📰 ERR News (English) · 90
EEForeign ministry requests €700,000 from state for Middle East evacuation flights
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is requesting over €700,000 from the state to cover the cost of evacuation flights from the Middle East in the spring following the start of the war in Iran.
Report: Estonia has missed the drone revolution
A report by Major General (ret.) Veiko-Vello Palm, former commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Division, states that Estonia has missed the drone revolution and is not adequately prepared to defend against potential large-scale drone attacks from Russia.
New school building in Tallinn becomes a third more expensive over 2 years
A new school building in Tallinn has seen its construction cost increase by approximately 36% over two years, rising from an initial estimate of €22 million to €30 million. The article mentions Tallinn Mayor Peeter Raudsepp commenting on the expense of a cabinet in the teachers' lounge, while architect Johan Tali discusses reasons behind the increased cost.
2 developers interested in building data centers in Pärnu County
Renewable energy developer Evecon plans to construct a data center near Lihula with an electricity consumption of up to 100 megawatts. Another developer has also shown interest in building a data center in the same region.
Reform supports Bank of Estonia's proposal to reduce deficit
The board of the Reform Party has endorsed the Bank of Estonia's proposal to implement a responsible fiscal policy, aiming to reduce the budget deficit by 0.5 percentage points annually and limit the debt burden to 30 percent.
Center Party inches up in the polls
Support for the Center Party increased by 1 percentage point in the past week, reversing a month-long decline, based on a Norstat poll conducted for the Institute for Societal Studies.
Best new Estonian food words announced
This year's Sõnaus word-creation contest focused on finding new food-related terms, and the jury has selected the top entries.
Fuel sellers warned publicly commenting on prices can affect competition
The Competition Authority has advised fuel retailers against publicly discussing fuel prices or potential price changes to prevent violations of commercial regulations. The authority clarified that this recommendation does not limit companies' ability to engage in public communication.
Estonia plans new power links to Finland and Latvia by 2040
The Estonian government is planning to establish a third submarine power link to Finland and a fourth electricity connection with Latvia. The proposed connections would include a route crossing Saaremaa and continuing underwater to Latvia.
Tallinn to finish two new schools this year
Tallinn is progressing with education infrastructure projects, including the completion of two new schools by August and ongoing work on additional schools, extensions, and educational facilities.
Estonia's parliament to vote for new president on September 2
Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, has scheduled a meeting for September 2 to elect the country's next president.
Tallinn eyes former ministry building in state real estate swap plan
Tallinn is discussing a potential property exchange with the state real estate manager RKAS, where one of the city's properties would be swapped for the former Ministry of Rural Affairs building located on Lai tänav. The building would be used by the Old Town Educational College.
VIDEO Black Eyed Peas's name made an unexpected stop in Tallinn: I like to highlight these amazing companies
A video featuring the Black Eyed Peas' singer made an unexpected stop in Tallinn, where they expressed a desire to highlight such dynamic companies.
Early potatoes reach store shelves ahead of schedule
Estonian-grown potatoes have arrived at stores approximately a week earlier than in previous years. Farmers face significant challenges in cultivating early potatoes, as they compete to bring their products to market before Midsummer Day.
New customs tax for third country packages applies from July 1
Starting in July, a customs duty of €3 per item will be applied to packages shipped from third countries into Estonia.
Instant ramen salmonellosis outbreak reaches Estonia
A salmonella outbreak linked to Reeva instant noodles from Ukraine is spreading across Europe, with cases now reported in Estonia. The outbreak is primarily affecting children.
Domestic drought is prevailing in markets
Cold and rainy spring has delayed the Estonian strawberry season. There are very few local strawberries available at Tallinn markets currently, and according to sellers, a larger quantity will only reach buyers next week.
Estonia will not be testing physical aptitude of young people for several more years
Estonia has decided not to implement physical aptitude tests for young people for several more years. The decision comes despite longstanding concerns about declining physical fitness among youth. The earliest possible implementation of such tests would be in 2028.
Estonia's municipal libraries cannot afford to buy books
Estonia's municipal libraries are struggling with insufficient funding, which limits their ability to purchase new books and other materials. The Estonian Librarians' Association has formally informed the Ministry of Culture about this issue.
