The Estonian government has ratified the country’s full membership of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), opening up opportunities for local companies to engage in scientific cooperation at the highest level. CERN promotes cooperation between countries in the field of fundamental nuclear research.

“Full membership of CERN is important for Estonia since it will mean that there will no longer be any financial ceiling when it comes to us taking part in tenders and entering into employment contracts,” explained Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology Tiit Riisalo.

“For Estonian companies this will enable a transfer of knowledge, first and foremost in the high-tech field, but it will give them wider-ranging opportunities to participate in CERN tenders as well. At the moment they have no access to procurements whose annual cash flow exceeds the membership fee, and there are limits on the number of procurement contracts and the total amount of staff costs as well.” Minister Riisalo added that being a full member of CERN will give Estonia voting rights, and with them a say in the organisation’s decision-making processes.

“For Estonian companies this will enable a transfer of knowledge, first and foremost in the high-tech field, but it will give them wider-ranging opportunities to participate in CERN tenders as well.”
Tiit Riisalo, Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology

The agreement granting Estonia associate member status in February 2021 provided for the country to become a full member within a minimum of two and a maximum of five years. The CERN convention and the Financial Protocol accompanying it will come into effect for Estonia as of the date on which the country presents its letter of accession to the Director-General of UNESCO. On this day Estonia will become a full member of CERN. The CERN Protocol on privileges and immunities will enter force for Estonia 30 days after it has presented its letter of accession.

CERN was established on 29 September 1954, with the entry into force of the Convention for the Establishment of a European Organization for Nuclear Research. Its headquarters are in Geneva. A total of 23 countries have joined the organisation, the majority of which are Member States of the EU.

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