18.06.25 NEWS ... Since its lighting in Tartu on June 15, the ceremonial Song and Dance Festival flame has been making its way across Estonia — warmly welcomed by dancers, singers and well-wishers along the route as the country gears up to celebrate the nationwide festival in Tallinn on July 3–6.

21.06.25 NEWS ... In a reception at Kadriorg on Friday, President Alar Karis honored Estonia's reservists of the year, emphasizing that the people and their defense forces must be closely intertwined.

21.06.25 NEWS ... During the extended Midsummer holiday period, emergency medical, dental and pharmacy services will remain available in Tallinn. Nationwide mental health support hotlines will also continue operating for anyone in need across Estonia.

20.06.25 NEWS ... Tallinn's Social Democrats (SDE), Isamaa and Eesti 200 have proposed a compromise to the Reform Party: instead of eliminating kindergarten fees, lower them to €35 a month starting September 1. Reform confirmed they want a solution, not political games.

20.06.25 NEWS ... This Monday, on Victory Day, the Turkish Stars — the Turkish Air Force's aerobatic demonstration team — will perform a six-jet air show over Pärnu. On Friday, their distinctive red and white jets were spotted over the Estonian capital.

20.06.25 NEWS ... The Transport Administration's rule requiring people to take their driver's license photo on-site at a service office is unlawful, says Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise, emphasizing that government agencies can't force people to do something not required by law.

20.06.25 NEWS ... Around 1 p.m. Thursday, a bear and her three cubs were caught frolicking in front of a trail camera in Saukse, a village in Kadrina Municipality in Northern Estonia. The camera's owner, Indrek Laulik, shared the video with ERR viewers.

20.06.25 NEWS ... On Wednesday, the justice ministers of Estonia and Sweden signed a five-year lease agreement allowing Sweden to house up to 600 inmates at Tartu Prison. However, members of the Tartu City Council say they still need more specific answers regarding the risks and costs involved in the plan.

20.06.25 NEWS ... Summer in Estonia is off to a cool and rainy start, prompting locals to opt for last-minute getaways to warmer destinations instead of vacationing locally.

19.06.25 NEWS ... Across much of Estonia, rainfall has already surpassed the June average, with multiple hydrometric monitoring stations reporting water levels well above normal.

19.06.25 NEWS ... While a much talked-about central hospital in Tallinn has been mired in politics for several years, the South Estonian town of Viljandi now has a county hospital, the first to be planned and built from scratch since the restoration of Estonian independence in 1991.

19.06.25 NEWS ... Typically in Estonia, mosquito numbers begin to drop in May as they're replaced by another pest — horseflies. But this year, that shift hasn't happened, leaving people to deal with both insects at the same time.

19.06.25 NEWS ... The preliminary results for both state and basic school exams have been released. Compared to last year, the average scores for the state exams have risen somewhat, with only the average score for the narrower version of the mathematics exam showing a slight decline, the Education and Youth Board announced.

19.06.25 NEWS ... The second-tier Tallinn Circuit Court has upheld the March acquittal of former high-ranking police officials Eerik Heldna, Elmar Vaher and Aivar Alavere.

19.06.25 NEWS ... The Data Protection Inspectorate (AKI) has proposed that the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications establish a clear legal basis in legislation to regulate the testing of employees for intoxication.

19.06.25 NEWS ... airBaltic has launched a new direct flight route between Tallinn and Reykjavik, offering twice-weekly service through the end of August and expanding travel options between Estonia and Iceland.

19.06.25 NEWS ... On Thursday, the government approved a draft regulation submitted by the minister of education and research that will raise the maximum annual student loan amount from €3,000 to €6,000 starting this September.

19.06.25 NEWS ... At its off-site meeting in Kohila on Thursday, the government cabinet decided to support the idea of offering a €100 discount per minor child for families when paying the car tax.

19.06.25 NEWS ... Currently, planning a trip by bus, train or ferry in Estonia means navigating multiple ticket platforms — and most don't allow booking far in advance. The Ministry of Regional Affairs says it's working to improve the situation.

19.06.25 NEWS ... Estonia is not supportive of a potential European Union-wide minimum age requirement on social media platforms and apps, Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa Pakosta (Eesti 200) said.

19.06.25 NEWS ... The Michelin Guide Estonia recognized 43 restaurants in 2025, eight more than last year. 180° by Matthias Diether retained its two-star rating and Noa Chef's Hall kept its one-star rating.

19.06.25 NEWS ... According to a Government Office survey, Estonian residents' trust in the government and the Riigikogu has risen again and a growing number of people feel a sense of belonging to Estonian society. However, concerns over economic hardship have increased compared to previous surveys.

19.06.25 NEWS ... A law which bars churches and other religious organizations in Estonia from being used for activities hostile to the sovereignty of the Estonian state has passed its final Riigikogu reading, with 68 votes in favor and 17 against. The law's original version had been returned unsigned by President Alar Karis.

19.06.25 NEWS ... The Rescue Board (Päästeamet) is planning to carry out a fresh nationwide emergency alert test this coming fall, after the test conducted in May revealed issues with the system.

18.06.25 NEWS ... This Saturday, June 21, the Viscosa Culture Factory in Hiiumaa will host the first Viscosa Suvesumin, a new all-ages festival marking the start of summer on the Western Estonian island.

18.06.25 NEWS ... Metropolitan Stephanos of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church tells ERR in an interview that he has made two proposals to the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (EKÕK) — widely seen as the main target of a new churches law — in an effort to ease tensions and maintain public legitimacy. However, the latter has not shown any interest in engaging.

