The aim of national defence is to maintain the independence and sovereignty of the Estonian state, the inalienable and indivisible integrity of its territory, territorial waters, and airspace, and the constitutional order.
In order to ensure that the state is prepared to prevent and respond to a threat to national security, a general defence readiness, an increased defence readiness, a state of emergency, or a state of war applies in the country, depending on the scale of the threat.
State of emergency
In the event of a threat to the constitutional order, the Riigikogu may declare a state of emergency upon the proposal of the President or the Government.
Threats to the constitutional order of Estonia include the following:
- an attempt to violently overthrow the Estonian constitutional order,
- terrorist activity,
- a collective pressure action linked to violence,
- a large-scale conflict between groups of people that involves violence,
- the forcible isolation of some localities in the Republic of Estonia.
The reasons for imposing a state of emergency are domestic – the existence of the state or its fundamental principles are threatened.
A state of emergency is declared in mass media and the announcement shall include information on the reason for and duration of the declaration.
In addition, during a state of emergency, the government may impose various restrictions, such as banning public gatherings or imposing a police curfew, to eliminate a threat to the constitutional order of Estonia. Any restrictions will also be announced in mass media. The announcement of the end of the state of emergency is published in mass media and the restrictions are lifted.
Increased defence readiness
In the event of an increased threat to the security of the Republic of Estonia, the Government of the Republic may decide to increase the general defence readiness with an order. This decision is based on a risk assessment. The Government of the Republic immediately informs the Riigikogu of the decision to increase the defence readiness and the reasons for it. The increase in the defence readiness is approved by the Riigikogu.
Following the increase of defence readiness, an institution or person with national defence responsibilities takes up the national defence responsibilities prescribed for the period of increased defence readiness and may impose and apply restrictive measures.
State of war
A state of war is declared by the Riigikogu on the proposal of the President of the Republic. In the event of aggression against Estonia, the President of the Republic declares a state of war without waiting for the decision of the Riigikogu.
Following the declaration of a state of war, an institution or person with national defence responsibilities takes up the national defence responsibilities prescribed for a state of war and may impose and apply restrictive measures prescribed for a state of war.
A state of war is declared to support military action. The declaration of a state of war implies the definition of a military adversary. The declaration of a state of war allows the state to manage the economy and the budget more extensively and, if necessary, to restrict the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.
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