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Site URL: news.err.ee
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Enrolment low as Ida-Viru Vocational Education Center focuses on language transition
Published: January 16, 2026 17:56
Enrolment numbers on courses at the Ida-Viru Vocational Education Center were much lower than anticipated this winter. The center, which operates in Narva, Sillamäe and Jõhvi, is focusing on facilitating the transition to using Estonian as the only…
US filmmaker's documentary about Ukrainian artists in Estonia showing in Tartu
Published: January 16, 2026 17:47
U.S. filmmaker Parker Watt's documentary about Ukrainian artists in Estonia is being shown in a special one-off free screening in Tartu this January.
EDF intelligence chief: Russia increasingly targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure
Published: January 16, 2026 17:40
While Russia is attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure more intensively with drones and missiles, Russian units are now advancing more slowly than at the end of last year said Col. Ants Kiviselg, head of the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) Intelligence…
Watch live: Estonia's Niina Petrõkina going for gold at European Figure Skating Championships
Published: January 16, 2026 17:12
Estonia's Niina Petrõkina is in action at the European Figure Skating Championships in Sheffield on Friday evening. Watch the women's free skate program live on ETV2 via the links in this article from 8 p.m.
PM criticizes Ukrainian flags poll as attempt to influence public opinion
Published: January 16, 2026 16:30
Prime Minister Kristen Michal has criticized the results of a poll showing over half of Estonians believe Ukrainian flags should no longer be displayed on Estonian public buildings. Michal said the survey may be an attempt to influence public opinion and…
Microsoft to pay Estonian media for content used in AI-powered search engine
Published: January 16, 2026 15:51
Under a new deal with a Baltic media collective, Microsoft will begin paying member Estonian news outlets for content used in its AI-powered search engine Bing.
Limited Estonian skills could soon mean extended conscription service
https://news.err.ee/1609913110/limited-estonian-skills-could-soon-mean-extended-conscription-service
Published: January 16, 2026 15:13
The Riigikogu's National Defense Committee is weighing whether to extend conscription for those who enter service without sufficient proficiency in Estonian.
Minister: Estonian soldiers will not go to Greenland to fight Americans
Published: January 16, 2026 14:43
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur (Reform) said that Estonian Defense Forces personnel will go to Greenland to show Denmark is capable of ensuring the Arctic island's security against threats, not to defend it from the U.S.
Gallery: Iranians in Estonia rally in support of protests in front of US embassy
Published: January 16, 2026 14:39
Estonia's Iranian community held a demonstration on Friday in support of people taking part in a wave of deadly protests across Iran and to call on the international community to take action.
State, resources center differ on target level of crisis reserves needed
Published: January 16, 2026 14:18
While Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications Erkki Keldo (Reform) agreed with criticism arising from a recent audit on the national stockpiling center (EVK), the center says warnings were ignored.
Watch live: European Figure Skating Championships continue in Sheffield
Published: January 16, 2026 14:07
Live coverage of the European Figure Skating Championships in Sheffield continues on ETV+ at 4 p.m. on Friday via the links in this article.
Security services expel Russian citizen for 'security reasons'
https://news.err.ee/1609913116/security-services-expel-russian-citizen-for-security-reasons
Published: January 16, 2026 13:45
Estonia's Internal Security Service (ISS/KAPO) on Friday said it expelled a Russian citizen and army serviceman for security reasons and handed him a Schengen visa ban.
'Do not park here, if you value your teeth' — Tallinn parking frustration turns nasty
Published: January 16, 2026 13:10
Scarce parking spaces in the wintry conditions have prompted one Tallinn driver to "book" a space with a message appearing to make a threat, Maaleht reported.
Coach: You can still run this winter, but adequate kit needed
https://news.err.ee/1609912960/coach-you-can-still-run-this-winter-but-adequate-kit-needed
Published: January 16, 2026 11:20
The sub-zero temperatures experienced since the turn of the year need not spell an end to running, for those that do, but precautions need to be taken, one expert said.
Underground Estonian church movement drew pilgrims from across the USSR — and KGB scrutiny
Published: January 16, 2026 10:52
St. Olaf's Church has been a Tallinn landmark for centuries. In the 1970s, reports of miracles drew pilgrims from across the Soviet Union — and the eye of the KGB next door.
