Estonian independence still matters

Today, 20 August 2014, marks the 23rd anniversary of the restoration of independence in Estonia. I use the term restoration deliberately since independence was originally declared back in 1918. History of course had other ideas. 

As many people know I have a love for Estonia and all things Estonian. It's a fascinating country with a rich and vibrant history, culture and language (not to mention difficult!) I loved living and studying in the Estonia and was fortunate to hear very personal stories from my Estonian friends who vividly remember those tense times of August 1991. On Facebook this morning I was struck by one post in particular, from Jarmo Siim, who wrote:

"23 years ago today, I was very afraid. I had seen tanks on TV, approaching Tallinn. This was following the events in Latvia and Lithuania months before where hundreds of people were injured or killed. It was a part of the Soviet coup. My family was scared as was the whole nation. 

But the decision had already been made earlier, in the heads of Estonians - there was no way back, it was either freedom or Siberia. Both would do. At 23:03 local time, the parliament re-established the independence of the Republic Of Estonia. We've never looked back. 

Now, Estonia is one of the most free and successful European countries that emerged from the Soviet Union. That is why we stand by with everyone who has not been that fortunate. And hope that one day they will also have the luck to tell a similar story.

Happy second birthday, my dear Estonia!"

My own memories are relatively vague, I remember my teacher at school telling me that the "map of the USSR is going to be out of date soon" and that's about it. Jarmo's status struck a chord with me - it must have been terrifying seeing scenes on TV of protestors being gunned down by an increasingly erratic army, desperate to maintain control. There is also a crucial point to be made - Estonia, and the other Baltic States, were occupied. They did not voluntarily join the Soviet Union. This was never forgotten and was arguably one of the main motivating factors in pushing for full independence that summer. The choice was stark - face a certain bleak future or rejoin the world of nations.

Estonia has made some truly remarkable strides over the past two decades and is evidence that small countries can flourish with independence. Something worth bearing in mind as the independence referendum gets underway in Scotland. Of course there have been tensions and difficulties along the way, and the road ahead may not be smooth, but Estonia is a peaceful European country which unlike others, respects human rights and international law. Whilst in the 1990s there were accusations that Russian speakers in Estonia were being persecuted, many of those people actually supported Estonian independence and have adapted to life after the Soviet Union.

People might laugh at Eurovision but for nations eager to be seen and heard on the world stage, such events are unique opportunities and one which Estonia used well. Estonian independence is an important event to mark, arguably more important now than ever. Estonia, and other countries, are nervously looking over their shoulders at events which are continuing to unfold in Ukraine. The context is different of course, but given the unpredictable and volatile world order of today, I'm sure many Estonians are celebrating the fact that they made a clean break from the past when they did.

In September I'm going on the so-called "Eurovision Cruise" from Helsinki to Tallinn and I'm so looking forward to returning to Estonia, a country which I have taken to my heart. Elagu Eesti - Ma armastan sind! 

 Eurovision 2009: Flying the Estonian flag in Moscow with Natalia from Russia

Glasgow's Miles Better

"Glasgow's Miles Better" was the famous slogan from the 1980s campaign to change Glasgow's image from one of industrial decline to that of a vibrant European city. It was also the start of major regeneration which took place across the city and still continues today. Last night saw the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games which took place in Glasgow's Parkhead Stadium, a culmination of years of work and a combination of different excellences.

 

My family are all from Glasgow and whilst I grew up in England, to a large extent, I consider Glasgow to be my hometown in many ways. Growing up I spent every school holiday there and I lived there for 10 years, it's one of my favourite cities. The current city branding slogan being used is "People Make Glasgow" and that's so true. The opening ceremony was a reflection of that and so much more.

