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Estonian EU external border programme


17.06.2020

From the start of ER48 project “Via Hanseatica Plus” in 2019, the original route Via Hanseatica, which is based on the historic Hanseatic trade corridor and connects Estonia, Latvia and Russia, has been extended a little bit outside because of the great neighbours: Vyborg which is just north of St. Petersburg, Pskov as one of the oldest Russian towns, charming Viljandi and Rakvere in Estonia, which are both famous for their medieval castle complexes. 

Involvement of new regions has put a positive pressure also on “old” Via Hanseatica stakeholders, because all the destinations and sites have great attractions. Estonian, Russian and Latvian relevant entrepreneurs were invited to local trainings and common workshops to create new contacts, strengthen the joint product of tourism route and learn the skills of social media marketing. Information on the new destinations and services is actively updated.

Since autumn 2019, Via Hanseatica has been highly active on social media, making beautifully designed and informative posts about attractions and sites on Facebook and Instagram. Just search for Via Hanseatica in social media and you will find out what is happening and offered.

A new Via Hanseatica Plus map was produced and used to promote in International Hanseatic Days in Pskov in June 2019, in Boating Festival in Vyborg in September 2019 and Tourest in Tallinn in February 2020 introducing the route tailor made pop-up stand. The maps are now actively disseminated and available at tourism information centers of all Via Hanseatica regions.


Market place in Pechory, Pskov oblast was constructed as the first object in the framework of large infrastructure project ER1 “SME Access”. During the reconstruction of Pobedy square for the market place, the road surface was replaced, paving stones were laid, and a storm sewage was installed. 30 sets of non-stationary commercial equipment were purchased for seasonal agricultural events. The opening of the market took place in October 2019 and it was combined with the fair where products of more than 40 farmers, craftsmen and entrepreneurs of the Pechorsky region were presented. Visitors could drink Ivan-tea, taste unusual pancakes and porridge made from an axe at the tastings and cooking stations.

Today the project continues the reconstruction of Värska-Ulitina-Saatse road. The preparatory works started in September 2019 and by now the pavement of the road is installed. Also the parking area next to Värska cultural centre is finalized. It is expected that at this speed investment objects in Estonia will be finalized in August 2020.

Local farmers, craftsmen and other small and medium enterprises will use this reconstructed road to deliver to district centres their products from remote areas and settlements, where they live and have farms. Thus the cost of the goods will be cheaper and more competitive.


Several events have been held since the project ER126 “Local Fire” was launched. First joint exercises for members of volunteer fire brigades from Estonia and Russia were held in the territory of the municipality of Alutaguse in October.

Second joint exercises were held in the Palkinsky district of Pskov region in February. Volunteer firefighters from both countries not only tamed the fire, but also rescued conditional victims.

According to the legend, the fire occurs in the teachers’ room of Palkinskaya secondary school. Emergency workers arrive at the call in a matter of minutes. Mobile headquarters has been deployed. Students are evacuated, but there are still injured people in the building. Rescuers begin to extinguish fire and rescue people. Several fire crews are evacuating victims, some on stretchers. The exercise was completed successfully, and the audience was delighted.

Meelis Tinno, volunteer firefighter from Alutaguse, Estonia comments: “It is very well organized and the team works as one hand. Of course, this is the first time I have seen and participated in such a training. We haven’t done this before. This is definitely very impressive!”
Despite the fact that the volunteers are not professionals, they found a common language with rescuers quickly.


During the first period of the ER89 project “New Technologies and Innovation in Theatre the COVID-19 crisis besides paralyzing everything, including theatres, has accelerated the implementation of the project in some aspects.  Interestingly it has resulted with biennale festival “On the Edge” moving its activities to the Internet already in May and now the project is testing new technologies and the virtual space possibilities for theatre. The programme, what is international, was prepared when all national borders were closed in Europe.

Also there are planned 3 co-productions of Vaba Lava from Estonia and the Access Point festival from St. Petersburg that will take place on both sides of the border simultaneously and can be watched already in July.
Welcome to enjoy 5 performances with Estonian subtitles on the territory of Estonia  and full access in Russian to all 11 interactive performances:  https://tochkadostupa.spb.ru[1]


[1] Link with Estonian subtitles https://tochkadostupa.spb.ru/est can be opened on the territory of Estonia.