Monologue of the Estonian businessman: “Not the Crimea alone, but …”

Reunion of the Crimea with Russia and events in Ukraine became the major events if not in world politics, but in European exactly. They are discussed in the different countries, build forecasts, think of how all this can be reflected in their interests. Recently it happened to communicate to the Estonian businessman perfectly knowing Russia and running the business here. Here what he thinks:

- Unfortunately, my country has intense relations with Russia. It is enough to remember our history to understand why they are such. Therefore we feel more quietly being the member of NATO. What is the guarantee? There is fifth article: in case of aggression against the country entering into NATO, other countries have to give it necessary help. There is no confidence, frankly speaking, that it would be so, but there is such article…

But, on the other hand, Putin is clever person … It is necessary to live in the peace and friendship! And, if suddenly something begins, so it is obvious not at us, but in Latvia or Lithuania.

But the history with the Crimea, of course, affected everything very much. It turns out, that they are the first, and we are if not the second, the third or fourth?! We observe the process of collecting of Russian lands again! And it is not conjectures, but real actions! All this can’t but influence a political situation in Estonia: it is obvious that there is a radicalization of political forces in the country.

I will give such example: earlier nobody in Estonia wanted to have the NATO military base in the country (planes of the block control our air space, flying up not in our territory, but from the territory of Lithuania), now say that it is necessary to invite NATO contingent to 50 000 people. And all military infrastructure which is necessary, remained from the Soviet period — it only should be repaired.

I want to note one more moment: politicians began to speak more about the need of bigger involvement of the Russian-speaking people in civil society. While this integration is very weak. And news from the Crimea convinces that it needs to be changed.

The main problem for the Russian-speaking population there is a weak knowledge of Estonian language. I am convinced that a half doesn’t know its Estonian language simply in general! For this reason the Russian-speaking population also can’t fully join in country life. Here the matter is not in policy, but in language! Also it is necessary to say that the level of unity of Estonian society is high, unlike the same Ukraine. It was shown by «bronze night» when people were ready to arrive to the capital from the remote rural areas to show our united position.

As for business, there is no domination of Russian business in Estonia unlike Latvia. Banks were taken by Swedes long ago, there are no industrial giants, so the interests of the Russian business are concentrated on transit. And if suddenly Russia decides to enter sanctions against us, it first of all will hit at its interests and at interests of the Russian-speaking population in Estonia who are focused on transit in respect of business too.

And in principle the political system in Estonia settled: the choice is made in favor of the liberal direction. Something can change, but as a whole the picture won’t change. Here Andrus Ansipp left the Party of Reforms who was the prime minister for 7 years, but the person came to this post close on belief and views to it. This party made for creation in Estonia of a normal business environment therefore it is supported both by business and the population much.

Once again I want to emphasize: in my opinion, the dividing line in Estonia occurs today not on a national sign, but on social property. And it would be amplified only.