Reports
Estonia Monthly: Yana Toom on the Estonian ban on issuing visas to Russian citizens
The Estonian social media and web-based media actors during the reporting month predominantly were still focused on the Estonian/Russian language policy issues, human rights issues, democracy and trust towards elected officials, war in Ukraine, terrorist crisis in Israel as well as the international security situation in general. Accordingly, the main narratives that were spread over the social media were the following:
Read more
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.
Read more
Estonia Weekly: Security, Policy Critiques, and Global Politics
The week's social media activity in Estonia centered on both global and national political issues. Security challenges, such as threats to the physical safety of Estonian schools, were a primary concern, with public discourse questioning potential links to Russian propaganda. The newly adopted vehicle taxation policy sparked varied reactions among citizens. Trade relations with South Korea and the European trade sphere were discussed as potential opportunities for Estonia. Many posts also addressed the situation in Israel. The predominant narratives cast doubts on the competence of national security services and politicians, criticized US foreign policy, and suggested that the Estonian government is not acting in the best interest of its people.
Read more
Estonia Weekly: Free Speech, Conflict Comparisons, and U.S. Embassy Concerns
Estonian social media this week focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, freedom of speech issues, and the victimization of hate speech crime offenders. Additionally, there was skepticism about American activities in Estonia, particularly regarding the construction of a new U.S. Embassy in Tallinn. The narratives suggested that Israel's actions against Hamas are analogous to Russia's actions in Ukraine, that suppressing disinformation infringes on free speech rights, and that hate speech offenders are being unjustly victimized. The embassy construction is seen as harmful to the interests of Estonians and Tallinn residents.
Read moreShowing 105 to 108 of 114 results
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.