Tartu hospital introduces emergency department visit fee for children
https://news.err.ee/1609913017/tartu-hospital-introduces-emergency-department-visit-fee-for-children
Published: January 16, 2026 10:25
Starting in January, children and young people will be required to pay a €5 visit fee for emergency care at Tartu University Hospital (Tartu Ülikooli kliinikum) after changes to the city's healthcare reimbursement policy.
State app's identity verification function struggles to attract users
https://news.err.ee/1609912855/state-app-s-identity-verification-function-struggles-to-attract-users
Published: January 16, 2026 09:13
An identification verification feature added to the state Eesti.ee app last year has so far seen little uptake.
Substantial changes to presidential election system will be made in future
Published: January 16, 2026 08:54
Substantial changes to the way presidents are elected will be decided upon by future members of the Riigikogu, MPs have decided.
Tree-ring dating upends record for Estonia's oldest door
https://news.err.ee/1609912795/tree-ring-dating-upends-record-for-estonia-s-oldest-door
Published: January 16, 2026 08:31
Researchers say a 14th-century wooden door tucked inside a medieval chapel in Tallinn is Estonia's oldest, predating the previous record holder by more than a decade.
Hiiumaa farm's entire poultry stock to be culled after avian flu outbreak
Published: January 16, 2026 07:36
Dozens of poultry of various species are to be culled in an effort to confine the avian influenza outbreak found on a Hiiumaa farm.
Harri Tiido: The Sinicization of Siberia
https://news.err.ee/1609911775/harri-tiido-the-sinicization-of-siberia
Published: January 16, 2026 07:26
For some time now, China has been quietly making inroads into Russia's Far Eastern territories, Harri Tiido notes.
Gambling operators voluntarily paying tax may prove difficult
https://news.err.ee/1609912801/gambling-operators-voluntarily-paying-tax-may-prove-difficult
Published: January 16, 2026 07:21
It is unclear whether gambling companies will be able to voluntarily pay tax after the Riigikogu inadvertently passed a law exempting operators from tax.
Cryptocurrency services now required to make tax authority declarations
Published: January 16, 2026 07:04
The government has approved legal amendments which will require crypto asset service providers to submit transaction data reports to the Estonian tax authority, the MTA.
Government not ruling out keeping free rural buses for pensioners and children
Published: January 15, 2026 17:56
The Estonian government hopes to save up to €25 million over four years via the proposed public transport reform. Most of the money would come from reorganizing the route network, including the closure of some rural bus lines.
Justice chancellor: Laws should be understandable for everyone
https://news.err.ee/1609912324/justice-chancellor-laws-should-be-understandable-for-everyone
Published: January 15, 2026 17:48
In light of the recent error in the Gambling Tax Act, Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise believes too many confusing draft bills are submitted to the Riigikogu. In her view, the solution is to establish clearer guidelines so laws are understandable to…
Tallinn City Council elects new committee chairs and deputies on Thursday
Published: January 15, 2026 17:11
At the Tallinn City Council meeting on Thursday, January 15, chairs and deputy chairs deputy were elected for four of the capital's different committees.
Defense committee removes B1 Estonian requirement for conscripts from draft bill
Published: January 15, 2026 16:33
The Riigikogu's National Defense Committee has removed the provision from a draft bill requiring EDF conscripts to have B1-level Estonian for EDF, opting instead to initiate a separate bill to achieve that same aim.
PM: Estonia spent almost 1% of GDP on ammunition in 2025
https://news.err.ee/1609911757/pm-estonia-spent-almost-1-of-gdp-on-ammunition-in-2025
Published: January 15, 2026 15:50
Estonia's defense spending has increased considerably, with almost 1 percent of GDP going on ammunition last year, according to Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform).
Price of Estonian butter to start falling soon
https://news.err.ee/1609911751/price-of-estonian-butter-to-start-falling-soon
Published: January 15, 2026 15:17
A drop in global milk prices is currently only reflected in cheaper Lithuanian butter in Estonia, but Estonian butter and cheese prices are also set to fall soon.