Researcher: The future will resemble the feudal age if recent trends persist
Rein Taagepera, a pioneer in quantitative political science, suggests that if current trends continue, the future could resemble the feudal age. He notes that consumerism is conflicting with planetary boundaries, AI development is progressing rapidly into uncertain territory, and traditional nation-states might be replaced by new global power structures.
Tallinn to get a new tram line
Tram service to Tallinn Airport will resume in August, operated by lines T2 and T4. A new tram line, T6, will be added to the network by the end of August. All tram line numbers will be prefixed with the letter T.
Estonia's Mark Lajal shines in qualifying at Ilkley tennis event
Estonia's Mark Lajal has advanced to the second round of qualifying at the ATP Challenger Ilkley tournament in the UK by defeating local player Anton Matusevich in three sets.
Government delaying important decisions before election, Isamaa claims
The opposition party Isamaa claims that the government is delaying important decisions ahead of the elections, citing that several key promises made in the coalition agreement between the Reform Party and Eesti 200 will go unfulfilled during the current parliamentary term.
Estonia released 9% of fuel reserves amid U.S.-Iran conflict
Estonia has released approximately 9% of its national fuel reserves in response to potential supply disruptions linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict, according to officials from the Estonian Stockpiling Agency.
Estonian Taavet Hinrikus among new owners of NBA's Portland Trail Blazers
Estonian businessman Taavet Hinrikus has joined a group of investors who have acquired a majority stake in the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers for $4.25 billion.
Gallery: Arvo Pärt's music resonated in the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens
The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste, performed at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens as part of the Athens Epidaurus Festival on June 15.
Four motherless bear cubs wandering Tartu County woods
Local residents reported four motherless bear cubs wandering in Tartu County. The Estonian Environmental Board retrieved the cubs and returned them to the forest, though experts believe their chances of survival are low.
Estonian farmers to get less EU funding in real terms
Discussions are taking place in Estonia regarding the allocation of EU funding across various sectors for the upcoming years. It has been noted that, when accounting for inflation, farmers will receive less EU funding in the next budget cycle compared to the current one.
Bank of Estonia forecasts 2.4% economic growth in coming years
The Bank of Estonia has revised its economic growth forecast downward, predicting 2.4% growth for this year. The bank noted that if the situation in the Middle East improves, growth could stay near 2.5% over the next two years. Previously, the central bank had estimated growth at 2.8% as of late March.
EDF: Russia has no restraints when targeting Ukrainian cultural sites
Estonian Defense Forces' Colonel Aron Kalmus stated that Russia has 'no restraints or limitations' when attacking Ukrainian cultural sites, following damage to Kyiv's Pechersk Lavra cathedral on Sunday night.
Estonian PM vague on alumina shipping firm's Russia ties
Ships owned by the Estonian company Hansa Shipping are transporting alumina, a material critical for military purposes, from Ireland to Russia. The Prime Minister has not provided clarity on whether any legal actions have been taken against the company.
Study: Many seniors struggle to evaluate online health information
A study by Tallinn University found that many people over 50 in Estonia use the internet to find health information but often lack the ability to determine its reliability or apply it effectively.
NATO medics training for 'high-intensity battles' and mass casualties in Estonia
NATO's Vigorous Warrior medical exercise is taking place in Estonia for the first time in over 20 years. The article includes an interview with Lt. Col. Indrek Olveti, the Surgeon General of the Estonian Defense Forces, discussing the increased risks faced by medics in high-intensity combat scenarios and the expectation of limited resources.
Estonia moves to tap streaming platforms for local film industry funding
Estonia is considering legislation that would require streaming platforms like Netflix, Apple TV, and Disney+ to reinvest a portion of their Estonian revenue into local film and television production.
Estonia officials tighten rules on roadside sales signs
Estonia officials have tightened rules on roadside sales signs, requiring any banners installed without a permit to be removed upon request by the Transport Administration.
