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Decorations Act

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Decorations Act - content
Issuer:Riigikogu
Type:act
In force from:01.01.2015
In force until: In force
Translation published:28.01.2015

Decorations Act

Passed 19.12.2007
RT I 2008, 1, 7
entry into force in accordance with section 76

Amended by the following legal instruments (show)

PassedPublishedEntry into force
19.06.2008RT I 2008, 35, 21301.01.2009
26.11.2009RT I 2009, 62, 40501.01.2010
22.04.2010RT I 2010, 22, 10801.01.2011, enters into force on the day determined in the decision of the Council of the European Union concerning repeal of the derogation established in respect of the Republic of Estonia in accordance with Article 140(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Decision No 2010/416/EU of the Council of the European Union (OJ L 196, 28.07.2010, pp. 24–26).
26.03.2014RT I, 16.04.2014, 126.04.2014
19.06.2014RT I, 12.07.2014, 101.01.2015
19.06.2014RT I, 29.06.2014, 10901.07.2014, official titles of ministers replaced in accordance with s. 1073(4) of the Government of the Republic Act.

Chapter 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS 

§ 1.  Scope of application of this Act

 (1) This Act establishes the national awards (hereinafter, ‘decorations’) to be bestowed by the President of the Republic, provides their classes and descriptions, the procedure for bestowal, wearing, withdrawal, and return of decorations, the procedure for registration of orders of honour and orders of merit, and liability for violations of this Act.

 (2) The provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act apply to the administrative procedure described in this Act without prejudice to the provisions of this Act.

§ 2.  National decorations

 (1) Decorations are:
 1) Vabadusristi aumärk [the Order of Honour of the Cross of Liberty];
 2) Riigivapi teenetemärk [the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms];
 3) Maarjamaa Risti teenetemärk [the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana];
 4) Valgetähe teenetemärk [the Order of Merit of the White Star];
 5) Kotkaristi teenetemärk [the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle];
 6) Eesti Punase Risti teenetemärk [the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross].

 (2) It is prohibited to establish, manufacture or use an order of honour or order of merit or any other emblem whose similarity to a decoration established in this Act is such as to render it likely to be confused with that decoration.

§ 3.  Cross of Liberty

 (1) The Cross of Liberty was instituted in 1919 to give recognition for meritorious service during the Estonian War of Independence. The Cross of Liberty is a military decoration bestowed during a war conducted to defend the independence of Estonia.

 (2) The Cross of Liberty comprises three divisions:
 1) Division One - bestowed to give recognition for military service during a war conducted to defend Estonian independence;
 2) Division Two - bestowed to give recognition for personal valour during a war conducted to defend Estonian independence;
 3) Division Three - bestowed to give recognition for administrative and civil service during a war conducted to defend Estonian independence.

 (3) Bestowal of the Cross of Liberty was terminated by the Act of 19 June 1925 (RT1 1925, 109/110, 53). The Cross of Liberty may be bestowed again in the event of a war conducted to defend the independence of Estonia as of the declaration of the state of war until the entry into force of an Act to terminate the bestowal of the Cross of Liberty.

§ 4.  The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms

 (1) The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms was instituted in 1936 to commemorate 24 February 1918 - the day on which the independence of Estonia was proclaimed. The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms is bestowed only on Estonian citizens as the highest decoration to give recognition for services rendered to the state.

 (2) The President of the Republic is holder of the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Collar Class. The collar of the Order is passed on together with the office of the President.

§ 5.  The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana

  The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana was instituted in 1995 as a tribute to the independence of the Estonian state. The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana is bestowed on foreigners as the highest decoration to give recognition for service rendered to the Republic of Estonia.

§ 6.  The Order of Merit of the White Star

  The Order of Merit of the White Star was instituted in 1936 to commemorate the fight for freedom of the Estonian people. The Order of Merit of the White Star is bestowed on individuals in the service of the government or of local authorities, or to give recognition for services or achievements of nation-wide importance in economy, education, science, culture, sports or other areas.

§ 7.  The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle

  The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle was instituted in 1928 by the National Defence League to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the independence of Estonia. The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle is bestowed in order to give recognition for military service and service in the field of national defence.

§ 8.  The Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross

  The Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross was instituted in 1920 by the Estonian Red Cross Society. The Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross is bestowed to give recognition for service rendered to the interests of the Estonian people in healthcare and social spheres and for the saving of life.

§ 9.  Decoration holder

 (1) Decorations may be bestowed on Estonian citizens and on foreigners.

 (2) Decorations may also be bestowed posthumously.

 (3) Decorations for combat service may also be bestowed on military units or sub-units.
[RT I 2008, 35, 213 - entry into force 01.01.2009]

 (4) A person whose decoration has been withdrawn is not deemed a decoration holder.

Chapter 2 BESTOWAL, WEARING AND WITHDRAWAL OF DECORATIONS 

§ 10.  Bestowal of decorations

 (1) The regular bestowal of decorations takes place once a year on the occasion of 24 February, Independence Day.

