Skip to main menu 29.01.25 OPINION ... Rein Lang writes about three topics regarding which it remains unclear what the ruling coalition has decided.
28.01.25 OPINION ... The malicious use of drones against critical infrastructure has become a real and serious security threat. Effective drone defense is not merely about acquiring random technologies, write Kristian Sirp and Tõnu Pärn.
28.01.25 OPINION ... The Estonian IT sector is not dead in the water following the end of the startup boom but is instead evolving into a part of Estonia's advanced industry, increasingly driven by engineering, writes Andri Haran.
27.01.25 OPINION ... To ensure Estonians can access ultra-fast internet at affordable prices, the market needs greater competition. The prices at which a dominant market player allows competitors access must be fairly regulated and audited by the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA), writes Margus Nõlvak.
27.01.25 OPINION ... Estonia's new challenges demand grounded policies based on a strong economy and proven solutions — not capabilities that may or may not materialize by 2030, writes Jüri Tiidermann.
27.01.25 OPINION ... The prospect of Isamaa being invited into government hinges on its performance in the local elections, economic forecasts and, paradoxically, the fate of Eesti 200, writes Tõnis Saarts in his commentary for Vikerraadio.
23.01.25 OPINION ... The overall condition of Estonia's natural environment has been in decline for decades. In an era marked by the loss of biodiversity and high industrial pressures, strengthening the Nature Conservation Act is essential. However, the Ministry of Climate is quite openly shirking this nationally significant responsibility and has instead taken a path that favors industry, writes Eliisa Pass.
23.01.25 OPINION ... The only realistic way to decisively strengthen defense capabilities is likely to utilize European Union joint funding — such as defense bonds — and to ease EU budget rules. This approach is fair to Estonian taxpayers, writes Peeter Tali.
23.01.25 OPINION ... The state could significantly save money by focusing on the use of existing data instead of commissioning expensive and repetitive studies, write Eneli Kindsiko and Andres Kütt.
22.01.25 OPINION ... Põhja-Tallinn does not need a rush of development projects where one window ends up facing another, but rather balanced development that creates a city where leisure time can also be enjoyed, writes Manuela Pihlap.
21.01.25 OPINION ... Successful organizations of the future will be those that can create a work culture where the experience of older generations is integrated with the fresh ideas of the younger ones, writes Ilmar Põhjala.
20.01.25 OPINION ... The survival of Estonia, Europe and the broader Western world hinges on resisting the dangerous allure of appeasement in the face of authoritarian aggression. As Russia deepens alliances with states like Iran and North Korea while benefiting from China's economic support, the increasingly shaken democratic world faces an unprecedented challenge to its unity and sovereignty, Marko Mihkelson writes.
19.01.25 OPINION ... If Estonian universities still communicated with their Russian counterparts, we would be dealing with opportunistic researchers and students loyal to the Russian regime, Aimar Ventsel finds in his Vikerraadio commentary.
19.01.25 OPINION ... The proposed constitutional amendment is a litmus test for our democracy. If we allow Russia's aggression against Ukraine to shake the Estonian Constitution, we have already suffered a significant defeat, writes Liia Hänni.
16.01.25 OPINION ... What might be changed in Estonia's governance culture that could enhance the role of the Riigikogu while reducing the divide between the opposition and coalition at that Riigikogu, and in Estonian society more broadly? One solution would be a minority government, former agriculture ministry deputy secretary general Toomas Kevvai writes.
16.01.25 OPINION ... Social media will continue to offer both good entertainment and useful information, but alongside this, unchecked insults, falsehoods, hatred and fraud are spreading with increasing frequency. This makes it all the more important for journalism to uphold and raise its standards, Hans Väre argues in a commentary for Vikerraadio.
14.01.25 OPINION ... The world is anxious and out of balance ahead of Donald Trump's return as U.S. president. The old, liberal, rules-based world order is broken and it seems Trump has no interest in fixing it, writes Kristi Raik in a commentary originally published in Diplomaatia.
13.01.25 OPINION ... As elections approach, the creation of various semi-real or fabricated episodes, as well as arbitrary interpretations and amplifications aimed at smearing competitors, is increasing, Martin Mölder noted in his Vikerraadio daily commentary.
