Opinion articles by Estonian and global opinion leaders
Estonian Member of European Parliament, Tunne Kelam, made a statement on Saturday, saying that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine “is a chilling reminder of Hitler’s step-by-step destruction of Czechoslovakia”, calling for the suspension of both Russia’s membership in the Council of Europe and also the negotiations about future visa-free movement between the EU and Russia. Tunne […]
I learned a lot about my wife’s people – Estonians – from Prime Minister Andrus Ansip. When I look back to how much I thought I knew about them in 2005 when he was named prime minister after two years of chaotic ministerial sackings and resignations under his predecessor, Juhan Parts, I am astonished by my
Justin Petrone: The Ansip Years Read More »
Estophile Adam Garrie argues that it’s time to establish a dedicated museum of Estonian music, with an emphasis not only on rich choral traditions and modern classical, but also on a contemporary period. When mentioning Estonian culture to international audiences, the first thing that usually comes to mind is Estonia’s rich musical tradition. Estonia’s choral
Adam Garrie: A museum of Estonian music is needed for Estonia and the web Read More »
British prime minister David Cameron recently caused a furore when suggesting that in future, the immigration from poorer EU countries to the UK should be restricted, thus undermining and ignoring one of the fundamental EU principles – the free movement of workers. David Cameron also described the immigration from A8 (including Estonia) countries to the UK since 2004
Adam Garrie: There is no freedom without freedom of movement Read More »
What’s up with the people who are in charge of immigration? On lots of different levels and in lots of different ways, the authorities, whether they are border guards, the police, or civil servants drafting legislation, appear to be getting things horribly wrong. This article was originally published by Abdul Turay in his blog. I will tell three stories. They all
Abdul Turay: What’s up with the people who are in charge of immigration? Read More »
Mike Reiner, the chief of Startup Wise Guys, argues that Estonia would be an excellent place to start an alternative entrepreneurship programme. Let me propose: a master’s programme in entrepreneurship done differently. Instead of a full curriculum and a thesis, a selection of relevant lectures/workshops and work directly related to building a business. Students would
Mike Reiner: Estonian Startup School – a degree without a thesis Read More »
Measuring and comparing people’s quality of life and life satisfaction has given many outstanding economists serious headaches. It is generally agreed that the usual way of comparing GDP per capita does not really capture the many aspects that contribute to human satisfaction and happiness in life. One way to explore this phenomenon is to ask
Maive Rute: Estonia – an unhappy overachiever in democracy? Read More »
The European project becomes more and more technocratic and further and further away from the people. Voters do not feel that they are part of the project. They are missing a vision and big new goals. Since March this year, the restored Republic of Estonia has lasted longer than the pre-war Republic. This was a dream
Mart Laar: On Europe’s past, present and future Read More »
Estonia has been riding the high of many positive ratings in various global indices — from democracy to press freedom to innovation, this nation has ranked among some of the most developed nations in the world proving itself to be a force to be reckoned with. However, it’s not all good news for the Baltic country as the OECD releases its “Better
Adrienne Warren: Good, better, best? Estonia and the Better Life Index 2013 Read More »
East, West, North or South? The notion of geographical space is always subjective. What we view as North or East constitutes South or West for those living respectively further North or further East. However, in most cases mental geographies are very conscious constructions, and geographical space is no longer simply formed by spatial boundaries, but
Anna-Cara Keim: Mental geographies and identities in the Baltic Sea region Read More »
