03.12.24 NEWS ... December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. To mark the occasion and raise awareness about accessibility issues, for the third successive year, a special concert took place in Tallinn. ERR News' Michael Cole found out about the challenges participants face and why music is so much more than just sounds.

29.11.24 NEWS ... This week, "White Dwarfs and All Those Beautiful Nebulas," a new exhibition featuring works by three Estonian artists opens at the Kim? Contemporary Art Center in Riga. Ahead of the opening, ERR News' Michael Cole spoke to curator Šelda Puķīte and artists Kristi Kongi, Anna Mari Liivrand and Eike Eplik to find out more about their work as well as whether art, like life, always finds a way.

01.12.24 NEWS ... The coup attempt of December 1, 1924, also known as the December Uprising (Detsembrimäss), was a failed Soviet-backed coup d'état attempt by the Comintern and local Bolshevists in Estonia.

19.11.24 NEWS ... On Monday, November 18, political activist and leader of the Belarusian democratic movement Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya made her first official visit to Tartu. After delivering a public lecture at the University of Tartu, Tsikhanouskaya spoke to ERR News' Michael Cole about her goals for this trip to Estonia and how she finds the strength to keep on fighting.

16.11.24 NEWS ... This November, Tartu – Estonia's "City of Good Thoughts" – and Lviv – Ukraine's "Cultural Fortress" – signed a historic agreement to officially become sister cities. ERR News' Michael Cole spoke to Mayor of Lviv Andriy Sadovyi ahead of Tartu 2024's "Ukrainian Days" to find out more about what this new relationship means.

07.11.24 NEWS ... This week, a host of international experts will gather in Tallinn for the Estonian Refugee Council's (ERC) annual humanitarian assistance conference. Ahead of the event, ERR News' Michael Cole spoke to ERC Director Eero Janson about the latest challenges facing humanitarian organizations in Estonia and beyond.

02.11.24 NEWS ... Heat the sauna, lay the table, and prepare for a visit from the departed. These are just some of Estonia's – and other Finno-Ugric peoples' – traditional beliefs around All Souls' Day (November 2), explains Folklorist Mall Hiiemäe. But how has modern life changed these centuries-old customs?

31.10.24 NEWS ... ERR News takes a look at the conflict between the Ministry of the Interior and the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (MPEÕK) and the Kuremäe Convent over Patriarch Kirill's remarks supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.

31.10.24 FEATURE ... Come fall, people across Estonia await costumed visitors on their doorsteps – for the folk holidays mardipäev and kadripäev. But the rise of Halloween has many locals wondering what this means for their own traditions, and whether the newcomer is a burden – or a boon.

29.10.24 NEWS ... In case you hadn't heard, 2024 is a big deal in Tartu. This year, Estonia's "City of Good Thoughts" is one of three European Capitals of Culture. But in challenging times like these, what does "arts of survival," the artistic concept underpinning this celebration of all things South Estonia really mean? In the seventh feature of this series, Michael Cole headed to the periphery to see how people from seemingly distant cultures have found ways to connect in a very different kind of Estonia.

21.10.24 NEWS ... Tallinn is increasingly trying to change citizens' behavior by reshaping the public space. When walking around the capital, pedestrians do not always realize that the surroundings impact their choices.

17.10.24 NEWS ... In case you hadn't heard, 2024 is a big deal in Tartu. This year, Estonia's "City of Good Thoughts" is one of three European Capitals of Culture. But in challenging times like these, what does "arts of survival," the artistic concept underpinning this celebration of all things South Estonia really mean? In the sixth feature of this series, Michael Cole headed to Tartu's Annelinn district with director Jaanika Tammaru and actor Jordi Ripley to find out how a touch of theatrical magic can help reveal important local stories that too often go untold.

21.09.24 NEWS ... This month marks the 30th anniversary of the MS Estonia ferry disaster, and ETV current affairs show "Impulss" looked at whether it is now time to leave the wreck in peace, following renewed interest and new investigations in recent years.

19.09.24 NEWS ... Thursday, September 19, marks the 80th anniversary of the mass killing of Jews at the Klooga concentration camp.

19.09.24 NEWS ... In case you hadn't heard, 2024 is a big deal in Tartu. This year, Estonia's "City of Good Thoughts" is one of three European Capitals of Culture. But in challenging times like these, what does "arts of survival," the artistic concept underpinning this celebration of all things South Estonia really mean? In the fIfth feature of this series, Michael Cole spoke to artist Sasha Milyakina (Sashami) to find out how she's using her art to capture parts of Tartu that sometimes seem to be slowly slipping away.

04.09.24 NEWS ... In early August, a high-level prisoner exchange took place between the West and Russia, during which, among others, an alleged FSB officer, Vadim Konoshchenok, was released. Konoshchenok had lived and operated in Estonia, but was reportedly involved in smuggling dual-use goods and military equipment through the country. He told ERR's "Pealtnägija" his own version for the first time, explaining how he came to be considered one of the ten most valuable prisoners for the Kremlin.