 (2) Decorations may also be bestowed at any other time in exceptional cases, including in the event of a state visit or if a diplomat accredited to Estonia departs from Estonia upon expiry of his or her term of office, or posthumously.

 (3) During the time of peace, a person who has been awarded a decoration may generally be awarded another decoration for similar service when five years have passed since the adoption of the decision concerning bestowal of the previous decoration and for different service when three years have passed since the adoption of the decision.

 (4) Before bestowing a decoration upon a foreigner the President of the Republic hears the opinion of the minister responsible for the area.

 (5) Decorations together with the corresponding certificates are bestowed without charge.

 (6) The bestowal of decorations and any related operations are arranged by the Office of the President of the Republic.

§ 11.  Proposals for bestowal of decorations

 (1) Everyone, including every agency and institution, is entitled to make proposals to the President of the Republic to bestow a decoration. The Office of the President of the Republic notifies the person who made a proposal of having received the proposal.

 (2) Proposals to bestow a decoration on Independence Day are to be made to the President of the Republic by 1 November of the year preceding bestowal of the decoration.

 (3) The President of the Republic reviews the proposals to bestow a decoration and makes the corresponding decisions. The President is not required to substantiate refusals to bestow the proposed decoration.

 (4) A proposal to bestow a decoration must contain the name, date of birth and description of the service rendered by the person in regard to whom the proposal is made.

 (5) Information concerning any proposal to bestow a decoration is classified as information restricted to internal use for five years from receiving the proposal.

§ 12.  Wearing of decorations

 (1) A decoration may only be worn by the person upon whom the President of the Republic has bestowed it, provided the decoration has not been withdrawn.

 (2) Decorations are to be worn in accordance with the good practice of wearing decorations. The Office of the President of the Republic provides explanations concerning the good practice of wearing decorations.

§ 13.  Withdrawal and return of decorations

 (1) The President of the Republic may decide to withdraw a decoration when:
 1) a court judgment which convicts the holder of an intentionally committed criminal offence has become final, or
 2) circumstances are revealed which predate bestowal of the decoration to the holder and knowledge of which would have precluded the bestowal, or
 3) the subsequent conduct of the holder has been inappropriate to an extent that would preclude bestowal of the decoration upon that holder.

 (2) A decoration holder whose decoration has been withdrawn by resolution of the President of the Republic must return the decoration to the Office of the President.

Chapter 3 CLASSES AND DESCRIPTION OF DECORATIONS 

Subchapter 1 Order of Honour of the Cross of Liberty 

§ 14.  Ranks of the Order of Honour of the Cross of Liberty

  Each division of the Cross of Liberty is divided into three ranks.

§ 15.  The Cross of Liberty, Division One, First Rank

 (1) The cross of the Order of Honour of the Cross of Liberty, Division One, First Rank is a Latin cross which is 45mm high and 39mm wide, and whose embossed surface is covered in white enamel set in a gold colour border. A gold colour stripe which is 1mm wide runs down the centreline of the arms of the cross. The width of the arms is 9mm and the ends of the arms widen to form the shape of a T. The intersection of the arms bears a black circle set in a gold colour border in which are shown the letter E in gold colour and a gold colour arm with a sword, and the reverse side of the cross bears a black circle of the same size set in a gold colour border and containing an inscription of the date 24. II 1919 in gold colour (Annex 1).

 (2) The ribbon of the Cross of Liberty, Division One, First Rank is 30mm wide and made of black moiré, with a 7mm wide blue (PANTONE 285 C) and 8mm wide white stripe at both edges.

§ 16.  The Cross of Liberty, Division One, Second Rank

 (1) The cross of the Order of Honour of the Cross of Liberty, Division One, Second Rank is a Latin cross which is 39mm high and 34mm wide, and whose embossed surface is covered in white enamel set in a silver colour border. The width of the arms is 8mm and the ends of the arms widen to form the shape of a T. A silver colour stripe which is 1mm wide runs down the centreline of the arms of the cross. The intersection of the arms bears a black circle set in a silver colour border in which are shown the letter E in silver colour and a silver colour arm with a sword, and the reverse side of the cross bears a black circle of the same size set in a silver colour border and containing an inscription of the date 24. II 1919 in silver colour (Annex 1).

 (2) The ribbon of the Cross of Liberty, Division One, Second Rank is 30mm wide and made of black moiré, with a 7mm wide blue (PANTONE 285 C) and 8mm wide white stripe at both edges.

§ 17.  The Cross of Liberty, Division One, Third Rank

 (1) The cross of the Order of Honour of the Cross of Liberty, Division One, Third Rank is a Latin cross which is 36mm high and 30mm wide, and whose embossed surface is covered in white enamel set in a border of oxidised metal. The width of the arms is 7mm and the ends of the arms widen to form the shape of a T. A silver colour stripe which is 1mm wide runs down the centreline of the arms of the cross. The intersection of the arms bears a black circle set in a silver colour border in which are shown the letter E in silver colour and a silver colour arm with a sword, and the reverse side of the cross bears a black circle of the same size set in a silver colour border and containing an inscription of the date 24. II 1919 in silver colour (Annex 1).