Dentist disappears leaving dozens of customers who prepaid in the lurch
Published: January 15, 2026 14:46
Last week, police received a fraud report against Dr. Sven Kalle, alleging the once-popular dentist took advance payments from dozens of patients before disappearing and leaving treatments unfinished. The complaint was signed by 57 people, though the…
Watch live: Estonia's Selevko brothers at European Figure Skating Championships
Published: January 15, 2026 14:38
Sports fans can watch Estonian brothers Aleksander and Mihhail Selevko in the short program at the European Figure Skating Championships in Sheffield live on ETV+ via the links in this article from 4.45 p.m.
Extra-bright bolide meteor seen over Estonia, Latvia
https://news.err.ee/1609911673/extra-bright-bolide-meteor-seen-over-estonia-latvia
Published: January 15, 2026 14:09
People in Estonia and Latvia whose eyes were on the skies Wednesday evening were treated to the rare but brilliant sight of a bolide meteor.
Estonia calls for Europe to introduce Schengen ban for Russian veterans
Published: January 15, 2026 13:50
Estonia's government is calling on the European Union to follow in its footsteps and introduce a Schengen area visa ban for hundreds of thousands of Russian combatants who fought in the war against Ukraine.
TV mast which first brought television to Estonia's islands turns 60
https://news.err.ee/1609911424/tv-mast-which-first-brought-television-to-estonia-s-islands-turns-60
Published: January 15, 2026 13:35
An iconic and still functioning TV mast on Saaremaa recently turned 60.
Estonians' support for EU membership lowest in recent years
https://news.err.ee/1609911724/estonians-support-for-eu-membership-lowest-in-recent-years
Published: January 15, 2026 13:35
Support for Estonia's EU membership is at a two-year low, while trust in several national institutions is rising, a Government Office-commissioned survey shows.
Estonian skier used cocaine undetected before final race of career
https://news.err.ee/1609911667/estonian-skier-used-cocaine-undetected-before-final-race-of-career
Published: January 15, 2026 13:12
Due to a system error, an Estonian skier's use of cocaine ahead of a competition went undetected until after he had retired, Delfi Sport wrote.
Years-long renovation of historic Tallinn barracks nearing completion
https://news.err.ee/1609911490/years-long-renovation-of-historic-tallinn-barracks-nearing-completion
Published: January 15, 2026 12:42
Work to renovate a historic Tallinn barracks complex has long been ongoing, with most finished, while the remaining projects are just getting underway.
Auvere Power Plant to take weeks to repair
https://news.err.ee/1609911433/auvere-power-plant-to-take-weeks-to-repair
Published: January 15, 2026 12:09
Eesti Energia's oil shale-fired Auvere Power Plant is expected to resume operations by February 10 following a forced shutdown in early January.
What exciting celestial phenomena are in store for 2026?
https://news.err.ee/1609911445/what-exciting-celestial-phenomena-are-in-store-for-2026
Published: January 15, 2026 11:37
Last year, astronomy enthusiasts in Estonia had the chance to witness both a total lunar eclipse and the northern lights in the night sky. But what celestial events can we look forward to this year? Mario Mars, astronomer and program director at the…
Customs official: Souvenirs made from endangered animals cannot be brought to Estonia
Published: January 15, 2026 11:06
A rare 500-million-year-old trilobite fossil was seized at the border after customs officials found it hidden in a cracked stone in a traveler's suitcase.
Estonia prepared to send troops to Greenland military exercises if requested
Published: January 15, 2026 10:50
Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform) said Estonia is contributing to the planning of the joint European military exercise in Greenland and would send military personnel if a request is received from Denmark.
Traffic ticket revenue jumps 50 percent in 2025
https://news.err.ee/1609911373/traffic-ticket-revenue-jumps-50-percent-in-2025
Published: January 15, 2026 10:31
Traffic ticket revenue in Estonia jumped 50 percent last year as higher fines and more violations drove collections.
Thesis: People move to the countryside for the environment and community, not services
Published: January 15, 2026 09:54
People move to the countryside for its environment and community — not for jobs or municipal services, a new doctoral dissertation from the University of Tartu shows.
First munitions plant in close to a century opens in Estonia
https://news.err.ee/1609911361/first-munitions-plant-in-close-to-a-century-opens-in-estonia
Published: January 15, 2026 09:51
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Tuesday to mark the official opening of an explosives plant at the new Ämari defense industry park.