18.06.25 NEWS ... The number of people in Estonia officially designated as unable to work has dropped by nearly 4,000 in recent years, as better medical treatment helps more people return to the workforce. Still, some who have lost this status are struggling to find suitable work — or any work at all.

18.06.25 NEWS ... Last week's heavy rains brought about a summery "fifth season" in the Soomaa region of Southwestern Estonia, where water levels this high haven't been seen in June in 15 years.

18.06.25 NEWS ... The Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) has purchased 20 new SUVs designated for patrolling Estonia's eastern border with Russia. Valued at €2 million, the new fleet is significantly quieter, more compact and comes equipped with advanced onboard technology.

18.06.25 NEWS ... Starting July 1, the VAT rate in Estonia will rise from the current 22 percent to 24 percent. According to cultural event organizers, this tax hike will also inevitably drive up ticket prices, putting Estonia's event organizers at a disadvantage compared to their neighbors.

18.06.25 NEWS ... Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas says it's not right that students who have earned mostly A's and B's are unable to secure a spot at a high school in Tartu or Pärnu. According to her, it should be considered whether children from a given municipality should have priority access to high school places within that municipality.

18.06.25 NEWS ... Estonian residents' views on the country's foreign policy differ most significantly along ethnic lines, with the clearest indicator being the notably more favorable attitude toward Russia among the local Russian-speaking population, according to the results of a survey commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and conducted by Turu-uuringute AS this April.

17.06.25 NEWS ... As of Tuesday morning, nine in ten liable taxpayers had paid the first installment of their 2025 annual car tax, totaling more than €48 million in revenue, the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (MTA) announced.

17.06.25 NEWS ... With the midsummer break approaching, the agricultural weekly Maaleht highlighted a law change introduced last year that bans the use of disposable food containers — including cups, plates, forks, and knives made from plastic, biodegradable plastic, or other materials — at public events of any size, with organizers risking fines of up to €200,000 for non-compliance.

17.06.25 NEWS ... More than four years past its deadline, the Riigikogu has passed amendments to the Competition Act, which have been the subject of prolonged political debate. Critics claim the bill's passage was driven by intense lobbying aimed at protecting narrow business interests.

17.06.25 NEWS ... Three buses carrying Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian citizens left Israel for Jordan Tuesday morning, heading for an evacuation flight from Amman to Vilnius, Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT reported.

17.06.25 NEWS ... Lauri Läänemets told Vikerraadio Tuesday that during their time in government, attempts were made to pressure SDE into supporting draft legislation favorable to major business interests. According to Läänemets, these initiatives were later backed by Eesti 200 and the Reform Party after Kristen Michal became its leader.

17.06.25 NEWS ... The Tallinn city government has approved a detailed plan for part of the Tartu maantee side of the Stockmann intersection in Central Tallinn, paving the way for new commercial buildings along with a residential building set slightly back from the street.

17.06.25 NEWS ... Estonian native Jinju Karita moved to South Korea while in high school, quickly learning Korean and breaking into local girl groups. Now, the K-pop Academy veteran is focusing on building her solo career.

17.06.25 NEWS ... Starting this fall, the state will introduce an artificial intelligence model in upper secondary school classes aimed at supporting learning without providing students with ready-made answers. However, the exact model has not yet been developed and the first year will serve as a test period.

17.06.25 NEWS ... In 2024, psychiatrists in Estonia registered 4 percent more mental health and behavioral disorder diagnoses during outpatient visits than the year before, with the biggest increase recorded among children under 15, according to figures from the National Institute for Health Development (TAI).

17.06.25 NEWS ... The City of Tallinn is planning to build a temporary multiuse path — or light traffic path — through the Kopli freight yard area to connect Põhja-Tallinn's Telliskivi and Krulli Quarter. The first phase of work is slated for completion next fall.

17.06.25 NEWS ... The Supreme Court has opted not to hear a Data Protection Inspectorate's (AKI) appeal over the striking down of a fine on a think tank which had obtained the data of women across Estonia for a survey nearly two years ago.

16.06.25 NEWS ... A European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling last Thursday supported Estonia's current approach to wolf conservation and culling, saying it balances the species' status with livestock farming and other needs.

16.06.25 NEWS ... Hannes Praks, the beekeeper at the Presidential Palace garden, said on the morning show "Terevisioon" that the president's bees made it through the winter so well that one colony actually became two. The honey from the bees in the Kadriorg Palace garden contains the highest proportion of rose-family plants for a truly unique flavor.

16.06.25 NEWS ... Tõrva unveiled the tallest diving tower in the Baltics on Saturday with the grand opening of the Lion Tower on the shore of Lake Vanamõisa. Replacing the town's iconic old platform, the new structure rises 14 meters high and promises a safer, more exciting experience for summer swimmers.

16.06.25 NEWS ... Countries on NATO's eastern flank are upgrading their facilities and drawing up plans to prepare their hospitals for war, Politico Europe reports.

16.06.25 NEWS ... Ursel Velve, who took office as chair of the board of the Business and Innovation Agency (EIS) in early May, said the supervisory board expects the foundation to become more customer-friendly. She noted that the foundation is currently identifying activities that are inefficient.

16.06.25 NEWS ... The Internal Security Service (ISS) suspects an Estonian citizen of attempting to join a terrorist organization in Lebanon, the 18-year-old man is in custody, Postimees reports.

16.06.25 NEWS ... At the end of the first academic year of the transition, it unexpectedly became clear that schools would have to start calculating the language of instruction for basic school graduates who had previously studied in Russian.