The active crisis role is played by people who have specific tasks in a crisis. These are, in particular, reservists (more information at https://mil.ee/reserv/reservvaelane/ opens in a new tab).
Civil servants working in national defence also have an active crisis role to play and must continue to carry out their day-to-day duties even as defence readiness is increased.
Companies and organisations are advised to have an overview of which of their employees are reservists or voluntarily involved in other crisis reserves. This will help support the participation of reservists in training and enables better preparation for the performance of key tasks in a crisis.
The Estonian system of crisis preparedness is based on the continuity of tasks, which means that if there is a crisis-related role to be performed in a normal situation, the same applies in any crisis. Therefore, the list of people with a crisis role is much longer.
For example, providers of critical services have a duty to ensure the availability of services that are essential for the functioning of society, including energy, communications, and medical services, even in times of crisis or military defence. Providers of critical services should therefore identify the positions that are essential for the functioning of the services and where it is important for the person working to continue in the same role in a crisis. A more detailed expectation of service levels in the event of a crisis, including a military defence situation, is formulated by the institution that oversees the relevant critical service: the Ministry of Climate, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Eesti Pank, or the local government, and in the future, probably also the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture. There are currently more than a hundred providers of critical services in Estonia, and with the implementation of the CER Directive, the number of such providers could reach over 400 in the future. Providers of critical services employ around 13.1% of the total number of people employed.
Companies and local governments which have been assigned by the institution to be responsible for crisis management also have an important role to play in a crisis. Such situations are usually negotiated with the parties involved in advance. They could involve, for example, the need to produce or sell material, to provide a specific service, to make land available, or to provide machinery for transport or construction work. The Estonian Rescue Board also cooperates with local governments in organising sheltering or (large-scale) evacuation.
Media operators and editorial offices are obliged by the National Defence Act, the State of Emergency Act, and the Emergency Act to convey important information to the public. Local governments have an important role to play in conveying nationwide information, distribute warning messages, or information from response agencies such as the Defence Forces to communities, apartment associations, and people in their territory.
Even if you do not have an active crisis role, you can still contribute to crisis preparedness. For example, by making sure you know how to act in case of an emergency, preparing basic crisis supplies for yourself and your family, and raising your awareness, for example by taking part in first aid training. In times of crisis, it is important to follow the instructions given by the state and to remain calm, which Estonians are known for. Guidance on how to deal with different crises can be found here in the risk analysis, as well as on the websites olevalmis.ee opens in a new tab and kriis.ee opens in a new tab.
Volunteers covering the whole of Estonia as a network – members of the Defence League, members of the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation, volunteer rescuers, assistant police officers, sea rescuers, demining assistants, volunteers for victim support and prevention services, and other helpful persons – form the basis for the activities of a broad network of national defence, civil protection, and crisis preparedness. They act as a link between communities and agencies and support people in different situations, including crises. This increases the preparedness of people to deal with crises on their own.
Volunteering offers positive emotions, a change from everyday life, and a chance to develop yourself and broaden your horizons. It gives you new skills, experience, knowledge, and contacts, as well as the chance to do something good and useful.
You can find out more about volunteering opportunities at kriis.ee opens in a new tab. You can write to [email protected] to clarify your role in a crisis.
As a volunteer, everyone can contribute to the well-being of Estonia based on their skills, wishes, and abilities. By volunteering, you will also improve your own crisis management skills and support your community in different crisis situations as a key support person.
- In the Defence League or the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation, you can contribute to a secure Estonia based on your knowledge and skills.
- As a volunteer on the 1247 state helpline, you can help reduce the burden on the 112 emergency number by answering non-emergency calls, providing safety information and advice.
- As an assistant police officer, you can support internal security and public order, for example through patrol activities, but also in border patrol, regional policing, service offices, and other activities supporting policing.
- As a volunteer rescuer, you can take part in rescue work, help in resilience centres and shelters, and support (large-scale) evacuations.
- As a volunteer sea rescuer, you will support sea rescue operations in the Estonian maritime area and border waters and participate in preventive activities in the field of sea rescue.
- As a demining assistant, you will participate in joint surveillance with professional deminers and assist in large-scale or long-term demining operations.
- As a volunteer for victim support and prevention services, you will provide emotional support to people in need and contribute to preventing the most serious consequences of intimate partner violence.
Last updated: 02.12.2025
