Estonia Infographic Chart

                 

How people in Europe say the word 'I'

Europe is home to many beautiful sounding languages and it is always a joy to learn new words when travelling. Very often when we travel we compare these new words with ones from our own native language. This chart shows the various ways Europeans say the word 'I'. In Estonia, people use the word 'mina' but it's common to also use the shorter version of 'ma'.

Happy Independence Day Estonia! Ilusat vabariigi aastapäeva Eesti!

Today we celebrate the 107th anniversary of Estonian independence. It’s a day to remind ourselves that despite all odds, freedom can prevail if it is fought for. Happy Birthday Estonia! Palju õnne 107. sünnipäevaks, armas Eesti!

The massacre in Rakvere's Palermo Forest in 1919

As we prepare to celebrate Estonian Independence Day tomorrow, we must not forget those who perished as Estonia fought tirelessly to achieve freedom. Not all the casualties of the war were military, many civilians were killed too. One of the most horrendous crimes committed by the Soviet Army during the Estonian War of Independence was the Palermo Forest massacre.

The massacre in the Palermo Forest of Rakvere was one of the most brutal massacres committed by the Bolsheviks in Estonia between 1918–1919. On 15 December 1918, the Battle of Lagavere ended in the defeat of the Estonian Army and Lagavere fell to the Soviet Army. The Bolsheviks then began arresting and executing people immediately after conquering Rakvere, and the arrests were carried out throughout Viru and Järva counties. Those arrested were mainly innocent people, landlords, members of the Defence League, school teachers, priests, church caretakers, shopkeepers, clerks, local government officials and war deserters. When the bodies were later exhumed, it was discovered that the dead included women, elderly people, and young schoolchildren.

On 12 January 1919, the Estonian independence army and Finnish volunteers liberated Rakvere, saving the lives of many prisoners who were still in captivity. A commission was set up to investigate the Palermo massacre, and a total of 82 bodies were found. The investigation revealed that many had been tortured before being executed. In addition to the bullet wounds, most of the victims had their chests and bodies pierced with rifle butts and bayonets, the intestines had been punctured, and the bones in their legs and arms were broken.

This is another Soviet crime we will never forget.

Estonia's defence spending is the second highest in NATO

Presently there are 32 members in the NATO alliance. In 2024 more than twenty countries met NATO's 2% GDP target. Last year Poland and Estonia exceeded that requirement by spending 4.12% and 3.43% respectively on defence. The Estonian government has said defence spending will stay above 3 percent for the foreseeable future.

 

Here is a comparison between 2014 and 2024. Both Poland and Estonia has significantly increased their spending on defence.

Tommy Cash to represent Estonia at Eurovision

Tommy Cash won the Eesti Laul final last night with his song "Espresso Macchiato". This catchy and humorous song won an overwhelming majority of the vote – 83 percent – beating 15 other finalists. He will now go on to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, in May.

Photo flashback: Tallinn's Raekoja Plats in 1940

Head Valentinipäeva! Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is an old tradition dating back to the 14th century. It began as a Christian feast to celebrate the life of St. Valentine but has since grown into a day dedicated to love and romance. In Estonia, Valentine's Day was not celebrated during the Soviet occupation (many joyous celebrations were banned) but since the late 1980s, due to Finnish influence, Valentine's Day has emerged into a day of celebration not only between lovers but close friends too. Today in Estonia, Valentine's Day is also commonly known as Sõbrapäeva / Friendship Day and the overall essence of the day is to remember those people who are dear to us.

How people say the name 'John' across Europe

Historically,  the name "John" has been one of the most common men's names in Europe and the world. This map shows how Europeans say the name John in different languages.

Estonia successfully disconnects from Russia's electricity grid

Today is another historic day for Estonia and European integration. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have now disconnected from Russia’s IPS/UPS power grid system. The three countries are now operating independently in island mode before synchronising with the continental European grid tomorrow. Estonia has thoroughly prepared for this transition and has enough energy reserves before the new synchronisation begins. 

The connection of the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian power grids to the rest of continental Europe via Poland is scheduled to begin around 2 p.m on Sunday. The transition will have no impact on consumers, and all systems are stable and secure.

Joining the Continental European Power Grid is considered a milestone for Estonia, equally as important as joining NATO and the Schengen area.

105th anniversary of the signing of the Tartu Peace Treaty

On Saturday, Estonians celebrated the 105th anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty. On 2nd February 1920 the Tartu Peace Treaty was signed between Estonia and Soviet Russia thus ending the Estonian War of Independence.  In the treaty, Soviet Russia recognised the independence of the newly established democratic state of Estonia in perpetuity.

The Tartu Peace Treaty was signed in Tartu at Aia Street, House No. 35 by the Estonian members of the Constituent Assembly Jaan Poska, Ants Piip, Mait Püüman, Julius Seljamaa and Major-General Jaan Soots.

The document has also been called the birth certificate of the Republic of Estonia.

Today, the building where the Tartu Peace Treaty was signed is now the Tartu Jaan Poska Gymnasium. The building became a secondary school in 2011 and the room where the treaty was signed, known as the Peace Room, is located on the second floor of the schoolhouse.

 

Jaan Poska Gymnasium in Tartu

Estonian Niina Petrõkina is the new European Figure Skating Champion!

20-year-old Niina Petrõkina made history on Friday at the ISU European Figure Skating Championship in Tallinn. Petrõkina won the gold medal in the women's free skate final, making her the first Estonian to win this European title. Her stunning performance wowed the audience and made Estonia so proud! Congratulations!

 

 

Niina Petrõkina is also a three-time Estonian champion (2022, 2023, 2025) and six-time medalist in the ISU Grand Prix Series.