According to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, it is important for every member of the government to practice acting as a team in different crisis situations. ‘The current government came to office at the height of the health crisis, and tackling it is a daily job for us, during which we have gained valuable experience in dealing with civilian crisis,’ she said. ‘At the same time, we cannot forget other threats that may affect Estonia's security and the security of our citizens. Therefore, I consider it important that the government was able to deal with issues of threat mitigation in a national defence situation during the exercise against the backdrop of the coronavirus epidemic.’
According to Defence Minister Kalle Laanet, one must always be ready to defend one’s country and increase its defence capabilities. ‘Increased preparedness is part of the first steps that every country must be ready to take when the threat level rises,’ Laanet added.
‘At today's exercise, the government discussed ways to ensure the defence of the state, including increasing the level of defence, how to deploy reserves, use land areas, apply duties, and what impact increasing the level of defence will have on the organisation of everyday life of the Estonian people.’
At this year's exercise, the government discussed raising defence capabilities across the country. Following the raising of the level of defence, the authorities and persons designated for this purpose will, in addition to their main activities, prepare to counter the threat to the country.
Government exercises are regular, planned in advance and usually take place once a year. The purpose of government exercises is to practice decision-making in a complex civil or security crisis.