Narva pilots program to curb falls among elderly residents
https://news.err.ee/1609911232/narva-pilots-program-to-curb-falls-among-elderly-residents
Published: January 15, 2026 09:12
Narva is launching a pilot program to reduce falls among seniors living alone, pairing a new home safety specialist with stronger prevention and response.
Poll: 52% think flying Ukraine flag from public buildings is not necessary
Published: January 15, 2026 09:00
More than half of Estonian citizens do not consider it necessary to permanently display the Ukrainian flag on public buildings, a new poll shows.
Telecoms companies split on bill to make changing suppliers quicker
https://news.err.ee/1609911280/telecoms-companies-split-on-bill-to-make-changing-suppliers-quicker
Published: January 15, 2026 08:46
Estonia's three main mobile phone service providers are split on a proposed new law which would make switching suppliers quicker and easier.
Man found dead on ferry attacked woman in Tallinn on same day
https://news.err.ee/1609911268/man-found-dead-on-ferry-attacked-woman-in-tallinn-on-same-day
Published: January 15, 2026 07:51
A man found deceased on a Tallinn-Helsinki ferry Tuesday was found to have been the same individual who earlier that day had attacked a woman in Kalamaja, Delfi reported.
Expert: Estonia has five years to turn population decline around
https://news.err.ee/1609910851/expert-estonia-has-five-years-to-turn-population-decline-around
Published: January 15, 2026 07:24
Bigbank chief economist Raul Eamets warns that falling birth rates threaten Estonia's security and cultural survival even more than its economic future.
Arnis Paršovs: Banks fail to implement measures against Smart-ID phishing
Published: January 15, 2026 06:52
Over the past six years, Estonians have lost millions to Smart-ID phishing scams. While victims are often blamed for being careless, the real problem lies in the design choices made by banks and the Smart-ID system.
Tallinn City Government pulls plug on several green turn-related projects
Published: January 14, 2026 17:55
Tallinn City Government is discontinuing several projects related to the green turn and is also downsizing its sustainability department. Opposition members and environmental experts believe the move will harm the environment and cost the city millions.
Fotografiska Tallinn opens exhibition in European Capital of Culture 2026 Oulu
Published: January 14, 2026 17:50
Visitors to the 2026 European Capital of Culture Oulu will have chance to see the group photography exhibition "PLAY" by Fotografiska Tallinn.
Classic Estonian movie 'Dead Mountaineer's Hotel' selected for Berlin Film Festival
Published: January 14, 2026 17:40
Grigori Kromanov's 1979 movie "Dead Mountaineer's Hotel" has become only the second Estonian picture ever to be selected in the Berlinale Classics program at the Berlin Film Festival.
Documentary about Eurovison stars Puuluup to premiere at DocPoint Tallinn
Published: January 14, 2026 17:10
Director Taavi Arus' new feature-length documentary about Estonian Eurovision stars Puuluup will be screened as the opening film at the 2026 DocPoint Tallinn film festival on February 3.
Estonia's FM slams idea of EU-Russia envoy as 'dangerous'
https://news.err.ee/1609910899/estonia-s-fm-slams-idea-of-eu-russia-envoy-as-dangerous
Published: January 14, 2026 16:54
Estonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200) called the reported creation of an EU-Russia envoy "dangerous" and denied that plans exist for such a role.
South Estonian hospital sees influx of foreigners after Cyprus handball team accident
Published: January 14, 2026 16:31
Põlva Hospital in South Estonia admitted what is thought to be the largest number of foreign nationals at any one time, following an accident involving a bus carrying the Cyprus national handball team, Lõuna Postimees reported.
Estonia's security service expels student 'supporters' of Hezbollah and Iran's regime
Published: January 14, 2026 15:53
Estonia's Internal Security Service (ISS/KAPO) on Wednesday said it had expelled two students it claimed were supporters of Hezbollah and Iran's Islamic Republic regime from India and Pakistan.
Debt collectors and banks have different expectations for new credit register
Published: January 14, 2026 15:28
Banks want Estonia's new credit registry to include debts sold to collection agencies, but the industry resists, prompting renewed debate in the Riigikogu.
