Under the Environment Agency's latest forecast, Estonia emitted significantly more greenhouse gases than allowed in the LULUCF sector in 2021–2025, though the ministry hopes experts can revise the projected shortfall downward within the next few years.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas expressed skepticism about making progress today on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, but affirmed that efforts would be made to achieve it.

Estonian cross-country skier Alvar Johannes Alev finished 15th in the men's 50-kilometer classic marathon Saturday, one of the final events of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

A comparison of prices for goods and services across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia reveals differences despite their proximity, aiming to determine which of the three countries is the most expensive.

Estonian construction companies experienced a 1.5 percent decrease in construction volume both domestically and internationally in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline for the sector, according to Statistics Estonia.

Estonian freestyle skier Kelly Sildaru narrowly missed qualifying for the halfpipe final at the ongoing Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

The antics of a large dog on the women's cross-country sprint finish straight at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics have brought the breed a lot of global attention.

The Estonian city of Tartu and the Canadian city of Sherbrooke, Québec, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a framework for long-term cooperation in entrepreneurship, education, science, and innovation.

Estonia's Ministry of Education has issued updated guidelines stating parents should not pay for essential curriculum materials, leading to questions from schools about implementation and funding responsibilities.

Estonian military intelligence has reported that restrictions on Starlink and Telegram have disrupted Russian command and slowed their operations in Ukraine.

The Estonian government has approved a comprehensive bill aimed at implementing the European Union's common asylum system, with a minister stating it balances solidarity and responsibility.

From Monday, February 24, the Luhamaa and Koidula crossing points on Estonia's border with Russia will only be open between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The winners of Estonia's 2025 Press Photo of the Year competition have been revealed, with an exhibition of the winning photos now open at Tallinn's Viru Keskus Mall.

The People's Museum of Tallinn is hosting a themed day dedicated to Estonia's unique garage culture, featuring a free tour and film screening.

Estonia is mulling the introduction of a new voluntary system intended to encourage people to make healthier choices, but the Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce believes it puts additional pressure on business.

All three of Estonia's official ice roads were closed on Saturday by the Transport Administration due to adverse weather, with potential reopening on Sunday or Monday if conditions improve.

Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia would take measures if nuclear weapons targeting Russia were deployed on Estonian territory, warning Estonia to take the threat seriously.

Estonian freestyle skier Kelly Sildaru narrowly missed qualifying for the halfpipe final at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

A large Czechoslovakian Wolfdog garnered global attention for its antics during the women's cross-country sprint finish at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

After eight years, Paavo Nõgene will step down as the CEO of Estonian shipping company Tallink this spring, the company announced.

Estonian universities are increasingly offering master's students the option to complete their degree with a final exam instead of a thesis. This shift is seen by some as practical, though others express concerns about its implications for graduates' skills.

Members of Estonia's Riigikogu National Defense Committee with military backgrounds are advocating for a separate national defense court, citing the current system's unpreparedness for potential war.

According to Kantar Emor's head of surveys, Aivar Voog, a cold winter offset the Reform Party's anticipated gains from tax cuts, ending their ratings recovery in February.

From Monday, February 24, the Luhamaa and Koidula crossing points on Estonia's border with Russia will operate with reduced hours, open only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Estonian law enforcement agencies are continuing to work with their Ukrainian counterparts to fight international phone scammers. Their investigations are complicated, however, by the ongoing war and global nature of criminal networks.

ERR News has introduced 'Lihtsad uudised' (easy news), a new segment designed to help individuals improve their Estonian language skills through simplified news stories.

The People's Museum of Tallinn is dedicating a themed day to Estonia's unique garage culture, featuring a free tour and film screening.

A surge in tourism on Vormsi island's ice road to the mainland is causing access issues for local residents, who have been issued special stickers for priority passage.

The government has submitted a bill to the Riigikogu to amend the Traffic Act, enabling traffic data to be sent directly to smartphone apps instead of being entered manually by users.

Olympic athletes have elected a Korean bobsled pilot and an Estonian biathlete to represent them on the International Olympic Committee.