 

Whilst the huge kilt, dancing teacakes, Karen Dunbar and John Barrowman, weren't to everyone's taste, it was a uniquely Glaswegian performance. Much of it might have seemed alien to those who perhaps had never visited Scotland, or even Glasgow and whilst it was never going to be the same as London 2012 (nor should it be), it had heart and I think it came from a genunine place. Of course there was also a little bit of patriotism (quite right too) with the list of Scottish inventions being reeled off, including the fact that it was a Scot that founded the Bank of England!

 

Sport events are inherently political and Glasgow didn't shy away from that and saw a same-sex kiss within the opening minutes. The timing of this couldn't be more crucial; there are debates about equality raging within the UK and of the Commonwealth countries competing in Glasgow, 42 criminalise homosexuality. The Scottish Government is proudly flying the rainbow flag to symbolise diversity. There was also a tribute to Nelson Mandela - which was fitting considering that Glasgow gave him the freedom of the city back in 1986, at a time when Margaret Thatcher had denounced him as a terrorist. Glasgow has a long history of fighting inequality and that is something that the city should be extremely proud of.

 

2014 is a significant year for Scotland and it'll be interesting to watch the impact (if any) that these games have on undecided voters in the upcoming referendum. It was rather amusing to hear such a roar for the Queen at Celtic Park of all places- this is surely the first time in the history that this has happened. It was fantastic to see Team England receive such a welcome during the parade, quashing the rumours set by scaremongers that the English would receive a rough ride.

 

A particularly poignant moment came when a minute's silence was held for the victims of the MH17 crash. There were over 40,000 people in that stadium and not a sound was heard. This was Glasgow and its people at its best.

 

Some might scoff at the Commonwealth Games, arguing that they're irrelevant, an opportunity for the UK to somehow feel powerful on the world stage. To a certain extent, I can understand some of those arguments. However the Commonwealth Games are still a mega event, attracting media attention, investment and scrutiny. Over 1 billion people were said to have tuned into Glasgow's ceremony last night, promotion that no city could ever really afford if it had to buy the airtime.

 

The Glasgow opening ceremony was everything I thought it should be - fun, inclusive, controversial and self-depricating. The fact that the Wellington Statue (with traffic cone) featured so prominently was not only a reflection of Glasgow humour but a testament that Glaswegians do not take themselves too seriously. Well done Glasgow, to use the famous quip, you've done "no bad".

 

 

A Song for Scotland?

Today the Scottish Government launched its blueprint for independence. The document, titled "Scotland's Future: Your guide to an independent Scotland" outlines the justification for independence and sets out a series of policy pledges which the Scottish National Party would pursue in the event of a yes vote. The white paper is substantial and covers diverse topics including defence, environmental issues, economics and indeed culture. On page 532 of the report, under the section titled “Culture, Communications and Digital” the document categorically states that Scotland would seek to enter the Eurovision Song Contest.  

 

“The Scottish Broadcasting Service (SBS) would seek membership of the EBU. We would envisage the SBS engaging with some of the EBU competitions, including Scottish entries in the Eurovision Song Contest” – Scottish Government 2013.

 

To critics of the independence movement this might seem unimportant, even stupid. However there’s a serious point here, regardless of one’s views on whether or not Scotland should be independent. Countries use Eurovision as platform for promoting their very existence which is exemplified in the rush of post-communist states which joined the ESC in the 1990s and it seems in the Scottish case, the same is true. Whilst the context is very different, Bosnia Herzegovina’s participation in the contest during the war demonstrated the significance that popular culture events have for newly sovereign nations. In 1992 Estonia participated in the Barcelona Olympics as an independent country, something which was hugely important for the state as it sought global recognition and increasing visibility on the world stage. The Eurovision Song Contest is and remains an important discursive tool in defining nation states and indeed notions of “Europeanness”.

 

Both my parents are Scottish and most of my family still live there and it’ll be interesting to see how the developments in the country unfold. Regardless of the outcome, the fact that the Scottish Government has listed the Eurovision Song Contest in their white paper demonstrates the symbolic value that the contest continues to have nearly 60 years from its inception.