Skip to content

Estonia

October 23rd - October 29th, 2023 | Week 8 | Month 2

Estonia Weekly: Language, Culture, and Geopolitical Tensions

This week, social media and news outlets in Estonia concentrated on educational policies, particularly the use of the Estonian language in schools with Russian-speaking students, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. There was notable attention given to a pro-Palestine demonstration in Tallinn. Discussions also touched upon the significance of Russian culture in Estonia and the potential EU enlargement to include Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, arguing from a financial standpoint that these changes would not benefit Estonia. The narratives conveyed a sense of threat to language rights, misinformation about the Middle East, doubts about the benefits of EU enlargement for Estonia, concerns over the state of freedom of speech and assembly, and a belief in the deep ties between Estonian and Russian cultures.​

by Olevs Nikers

Main narratives:

  • Concerns that Russian pupils are being led to believe the use of the Russian language within families may be restricted.
  • Allegations that information about the Middle East conflict, particularly regarding Palestinian actions, is misleading.
  • Beliefs that the potential expansion of the EU to include Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia is against Estonia’s interests.

Overview:

This week, social media and news outlets in Estonia concentrated on educational policies, particularly the use of the Estonian language in schools with Russian-speaking students, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. There was notable attention given to a pro-Palestine demonstration in Tallinn. Discussions also touched upon the significance of Russian culture in Estonia and the potential EU enlargement to include Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, arguing from a financial standpoint that these changes would not benefit Estonia. The narratives conveyed a sense of threat to language rights, misinformation about the Middle East, doubts about the benefits of EU enlargement for Estonia, concerns over the state of freedom of speech and assembly, and a belief in the deep ties between Estonian and Russian cultures.​

Weekly Reports
Petras Gražulis

Lithuania Weekly: Accelerating Election Campaign

September 9th - September 15th, 2024

Trump

Latvia Weekly: Opposition’s Support for Trump’s Presidential Campaign

September 9th - September 15th, 2024

School

Estonia Weekly: Claims of Russophobia and Russification

September 9th - September 15th, 2024

Lithuania Weekly: Belittling Living Conditions in Lithuania

September 2nd - September 8th, 2024

Latvia supports Ukraine

Latvia Weekly: COVID-19 Measures, LGBT Education, and Corruption Dominate Latvian Media Narratives

September 2nd - September 8th, 2024

School

Estonia Weekly: Accusations of Russophobia Take Center Stage

September 2nd - September 8th, 2024

Ingrida Šimonytė

Lithuania Weekly: Anti-Government Sentiments Targeting Conservatives

August 19th - August 25th, 2024

Rye bread

Latvia Weekly: Rye Bread Campaign Under Scrutiny

August 19th - August 25th, 2024

Tallinn

Estonia Weekly: Continued Anti-Governmental Sentiments

August 19th - August 25th, 2024

Gabrielius Landsbergis

Lithuania Weekly: Controversy Over Landsbergis Villa Purchase

August 12th - August 18th, 2024

Don't miss a story.

We publish stories that change laws, lives, minds and the world. Subscribe to our newsletter to get our investigations delivered to your inbox.