Marko Mihkelson: When Russia loses
The article discusses Western leaders' approach to Russia, arguing that the focus should be on ensuring Russia's defeat in its war against Ukraine rather than on negotiation or deterrence. The opinion piece is authored by Marko Mihkelson and originally published in Edasi.
Estonia to bring core public IT services under a single agency
Estonia is consolidating its core IT services under a single agency by merging the State IT Center (RIT) with the Information System Authority (RIA), with plans to incorporate the State Infocommunication Foundation (RIKS) within three years.
New Rail Baltica underpass to connect Tallinn's Ülemiste and Lasnamäe
A new tunnel will be constructed as part of the Rail Baltica project to connect Tallinn's Lasnamäe and Ülemiste City. The project has a budget of €9.8 million, with the first phase expected to be completed by next autumn.
Estonia reduces opening hours at border crossings with Russia over summer
Estonia has reduced the operating hours at its border crossings with Russia to 12 hours per day during the summer months, which is considered peak travel season. This measure aims to address recurring issues of border violations.
Külli Taro: On the legal value of roadmaps and coalition agreements
Külli Taro argues that roadmaps and coalition agreements lack legal enforceability and warns against using them as a means to bypass formal policymaking processes in a democracy, which could lead to undemocratic outcomes and poor governance.
Estonia's nocturnal songbird populations plummet
The Estonian Ornithological Society is inviting bird enthusiasts to participate in a nocturnal songbird census aimed at tracking the population trends of night-singing bird species.
From August 1, Prisma will shut down its online store
Starting August 1, Estonian Prisma Peremarket retail chain will close the ePrisma online store. Orders from Prisma stores via Wolt can be placed until August 31.
Tallinn's Municipal Police launch proceedings over dangerous building in Kadriorg
A building near the Swan Pond in Tallinn's Kadriorg was cordoned off with hazard tape in early May due to the risk of windows falling onto the street. The Tallinn Municipal Police (MUPO) initiated legal proceedings after the building's owner did not address the safety issue within a month.
Estonia reports slower rate of Ukrainians seeking shelter
Estonia has granted temporary protection to 1,805 Ukrainian war refugees this year, while 295 people applied for international protection in the first five months, with the vast majority of applicants coming from Ukraine, according to officials.
Estonia will place emails sent from Russian servers in quarantine
Estonian government agencies will restrict the acceptance of emails sent from .ru addresses, placing them in quarantine for security reasons, according to Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa Pakosta.
Evelin Allas: Are young people really as passive as we think?
Evelin Allas discusses the perception of young people as passive, suggesting this view may stem more from how they are represented in public discourse rather than their actual level of engagement.
Estonian owners sell major bus company to a Nordic-based fund
Tallinn-based private investment firm Hansa Grupp has agreed to sell Hansabuss, the Baltic States' largest privately owned public bus operator with more than 500 vehicles and about 800 employees, to CapMan Nordic Infrastructure II.
Estonian beekeepers hope new labeling requirements will result in a fairer market
New honey labeling requirements will take effect in Estonia starting Sunday. Beekeepers hope these changes will create a more equitable market.
Exhibition 'Our Tartu' wins special prize at European Museum of the Year awards
The exhibition 'Our Tartu' won a special prize at the European Museum of the Year awards, which were held on June 13 in Bilbao, Spain. Thirty-four museums from across Europe were nominated for the awards.
Estonia spares state firm executives from financial disclosures
Estonia's Finance Ministry has decided not to require managers of state-owned companies to disclose their financial interests, citing privacy concerns as outweighing the potential public benefit.
Opposition promises to slash taxes despite Estonia's growing fiscal deficit
Opposition parties in Estonia have pledged to reduce taxes if they win the upcoming elections. However, economic analysts warn that with the country's fiscal deficit increasing, tax increases rather than cuts would be necessary to address the financial shortfall.
Emergency Response Center Explores Use of Video Calls
The Emergency Response Centre (Häirekeskus) is exploring the possibility of using video calls in emergency situations, allowing both the caller and the emergency responder to see each other. However, technology companies currently only offer one-way video call capabilities. The Ministry of the Interior is seeking solutions to enable two-way video calls in the future.
