Nominate a Candidate for the “Supporter of National Defenders” Award

Estonia's security depends on the contribution of the entire society. Employers in Estonia hold a particularly important role, with numerous ways to contribute to national defence. One very important example is supporting reservists in their workforce in attending reservist training exercises. The “Supporter of National Defenders” award is intended specifically for the most outstanding companies and organizations and is presented once a year by the Minister of Defence.

Any individual may nominate a legal entity or institution (such as a company, NGO, or public sector agency) that supports national defenders, by describing how the candidate supports them and why they deserve recognition.

The main criterion for receiving the “Supporter of National Defenders” recognition is outstanding support of national defenders and maintaining the income of reservists during reservist training periods. This could mean the employer continues to pay full salary, provides additional compensation, offers paid leave days, or pays the difference between the state-paid training allowance and the employee’s regular salary.

In the evaluation, other contributions by the legal entity or institution are also considered, such as offering discounts to national defenders, supporting veterans, or valuing conscription experience when hiring new employees.

Candidates can be submitted until June 1.

The recognition ceremony will take place before Victory Day, in the presence of the President of the Republic Alar Karis, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, Commander of the Defence Forces Major General Andrus Merilo, and Commander of the Defence League Major General Ilmar Tamm.

More information

Email: kaitsetahe@kaitseministeerium.ee
Award regulations and conditions (200.4 KB, PDF)
Supporter of National Defenders Award | Ministry of Defence