Ülle Madise, Estonia's new president, appoints Taimar Peterkop as advisor to the National Defence Council. Peterkop is the former Secretary of State.
Madise emphasized that Peterkop knows both the theory and practice of national defence. She stated in a press release that Peterkop has excellent skills in managing human relations and cooperation.
According to the Constitution, the president is the supreme leader of national defence. The National Defence Council helps the president discuss national defence issues. The council consists of representatives of the president, parliament, government and the armed forces.
Madise wants to make the work of the National Defence Council more regular and consistent. She said the council's work should be more substantial and better organized.
Peterkop said he was very happy to become a member of the council. He wants to use his knowledge and experience to help Estonia cope with crises.
Peterkop told ERR that until now the National Defence Council functioned only when the president wanted it. Madise wants to make the council's work systematic.
Peterkop served as Secretary of State from 2018 to 2025. He was also the Director General of the State Information System Authority. Currently, he works as a cybersecurity expert at the e-Governance Academy.
Peterkop studied law at the University of Tartu. He obtained a master's degree from a US war college.
The aim of the National Defence Council is to help create a unified national defence policy. Council members can discuss important issues and propose solutions. The president chairs the council meetings.
Madise also named other new officials in the presidential office. Paavo Nõgene will head the presidential office. Other officials include Rainer Saks, Vladimir Svet, Liis Lipre-Järma, Jaak Prints, Harrys Puusepp and Piret Arukaevu.