Education and Science, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Technology

Ratas said in his remarks released through spokespeople that Estonia being part of CERN will create a possibility for the country's businesses to take part in tenders of that organization. According to the prime minister, there are several companies in Estonia that are collaborating with CERN already or are interested in doing it, the government's communication office announced. 

"Estonia can share its experiences in building up a digital ecosystem, for instance, but also in the fields of interoperability of data systems and cyber security," Ratas said. In addition, membership offers a possibility for regular exchanges of teachers and students and advanced training for teachers of sciences. 

Minister of Foreign Trade and IT Raul Siem said that cooperation with CERN helps to open  doors for Estonian businesses elsewhere in the world and will significantly expand their capability to be successful in international tenders and boost their export capability. 

Siem pointed out that businesses working with CERN get a CERN stamp of approval, which demonstrates that their level of expertise and ability is sufficient to engage in cooperation with CERN. "This stamp of approval will definitely open doors for our businesses elsewhere in the world," Siem said. He added that, besides, participation in tenders of international scale and winning them will increase companies' skills and capabilities and their chances of success in international tenders in the future. 

The contact point for Estonian businesses in interaction with CERN is Enterprise Estonia (EAS).

Tanel Rebane, director of the Trade Development Agency at EAS, said that the technologies and innovation developed under CERN cooperation projects are directly applicable in other fields, including industry. "We see the IT and electronics sectors, for instance, but also businesses working on the basis of  new technologies and hi-tech more broadly as having great potential," Rebane said, naming the Estonian companies GScan, Skeleton, Artec Design, Testonica, Estel and Silmet as some of those that might engage in cooperation with CERN.

The associate membership will last from two to five years, after which Estonia will become a full member of the organization. Where the income of an associate member from CERN must not exceed its membership contribution, that restriction will be lifted when the country becomes a full member. Also, Estonia will gain voting rights in the council of CERN.

Estonia has been engaging in cooperation with CERN since 1996. It filed an application for membership in September 2018.

The government endorsed the agreement on Estonia' associate membership of CERN in February of this year. The agreement will take effect upon its ratification by the Riigikogu.

CERN currently has a membership of 23 nations, two associate members in the pre-membership status, six associate members and six observer nations.