 (2) The ribbon of the Cross of Liberty, Division One, Third Rank is 30mm wide and made of black moiré, with a 7mm wide blue (PANTONE 285 C) and 8mm wide white stripe at both edges.

§ 18.  The Cross of Liberty, Division Two, First Rank

 (1) The cross of the Order of Honour of the Cross of Liberty, Division Two, First Rank is a Latin cross which is 45mm high and 39mm wide, and whose embossed surface is covered in black enamel set in a gold colour border. The width of the arms is 9mm and the ends of the arms widen to form the shape of a T. A gold colour stripe which is 1mm wide runs down the centreline of the arms of the cross. The intersection of the arms bears a red circle set in a gold colour border in which are shown the letter E in gold colour and a gold colour arm with a sword, and the reverse side of the cross bears a red circle of the same size set in a gold colour border and containing an inscription of the date 24. II 1919 in gold colour (Annex 1).

 (2) The ribbon of the Cross of Liberty, Division Two, First Rank is 30mm wide and made of blue (PANTONE 285 C) moiré, with a 7mm wide black and 8mm wide white stripe at both edges.

§ 19.  The Cross of Liberty, Division Two, Second Rank

 (1) The cross of the Order of Honour of the Cross of Liberty, Division Two, Second Rank is a Latin cross which is 39mm high and 34mm wide, and whose embossed surface is covered in black enamel set in a silver colour border. The width of the arms is 8mm and the ends of the arms widen to form the shape of a T. A silver colour stripe which is 1mm wide runs down the centreline of the arms of the cross. The intersection of the arms bears a red circle set in a silver colour border in which are shown the letter E in silver colour and a silver colour arm with a sword, and the reverse side of the cross bears a red circle of the same size set in a silver colour border and containing an inscription of the date 24. II 1919 in silver colour (Annex 1).

 (2) The ribbon of the Cross of Liberty, Division Two, Second Rank is 30mm wide and made of blue (PANTONE 285 C) moiré, with a 7mm wide black and 8mm wide white stripe at both edges.

§ 20.  The Cross of Liberty, Division Two, Third Rank

 (1) The cross of the Order of Honour of the Cross of Liberty, Division Two, Third Rank is a Latin cross which is 36mm high and 30mm wide and made of oxidised steel. The width of the arms is 7mm and the ends of the arms widen to form the shape of a T. A silver colour stripe which is 1mm wide runs down the centreline of the arms of the cross. The intersection of the arms bears a red circle set in a silver colour border in which are shown the letter E in silver colour and a silver colour arm with a sword, and the reverse side of the cross bears a red circle of the same size set in a silver colour border and containing an inscription of the date 24. II 1919 in silver colour (Annex 1).

 (2) The ribbon of the Cross of Liberty, Division Two, Third Rank is 30mm wide and made of blue (PANTONE 285 C) moiré, with a 7mm wide black and 8mm wide white stripe at both edges.

§ 21.  The Cross of Liberty, Division Three, First Rank

 (1) The cross of the Order of Honour of the Cross of Liberty, Division Three, First Rank is a Latin cross which is 45mm high and 39mm wide, and whose embossed surface is covered in blue enamel set in a gold colour border. The width of the arms is 9mm and the ends of the arms widen to form the shape of a T. A gold colour stripe which is 1mm wide runs down the centreline of the arms of the cross. The intersection of the arms bears a white circle set in a gold colour border which shows a black letter E, and the reverse side of the cross bears a white circle of the same size set in a gold colour border and containing an inscription of the date 24. II 1919 in black (Annex 1).

 (2) The ribbon of the Cross of Liberty, Division Three, First Rank is 30mm wide and made of white moiré, with a 7mm wide blue (PANTONE 285 C) and 8mm wide black stripe at both edges.

§ 22.  The Cross of Liberty, Division Three, Second Rank

 (1) The cross of the Order of Honour of the Cross of Liberty, Division Three, Second Rank is a Latin cross which is 39mm high and 34mm wide, and whose embossed surface is covered in blue enamel set in a silver colour border. The width of the arms is 8mm and the ends of the arms widen to form the shape of a T. A silver colour stripe which is 1mm wide runs down the centreline of the arms of the cross. The intersection of the arms bears a white circle set in a silver colour border which shows the letter E in black colour, and the reverse side of the cross bears a white circle of the same size set in a silver colour border and containing an inscription of the date 24. II 1919 in black (Annex 1).

 (2) The ribbon of the Cross of Liberty, Division Three, Second Rank is 30mm wide and made of white moiré, with a 7mm wide blue (PANTONE 285 C) and 8mm wide black stripe at both edges.