Estonian cinema is seeing a resurgence with a new wave of directors gaining international attention, following Latvia's Oscar win and a renewed focus on authentic storytelling.

Russia is dealing with internal issues like corruption arrests and attempts to block WhatsApp, while also facing international incidents such as an Estonian deportation for alleged spying, diminished presence at the Olympics, and calls for the release of a climate advocate.

On the eve of Orthodox Lent, locals in Setomaa, Estonia, marked the end of Maslenitsa with traditional activities such as sledding, pancakes, music, and a local take on curling, inspired by the recent Olympics.

Italy’s record medal haul crowns Milano Cortina Winter Olympics as Verona hosts a music-filled farewell.

Three more experts have been added to Estonia's AI advisory council, launched by Prime Minister Kristen Michal last month.

The number of traffic fatalities fell to its lowest in decades in 2025, data shows. However, accidents with elderly pedestrians and young scooter riders are causing concern among experts.

The Estonian Government Office organized ten crisis management training courses for senior public sector managers at a total cost of nearly €160,000, held at a spa.

An economist highlights that food price movements have a disproportionately larger impact on Estonian families and consumer behavior compared to wealthier countries, where food constitutes a smaller share of total spending.

Estonian competitors Kristjan Ilves and Ruubert Teder secured a 10th-place finish in the men's Nordic Combined team event at the ongoing Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Estonian freestyle skier Henry Sildaru secured a silver medal in the halfpipe event at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, ending Estonia's medal drought.

Estonia's Education and Youth Board is holding trial e-exams in March and April to test schools and a new online system, preparing for a full online rollout next year.

The Estonian Nationalists and Conservatives (ERK) has decided to merge with the Estonian Freedom Party – Farmers Assembly (EVP-PL).

Tallinn University political scientist Ott Lumi told ERR Estonia's governance is overly technocratic, prompting the launch of the Chamber of Principle, an open platform offering ideas to all political parties.

The Estonian Ministry of the Interior plans to empower second and third-level auxiliary police officers to stop private vehicles, a right they currently lack without a fully qualified police officer present.

A subterranean parking lot beneath Tallinn's Freedom Square has been transformed into Estonia's first 'drive-in' art exhibition, featuring sculptures for visitors to view from their cars.

Estonia is prepared to review and potentially tighten procedures for issuing temporary residence permits to citizens of Russia and Belarus, according to Interior Minister Igor Taro.

A public flag-raising ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Governor's Garden on Toompea in Tallinn to commemorate Estonia's Independence Day.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has called for a ban on Russian military personnel entering the EU, warning of hybrid attacks and Wagner mercenary infiltration, noting Italy has issued 150,000 permits.

Unlike in previous winters, this year's prolonged sub-zero temperatures in Estonia have enabled locals to create ice trails of varying lengths on lakes, rivers and land.

Winter weather can feel colder than it is. Also called wind chill, "feels like" temperatures factor in moisture, body heat loss and wind, an Estonian meteorologist explains.

Estonian competitors Kristjan Ilves and Ruubert Teder achieved a 10th-place finish in the men's Nordic Combined team event at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Estonian freestyle skier Henry Sildaru came back from a poor start to beat out several big names to win silver in the halfpipe event at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics Friday night.

Compared with wealthier countries, where food accounts for a smaller share of total spending, price movements have a proportionally greater impact on Estonian families and are reflected more quickly i

The Ministry of Education's updated guidelines on school financing say parents should not have to pay for materials or equipment deemed necessary to fulfill the curriculum. Schools say this raises questions about where to draw the line.

Restrictions on Starlink and Telegram have disrupted Russian command and slowed operations in Ukraine, Estonian military intelligence said Friday.

The Estonian government has approved a comprehensive bill to implement the European Union's common asylum system, with the minister stating it balances solidarity and responsibility.

The Estonian city of Tartu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sherbrooke, Québec, establishing a framework for long-term cooperation in entrepreneurship, education, science, and innovation.

A public flag-raising ceremony will take place early on Tuesday morning at the Governor's Garden on Toompea in Tallinn to mark the anniversary of Estonia's independence.