Tallinn's longest-running night club to close for good
https://news.err.ee/1609910614/tallinn-s-longest-running-night-club-to-close-for-good
Published: January 14, 2026 15:03
Legendary Tallinn nightclub Café Amigo is to shut its doors after over 30 years in the business, with management citing high costs and falling attendances.
Watch live: 2026 European Figure Skating Championships from Sheffield
https://news.err.ee/1609910797/watch-live-2026-european-figure-skating-championships-from-sheffield
Published: January 14, 2026 14:36
The European Figure Skating Championships from Sheffield begin on Wednesday at 4.50 p.m. Sports fans can catch all the action live via the links in this article, including Estonian star Niina Petrõkina's bid to retain the European title.
Estonia planning to destroy all raccoon dogs on Hiiumaa island
https://news.err.ee/1609910260/estonia-planning-to-destroy-all-raccoon-dogs-on-hiiumaa-island
Published: January 14, 2026 14:34
The Ministry of Climate is testing targeted control of small predator populations in protected areas to boost ground-nesting bird breeding success, writes Eesti Ekspress.
US sports channel ESPN puts Estonian basketball player 26th in mock NBA draft
Published: January 14, 2026 13:48
Flagship sports channel ESPN has placed Estonian center Henri Veesaar 26th in its NBA mock draft.
e-Governance Academy: EU's aid to Cuba is the result of geopolitical struggle
Published: January 14, 2026 13:44
Chairman of the board of the e-Governance Academy Hannes Astok justified the need to help Cuba with its digitalization arguing that if the EU does not provide aid China, Russia, or someone else will.
Daniil Glinka out of Australian Open after losing round two qualifier
https://news.err.ee/1609910539/daniil-glinka-out-of-australian-open-after-losing-round-two-qualifier
Published: January 14, 2026 12:59
Estonian tennis player Daniil Glinka saw his run at the Australian Open come to an end in the second round of qualifying after losing 6:3, 6:0 to French player Luca van Assche.
Former justice chancellor: Gambling tax incident result of systemic mistake
Published: January 14, 2026 12:14
A recent legislative mishap that inadvertently abolished taxation of online casinos is evidence of a systemic error in legislative drafting, Allar Jõks finds.
Estonian prime minister recommends parliament use AI to check bills
https://news.err.ee/1609910593/estonian-prime-minister-recommends-parliament-use-ai-to-check-bills
Published: January 14, 2026 11:34
Prime Minister Kristen Michal urges the Riigikogu to adopt AI in lawmaking after a Gambling Tax Act error went unnoticed, dropping online casinos' tax burden.
New UK ambassador to Estonia appointed
https://news.err.ee/1609910125/new-uk-ambassador-to-estonia-appointed
Published: January 14, 2026 10:46
Jo Lomas has been appointed the United Kingdom's ambassador to Estonia, the British Foreign Office has announced.
Riigikogu to introduce new bill to amend exempting online casinos from tax
Published: January 14, 2026 10:15
The Riigikogu has decided to introduce a bill to quickly fix a legislative mistake that would have slashed culture and sports funding.
ERR in Ukraine: Sloviansk residents are no '5th column' awaiting Russian arrival
Published: January 14, 2026 10:10
The eastern Ukrainian town of Sloviansk briefly came under Russian occupation during the "shadow war" in 2014, before Ukrainian forces liberated it. Now, the enemy is again approaching the city.
Ice roads will not open this year, says Transport Administration
https://news.err.ee/1609910554/ice-roads-will-not-open-this-year-says-transport-administration
Published: January 14, 2026 10:05
There are no plans to open ice roads over the frozen sea between Estonia's islands and the mainland this year, despite the continuing cold snap, said the Transport Administration.
Estonia completes 110km of control line on eastern border
https://news.err.ee/1609910257/estonia-completes-110km-of-control-line-on-eastern-border
Published: January 14, 2026 09:36
More than 100 kilometers of the fence on Estonia's 135-kilometer-long land border with Russia have been completed, and the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) is now looking to install barriers on the water as well.
3 youths charged in 'torturous' murder of special needs man
https://news.err.ee/1609910212/3-youths-charged-in-torturous-murder-of-special-needs-man
Published: January 14, 2026 09:31
The Prosecutor's Office has charged three youths with the murder last fall of a 42-year-old man with special needs in Raasiku, near Tallinn.