§ 23.  The Cross of Liberty, Division Three, Third Rank

 (1) The cross of the Order of Honour of the Cross of Liberty, Division Three, Third Rank is a Latin cross which is 36mm high and 30mm wide, and whose embossed surface is covered in blue enamel set in a border of oxidised metal. The width of the arms is 7mm and the ends of the arms widen to form the shape of a T. A silver colour stripe which is 1mm wide runs down the centreline of the arms of the cross. The intersection of the arms bears a white circle set in a silver colour border which contains a black letter E, and the reverse side of the cross bears a white circle of the same size set in a silver colour border and containing an inscription of the date 24. II 1919 in black (Annex 1).

 (2) The ribbon of the Cross of Liberty, Division Three, Third Rank is 30mm wide and made of white moiré, with a 7mm wide blue (PANTONE 285 C) and 8mm wide black stripe at both edges.

Subchapter 2 Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms 

§ 24.  Description of the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms

 (1) The pendant of all classes of the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms has the shape of the greater national coat of arms, is gold plated on both sides, and bears the embossed date 24. II 1918 on the reverse side.

 (2) The moiré ribbon of all classes of the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms is blue (PANTONE 285 C).

§ 25.  The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Collar Class

 (1) The collar of the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Collar Class is 30mm wide, made of gold, and decorated with Estonian ornamental designs. The centres of four of the ornamental devices of the collar are encrusted with precious stones. A gold plated pendant of 69mm in diameter in the shape of the greater national coat of arms is suspended from the collar (Annex 2).

 (2) The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Collar Class is issued with an eight-pointed gold star of 87mm in diameter which, in its centre, bears a badge of 42mm in diameter in the shape of the greater national coat of arms.

 (3) The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Collar Class is issued with a special sash in the form of a blue moiré ribbon whose width for male holders is 105mm and for female holders 64mm, which has a 5mm wide gold colour border and from whose bow is suspended a gilt pendant of 58mm in diameter in the shape of the greater national coat of arms.

 (4) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, First Class (Annex 7) also serves as the rosette device of the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Collar Class.

§ 26.  The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, First Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, First Class consists of a sash and a silver star. The sash is a blue moiré ribbon whose width for male holders is 105mm and for female holders 64mm and from whose bow is suspended a gilt pendant of 58mm in diameter in the shape of the greater national coat of arms (Annex 2).

 (2) The silver star is an eight point star of 87mm in diameter in whose centre is set a gilt badge of 38mm in diameter in the shape of the greater national coat of arms.

 (3) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, First Class is a blue rosette on a gold colour base (Annex 7).

§ 27.  The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Second Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Second Class consists of a gilt pendant of 55mm in diameter in the shape of the greater national coat of arms suspended from a 41mm wide blue moiré ribbon, and of a star identical to that of the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, First Class (Annex 2).

 (2) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Second Class is a blue rosette set on a base whose right side is of gold colour and whose left side is of silver colour (Annex 7).

§ 28.  The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Third Class

 (1) The Third Class Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms is identical to the Second Class Order except for the absence of the star (Annex 2).

 (2) The rosette device of the Third Class Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms is a blue rosette on a silver colour base (Annex 7).

§ 29.  The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Fourth Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Fourth Class is a gilt pendant of 42mm in diameter in the shape of the greater national coat of arms suspended from a 35mm wide blue moiré ribbon. A blue rosette of 22mm in diameter is affixed to the ribbon of the decoration (Annex 2).

 (2) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Fourth Class is a blue rosette (Annex 7).

§ 30.  The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Fifth Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Fifth Class is identical to the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Fourth Class except that the ribbon has no rosette (Annex 2).

 (2) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Fifth Class is a 3mm wide section of the ribbon of the decoration (Annex 7).

Subchapter 3 Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana 

§ 31.  Description of the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana

 (1) The crosses with shields of all classes of the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana are of the same size and have the same design, except for the crosses which serve as links in the collar.

 (2) The moiré ribbon of all classes of the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana is blue (PANTONE 300 C).

§ 32.  The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Collar Class

 (1) The collar of the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Collar Class is 22mm wide, made of silver, and consists of twelve monograms of Mary, six Gothic shields which bear three enamelled blue lions on a gold plated background and six crosses of Terra Mariana of 22mm in diameter. The lock of the collar is a Gothic shield to which the Cross of Terra Mariana is attached (Annex 3).

 (2) The Cross of Terra Mariana is a Mantuan cross of 48mm in diameter which is made of silver, covered with white enamel on both sides, and whose arms are bordered on both sides by a blue stripe and a black stripe, each 2mm wide and enamelled.
The reverse side of the cross bears the words PRO TERRA MARIANA. A monogram of Mary appears in each of the spaces between the arms of the cross.

 (3) The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Collar Class is issued with an eight point silver star of 80mm in diameter. It is surmounted by a Cross of Terra Mariana which is 48mm in diameter and in the centre of which is set a golden Gothic shield whose diameter is 16mm and which bears three blue lions.

