EEOwnership & classification
Founded: 2007
Ownership
ERR News is the English-language news service of ERR (Eesti Rahvusringhääling), Estonia's national public broadcaster. It is part of the same public-law body established on 1 June 2007 under the Estonian Public Broadcasting Act through the merger of Eesti Televisioon and Eesti Raadio. ERR is owned by no private company or party and is overseen by a Broadcasting Council appointed via the Estonian parliament.
Funding
Funded from the Estonian state budget as part of ERR's overall public-service financing (roughly EUR 56.6 million for ERR in 2025), with no licence fee and no commercial advertising on its core output. The EU has noted concerns that this budget-based model may not be adequately predictable.
Affiliation & stance
As an English-language desk of the public broadcaster, ERR News follows ERR's public-service standards of impartiality and editorial independence and has no party allegiance. Being a state-budget-funded public broadcaster service, it is classified STATE (public broadcaster).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 157
88/100
Factual
90/100
Objective
249
Articles
249
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Summer heat will intensify as global warming approaches 2°C, forecast
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ETV+ warns Estonia's language law changes could cut viewership
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Estonia sends police unit to Latvia–Belarus border
Minister's partially Russian‑language thank‑you at graduation surprised teachers
Estonian camera headed for deep-space mission in 2028
Airlines must ensure children are seated next to a parent at no extra charge
Recent coverage
Putin recognizes the oil map for the first time
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged for the first time that Russia is building 'some oil reserves' during a meeting focused on energy issues. He emphasized the need to strengthen domestic oil production and increase output. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued their attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, detonating an oil purification plant in the southern Krasnodar region, which produces around four million tons of crude oil annually. The Krasnodar region is one of Russia's largest oil-producing areas located near the Black Sea. On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces launched large-scale air strikes on Sevastopol, the largest city on Crimea, including attacks on oil facilities. In response, Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, has restricted fuel sales to the public to counteract the energy shortages. According to reports, these attacks have had no impact on the front line. During an interview with a Russian state television station, Putin described the Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as an attempt to destabilize Russian society. He stated that Ukraine's goal was to halt the deployment of Russian military units to improve their position in arms control talks.
Carol Plakk is back in the majors.
Carol Plakk, an Estonian women's tennis player, successfully qualified for the main draw of an ITF tournament after starting the qualification process this week. She is the only Estonian woman among the three players who began the ITF tournament qualifiers this week to advance to the main draw. This marks her second consecutive week achieving such a result.
Tartu's Shooters nightclub to close after 14 years
Tartu's Shooters nightclub, which has been operating for 14 years, is set to close next month. The club was a well-known venue in the city, popular among locals and visitors alike. Its closure marks the end of an era for the nightlife scene in Tartu. The decision to shut down comes after years of operation, though specific reasons for the closure were not detailed in the provided text.
President Alar Karis will not run for second presidential term
Estonian President Alar Karis announced during the Victory Day parade that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming autumn presidential election. This decision ends months of uncertainty regarding his potential candidacy. The announcement was made publicly during a national ceremony, signaling a clear conclusion to speculation about his future political plans. No further details were provided about his reasons for stepping down.
Gallery: Estonia's Victory Day marked with annual parade in Rapla
Estonia celebrated Victory Day on June 23 with an annual parade organized by the Estonian Defense League in Rapla. The event commemorates the country's victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. Such parades are common in many countries to honor military service and historical achievements. The Estonian Defense League is a civilian paramilitary organization focused on national defense and military training. This year's parade followed similar events in previous years, highlighting the ongoing importance of remembrance and patriotism in Estonian society.
Police receiving more calls about potential bomb threats
Estonia has seen an increase in calls to the police regarding potential bomb threats. This rise in reports has led to a greater need for emergency services to investigate abandoned items, which consumes significant resources. Authorities are likely concerned about both the safety of the public and the efficient allocation of limited emergency response capabilities. The situation highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing false alarms while ensuring genuine threats are addressed promptly.
There are hundreds of people without power in the marsh.
On March 1st, thousands of people in Estonia experienced a power outage reported by Tartu Postimees. The incident affected multiple areas, causing disruptions to homes and businesses. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blackout, which may be related to technical issues with the electricity grid. Residents and local officials have expressed concern over the reliability of the power supply, especially during colder months. The event has sparked discussions about infrastructure maintenance and energy security in the country.
Consumers are buying less alcohol around Midsummer
Consumers in Estonia are purchasing less strong alcohol during the Midsummer holiday period compared to previous years, according to reports from supermarkets. This decline is attributed to reduced purchasing power among consumers, indicating potential economic pressures affecting household spending. The trend suggests that people may be cutting back on discretionary purchases like alcohol amid financial constraints. Supermarkets have observed this shift in consumer behavior, reflecting broader economic conditions impacting consumer choices.
'Key' to Estonia's first IRIS-T missile defense system unit handed over to Air Force
Estonia's Air Force has received its first IRIS-T SLM mobile air defense missile system unit, enhancing the nation's ability to defend against aerial threats by engaging them at longer distances. The IRIS-T system is a modern air defense solution designed to intercept and destroy various types of aerial targets, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. This acquisition marks a significant step in strengthening Estonia's national security infrastructure, particularly in light of regional tensions and the need for enhanced defense capabilities in the Baltic region. The system is expected to integrate with existing defense networks and contribute to collective security efforts among NATO members.
Defence Forces want to retain right to check civilians' smart devices
The Estonian Defense Forces are seeking to maintain their authority to inspect civilians' smartphones and other digital devices under proposed changes to legislation drafted by the Ministry of Justice. The new rules aim to limit the extent of such searches, but the military opposes this restriction. This issue raises concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and national security protocols within Estonia.
Estonian universities add programs and change admissions rules
Estonian universities are introducing new academic programs and revising their admission policies for the 2026/2027 academic year. These changes aim to modernize educational offerings and better align them with the needs of the labor market. Despite these updates, the number of available study places is expected to remain largely stable. The reforms reflect an effort to ensure that higher education continues to meet evolving economic demands while maintaining accessibility for students.
'Ideal' summer weather forecast for Midsummer's Eve
The article reports on the weather forecast for Midsummer's Eve and Midsummer Day in Estonia. According to meteorologist Ele Pedassaar, Midsummer Eve (June 23) will have dry and calm conditions, while rain is expected on Midsummer Day (June 24). The information is presented as a straightforward weather update with no additional context or commentary.
Neuromarketing helping reveal secret mechanisms behind purchase decisions
A new doctoral dissertation highlights the role of neuromarketing in understanding consumer behavior by emphasizing the importance of measuring multiple factors simultaneously. These include a product's ability to capture attention, individuals' facial expressions, and their rational preferences. The research suggests that predicting consumer choices requires a comprehensive approach that integrates both emotional and cognitive responses. This method allows companies to gain deeper insights into the psychological drivers behind purchasing decisions.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Nothing flagged as overlooked yet.