Exit poll: Belarusians in Estonia pick opposition leader over Lukashenko

After long-time President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko secured his sixth term on August 9, large-scale protests happened in the country. The protests were violently suppressed, which led to many statements made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with its Baltic and Nordic contemporaries.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs summons Belarusian Ambassador to Estonia
Baltic-Nordic foreign ministers issue joint statement regarding Belarus
Baltic and Polish foreign committees call Belarus to end use of force

Revised South Estonia Rally to be one-day only

The last few weeks of summer and the first weekend of September will see many rally fans in Estonia happy, as the South Estonia Rally and WRC Rally Estonia will take place. Discussions around the former have been happening all week, with the South Estonia Rally implementing further measures to make the event happen.
Health Board: If risk is alleviated, rally events can take place
South Estonian Rally city stage in Võru canceled, event in jeopardy

European Commission green lights Nordica coronavirus bailout

Estonia was awaiting an European Commission decision on increasing the state's part in airline Nordica in June but finally received the permit on August 11.
Nordica CEO: €30 million should see us through

University of Tartu does not have enough accommodation for foreign students

Even with the complications brought by the coronavirus pandemic, there are still enough students - both foreign and local - admitted to the University of Tartu, making it difficult to find accommodation, as dorms and establishments are already packed.

William Ellison Grayson formally confirmed US ambassador to Estonia

August 11 saw Washington confirming William Ellison Grayson as United States ambassador to Estonia, a role which he has de facto occupied since September.

Authorities opt not to make wearing of face masks mandatory

After a long line of discussions, both the Health Board (Terviseamet) and the government agree that wearing face masks in public in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus need not be made mandatory. The authorities say research on the use of masks has been controversial, and that wearing them incorrectly can do more harm than good.
State orders over 3 million face masks for potential fall COVID-19 wave

Kontaveit loses in Palermo WTA final

The women's tennis season restarted in Palermo, Italy, with top Estonian tennis player reaching the finals where she had to admit defeat to French player Fiona Ferro after beating world 15-number Petra Martic and 65-number Laura Siegemund.

Spain-based Estonian actress goes viral with expat Brit clips

An Estonian actress and model living in Spain has become something of a celebrity there after producing a series of videos satirizing Britons, more specifically a particular type of woman-of-a-certain-age, who have lived in the country for decades but speak barely a word of the local language.

Nighttime Tartu alcohol sales ban leads to near-deserted city streets

After a ban on alcohol sales following an outbreak of COVID-19 in the city of Tartu, the usually lively weekend nightlife of the university town was near silent over the weekend.
Eight Tartu bars closing doors for a week after COVID-19 outbreak

Education ministry hopes to avoid distance learning in fall

The Ministry of Education and Research is currently expecting all students, young and old, to return to their education establishments in fall with specific guidelines currently being discussed and prepared with the Health Board (Terviseamet) in hopes to inform schools before September.

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