Opposition critical of government’s u-turn on wind energy support
Opposition politicians appearing on ETV politics panel show “Esimene stuudio” Wednesday were critical of the climate ministry’s change of heart on support for wind energy in Estonia. The ministry says it will be supporting offshore wind farm development to the tune of €200 million. A ministry-published plan last October statedContinue Reading
Finnish economy slipped into recession in late 2023
Finland’s GDP was down by 0.7 percent for the period of October through December from the previous quarter, reports Statistics Finland. Adjusted for working days, GDP was 1.8 percent lower during the final quarter of 2023 than a year earlier. For the whole of last year, GDP contracted by 1.0Continue Reading
Why Denmark’s PM thinks Europe’s left must be tougher on migration
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen tells that her tough migration stance is a pan-European vote-winner, while our trade correspondent previews this week’s World Trade Organization gathering. Mette ideas Europe’s Socialists are heading for losses in June’s European elections amid a rightwing surge. So what can they learn from Frederiksen, oneContinue Reading
Estonian Navy chief: Sweden brings powerful navy, submarine expertise to NATO
NATO’s ability to protect the Baltic Sea and underwater infrastructure will significantly increase when Sweden joins the alliance, said Commodore Jüri Saska, commander of the Estonian Navy on Monday. However, as cooperation is already close, it may not improve significantly. When Sweden becomes a NATO member, it will bring additionalContinue Reading
Norway Tightens Tourist Access to Svalbard to Save Arctic Wildlife
Norway Introduces New Rules for Svalbard Tourists Svalbard, located above the Arctic Circle, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, including polar bears and walruses. With the rise in tourism, Norway is taking steps to ensure the archipelago’s natural beauty and habitats remain intact. According to Breaking TravelContinue Reading
Estonian Colonel: Situation in Ukraine difficult and intense
Indirect fire is the main cause of casualties in Ukraine where the situation remains arduous, Col. Eero Rebo, head of the Defense League Headquarters, told Vikerraadio. “The situation on the front is difficult and intense. One indicator of the latter is the sides’ ability to fire shells. Artillery fire isContinue Reading
Hungarian premier announces new phase in ties with Sweden before vote on NATO bud
During a joint press conference with his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson on Friday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban emphasized that his country had embarked on a new phase of relations with Sweden. The announcement coincides with Budapest’s impending ratification of Stockholm’s protracted NATO bid. Hungary stands as the final memberContinue Reading
Kersti Kaljulaid: Europe’s defense spending needs to be 3 percent of GDP
Those European countries lagging behind on defense and security commitments should hike their domestic taxation to finance higher spending in this area, former president Kersti Kaljulaid says. Kaljulaid attended last weekend’s Munich Security Conference and appeared on ETV politics show “Esimene stuudio” Wednesday evening. “We have done surprisingly little,” sheContinue Reading
Europe is strengthening its security, but could not defend itself without US help
Europe is not ready to defend itself without the help of the United States, but European countries are making great efforts to strengthen their capabilities, Lithuania’s Ambassador to the European Union (EU) Arnoldas Pranckevičius says. “Could the EU today defend itself on its own if the EU-US partnership ends? MyContinue Reading
Estonia awards 1,016 mission medals to NATO troops
More than 1,000 troops from the UK, U.S., and France were given medals for serving with NATO forces in Estonia on Wednesday. Mission medals were presented to: the 1st Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers from the United Kingdom, the 1st Infantry Regiment (1er régiment d’infanterie) participating in Mission Lynx fromContinue Reading