erimeetmete

Erimeetmete, commonly translated as special measures, refer to temporary, extraordinary actions taken by authorities to manage exceptional situations that fall outside normal policy or administration. In Estonia, the term erimeetmed is used in official language to describe measures designed to protect life, health, property, essential services, and national security when ordinary regulations are insufficient.

These measures are typically prompted by events such as natural disasters, pandemics, large-scale security threats, or severe economic disruption. They may include restrictions on movement and assembly, temporary closures or restrictions on businesses, prioritization of resources and services, heightened border controls, and the compulsory deployment of personnel or requisition of goods. Communications and information activities can also be regulated to ensure public safety.

Legal basis for erimeetmed depends on the jurisdiction. They are usually provided by specific emergency, crisis-management, or public-order statutes and are designed to be time-bound and proportionate. Ethical requirements include nondiscrimination and respect for fundamental rights to the extent possible; most systems require oversight, approvals, or notifications to legislators, courts, or independent bodies, and sunset clauses to prevent indefinite operation.

In practice, erimeetmed are subject to ongoing evaluation and can be lifted or scaled back as soon as normal conditions return. They are part of broader crisis-management and governance frameworks found in many countries, though the exact powers, limits, and procedures vary by legal system.