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The Academic Council of the President of the Republic discussed maritime matters16.12.2004
The President of the Republic today at Kadriorg discussed with the Academic Council the role of Estonian maritime sector and its legal regulation.
Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of Tallinn College of Engineering, M.Sc. Enno Lend gave an overview of threats and possibilities of Estonian maritime sector. In his presentation Enno Lend analysed development trends of maritime sector and maritime transport, and the role of port's hinterland in Estonian maritime industry.
Director of the Institute of Law at Tartu University, Dr. Heiki Lindpere made a report on legal regulation of maritime matters in Estonia and underlined the key problems. Dr. Lindpere pointed out the problem of external boundary of Estonian territorial sea in the Gulf of Finland. In the course of the discussion, also the issues concerning the lack of an integral system of legislation regulating coastal waters and their underlying seabed, and legal problems related to the accession to international conventions or their amendment were touched upon.
Professor of Estonian Maritime Academy, Doctor of Economics Heino Levald spoke about the organisation of Estonian maritime affairs by the state, and noted that the role of the state in organisation of maritime affairs has been minimal and that Estonia lacked its maritime policy. "This is considerably hampering the organisation and normal development of several areas of maritime sector and has caused a stunted growth of merchant fleet, ocean fishery and small ports. Those problems would become even more acute in the EU context," Heino Levald stated in his report.
In the course of the discussion, the Academic Council deemed it necessary to set up a government committee for maritime matters and its standing council of experts. The standing council would make proposals for integrated management of scientific, legal and economic development problems of maritime affairs, and for shaping maritime policy.
Thereafter, the Academic Council listened to a presentation made by Professor Kaido Jaanson on development trends in international relations at the start of the 21st century.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, December 16, 2004
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