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own memories are relatively vague, I remember my teacher at school telling me that the "map of the USSR is going to be out of date soon" and that's about it.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

Time, time changes everything...

Good old Nicki French was so right when she sang that!

Change is ahead for me. I've recently accepted a new job in London starting in September. I'm really looking forward to it. I've loved living in Cardiff for the past three years but it's too good an opportunity to turn down and I think I'll love living in London. 

It's been the usual quiet few months in the land of Eurovision. Austria announced that Vienna will host the 60th Eurovision Song Contest - much to the delight of fans. It seems like the logical (and logistical) choice. Already the autumn seems to be coming (and it's only August) which means that it's not too long until the national final season starts again! 

Next stop: London!

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".

 

 

Sign along the dotted line, Mr President

Today sees the signing an EU association agreement between three former Soviet republics; Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. This is a milestone in the development of the European Union and is likely to cause tensions with Russia. Viktor Yanukovych famously backed out of signing this very agreement last year, sparking waves of protest. It was essentially the flashpoint which led to the latest Ukrainian revolution. I was in Ukraine in October and never in a million years did I think that things would escalate so quickly and with such tragic consequences.

These EU accession agreements are something to celebrate and provide an opportunity for closer economic cooperation and should in theory, foster stronger, more positive international relations. In Ukraine the story is unfolding on a daily basis. Georgia, an EU-aspirant country, has undergone rapid social and economic transformation over the past decade and the signing of this agreement is an important step on the long road to European integration. (They also make rather nice wine too!) Moldova, apparently the poorest country in Europe, stands to gain a foothold in valuable economic markets. For existing EU members this agreement also provides new opportunities for business, investment and dialogue. To celebrate, here are some of my favourite Eurovision tunes from Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova. Happy Friday!

Ukraine

Gaitana was a fantastic ambassador for Ukraine in 2012, this anthem of Euro 2012 stood in stark contrast to the allegations of racism which plagued the organisers of the football championship. Gaitana herself faced racist attacks from Ukrainian politicians. She took it all in her stride and belted out her song for Europe.

Georgia

The Georgians are famous for their hospitality and at Eurovision they are by far, the nicest, most welcoming delegation of all. Relative late-comers to the Eurovision party, debuting in 2007, they've entered something different every year. It's this rich diversity which keeps the contest alive. This song from 2010 is one of my absolutely favourites, Sofia was probably the best singer in the contest that year and I was ready to pack my bags for Tbilisi in 2011. Sadly it wasn't to be, what's another year?

Moldova

Moldova have a been a bit hit and miss with me. Of their recent offerings I've loved their songs from 2012 and even 2010. Who could resist a bit of 2009's 'hora in Moldova' too? For me though, the classic and still best Moldovan entry was their debut in 2005. The song was catchy, well-performed and of course, the appearance of the drumming granny sealed it's fate as one of the best, most memorable gimmicks of recent times. The group, Zdob şi Zdub, went on to represent the country again in 2011. Rumour has it that the original granny was lined up for the job of riding the unicycle but an unfortunate accident during rehearsals meant that she was replaced by a younger model... 

Good luck to my colleagues Göran and Per who are attending a celebratory event this afternoon at the Ukrainian embassy in Stockholm. Europe's living a celebration!

Going back to school

... well sort of!

It's a great privilege to be teaching two courses at London's City Lit Academy in August. The first course on Saturday 9th August will focus on the global phenomenon that is ABBA! More details here.

The following day, Sunday 10th August, I'll be teaching a day course on Eurovision! More details here.

I'd like to thank the City Lit Academy for this opportunity and look forward to working with them this summer!

Now that the dust has settled...

It's just over a month since the final of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest took place and since Austria's Conchita Wurst romped home to victory. Austria hadn't won the contest since 1966 and the result this year proves that if at first you don't succeed, try and try again. It'll come as little comfort the UK's Molly of course who hoped to fare better than she did. However, we in the UK must acknowledge that we no longer have a monopoly on this competition, and as Austria showed, nobody really does. 

Conchita's victory was lauded as hugely significant by many, including myself, who saw it as a triumph of freedom of expression. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Conchita is a drag queen with a beard. Nothing more, nothing less. However in these troubled times, when countries around the world and indeed Europe, are enforcing draconian laws against homosexuality and flouting international legislation concerning human rights, Conchita's victory is significant. I understand that some might not feel comfortable using a bearded drag queen as such a symbol, that's their prerogative. What's interesting is how the result was viewed in other countries. In Russia, unsurprisingly, the government view was one of hostility and dismay. According to Russian politicians, Conchita's victory represented the end of Europe as we know it. There was even talk about them starting their own contest, an Intervision Song Contest with the Russian selection to be held in... Crimea! The results of Eurovision this year showed that people cannot be judged by the actions of their governments; the public in Russia, Ukraine and Georgia all voted for Austria despite their alleged homophobic tendencies. 

Russia and Ukraine were of course one of the main focal points of the contest, which stands as evidence yet again that Eurovision illuminates wider geopolitical debates in Europe today. Austria's victory in the contest was merely the tip of the iceberg. Austria, a country which doesn't really have any voting allies in the contest, won the contest after nearly 50 years. The Netherlands, which have failed to qualify consistently for nearly a decade, came second. Sweden finished in third position making the 2014 contest the first to have an all-western top three since 1999. In the UK four songs from the 2014 contest charted in the top 40, with the Dutch song entering at number 9, the highest placing for a non-winning, non-UK song for nearly 40 years. The myth that the UK is not interested in Eurovision has surely been dispelled by now?

It'll be interesting to watch what Conchita Wurst does in the coming months. She's already appeared on Newsnight and came across as more articulate, intelligent and informed than most of our own politicians. I use the term "she" because Conchita, the character, refers to herself as a she, as do most drag queens. There's no hidden agenda here, something that some UK tabloids should understand. Whilst Conchita's emotionally charged victory speech might be written off as a bit of excitement, I think what she said was hugely significant given all that's happening in Europe just now. It wasn't just aimed at the LGBT community, it applies to any group and as the recent European elections have shown, worryingly there is growing support for those who wish to marginalise others. I salute you Conchita, thank you for the music.  

"This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. You know who you are. We are unity. And we are unstoppable" - Conchita Wurst

 

The winner takes it all!

A colleague of mine from the BBC was very busy during Eurovision this year - chasing various artists for a autographs. However, unlike most signed programme booklets, this one is for a very special cause. All proceeds will go towards Oxfam in support of the 100k Trailtrekker (rather them than me!)

The programme booklet has been signed by the majority of artists in the contest this year, including of course the winner, Conchita Wurst! It's a unique item and will be a collectable in years to come. If you want to get your hands on it and support a good cause at the same time you can bid for it here.

Good luck to all the Trailtrekkers and well done to Laurence for arranging this - what a lovely idea!