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Sepp insists that 2014 was a landmark year for bilateral relations with the United States, including high level meetings between\u00a0Estonian ministers and US officials in Washington DC, a gaggle of senators traveling to Estonia, and President Obama’s trip to Tallinn. He acknowledges that the biggest question on everyone’s mind — “Is Narva next?”<\/a> — creates some dilemmas for Estonians.<\/p>\n “What happened in Crimea was especially hurtful in Estonia.” He insisted that there are “too many parallels” between Ukraine and Soviet intervention in Estonia in\u00a01940. “What happens in eastern Ukraine is difficult to watch because Russian activity is so blunt, so arrogant. Times are so different, but there are straightforward lies from the Russian side.”<\/p>\n Despite any public\u00a0anxiety, Sepp asserted\u00a0that Estonians experience very little insecurity. “Becoming a NATO country changed everything for us. We are prepared, and continue to enhance preparation.” Still, he explained that Estonians are somewhat frustrated with\u00a0the constant questioning of their security. “If you ask a question too much, it creates a false narrative that there are green men on the way. Article 5 <\/a>is rock-solid, as President Obama said. If we don’t believe that, it helps President Putin.” His assertion is\u00a0all the more salient given the recent military exercises\u00a0occurring simultaneously on either side of the Estonian border.<\/a><\/p>\n Sepp addressed the Estonian need to fight back against aggressive\u00a0Russian\u00a0propaganda campaigns, which Estonia manages through several approaches. He offered the example of a poll of 1000 people in northeastern Estonia\u00a0amongst\u00a0the ethnic Russian minority, asking how many people wanted to move back to Russia. Only 2 respondents applied in the affirmative.<\/p>\n “In Estonia, they have better opportunities, a fair court system, and [the Russian minority]\u00a0can rely upon justice,” he explained. “Estonia is a forward-looking country and we are ahead of the US in many ways. We are often called E*stonia because all government services are online. Actually, there is one service not online — you cannot marry over the internet, but we are working on it.” Sepp had hoped to be able to demonstrate the efficiency of the Estonian electoral system by voting for Parliament in front of the audience, but he was unable to bring his secure device\u00a0to the event.\u00a0 In light of the recent net neutrality vote in the US, it is interesting to compare the US to the pioneering advances of the Estonians. “Putting things on the Internet makes it easier for poor people to access them. In a minute, even less, I can declare my taxes.” Since implementing a simple\u00a0online tax system, Sepp claims that tax revenue has increased. “Simpler makes it better, easier, and more people are willing to pay.”<\/p>\n Sepp insists the secret to Estonia’s success began in 1991. “We were really poor, we had to start from scratch, but we kicked out all the old communists. That was the best thing. We hired young people who were open-minded.” He later added that\u00a0it is a pleasure to promote his country.\u00a0“We are lean, efficient, and transparent. It is good to be a diplomat of a country that is really trying to do things right.” Sepp also shared a promotional video for Tallinn tourism featuring indie rock band Ewert and the Two Dragons, which will actually be performing in Seattle on March 9th<\/a>\u00a0at the Sunset Tavern (21 and up).<\/p>\n![\"IMG_4432\"](\"http:\/\/ellisoncenter.washington.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/IMG_4432-e1425074386194-300x225.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"IMG_4435\"](\"http:\/\/ellisoncenter.washington.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/IMG_4435-e1425074402454-300x225.jpg\")
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