02.09.24 NEWS ... Estonia's new school year started on September 1, and with it the first stage of the transition to Estonian language reform and the end of the Russian language education system. Minister of Education Kristina Kallas (Eesti 200) discussed the "very stressful" process, the changes and future goals with ERR News.

31.08.24 NEWS ... Today marks the 30th anniversary of the last Russian forces leaving Estonia, which they did on August 31, 1994 – three years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and more than 50 years after the Soviets occupied the country for a second time. Politicians say this is the day World War II finally ended for Estonia. ERR News outlines the events leading up to that historic moment.

31.08.24 NEWS ... Next month Estonia will mark the 80th anniversary of the Great Flight, when thousands of people fled the second Soviet occupation. The Institute of Historical Memory (EMI) is working to create a fuller picture of the 10 percent of the population that "disappeared" during that turbulent time. ERR News spoke to Meelis Maripuu, EMI board member, to find out more.

28.08.24 NEWS ... Muti-award-winning Australian musician and songwriter Monique Clare has done it all – from teaching her beloved cello in Afghanistan to performing with U.S. hip-hop star Eminem. This summer when Monique played at the Seto Folk Festival, however, ERR News' Michael Cole discovered that she's also crazy in love with Estonia.

28.08.24 FEATURE ... Podcasting is hardly a new thing, and Estonia is often referred to as one of the foremost digital states globally, so it will come as no surprise that there is a multitude of podcasts out there, in English, about different aspects of the country.

26.08.24 NEWS ... Over the next five weeks, local venues across Tallinn will host some 200-odd short performances. The program of shows is eclectic, encompassing stand-up comedy, dance, theatre, music, magic, poetry, and burlesque. This is Tallinn Fringe Festival (TFF), now in its eighth year. ERR News spoke to founder and director Dan Renwick to find out more.

23.08.24 NEWS ... It's not uncommon at academic conferences for much of the time to be spent sat in seminar rooms listening passively to presentations. The LE:NOTRE Landscape Forum, however, aims to do things a little differently. With the 13th edition taking place in Tartu, ERR News' Michael Cole headed along to the Estonian University of Life Sciences (Eesti Maaülikool) to find out more.

23.08.24 NEWS ... On August 23, 1989, approximately two million people formed a human chain from Tallinn to Vilnius to call for freedom from the Soviet Union. But what was it like to be there on the day? ERR News and Vabamu Museum are sharing a selection of memories from the historic event.

23.08.24 NEWS ... This Friday marks the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way, a mass demonstration on August 23, 1989 in which two million people formed a more than 670-kilometer human chain across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, protesting the ongoing Soviet occupation and bringing worldwide attention to their fight for freedom.

20.08.24 NEWS ... Restoration of Independence Day (Taasiseseisvumispäev) is marked on August 20 each year to celebrate the date in 1991 when Estonia regained the freedom it had lost to the Soviet Union more than five decades earlier. ERR News briefly explains the day's significance and the following chain of events.

09.08.24 NEWS ... Four years ago today, Alexander Lukashenko was re-elected president of Belarus in elections widely condemned as rigged. The violent crackdown that followed saw thousands of anti-regime Belarusians flee abroad, including to Estonia. A first-of-its-kind study sought to understand who this "new wave" is, what they think and how a dialogue can be created with Estonian society.

04.08.24 NEWS ... Around 20 of Estonia's historic manors are looking for new owners, but sellers say buyers are difficult to come by due to their complex conditions and pricey renovations.

28.07.24 NEWS ... Estonia has one of Europe's highest HIV rates, a situation that has not changed for decades. A new report ­looking at transgender, gay and bisexual men – the first of its kind in Estonia – shows they are some of the most at risk. Shameema Binte Rahman spoke to the experts to find out why and what problems this group faces.

27.07.24 NEWS ... In case you hadn't heard, 2024 is a big deal in Tartu. This year, Estonia's "City of Good Thoughts" is one of three European Capitals of Culture. But in challenging times like these, what does "arts of survival," the artistic concept underpinning this celebration of all things South Estonia really mean? In the fourth feature of this series, Michael Cole found out more about ways Tartu's Ukrainian community is coping with what often feels like two parallel realities at the same time.

25.07.24 NEWS ... The 2024 Paris Olympics are now practically over, with the closing ceremony taking place on Sunday.

22.07.24 NEWS ... The Reform-Eesti 200-SDE coalition is returning to office on Tuesday (July 23) and has announced its new ministers. Some are familiar, but there are new faces too. ERR News has put together a short overview of the changes.

17.07.24 NEWS ... Over the past year, the number of 20-29-year-olds working in the IT sector has fallen, data from Statistics Estonia shows. Experts said these workers are moving into other developing sectors that require their skills.

