Indrek Tarand, Estonian historian, journalist, and politician

Indrek Tarand, born on February 3, 1964, is a prominent Estonian politician who notably served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing Estonia for two terms.

His political standing is distinct: while he consistently ran as an independent candidate in national Estonian elections, which underscored his non-partisanship in the domestic political landscape, he firmly aligned himself with and became a full member of the European Green Party at the pan-European level. Consequently, within the European Parliament, he was an active member of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA) political group, reflecting his commitment to green principles and sustainable policies.

Early Career and Public Service

Advisor to the Prime Minister of Estonia

From 1999 to 2002, Indrek Tarand served as an influential advisor to the Estonian Prime Minister, notably during the second government of Mart Laar. In this strategic capacity, he provided counsel on a range of national and international policy matters, contributing to key governmental decisions during a period of significant development for Estonia.

Secretary General of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Concurrently with his advisory role, from 1999 to 2002, Tarand held the pivotal position of Secretary General of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This senior civil service role encompassed overseeing the ministry's administrative and operational functions, playing a crucial part in shaping and implementing Estonia's diplomatic efforts and foreign policy on the international stage.

Director of the Estonian War Museum

Before his election to the European Parliament, from 2005 to 2009, he also served as the Director of the Estonian War Museum (Eesti Sõjamuuseum – Kindral Laidoneri Muuseum), contributing significantly to the preservation and public understanding of Estonia's military heritage and history.

Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Tenure

Indrek Tarand was first elected as an MEP in the 2009 European Parliament elections, securing a remarkably high number of votes as an independent candidate, which was a testament to his strong individual appeal and public trust among Estonian voters. He was successfully re-elected for a second term in the 2014 elections, continuing his dedicated representation of Estonia until the end of the parliamentary term in 2019, when he did not seek re-election.

During his two terms in the European Parliament, Tarand was a highly active and vocal member of the Greens/EFA political group. His parliamentary work primarily focused on critical areas, with significant engagement in committees relevant to environmental protection, human rights, and foreign affairs. He was a vocal advocate for greater transparency within EU institutions, strongly promoting sustainable development policies, and championing democratic values and fundamental freedoms on the international stage. His contributions often reflected a commitment to accountability and ethical governance within the European Union.

Frequently Asked Questions about Indrek Tarand

What is Indrek Tarand's primary political affiliation at the European level?

While consistently running as an independent candidate in Estonian national elections, Indrek Tarand is a committed member of the European Green Party and actively aligned with the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA) in the European Parliament.

What key roles did Indrek Tarand hold before becoming an MEP?

Before his tenure as an MEP, Indrek Tarand served in significant public service roles including as an advisor to the Prime Minister of Estonia and as the Secretary General of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (both from 1999 to 2002). He also led the Estonian War Museum from 2005 to 2009.