, Second Class is awarded for a remarkable contribution to raising Estonia’s profile internationally or to significant international cooperation to the following people.
Diplomats and actors of Estonia’s foreign policy
Erika Ellamaa-Ots, Estonian Ambassador and representative at the Political and Security Committee (PSC) in the European Union, for standing up for Estonia’s interests in the European Union in countering Russia’s aggression and promoting Estonia’s defence initiatives.
Raul Mälk, former foreign minister and ambassador, for his long-standing work in Estonia’s foreign service.
Partners of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advocates of Estonia’s foreign policy interests
Margo Grosberg, former commander of the Intelligence Centre of the Estonian Defence Forces, for his remarkable contribution to Estonia’s security.
Global promoters of Estonian culture
Tõnu Kaljuste, conductor and founder of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, for promoting Estonian culture in the world.
Global advocates of Estonia’s interests
Marju Rink-Abel, the longstanding head of the Estonian American National Council, for her dedicated and long-term work in leading the organisation of Estonians in the United States and in the Estonian World Council.
Christian Wenaweser, Ambassador of Liechtenstein to the UN, for international efforts to hold Russia accountable and for promoting the concept of a special tribunal on aggression.
The Order of Merit, Third Class is awarded for a substantial contribution to Estonia’s interests internationally or to significant international cooperation, and this year, it is presented to the following people.
Diplomats and actors of Estonia’s foreign policy
Tiia Treier, Desk Officer for Ukraine at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for her notable contribution to formulating Estonia’s positions on Ukraine and coordinating activities.
Karin Anna Maandi, Director of the NATO and Security Policy Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for her notable contribution to formulating Estonia’s positions on Ukraine and coordinating activities.
Tanel Tang, Counsellor at Estonia’s Permanent Representation to the European Union and Counsellor at the European Commission, for standing up for Estonia’s interests in the European Union on Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Julika Luts, Counsellor at Estonia’s Permanent Representation to the European Union, for standing up for Estonia’s interests in the European Union.
Kerli Veski, Director General of the Legal Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for international efforts to hold Russia accountable and for promoting the concept of a special tribunal on aggression.
Mai Hion, Lawyer of the Legal Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for international efforts to hold Russia accountable and for promoting the concept of a special tribunal on aggression.
Maili Liivamäe, Estonia’s Permanent Representation to the EU, Assistant to the Permanent Representative, for her long-standing work for Estonia’s foreign service.
Partners of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advocates of Estonia’s foreign policy interests
Markus Kärner, Deputy Secretary General for Criminal Policy at the Ministry of Justice, for formulating legal policy and legal solutions against Russia’s aggression.
Kristjan Rahu, founder of UG Investments, chairman and board member, for funding the demining robot donated to Ukrainian rescue workers.
Alo Tamm, CEO and one of the owners of Harmet OÜ, for building the modular kindergarten in Ovruch in the Zhytomyr Oblast in Ukraine.
Enn Õunpuu, founder and CEO of Elcogen, for developing hydrogen technology.
Doris Põld, CEO of the Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications, for the global promotion of the innovation of Estonia’s digital society.
Taavi Madiberk, Head of Skeleton Technologies, for boosting green technology.
Roman Starapopov, journalist at Delfi Meedia, for his on-the-ground coverage to Estonia of the war in Ukraine.
Preservers of Estonian language and culture in the world
Airi Lauri, long-standing teacher of Estonian language at the school of Upper Suetuk, for her long-standing contribution to preserving Estonian culture and language in the Upper Suetuk village in Siberia that has a historic Estonian community.
Global promoters of Estonian culture
Anna Hints, screenwriter, director and composer, for promoting Estonian documentary filmmaking globally.
The Crosses of Merit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were presented on 14 November at the celebration of the 105th anniversary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