ADHD diagnoses more than triple in 5 years
https://news.err.ee/1609910224/adhd-diagnoses-more-than-triple-in-5-years
Published: January 14, 2026 08:50
The number of ADHD diagnoses in Estonia has surged in recent years, from nearly 3,500 in 2020 to over 12,800 in 2024, driving up medication costs.
Tallinn-Helsinki ferry fatality being investigated as murder
https://news.err.ee/1609910200/tallinn-helsinki-ferry-fatality-being-investigated-as-murder
Published: January 14, 2026 08:21
Finnish police are investigating a possible homicide after a person fell from the vehicle deck of a Tallinn-Helsinki ferry, Delfi reported.
Estonia and Finland agree to streamline prison procedures
https://news.err.ee/1609910137/estonia-and-finland-agree-to-streamline-prison-procedures
Published: January 14, 2026 07:45
Finland and Estonia are planning to increase prison cooperation and remove hurdles to prisoner transfers, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.
Harri Tiido: The privatization of diplomacy
https://news.err.ee/1609909687/harri-tiido-the-privatization-of-diplomacy
Published: January 14, 2026 07:13
This time, Harri Tiido's focus is on international law and deal-based diplomacy. Donald Trump has used his position for significant personal enrichment and to him, international relations are just business deals, Tiido notes.
Estonia's population fell by over 7,000 in 2025
https://news.err.ee/1609910107/estonia-s-population-fell-by-over-7-000-in-2025
Published: January 14, 2026 07:03
Estonia's population was at the start of this year 7,041 lower than a year ago, preliminary data from Statistics Estonia shows.
'Dreaming' drunk driver flees police to dodge breathalyzer test
https://news.err.ee/1609909612/dreaming-drunk-driver-flees-police-to-dodge-breathalyzer-test
Published: January 14, 2026 05:46
A driver repeatedly caught driving while drunk claimed to be "dreaming" after fleeing police on Saturday night in central Estonia and was only stopped after an officer punctured his tires, newspaper Sakala reported.
Gallery: Nominees announced for Estonia's Press Photo of the Year awards
Published: January 13, 2026 17:56
On Tuesday, the nominees for Estonia's best press photos of 2025 were announced. The winners of the awards will be revealed in February.
Switching mobile phone providers will take 15 minutes under new plans
https://news.err.ee/1609909564/switching-mobile-phone-providers-will-take-15-minutes-under-new-plans
Published: January 13, 2026 17:35
From autumn, switching mobile phone providers could take just 15 minutes, under new Ministry of Justice plans aimed at curbing anti-competitive practices.
PM: Public transport reform not at expense of pensioners and children
https://news.err.ee/1609909759/pm-public-transport-reform-not-at-expense-of-pensioners-and-children
Published: January 13, 2026 17:30
Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform) said the public are unlikely to support introducing €20-a-month passes for children and pensioners to use rural buses. However, a minimal charge could be brought in to get a better overview of public transport use.
Estonian customs officers seize 130,000 contraband Belarusian cigarettes
Published: January 13, 2026 17:00
In December, customs officers in Estonian coastal city Pärnu seized a consignment of 130,000 Belarusian contraband cigarettes.
Israeli citizen gets into hot water for trying to bring samovar to Estonia
Published: January 13, 2026 16:19
Last week, an Israeli citizen got into hot water after attempting to bring a samovar across the border from Russia into Estonia.
Estonian PM: Culture and sports shouldn't lose out over gambling law fumble
Published: January 13, 2026 15:42
Culture and sports should not miss out on funding because of a drafting error left in last year's gambling tax amendments, Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform) said Tuesday.
Külli Taro: Of the Riigikogu, presidential election and Constitution
https://news.err.ee/1609909603/kulli-taro-of-the-riigikogu-presidential-election-and-constitution
Published: January 13, 2026 15:10
While the Riigikogu can, of course, work on improving the presidential election procedure, attention should also be paid to the nearly 80 other draft bills still pending, Külli Taro notes in her daily commentary on Vikerraadio.