The winners of Estonia's 2025 Press Photo of the Year have been announced, with the winning photographs now on display in an exhibition at Tallinn's Viru Keskus Mall.

An exhibition of Estonian contemporary children's literature illustrations was opened at the UN headquarters in New York this week.

Estonia has closed all three official ice roads due to severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and drifting snow, prompting authorities to advise drivers in Lääne County to delay journeys.

A new dedicated drone academy is scheduled to open this fall at Tallinn University of Applied Sciences (TTK) in Estonia, with its director advocating for all students to receive drone training.

Athletes at the Milan Cortina Winter Games have elected a South Korean bobsled pilot and an Estonian biathlete to represent them at the International Olympic Committee.

Italian ambassadors are actively engaged in various diplomatic efforts worldwide, including visits to Canada, meetings in Estonia, cultural greetings in Vietnam, archaeological visits in Iraq, legal cooperation with Brazil, support for a Ghanaian striker, economic cooperation in Ukraine, aid delivery in Mozambique, hospital visits in Argentina, and participation in a start-up program in Tunisia.

The Motorsports Museum in Turba closed its doors last fall due to low visitor numbers and a difficult economic climate. Its former director, Arno Sillat, is now selling the portion of the exhibition he owned.

A 25-year-old foreign national died last week in an industrial accident at a pulp mill in Lääne-Viru County, Estonia.

Freestyle skier Henry Sildaru was given a hero's welcome in Tallinn after returning home with a silver medal from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Ukrainians residing in Estonia commemorated the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion with a rally and march through Tallinn's Old Town.

In February, Estonia's Social Democrats (SDE) saw a slight increase in their support, widening their lead over EKRE and the Reform Party, while Isamaa continues to lead overall.

Competing in the Olympics for the first time, two-time European figure skating champion Niina Petrõkina finished seventh at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. American skater and reigning world champion Alysa Liu was crowned Olympic champion.

Estonia's Paralympics governing body's officials will not be attending any official ceremonies at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, Delfi reported.

After eight years at the helm, Paavo Nõgene is stepping down as CEO of listed Estonian shipper Tallink this spring, the company announced Friday.

The government has submitted a bill to the Riigikogu to amend the Traffic Act, enabling traffic data to be sent directly to smartphone apps instead of being entered manually by users.

Members of Estonia's Riigikogu National Defense Committee with military backgrounds are calling for the establishment of a separate national defense court, citing concerns that the current court system is unprepared for potential wartime scenarios.

According to Kantar Emor's head of surveys, Aivar Voog, the Reform Party's anticipated ratings gains from tax cuts were offset by a cold winter, resulting in no major shifts in February.

Last week, Russian icebreakers appeared in the Baltic Sea near Estonia. Among them were one of the world's largest nuclear-powered icebreakers "Sibir."

"Lihtsad uudised," meaning easy or simple news, is for anyone who wants to improve their Estonian language skills. Listen and read a selection of this week's news stories below.

Estonian and Ukrainian law enforcement agencies are continuing their joint efforts to fight international phone scamming networks, despite challenges posed by the ongoing war.

Estonia expresses concern that Russia might attempt to annex Narva, its third-largest city, citing its predominantly Russian-speaking population as a potential pretext.

An exhibition of Estonian contemporary children's literature illustrations was opened at the UN headquarters in New York this week.

The Kremlin has issued a warning to Estonia, stating that if nuclear weapons aimed at Russia are deployed on Estonian territory, Moscow will respond in kind.

Competing in the Olympics for the first time, two-time European figure skating champion Niina Petrõkina finished seventh at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. American skater and reigning world champion Alysa Liu was crowned Olympic champion.

Estonia's Paralympics governing body's officials will not be attending any official ceremonies at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, Delfi reported.

Estonian construction companies built 1.5 percent less in Estonia and abroad in 2025 than the year before. Construction volume declined for the fourth consecutive year, Statistics Estonia said.

Estonia is exploring the implementation of a new voluntary food labeling system designed to encourage healthier eating choices, though the Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce expresses concerns about added business pressure.

The Estonian Nationalists and Conservatives (ERK) has decided to merge with the Estonian Freedom Party – Farmers Assembly (EVP-PL).

