University of Tartu again recognised for supporting defenders of the state

The University of Tartu received the silver level of the award "Supporter of defenders of the state" from the Ministry of Defence for its outstanding contribution to the support of Estonian defenders of the state.

This year, the recognition was granted on three levels. Gold and silver level recognition was given to companies that offer other benefits and incentives to reservists in addition to maintaining their salary during training. The bronze level was awarded to employers who retain the salary of reservists. Also, three particularly outstanding companies supporting national defence and reservists received special recognition.

According to law, employers must allow reservists who work at an enterprise to participate in reservist training. However, it is up to the companies and organisations to decide whether they retain their remuneration. The University of Tartu decided in 2018 that employees maintain their regular remuneration during mandatory reservist training. The university also asks the teaching staff to consider the students participating in military training and organise the studies so that they could retake required assignments in the same semester.

This year, nearly 400 companies applied for the award "Supporter of defenders of the state", granted for the second time. Out of these, 351 employers were recognised. The jury comprised representatives of the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Forces and the National Defence League.