health
Audit Office: Patients receive different levels of treatment in Estonia
The national system that ensures the quality of healthcare services in Estonia is not functioning, the National Audit Office (NAO) said in a report. The Ministry of Social Affairs has not taken a leading role in the development of the system, and the supervision of the Health Board has also been insufficient in ensuring the quality, the agency concluded.
education
Tallinn planning spring campaign to find teachers
Tallinn currently has 122 vacant teaching positions, while it is probably just the tip of the iceberg as over a thousand of the capital's teachers have reached retirement age, head of the city's Education Department Kaarel Rundu said. Tallinn is planning to launch a campaign to find teachers come spring.
in courts
Kert Kingo stands trial
Monday will mark the start of the trial of EKRE MP Kert Kingo, charged with fraud, instigation of falsification of documents and use of falsified documents.
interior
PPA carrying out extra checks on eastern border during Russian election
Russian citizens living in Estonia's border city of Narva can cross the bridge and vote in Russia's presidential elections in Ivangorod this weekend. However, the journey is longer this year as more checks are being carried out.
tallinn
police & crime
Study: New extremely dangerous opioid spreading in Estonia
A wastewater study by the Estonian Institute of Health Development (TAI) carried out in Tallinn and Tartu last fall points to increased drug use in both cities. A new opioid, which quickly leads to overdoses, has also landed on the market.
law
Ministry: New penal provision to come regarding abuse of vulnerable people
Estonia's Ministry of Justice is planning on drawing up a bill to amend the Penal Code which, among other things, will introduce a new penal provision expanding the definition of abuse against people in a vulnerable or helpless state. The proposed legislative amendment comes in response to criticism from the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People.
Tartu
equality
Lee Maripuu: Work year 45 days longer for women in Estonia
This year, women are not going to be paid equally to men until the eve of International Women's Day for the work they did last year. The gender pay gap in Estonia stands at 17.7 percent, which means that women have to work 45 days more in a year to earn the same pay for the same work, writes Lee Maripuu.
family
Estonian children increasingly given short, internationally popular names
Speaking on ETV show "Terevisioon," Annika Hussar, a researcher of names at Tallinn University, said that Estonian children are increasingly being given short and internationally popular names.
narva
fair tax
Health minister: A progressive income tax will develop in Estonia
The wealthier in society should contribute more, Health Minister Riina Sikkut (SDE) said Friday. With the elimination of the income tax-free threshold, it will be possible to switch to a progressive income tax system in Estonia, the minister went on, in a lengthy interview given to Vikerraadio show "Reedene intervjuu," which follows in its entirety.
purchasing power & work
Estonia Supports the Creation of a Database for Workers from Non-EU Countries
Estonia has come out in support of am EU initiative which would create a database of job seekers from "third countries," broadly meaning non-EU/EEA nations.
islands
transport & roads
Kaja Kallas on X: Plan to construct railroad to Haapsalu not in force
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Reform Party) wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday that plans to construct a railroad to the West Estonian city of Haapsalu are off the table. However, Minister of Regional Affairs Madis Kallas (Eesti 200) said that preparation work continues.
housing
Apartment buildings in rural areas often denied renovation loans
Many rural municipalities have managed to improve the energy performance of public buildings. However, banks usually refuse loans for renovating old Soviet-era apartment buildings, with KredEx the only lifeline for associations.
nuclear energy
civil society
Estonian convert to Islam on the meaning of Ramadan
The Islamic month of Ramadan recently arrived, and ETV morning show "Terevisioon" took the opportunity to talk to one of an estimated couple of hundred Estonian converts to that faith.
e-state
New NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Centre of Excellence facility opens in Tallinn
This Friday (March 15), marks the inauguration of the €6.2 million NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence's new building in Tallinn. The center provides facilities needed for the day-to-day work of cyber experts from almost 40 nations.