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
Europe Day

Lithuania Weekly: May 9th as a Propaganda Tool

May 5th - May 11th, 2025

Glorija Grevcova

Latvia Weekly: How a Fringe Party Leveraged Disinformation for Political Ascent

May 5th - May 11th, 2025

Narva

Estonia Weekly: Europe Day and Victory Day Clash in Narva

May 5th - May 11th, 2025

Lithuania Weekly: Kremlin-Aligned Media Targets Lithuanian Leadership

April 28th - May 4th, 2025

Glorija Grevcova

Latvia Weekly: The Rise of the Union of New Latvians

April 28th - May 4th, 2025

CCTV

Estonia Weekly: Debate Over Expanding Surveillance Infrastructure

April 28th - May 4th, 2025

Vilnius

Lithuania Weekly: Protest Against the Planned Real Estate Tax

April 14th - April 20th, 2025

Riga

Latvia Weekly: Weaponizing Identity and Language

April 21st - April 27th, 2025

Tallinn

Estonia Weekly: Status of the Orthodox Church Fuels Debate on Discrimination

April 21st - April 27th, 2025

Saeimas

Latvia Weekly: How Outrage Is Fueling a Populist Surge

April 14th - April 20th, 2025

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.