 (4) The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Collar Class is issued with a sash of the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, First Class which is a blue moiré ribbon that is 105mm wide in the case of a male holder and 64mm wide in the case of a female holder. A gold colour Gothic shield with three blue lions to which is affixed the Cross of Terra Mariana is suspended from the bow of the sash.

 (5) The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Collar Class is issued with the rosette device of the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, First Class (Annex 7).

§ 33.  The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, First Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, First Class consists of a sash and a silver star. The sash is a blue moiré ribbon that is 105mm wide in the case of a male holder and 64mm wide in the case of a female holder. A gold colour Gothic shield with three blue lions to which is affixed the Cross of Terra Mariana is suspended from the bow of the sash (Annex 3).

 (2) The silver star is identical to the silver star which is issued with the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Collar Class.

 (3) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, First Class is a blue rosette on a gold colour base (Annex 7).

§ 34.  The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Second Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Second Class consists of a 40mm wide blue moiré ribbon to which is attached a gold colour Gothic shield with three blue lions to which the Cross of Terra Mariana is affixed, and of a silver star which is identical to the that of the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Collar Class (Annex 3).

 (2) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Second Class is a blue rosette on a base whose left side is of silver colour and right side of gold colour (Annex 7).

§ 35.  The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Third Class

 (1) The Third Class Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana is identical to the Second Class Order except for the absence of the star (Annex 3).

 (2) The rosette device of the Third Class Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana is a blue rosette on a silver colour base (Annex 7).

§ 36.  The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Fourth Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Fourth Class consists of a 35mm wide blue moiré ribbon to which is attached a gold colour Gothic shield with three blue lions to which the Cross of Terra Mariana is affixed. A blue rosette of 22mm in diameter is affixed to the ribbon of the decoration (Annex 3).

 (2) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Fourth Class is a blue rosette (Annex 7).

§ 37.  The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Fifth Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Fifth Class is identical to the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Fourth Class except that the ribbon has no rosette (Annex 3).

 (2) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Fifth Class is a 3mm wide section of the ribbon of the decoration (Annex 7).

Subchapter 4 Order of Merit of the White Star 

§ 38.  Description of the Order of Merit of the White Star

 (1) The stars of all classes of the Order of Merit of the White Star have the same design but differ in size.

 (2) The moiré ribbon of all classes of the Order of Merit of the White Star is red (PANTONE 206 MC).

§ 39.  The Order of Merit of the White Star, Collar Class

 (1) The collar of the Order of Merit of the White Star, Collar Class is 30mm wide, made of gilt silver and consists of pieces in the form of Estonian ornamental designs, its lock a gilt badge of 38mm in diameter in the shape of the greater national coat of arms. A six point gilt star of 65mm in diameter which is covered with white enamel on both sides is suspended from the collar. The centre of the obverse side of the star bears a small six point gold star, the centre of the reverse side of the star bears the date 7. X 1936. Gold adornments project from the centre of the star into the spaces between the points (Annex 4).

 (2) The Order of Merit of the White Star, Collar Class is issued with a hexagonal gold star of 83mm in diameter, surmounted by a six point star covered with white enamel. The centre of the star bears a gilt badge of 38mm in diameter in the shape of the greater national coat of arms.

 (3) The Order of Merit of the White Star, Collar Class is issued with a sash of the Order of Merit of the White Star, First Class.

 (4) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the White Star, Collar Class is the rosette device of the the Order of Merit of the White Star, First Class (Annex 7).

§ 40.  The Order of Merit of the White Star, First Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the White Star, First Class consists of a sash and a silver star. The sash is a red moiré ribbon whose width is 105mm in the case of a male holder and 64mm in the case of a female holder, and from whose bow is suspended a six point White Star of 65mm in diameter (Annex 4).

 (2) The silver star is a hexagonal star of 83mm in diameter, surmounted by a six point star covered with white enamel. The centre of the star bears a gilt badge of 38mm in diameter in the shape of the greater national coat of arms.

 (3) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the White Star, First Class is a red rosette on a gold colour base (Annex 7).

§ 41.  The Order of Merit of the White Star, Second Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the White Star, Second Class consists of a White Star of 65mm in diameter suspended from a 41mm wide red moiré ribbon, and of a star which is identical to that of the the Order of Merit of the White Star, First Class (Annex 4).

 (2) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the White Star, Second Class is a red rosette on a base whose left side is of silver colour and right side of gold colour (Annex 7).

§ 42.  The Order of Merit of the White Star, Third Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the White Star, Third Class is identical to the the Order of Merit of the White Star, Second Class.except for the absence of the star (Annex 4).

 (2) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the White Star, Third Class is a red rosette on a silver colour base (Annex 7).

§ 43.  The Order of Merit of the White Star, Fourth Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the White Star, Fourth Class consists of a White Star of 47mm in diameter suspended from a 35mm wide red moiré ribbon. A red rosette of 22mm in diameter is affixed to the ribbon of the decoration (Annex 4).