13.01.25 OPINION ... In the past, society frowned upon women who chose not to have children and instead focused on their careers. Today, the opposite is true — women who decide to prioritize raising children over pursuing a career often face criticism. The difference between these two perspectives lies in the fact that feminists have actively defended career-driven women from stigmatization, while no one fully defends women who dedicate themselves entirely to motherhood, writes Riina Solman.
13.01.25 OPINION ... In public discussions, it is increasingly emphasized that having children is a personal decision for each individual or couple and no one has the right to interfere or question why someone does not wish to have or cannot have children. At the same time, it is often overlooked that a mere desire or agreement to have a child is not enough, write Natalie Mets and Hele-Mai Viiksaar.
11.01.25 OPINION ... When Estonia regained its independence, Arnold Rüütel helped build a bridge of transition from one regime to another. He was able to bring calm to situations and encouraged society, said President Alar Karis in his speech at Arnold Rüütel's funeral on Saturday.
09.01.25 OPINION ... When the Government Office refers to the Estonian Knighthood House (Rüütelkonna maja) on Toompea in Tallinn as "Estonian Representative House," it seems to reflect an increasingly pervasive trend toward turning society into a colorless, tasteless, scentless, soulless façade — a sterile hospital room devoid of meaning, writes Toomas Mattson.
09.01.25 OPINION ... Just as it is wrong to ridicule renewable energy, it is counterproductive and harmful to revile and ostracize oil shale. The important thing is to make sure the green transition happens smoothly and without suffocating the economy or causing other negative consequences, Erik Gamzejev writes.
08.01.25 OPINION ... Compared to other European countries that operate under the principle of total defense, Estonia has the fewest firearms and shooting ranges. Total defense in Estonia would require a different approach, allowing citizens to possess significantly more firearms and providing more opportunities to practice shooting, writes Aku Sorainen.
07.01.25 OPINION ... This time, Harri Tiido's focus is on Finland's defense policy. According to him, Finland places great importance on strengthening the European Union's defense dimension, particularly by increasing strategic autonomy and reducing dangerous dependencies.
07.01.25 OPINION ... The cultural year for 2025 has started off in controversial mode, with the Estonian-language social media commentariat – or at least its more conservative wing – abuzz with moral panic and outrage over the Estonian Drama Theater's "Drag Show" production.
07.01.25 OPINION ... Estonia's energy policy must ensure an affordable and sustainable electricity supply. If we were to exit the common market and emissions trading system, we would no longer be able to purchase inexpensive energy from other countries, writes Yoko Alender.
07.01.25 OPINION ... Estonia has fared well so far, thanks to its e-state image, but these are challenging times. Rising prices and inflation are making us one of the most expensive countries in Europe. That would be a lousy reputation to have, notes Raul Rebane in his commentary for Vikerraadio.
07.01.25 OPINION ... We have a large amount of uncontrollable power without a reasonable, dispatchable replacement. One day, we may have hundreds of megawatts' worth of wind and solar energy at a low price, but by evening, the wind will die down, the sun will set and somewhere, a power plant will need to be started up to replace them, writes Arles Taal.
07.01.25 OPINION ... While the risk of damage, deliberate or accidental, to energy and communications infrastructure under the Baltic Sea cannot be entirely eliminated, naval cooperation among the democratic states that surround the sea can help to enhance deterrence against attacks, and to fashion a more effective collective response, writes Tony Lawrence, research fellow at the International Center for Defense and Security (ICDS.)
05.01.25 OPINION ... It is true that the future depends greatly on the past, particularly the recent past. In this sense, knowledge of the world is a prerequisite for sensibly positioning oneself within it, writes Tarmo Soomere.
05.01.25 OPINION ... Since this year, a car tax has come into effect, which the state hopes will help cover the budget deficit and reduce the negative environmental impact of transportation. As for the latter, it can already be written off as a failure, writes Veiko Karu.
02.01.25 OPINION ... The 2025 state budget has drawn significant attention to ensuring the safety and security of both individuals and the nation, investments in strengthening the economy and cutting state expenditures. It is encouraging to see that the budget also prioritizes adapting to climate change and mitigating its impacts, writes Hanah Lahe.