Valencia ended Drell's club season
Henri Drelli klubi Badalona Joventut lost to Valencia in the third game of their semi-final series in the Spanish league, with the final score being 75:87. The series ended in a 0-3 defeat for Badalona Joventut.
Van Gogh immersive exhibition to open in Tallinn's Telliskivi
An international immersive exhibition dedicated to the works of Van Gogh will open at Telliskivi Creative City in Tallinn on June 18.
Estonian intel: 82% of foiled terrorist attacks in Ukraine involved Telegram agents
Estonian military intelligence reported that 82% of foiled terrorist attacks in Ukraine involved individuals using the Telegram messaging app.
Gallery: June mass deportations remembered in Tallinn with 'Wagon of Tears'
The 'Wagon of Tears' public installation is on display in Tallinn to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Soviet deportation of Estonians in 1941.
European Commission marks 85th anniversary of Soviet mass deportations
A memorial ceremony was held at the European Parliament in Brussels to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the USSR's mass deportations, which affected tens of thousands of Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians by sending them to Siberia and Kazakhstan.
New observation tower opens in Harku Municipality
A new observation tower was opened earlier this week in Meriküla, Harku Municipality, connecting the clifftop with the seaside area.
Estonia's Sunly to build the most powerful hybrid energy park in the Baltics
Estonian renewable energy company Sunly is constructing what it describes as the most powerful hybrid energy park in the Baltic states, located in Latvia. The project involves an investment of €100 million.
Center Party backs Karis for second presidential term
The Center Party has officially endorsed President Alar Karis for a second term. The party also proposed changing the method of electing the president from the Riigikogu (parliament) to direct elections where citizens vote directly.
Gallery: Complaints Choir debuts crowdsourced lament at busy Tallinn market
The Complaints Choir project has returned to Estonia, with a new seven-minute collaborative piece performed at Tallinn's Balti jaama turg. The performance was led by alternative artist Florian Wahl.
Gallery: Ingrian Finns hold dance festival in Estonia's Paide
The Estonian Ingrian Finns' Union held its 34th Song and Dance Festival in Paide, central Estonia, on Saturday.
Gallery: Government unveils new Estonian drone roadmap
The Estonian government has released a drone roadmap with goals to enhance counter-drone capabilities, simplify testing regulations, and accelerate the integration of drones into both defense and economic sectors.
Police: Quick resale makes stolen bikes hard to recover
Police state that most stolen bicycles in Estonia are rapidly resold, typically via online platforms or pawn shops, which complicates their tracing and reduces the likelihood of recovery.
Estonia's Social Democrats push to criminalize deepfake explicit images
Estonia's Social Democrats (SDE) are advocating for legislation to criminalize the nonconsensual production and distribution of sexually explicit deepfake images, following the recent enactment of Estonia's consent law.
Estonian banks roll out Smart-ID upgrade aimed at curbing scammers
Estonian banks are implementing an upgraded Smart-ID authentication system to enhance security and prevent scams by adding minor user steps.
Head of maritime school: Children need to respect the sea, not fear it
At the Sõru Maritime School on the Estonian island of Hiiumaa, children learn about sailing, behavior at sea, and safety. The school currently has around 20 students, though interest is high with more applicants than available spots.
Estonia makes prestigious SSL Gold Cup sailing finals in Rio de Janeiro
Estonia has qualified for the SSL Gold Cup 2026 finals in Rio de Janeiro by winning their European qualification group.
Estonian experts warn of risks as US eyes military drawdown in Europe
Estonian defense experts have expressed concerns over potential capability gaps that could arise if the U.S. reduces its military presence in Europe, despite assurances from officials that NATO's plans remain unchanged.
The Spanish companies brought a lawsuit against Latvia for terminating the Baltic Rail Agreement
A consortium consisting of two Spanish companies has submitted a claim to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration court, demanding over 14 million euros from Latvia for terminating the main track design contract for the Rail Baltic project, according to representatives of the Baltic states' joint venture RB Rail.
Martin Mölder: The possible cost of an easy political victory
Estonia's opposition parties are expected to win the upcoming elections easily, though this could lead to challenges in governance afterward, according to Martin Mölder.