 (2) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the White Star, Fourth Class is a red rosette (Annex 7).

§ 44.  The Order of Merit of the White Star, Fifth Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the White Star, Fifth Class is identical to the the Order of Merit of the White Star, Fourth Class except that the ribbon has no rosette (Annex 4).

 (2) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the White Star, Fifth Class is a 3mm wide section of the ribbon of the decoration (Annex 7).

§ 45.  The Order of Merit of the White Star, Medal Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the White Star, Medal Class is a circular medal decorated with Estonian ornamental designs whose diameter is 31mm and which has an adorned rim. The obverse side of the medal bears an embossed enamel image of the White Star. The reverse side of the medal bears the embossed date 7. X 1936 (Annex 4).

 (2) The ribbon of the Order of Merit of the White Star, Medal Class is a 30mm wide red moiré ribbon.

 (3) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the White Star, Medal Class is the rosette device of the the Order of Merit of the White Star, Fifth Class (Annex 7).

Subchapter 5 Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle 

§ 46.  Description and ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle

 (1) The crosses of all classes of the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle have the same design.

 (2) The moiré ribbon of all classes of the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle is orange (PANTONE 137 MC).

 (3) All classes of the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle are issued with a ribbon section which is 10mm high and 35mm wide and to which a rosette device representing the class of the decoration is affixed (Annex 7). When the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle is issued as a military decoration, the device of crossed swords is added to the riband.

§ 47.  The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, First Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, First Class consists of a sash and a silver star to go with the sash. The sash orange moiré ribbon whose width is 105mm in the case of a male holder and 64mm in the case of a female holder, which shows a 4mm wide blue stripe and has a 4mm wide orange hem (Annex 5).

 (2) The sash ends in a bow from which is suspended a four arm black Maltese cross of 58mm in diameter, enamelled on both sides and surrounded by a 0.5mm wide gold border. The length of the leg of the right-angled cut at the outer end of each arm of the cross is 15mm. The obverse side of the cross bears a Nordic eagle in oxidised silver who is ready to take wing and who holds a lesser national coat of arms in the talons of its left foot and a double-edged sword in the talons of its right foot. The span of the wings of the eagle is 23mm, the length of the eagle from its head to the tip of its tail feathers is 19mm and the length of the sword is 14.5mm. The reverse side of the cross bears a black enamelled circle of 10mm in diameter with a golden border and an inscription of the date 24. II 1928 running from top to bottom in the centre; the reverse side of the arms of the cross bears the motto PRO PATRIA.

 (3) The silver star is an embossed eight point star of 85mm in diameter which consists of rows of bosses surrounding the diamond-shaped centre and increasing in size from the centre outwards. The centre of the star bears the cross of the the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, Fifth Class.

§ 48.  The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, Second Class

  The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, Second Class consists of a cross and a star identical to those of the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, First Class, except that the cross is suspended from a 40mm wide orange moiré ribbon whose centreline shows a 1mm wide blue stripe and which has a 3mm wide blue stripe and a 1.5mm wide orange hem at the edges (Annex 5).

§ 49.  The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, Third Class

  The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, Third Class is identical to the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, Second Class except for the absence of the star (Annex 5).

§ 50.  The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, Fourth Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, Fourth Class consists of a cross which is identical to that of the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, Third Class, except that the diameter of the cross is 50mm and the length of the leg of the right-angled cut at the outer end of each arm of the cross is 12.5mm (Annex 5).

 (2) The ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, Fourth Class is an orange moiré ribbon which is 35mm wide and 50mm long, with a 3mm wide blue stripe and a 1.5mm wide orange hem at the edges. An orange rosette of 22 mm in diameter with blue stripes is affixed to the ribbon.

§ 51.  The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, Fifth Class

  The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, Fifth Class is identical to the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, Fourth Class except that the ribbon has no rosette (Annex 5).

§ 52.  The Medal Class of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle

 (1) The Medal Class of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle consists of the gold, silver and iron cross whose shape and size are identical to those of the cross of the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, Fifth Class but which are made of metal and lack enamel cover (Annex 5).

 (2) The ribbon of the gold, silver and iron cross of the Cross of the Eagle is a 35mm wide orange moiré ribbon with 1mm wide blue stripes in the centre as follows:
 1) the gold cross has three stripes at intervals of 2.5mm;
 2) the silver cross has two stripes at an interval of 6mm;
 3) the iron cross has one stripe.

§ 53.  The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle as a military decoration

 (1) The Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle is a military decoration if it bears the additional device of two crossed swords added as follows:
 1) in the case of the cross, the crossed swords are fastened at their hilts to the upper tips of the top element of the cross in a way which allows them to swivel. The length of the swords together with their hilts is 35mm for the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle, First, Second and Third Class and 33mm for the Fourth and Fifth Class and for the gold, silver and iron cross;
 2) in the case of the star, the crossed swords are fastened to the oblique arms of the star such that the vertical and horizontal arms remain uncovered. The hilts of the swords point downward. The length of the swords is 85mm.

