Bilateral cultural co-operation agreements and programmes
Estonia has bilateral cultural cooperation agreements and joint programmes with more than 50 countries from all over the world. More than half of these have been concluded with non-EU countries. In regard to bilateral co-operation with developing countries (see also point Preferential Treatment), three of the Estonian priority partner countries in development co-operation are involved in these activities as well: Georgia (cultural agreement is ratified 12.10.2004), Moldova (cultural agreement is ratified 03.04.1996 / 19.10.2011), Ukraine (cultural agreement is ratified 01.04.1996). Cultural agreements are also ratified with Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, India and Indonesia.
Development of co-operation in the field of culture by supporting (financially as well as the exchange of know-how) bilateral co-operation between cultural institutions.
Creation of a favourable environment for international co-operation, including exchange of know-how and activated cultural exchange. On a wider scale, enhancement of mutual understanding and friendship between the countries.
Certain amount of money is allocated in the yearly budget of Estonian Ministry of Culture each year.
Usually, bilateral agreement shall remain in force for a certain period of time and thereafter shall be automatically renewed for successive period of equal duration, unless either of the Parties should express its opposition thereto, which must be notified in writing through diplomatic channels.
In addition to a bilateral agreement, Parties may agree upon and in accordance with the agreement a separate cultural co-operation programme for a certain time period. Such programmes can be prolonged by means of exchange of corresponding notes sent through diplomatic channels, unless either of the Parties should express its opposition.
Before prolonging the programme for the next period, both Parties evaluate the projects carried out within the previous period as well as the necessity to continue with the programme. So far, the general conclusion has been to continue with the agreements and programmes which have been active, effective and/or have been signed with our priority countries in international as well as developing co-operation.