Human Development Report: Quality of Life Has a Ways to Go
Released on Wednesday, the annual Estonian Human Development Report found that the reality of the nation's position in the world and in Europe is often below its expected potential.
The report, written by academics and other experts, was published by the Estonian Cooperation Assembly, an NGO established by the president in 2007.
It noted a number of factors deserving of praise in Estonian society: its peaceful life, minimal red tape, championing of technology, and low national debt - areas in which Estonia often beats out Old Europe.
However, the report says, while Estonia is often touted as a success story abroad, the internal picture is often critical and hesitant. Another problem is ignoring or putting off uncomfortable issues - hot potatoes such as HIV, immigration and relations with Russia.
"We have built up an environment that supports development, but we have not been successful in sufficiently converting this into the welfare of our people. Our health, wallet and quality of life continue to be among the worst in Europe," the report said.
"The environment for development is good, but the development itself does not meet expectations."
The report calls for cleverer business, higher-end labor, more transparency in politics and a more flexible education system.
In broader terms, it recommends taking a more balanced approach in measuring Estonia's success, a change that would lead to growing confidence and allow the country to free itself from the glue of outdated concerns. This includes overcoming societal conflicts such as the one between ethnic Estonians and Russians, the report said.
"Prerequisites for being among the best is leaving behind the old path, the courage to take risks, a self-critical perspective and the ability to make compromises," the report said.