08.07.24 NEWS ... "Art is not scary, art is fun," says gallery owner Victoria Olt who specializes in showcasing young artists' work at her premises in Tallnn's Old Town. Olt tells Jerry Mercury about her colorful artistic journey and why it is important to be the change you want to see in the world.

07.07.24 NEWS ... Episode two of the Vikerraadio "Läks aga läände" program about life in 1990s Estonia sees architecture historian Ingrid Ruudi describe the era as one of high-flying ideas and desires, including completely utopian ones, with architects forced to adjust to abrupt changes at many levels.

05.07.24 NEWS ... Two months prior to Parvel Pruunsild and Priit Humal's detention, Internal Security Service (ISS) agents attended a guest event at the korp! Sakala fraternity under false identities. Pruunsild's defense counsel is now claiming illegal surveillance, while the ISS and the Prosecutor's Office maintain the men were just blowing off steam.

28.06.24 NEWS ... In 2021, a pilot project in Tartu aimed to eradicate period poverty and distribute free menstrual products to schools. Three years later, more than 20 schools still participate and a similar scheme launched in Tallinn this year. ERR News spoke to NGO Days and Nights (Päevad ja Ööd) co-founder Eveliis Padar to find out why this initiative is important and how it works.

27.06.24 NEWS ... In case you hadn't heard, 2024 is a big deal in Tartu. This year, Estonia's "City of Good Thoughts" is one of three European Capitals of Culture. But in challenging times like these, what does "arts of survival," the artistic concept underpinning this celebration of all things South Estonia really mean? In the third feature of this series, Michael Cole went back to the archives with folklorists Ave Goršič and Taive Särg, artist Henri Hütt and curator Evelyn Raudsepp to find out more.

23.06.24 FEATURE ... Midsummer break doesn't just concern jaanipäev: the origins of the June 23 holiday are less obscured by the mists of time, of bog and forest.

17.06.24 NEWS ... This Sunday, the week-long 2024 Tartu Song and Dance Festival got underway. On a glorious afternoon, over 2,300 dancers took part in a spectacular performance about staying connected to your roots and the wisdom handed down from generation to generation by your grandparents. ERR News' Michael Cole spoke to some of the dancers involved to find out more.

15.06.24 NEWS ... In Narva, traces of the past are everywhere, though some are more noticeable than others. When Ingrian artist Pavel Rotts arrived in the Estonian border town, however, it didn't take him long to spot them. ERR News' Michael Cole headed to Narva to find out how Rotts is using his art to make things that have long been absent from the city, visible again.

06.06.24 NEWS ... The wreckage of the 'Kaleva' plane, shot down by Soviet bombers in 1940 at the start of World War II, has reportedly been found during an amateur hobby survey.

04.06.24 FEATURE ... This Tuesday, June 4, the blue, black and white flag celebrates its 140th birthday. The history of what would become the Estonian flag was tumultuous from the start, but the original flag, kept safely hidden away for evolving reasons over nearly a century and a half, is still around – and since 2016 can be seen up close at the Estonian National Museum (ERM) in Tartu.

27.05.24 NEWS ... Last week, Estonian artist Kristi Kongi's new solo exhibition opened at the Kogo Gallery in Tartu. In "Water is an Eternal Witness. Colour Indigo," Kongi uses water as a symbol to explore the fragility of complex emotions. ERR News' Michael Cole spoke to Kongi on the opening night to find out more.

26.05.24 NEWS ... In any sport, reaching the top means a great deal of hard work and sacrifice, not only for the athlete themselves but also for their family. ETV investigative show "Pealtnägija" asked Kerstin Raja, who is married to Estonian rowing star Allar Raja, and Hanna Taaramäe, whose husband is professional cyclist Rein Taaramäe, what happens when your partner reaches the end of their sporting career.

21.05.24 NEWS ... This Sunday, hundreds of Ukrainians gathered at the Estonian Open Air Museum to celebrate one of their country's most prominent national symbols – the vyshyvanka. ERR News' Michael Cole headed to Tallinn to find out more about these hand-embroidered shirts and the important role they play in Ukrainian culture and identity.

21.05.24 NEWS ... Today (May 21) is the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus. ERR News spoke with members of the Belarusian community in Estonia about what the situation is like in the country now and why it is important to remember the more than 1,300 people currently behind bars.

20.05.24 NEWS ... While at the beginning of the new century, it was mainly the inhabitants of Estonia who eagerly moved elsewhere in Europe, today more and more citizens of other European Union countries are settling in Estonia. Kristjan Erik Loik, leading analyst at Statistics Estonia, looks at who has arrived here in the last 20 years.

08.05.24 NEWS ... May 9 is a controversial day in Estonia. ERR News explains why.

03.05.24 NEWS ... What knowledge is lost when a library disappears? How can we accommodate what does not fit in the present? And what can we learn from the things left behind? These questions are the focus of "Ex Libris," a new art exhibition in Sillamäe. ERR News' Michael Cole spoke to the exhibition's curator Francisco Martínez to find out more.