 (2) The regular classes and the gold cross of the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Eagle bear gold swords, while the silver and iron cross bear swords made of the same metal as the cross.

Subchapter 6 Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross 

§ 54.  Description of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross

 (1) The crosses of all classes of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross have the same design.

 (2) The moiré ribbon of all classes of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross is light blue (PANTONE 297 MC).

§ 55.  The Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, First Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, First Class consists of a sash and a silver star. The sash is a moiré ribbon whose width is 110mm in the case of a male holder and 64mm in the case of a female holder and which has a 59mm wide blue stripe in the centre. That stripe is flanked on each side by a 6mm wide black stripe, a 7mm wide white stripe, a 2mm wide black stripe and, at the edge, a 10.5mm wide blue stripe. The sash ends in a bow from which is suspended a cross which is 41mm in diameter and the width of whose arms is 9.5mm.

 (2) The cross is bordered by a 2mm wide white enamel frame which has a 1.5mm wide gilt border. A bundle of nine gilt rays projects from between each pair of adjacent arms of the cross. The obverse side of the cross bears a stylised octagon of 24.5mm in diameter which is bordered with the colours of the Estonian flag and whose centre shows the gilt letter E on a red enamel background. The reverse side of the cross contains a red enamel circle of 22mm in diameter which has a gold colour border and bears the motto INTER ARMA CARITAS and, in the centre of the circle, the inscription 1919. The top arm of the cross ends with a 19mm high silhouette of a lighthouse. The lighthouse is covered with white enamel, stands on an ornate gilt base, and shows five gilt rays projecting to either side from the top of the lighthouse (Annex 6).

 (3) The silver star is an eight point star of 86mm in diameter with lustrous rays which trifurcate at the tip and which bear round bosses increasing in size from the centre outwards. Between each pair of the rays, there are six rows of matt silver bosses increasing in size from the pyramidal centre outwards and ending with a small rounded protuberance. The star is surmounted by a red enamel cross whose arms are 41mm long and 9.5 mm wide and which is framed by a 1.5mm wide gilt border inside which runs a 2mm wide strip of white enamel. The cross bears a stylised octagon which is 24.5mm in diameter, bordered with the colours of the Estonian flag, and bears three blue lions passant guardant on a gold colour background.

 (4) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, First Class is a light blue rosette with a black and white stripe on a gold colour base (Annex 7).

§ 56.  The Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Second Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Second Class consists of a star and an enamelled cross with arms of equal length which are identical respectively to the star and the cross of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, First Class (Annex 6).

 (2) The ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Second Class is a 40mm wide moiré ribbon with a 21mm wide blue stripe in the centre. That stripe is flanked on each side by a 2mm wide black stripe, a 2.5mm wide white stripe, a 1mm wide black stripe and, at the edge, a 4mm wide blue stripe.

 (3) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Second Class is a light blue rosette with a black and white stripe on a base whose right side of which is of gold colour and left side of silver colour (Annex 7).

§ 57.  The Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Third Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Third Class is identical to the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Second Class except for the absence of the star (Annex 6).

 (2) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Third Class is a light blue rosette with a black and white stripe on a silver colour base (Annex 7).

§ 58.  The Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Fourth Class

 (1) The cross of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Fourth Class is identical to that of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Second Class except that its diameter is 38mm (Annex 6).

 (2) The ribbon of the of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Fourth Class is a 36mm wide moiré ribbon with a 19mm wide blue stripe in the centre. That stripe is flanked on each side by a 2mm wide black stripe, a 2.5mm wide white stripe, a 0.5mm wide black stripe and, at the edge, a 3.5mm wide blue stripe. A rosette of 22mm in diameter is affixed to the ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Fourth Class.

 (3) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Fourth Class is a light blue rosette with a black and white stripe (Annex 7).

§ 59.  The Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Fifth Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Fifth Class is identical to the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Fourth Class except that the ribbon has no rosette (Annex 6).

 (2) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Fifth Class is a 3mm wide section of the ribbon of the decoration (Annex 7).

§ 60.  The Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Medal Class

 (1) The Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Medal Class is a circular silver medal of 29mm in diameter. The obverse side of the medal bears an embossed image of an enamel red cross of 13.5mm whose arms are 3mm wide and of equal length. The reverse side of the medal bears the embossed inscription EESTI PUNANE RIST [the Estonian Red Cross] (Annex 6).

 (2) The ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Medal Class is identical to that of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Fifth Class.

 (3) The rosette device of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Medal Class is the rosette device of the Order of Merit of the Estonian Red Cross, Fifth Class.

Subchapter 7 Miniature version of a decoration 

§ 61.  Description of the miniature version of a decoration

 (1) The miniature version of a decoration is a reduced size replica of the decoration’s fifth class device, the diameter of the replica being 17mm and the width of the ribbon 15mm. The height of the miniature version inclusive of the ribbon is 50mm.

 (2) The miniature version of the medal class device of a decoration is a replica of the decoration which has been reduced in size to match the dimensions of the miniature version of the regular class device of the decoration.

