Opportunities for Cooperation between Estonia and ... - Valitsus

the internal security of the respective countries, we cannot compete with each
other; instead, we have to engage in as extensive cooperation as possible. After
all, the geographical area involved is such that any flaws in cooperation are
quickly recognized and promptly seized upon. Because the problems of internal
security are very similar in both countries, we can only solve them together.
In security issues, disseminating correct information in the media is important.
Information on internal security that is biased or distorted for one reason
or another may have a significant impact on people’s perception of security
and undo the years of study of actual conditions overnight. Exaggeration of
security risks causes uncertainty and may thus thwart new investments and
innovative ideas.
Recommendations:
• The need to update the crime prevention agreement between Estonia and
Finland should be evaluated.
• An agreement should be reached on the mutual recognition of bans on
business operations as it provides an efficient tool for combating economic
crime.
• Estonia and Finland should establish a high-level bilateral coordination
committee to formulate the principles concerning the use of the resources
and databases of both countries; the exchange of criminal intelligence
reports and the allocation of costs. The committee would also be tasked
to define the joint interests of the Estonian and Finnish security agencies
and to coordinate the strategies for rescue and service authorities.
• An agreement should be made on mutual consultations in order to keep
up with the technological developments in the field of internal security and
to plan potential joint purchases.
• The potential for establishing a joint Estonian-Finnish rapid deployment
rescue unit for alleviating the consequences of any accidents on the Gulf of
Finland and for quickly addressing any other crises should be evaluated.
• Joint action plans and principles for sharing rescue resources to alleviate
the consequences of any accidents on the Baltic Sea and to quickly manage
any other crises should be agreed upon between the Estonian, Finnish,
Russian and Swedish authorities.
47