Summer event rained out? Ticket holders have refund options
As Estonia enters a busy summer event season, consumer protection authorities are informing ticket holders of their refund options if events are canceled or postponed.
Nearly 500 abandoned fishing nets pulled from Estonian side of Lake Peipus
Estonian officials conducted a four-day cleanup operation to remove nearly 500 abandoned fishing nets from the Estonian side of Lake Peipus. The effort targeted long-lost and illegal fishing equipment.
Estonia, Sovereign Military Order of Malta sign healthcare and aid cooperation deal
An agreement has been signed which will advance the Sovereign Military Order of Malta's (SMOM) hospitaller and healthcare activities in Estonia.
18 cattle die in Pärnu County BRSV outbreak
Eighteen cattle recently died in a bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) outbreak on a Pärnu County farm, according to Pärnu Postimees.
Tartu plant expands hazardous waste incinerator capacity to meet demand
A hazardous waste incineration plant in Tartu has expanded its capacity up to tenfold, aiming to handle up to 20,000 tons annually and address a national shortfall in disposal options.
Uku Varblane and Magnus Piirits: When pensions grow but life pulls ahead
Uku Varblane and Magnus Piirits discuss the increasing purchasing power of pensions and question whether they can keep pace with the rising living standards of working-age individuals. They also raise concerns about the risks associated with relying on a single pension pillar.
2 killed in Rapla County road traffic accident
Two people were killed in a collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle in Kehtna, Rapla County, on Friday afternoon.
Gallery: Ukrainian artist's new Tallinn show explores violence 'everywhere'
Berlin-based Ukrainian artist Yeva Sihachova opened a new exhibition at Tallinn's Okapi Gallery on Thursday, exploring how violence seeps into everyday life.
Tartu unveils strategy to guide nightlife development through 2035
City officials have drafted a strategy to shape Tartu's evening and nighttime economy through 2035, aiming to balance vibrant urban life with business interests and residents' quality of life.
Experts: Estonian history lessons do not skirt round challenging topics
Two education experts stated that studying controversial topics in schools helps students distinguish facts from propaganda.
New kindergarten enrollment rules still leave some families waiting
Despite a new law requiring local governments to provide kindergarten placements before a parent returns to work, some Estonian families have still been left waiting.
Government on crash course: Eesti 200 refuses to give up means-tested benefits
Eesti 200 leader Kristina Kallas stated that her party disagrees with the current government coalition's decision to move away from implementing means-tested family benefits, which was intended to save €100 million annually.
Possible tornado reported Thursday as severe storms swept Southern Estonia
Fast-moving thunderstorms brought heavy rain, lightning and strong winds to Southern Estonia Thursday evening, with unconfirmed reports of a possible tornado in Võru County.
Experts say boosting R&D could help Estonia tackle rising public debt
Experts suggest that increasing investment in research and development (R&D)-intensive businesses and fostering greater openness to innovation among officials could help Estonia address its growing public debt and restore economic growth.
EDF intelligence: Russia has not achieved its strategic goals
The Estonian Defense Forces' Intelligence Center stated that Russia has not achieved any of its strategic objectives over five years of the war in Ukraine, despite significant efforts and losses.
Ministry: No phosphorite mining to take place in Estonia for 'foreseeable future'
The Estonian Ministry of Climate stated that phosphorite mining in Estonia is not economically viable in the foreseeable future.
Margus Tsahkna: The cost of aggression must rise for Russia every day
Margus Tsahkna argues that to reduce Russia's capacity for continued aggression against Ukraine, all loopholes enabling its war industry to obtain necessary materials must be closed.
€4.6 million EIS self-service platform to be developed
The Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS) is looking for a partner to develop its digital services and self-service platform, with funding of up to €4.6 million allocated over three years.
Raimond Kaljulaid: Interests of large European countries might not align with Estonia's
Raimond Kaljulaid warns that the initiative by Europe's major powers — the UK, France, and Germany — to engage in political dialogue with Russia should be approached with caution, even though it has support from Finland and Ukraine.