 (3) The rosette device of the relevant class of the decoration is attached 10mm above the lower edge of the ribbon of the miniature version of the decoration to mark the class of the decoration.

Chapter 4 REGISTER OF DECORATIONS 

§ 62.  Register of decorations

 (1) The Office of the President of the Republic keeps a register of decorations in order to ensure an orderly overview of the persons on whom the President of the Republic has bestowed a decoration and of the Estonian citizens on whom a foreign government has bestowed an order of honour or order of merit, of the decorations bestowed upon these persons and citizens, and of the availability of the relevant information to the persons and agencies entitled to access it.

 (2) The register of decorations is established and its constitutive regulations are adopted by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.
[RT I, 16.04.2014, 1 - entry into force 26.04.2014]

§ 63.  Entry of data concerning decorations in register

  In accordance with the corresponding resolution of the President of the Republic, the Office of the President of the Republic enters in the register the particulars specified in subsection 4 of section 11 of this Act and the name and class of the decoration bestowed, the dates of the bestowal and presentation of the decoration as well as any particulars concerning withdrawal of the decoration.

§ 64.  Registration of foreign orders of honour and orders of merit

 (1) Within a reasonable period of time after the bestowal, by a foreign government, of an order of honour or order of merit on an Estonian citizen, the citizen must submit an application to the Office of the President of the Republic to have the decoration recorded in the register of decorations. A copy of the certificate of the order of honour or order of merit is enclosed with the application.

 (2) An order of honour or order of merit bestowed by a foreign government on an Estonian citizen may be recorded by the Office of the President of the Republic in the register of decorations without the holder’s application, provided the bestowal of the order is known to the Office.

Chapter 5 MINIATURE VERSION OF A DECORATION AND AN ADDITIONAL ROSETTE DEVICE 

§ 65.  Obtaining a miniature version of a decoration and an additional rosette device

 (1) The holder of a decoration is entitled to apply to the Office of the President of the Republic for a miniature version of the decoration and an additional rosette device to be issued to him or her in addition to the decoration bestowed.

 (2) The application is submitted to the Office of the President of the Republic. Before submitting the application, the state fee in the amount provided in the State Fees Act must be paid.

 (3) The Office of the President of the Republic decides the grant of the application within 30 days from receiving the application and issues the holder of the decoration with the items applied for within a reasonable period of time.

Chapter 6 LIABILITY 

§ 66.  Making, wearing and other use of national decorations by persons who lack the corresponding entitlement
[Repealed – RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 - entry into force 01.01.2015]

§ 67.  Illegal handling of national decorations
[RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 - entry into force 01.01.2015]

 (1) The purchase, sale, exchange or other transfer for a charge of a national decoration, as well as the wearing of the decoration by a person who is not entitled to do so, –
is punishable by a fine of up to 300 fine units.
[RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 - entry into force 01.01.2015]

 (2) The same act, when committed by a legal person, is punishable by a fine of up to 2000 euros.
[RT I 2010, 22, 108 - entry into force 01.01.2011]

§ 68.  Non-respect of national decorations

 (1) Demolishing, defiling, defaming or otherwise using a state decoration in an undignified manner is punishable by a fine of up to 300 fine units.

 (2) The same act, when committed by a legal person, is punishable by a fine of up to 2000 euros.
[RT I 2010, 22, 108 - entry into force 01.01.2011]

§ 69.  Acts concerning objects whose similarity to national decorations is such as to render them likely to be confused with those decorations

 (1) The making, wearing or other use of an object whose similarity to a national decoration is such as to render it likely to be confused with that decoration is punishable by a fine of up to 300 fine units.

 (2) The same act, when committed by a legal person, is punishable by a fine of up to 2000 euros.
[RT I 2010, 22, 108 - entry into force 01.01.2011]

§ 70.  Procedure

  Extrajudicial proceedings in matters of the misdemeanours defined in this Chapter are conducted by the Police and Border Guard Board.
[RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 - entry into force 01.01.2015]

Chapter 7 IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS 

§ 71.  Retroactive bestowal of the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Collar Class

  President Lennart Georg Meri and President Arnold Rüütel are holders of the Order of Merit of the National Coat of Arms, Collar Class.

§ 72.  Transfer of clerical files

  The Government Office is to transfer the clerical files related to the bestowal of decorations to the Office of the President of the Republic within one month following the entry into force of this Act. Any recommendations which have been submitted are deemed proposals to bestow a decoration.

§ 73. – § 75. [Omitted from this text]

§ 76.  Entry into force of Act

 (1) This Act enters into force on 1 March 2008.

 (2) Subsection 2 of section 4 and section 71 of this Act enter into force on 23 February 2008.

 (3) Section 74 of this Act enters into force in accordance with standard procedure.

Ene ERGMA
Speaker of the Riigikogu

Annex 1-7 

https://www.riigiteataja.ee/otsingu_soovitused.json