02.01.25 OPINION ... Russia's recent (hybrid) attack on Estonia's seabed infrastructure is estimated to cost nearly €150 million, or €125 per every Estonian taxpayer, according to initial calculations. The damage inflicted in just a few hours amounts to 13 percent of Estonia's 2025 security and defense budget, writes Ahto Pärl.
02.01.25 NEWS ... Political and economic stability, numerous friendship and allied relations, energy independence, and effective educational life have been the cornerstones of Estonia's growth and prosperity, President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar (Eesti 200) said in his New Year's address.
01.01.25 OPINION ... In his New Year's Eve speech, President Alar Karis wished the Estonian people courage and curiosity, ingenuity and decisiveness to strengthen our security and help us cope better.
30.12.24 OPINION ... Businessman Viljar Arakas sums up the outgoing year's economic developments and takes a look into the coming ones.
27.12.24 OPINION ... The creation of new deputy secretary general positions is a sign that while parliamentary parties may discuss long-term plans, cuts, and reducing bureaucracy at party congresses and in their programs, the actual decisions made are the complete opposite, writes Lavly Perling.
27.12.24 OPINION ... We should close out the below average year by stopping our digitized moaning, Kaaren Tarand writes in comment originally published in Sirp magazine.
23.12.24 OPINION ... The automotive industry is the heart of the whole industrial sector in the European Union, but Europe has suffered a serious heart attack. The Chinese automotive industry is nipping at Europe's heels and is on the verge of taking over the entire sector, write Riho Terras, Jüri Ratas and Manfred Weber.
21.12.24 OPINION ... Consumer confidence in Estonia is low, and the trend indicates a downward trajectory. In the coming year, up to one-fifth of consumers will likely be able to save and spend at similar levels despite the current situation. Three-fifths will probably adapt to the new circumstances, but the remaining fifth will essentially be left high and dry, struggling to make ends meet, writes Rain Palmiste.
20.12.24 OPINION ... If the government continues to remain inactive, the rise in food prices could accelerate even further, our farmers may cease operations and low-quality imported food products will dominate the market, writes Valmar Haava.
19.12.24 OPINION ... Estonia's development is off balance and regional inequality is on the rise. However, for Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi, the challenges of regional policy boil down to mocking the positions of four regional leaders. Ligi's opinion reflects the right-wing worldview's approach to regional development, writes Piret Hartman.
17.12.24 OPINION ... Film Estonia's larger projects significantly impact Estonian film production, filmmakers and the entire film culture. Producing films solely with domestic Estonian funding or engaging in international co-productions within Europe does not provide a comparable experience, writes Heidy Purga.
16.12.24 OPINION ... No matter how unpleasant it may be for us to hear the truth on various issues, we must allow professionals to speak freely – especially in the sensitive field of defense, where politicians can always steer and suppress discussions at will by vaguely invoking confidentiality, writes Meelis Oidsalu in a commentary for Vikerraadio.
16.12.24 OPINION ... Russia must finally begin to feel what Ukraine has been enduring for nearly three years now. Bringing the war to Russian territory through massive, precise and devastating long-range strikes is the only way to put an end to terror, writes Kalev Stoicescu.
16.12.24 OPINION ... Our security largely depends on whether the world knows about us and cares about our fate. Estonia must be visible, and visibility is achieved through active engagement, writes Minna-Liina Lind.
16.12.24 OPINION ... European leaders are meeting in Tallinn this week to discuss the future of the Joint Expeditionary Force ". But what does the "first responder to NATO" offer the Baltic region? The International Center for Defense and Security's head of Defense Policy & Strategy Programme Tony Lawrence explains.
13.12.24 OPINION ... If the proposed restriction on revoking the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens goes through, it might benefit Isamaa and more so the Center Party. However, I still fail to understand what problem the people's representatives hope to solve with this legislative amendment, Mari-Liis Jakobson notes in her commentary on Vikerraadio.
13.12.24 OPINION ... Estonian borrowers will save nearly €300 million next year thanks to falling interest rates, writes Madis Müller.