Tallinn University political scientist Ott Lumi announced the launch of the Chamber of Principle, a new think tank aiming to provide fresh ideas to Estonia's political sphere, which he described as overly technocratic.

The Estonian Ministry of the Interior plans to grant second and third-level auxiliary police officers the authority to stop private vehicles, a power they currently lack without a fully qualified officer present.

Estonia's Minister of the Interior, Igor Taro, announced that the country is ready to review and potentially tighten procedures for issuing temporary residence permits to citizens of Russia and Belarus.

A subterranean parking lot beneath Tallinn's Freedom Square has been transformed into Estonia's first 'drive-in' art exhibition, featuring sculptures.

Last week, Russian icebreakers appeared in the Baltic Sea near Estonia. Among them were one of the world's largest nuclear-powered icebreakers "Sibir."

Unlike in previous winters, this year's prolonged sub-zero temperatures in Estonia have enabled locals to create ice trails of varying lengths on lakes, rivers and land.

Estonia's Education and Youth Board (Harno) is conducting trial e-exams in March and April to prepare schools and test a new online system for a complete digital rollout next year.

Estonian 'dark horse' Sildaru surprises with freestyle halfpipe silver at Olympics  Reuters

Kremlin Mocks European 'Illusions' For Wanting Own Nuclear Umbrella Currently France and Britain are in talks to potentially extend their nuclear arsenals to protect Europe as a defense 'umbrella' - at a moment some officials have questioned the United States commitment to leading NATO. Politico wrote in the aftermath of the Munich Security Conference, "Multiple European countries are publicly backing talks on a homegrown nuclear deterrent to complement American atomic weapons following an erosion of trust in a Donald Trump-led US." Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin has issued the Kremlin's reaction to these latest developments, asserting that the British ‘nuclear umbrella’ will fail to provide extra security to other NATO members. Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin, via Al Jazeera screenshot. The diplomat's words were captured in an interview with Russian newspaper Izvestia on Tuesday. Kelin described that it is "obvious that the British 'nuclear umbrella' will not be able to provide any additional material security guarantees" to Europe. Moscow meanwhile continues to closely monitor the moves by "states pursuing an overtly anti-Russian policy" - he emphasized. "The possibility of the expansion of nuclear safeguards will be taken into account in our military planning as well as in further discussions of the strategic stability issues," the ambassador added. Kelin then took a swipe at Britain's hawkish stance in the context of the Ukraine war: "The strengthening of such potential apparently instills in London an illusory hope of leadership in ensuring European security," he said. Moscow's growing concerns over British policy is in part related to plans to purchase a dozen F-35 fighter jets from the US, capable of carrying missiles tipped with nuclear warheads. Additionally, when the tiny but outspoken Baltic states - directly on Russia's doorstep - try to tout NATO 'nuclear deterrent' talking points, it seems natural that Moscow would be extremely concerned:  Estonia isn’t ruling out joining early-stage talks on a common nuclear deterrent in Europe, Deputy Defense Minister Tuuli Duneton said in an interview. "We are always open to discuss" with partners, she said, while emphasizing the U.S. was still "committed to providing nuclear deterrence for allied nations." Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa echoed that. "Nuclear deterrence can give us new opportunities. Why not?" she said, while cautioning that any steps would have to be in compliance with "our international commitments." NATO top leadership has still signaled no change in direction on the conventional US nuclear umbrella, however. The United States nuclear umbrella, which has protected allies and cut down on the spread of nuclear weapons, is the "ultimate guarantor of freedom" in Europe, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte says. "The ultimate guarantor is the nuclear umbrella from the United States," Rutte… pic.twitter.com/8GCU5oc4O6 February 17, 2026 In the backdrop is the fact that that the landmark New START nuclear treaty between Washington and Moscow has ceased to exist as of this month. Russia is offering that it won't expand its arsenal so long as the US does the same. But this is still dangerous, uncharted territory. Tyler Durden Wed, 02/18/2026 - 04:15

Estonian official Kaja Kallas sharply responded to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remarks on free speech, highlighting Estonia's high ranking in press freedom.