Satire: The king and the clerical error
https://news.err.ee/1609909663/satire-the-king-and-the-clerical-error
Published: January 13, 2026 14:42
Far, far away lay a kingdom that had enjoyed years of harmony with all its neighbors. The peaceful era ended with a breathless messenger bursting into the throne room, breaking all protocol.
Police launch investigation into SDE leader's use of expenses benefits
Published: January 13, 2026 14:02
The Central Criminal Police has launched a criminal investigation into possible misuse of expense allowances by Lauri Läänemets, SDE chair and MP.
MEP: Center wants more Estonian voters and a return to normal politics
https://news.err.ee/1609907269/mep-center-wants-more-estonian-voters-and-a-return-to-normal-politics
Published: January 13, 2026 13:59
MEP and Center Party deputy chair Jaak Madison said he would leave Brussels if the Center Party joins Estonia's next governing coalition. Madison also spoke about the party's worldview and recent shifts within the European Parliament.
Finance minister, Eesti 200 MP blame officials for online casino tax mixup
Published: January 13, 2026 13:34
A drafting error left Estonia's online casinos untaxed for 2026, drawing sharp criticism from Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi (Reform) and lead lawmaker Tanel Tein (Eesti 200).
Expert: Further violent incidents involving US ICE likely, due to lack of training
Published: January 13, 2026 12:58
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is currently tasked with duties it lacks training for, expert Andreas Kaju said.
City government cancels designs for new Tallinn hospital
https://news.err.ee/1609909507/city-government-cancels-designs-for-new-tallinn-hospital
Published: January 13, 2026 12:28
Tallinn City Government has agreed to suspend the design of the new Tallinn hospital complex, for which the city had allocated €30 million over four years, due to uncertainty about funding of the facility.
Anti-corruption committee sends SDE chairman's expenses to authorities for review
Published: January 13, 2026 12:00
The Riigikogu's Anti-Corruption Select Committee has sent documents to investigators involving flagged language editing service expenses filed by MP Lauri Läänemets (SDE).
Ministry official apologizes for 'regrettable mistake' in gambling tax act
Published: January 13, 2026 11:57
Deputy Secretary General for Financial and Tax Policy at the Ministry of Finance Evelyn Liivamägi apologized for an error in the Gambling Tax Act that will leave online casinos tax-exempt in 2026.
Estonia will call on EU to review Cuba policy, foreign minister says
https://news.err.ee/1609909459/estonia-will-call-on-eu-to-review-cuba-policy-foreign-minister-says
Published: January 13, 2026 11:29
Estonia will propose that the European Union step up pressure on Cuba and review its current policies, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200) on Tuesday.
Estonia holds UNICEF's 2026 presidency
https://news.err.ee/1609909339/estonia-holds-unicef-s-2026-presidency
Published: January 13, 2026 11:11
Estonia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Rein Tammsaar, has been elected President of the Executive Board of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Golfer Richard Teder triumphs at the Turkish Amateur Open
https://news.err.ee/1609909312/golfer-richard-teder-triumphs-at-the-turkish-amateur-open
Published: January 13, 2026 10:32
Estonian national team golfer Richard Teder won the Turkish Amateur Open held near Antalya over the weekend.
Estonia takes the stage in first Eurovision semifinal May 12
https://news.err.ee/1609909270/estonia-takes-the-stage-in-first-eurovision-semifinal-may-12
Published: January 13, 2026 09:56
The semifinal lineups for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest were announced in Vienna on Monday, confirming Estonia will take the stage in the first semifinal on May 12.
Insurance association wants tax-free cap on employee health benefits tripled
Published: January 13, 2026 09:23
With healthcare costs outpacing coverage, the Estonian Insurance Association is urging the government to triple the current tax-free cap on employer-paid health benefits.
Warning signs installed at Ida-Viru beauty spot after near-catastrophic ice fall
Published: January 13, 2026 08:49
Authorities have added warning signs at the site of a frozen Ida-Viru County waterfall after visitors had a near miss at the weekend when a large chunk of ice broke off.
MP: Estonia should raise the issue of supporting Cuba at EU level
https://news.err.ee/1609909252/mp-estonia-should-raise-the-issue-of-supporting-cuba-at-eu-level
Published: January 13, 2026 08:22
A plan to use €441,000 in EU funds to provide digital equipment to communist Cuba sparked debate in the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee on Monday.
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