Estonian PM Kaja Kallas set to become the next EU High Representative

Great news! The European Council nominates Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as candidate for High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. When a reporter asked her on whether it was a done deal she replied with the old Estonian proverb "don't go and share the bearskin before the bear has been shot.'' Kallas offers strong leadership qualities that the EU needs right now. I have no doubt she would be perfect for this role. 

May the Estonianisation of European foreign policy begin!

In the footsteps of a soldier during the Estonian War of Independence

Using the example of August Kaarna, who participated in the War of Independence, the archivist of the National Archives, Ivar Kaigu, introduces how to use special types of digitised and non-digitised archive sources, scientific literature, memorial books, photos and maps to recreate the life history and military path of those who participated in the war, and to research the history of the War of Independence in a broader way.

How the War In Ukraine is derussifying the Baltic States

Head Jaanipäeva!

I hope everyone had a great time celebrating Jaanipäev last night. The white nights allow the party to go on into the early hours of the morning. Today is a public holiday in Estonia so enjoy the day off everyone! Head Jaanipäeva!

New Jaanipäev tradition emerging in Estonia

Tomorrow Estonians around the world will gather to celebrate Jaanipäev. It is the second most important day on the Estonian folk calendar after Christmas. On this day people will get together and sing, dance and light bonfires like our ancestors have done for centuries. A new initiative that was created last year and backed by Pärimusdisain and the Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union, encourages people to wear their traditional woven belts during the Jaanipäev celebrations. The originator of the Estonian Belt Day initiative highlighted that traditional woven belts can be worn together with folk dress or paired with modern day clothing from jeans to blazers.

 

 

Folk culture promoter Kristel Vihman stated that the initiative was born of the desire to get people to wear authentic Estonian folk accessories more often. Every region in Estonia has its own distinct belt patterns and they each tell a story with its own symbols, language and code as well.  Belts are a respected item worn with pride.

 

Midnight in Tallinn

This is what Tallinn tooks like during the summer solstice. The sun reaches its highest and most northern point in the sky. Beautiful!

Eneli Jefimova wins gold at the European swimming championships in Belgrade

17-year-old Estonian swimmer Eneli Jefimova has won gold in the women's 100m breaststroke at the 2024 European Aquatics Championships in Belgrade. Last year Jefimova also won gold over the same distance in the European Short Course Swimming Championships in Romania. She is defintely a star on the rise. Congratulations Eneli! You have made Estonia so proud!