One hundred years ago, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe declared their independence amid collapsing empires. But that independence was short-lived as Eastern Europe was consumed by the Nazi and Soviet empires.

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Published: November 13 2018

The case of the Rutto family from Abkhazia, who lost their claim to Estonian citizenship following a recent Supreme Court ruling, has brought the issue of Estonian citizenship back into the media. Though the Rutto case concerns the matter of citizenship by birth, reactions have included other aspects as well, demonstrating once again how confusing the provisions of Estonia's Citizenship Act can be. What follows is an attempt to untangle things, strictly following the law: an overview of Estonian citizenship, who is entitled to it, who cannot lose it, who can, and why. 

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Published: November 13 2018

Thanks to the generous grant provided by the Estonian American Fund, the School of Law of the University of Tartu has been able to develop its international law program considerably. We are now much more visible in the field of international law and have become the focal point for international law-related academic activities in the Baltic States, particularly in Estonia. 

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Published: November 04 2018

Erika Jakobson (center) celebrating her Estonian heritage. An attendee at the Song Festival in Tallinn, Estonia in 2014, Erika and her family were moved by the power of song and generations of pride that continue to inspire her today. Photo: Markus Jakobson

A wave of joy rushed over me as I stood watching the choir of 30,000 fellow Estonians singing to celebrate our history. Being surrounded by people with so much pride for their country made me  realize why my dad had so much love for Estonia. He was among many people crying at Laulupidu (2014), as he heard songs that echoed independence fill the air, while he danced and waved the Estonian flag.

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Published: November 04 2018

Captive Nations Week demonstration in New York, July 1977. Photo courtesy of the Estonian Archives in the U.S.)

As the newly-elected council takes their seats in November for the next four-year term, it seems like a good time to review how the Estonian American National Council (EANC) came about and some of its political accomplishments over the decades.

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Published: November 02 2018

Baltic Unity Day at New Jersey Latvian-American Cultural Center "Priedaine" was held on Saturday, October 13, 2018. 

In honour of this occasion remarks by Guest of Honors: Latvian Ambassador to United States H.E. Andris Treikmanis, Consul General of Estonia Hon. Kairi Künka, Prov Consul General of Lithuania Hon. Gitana Skripkaité and Representative of Estonian American National Counsil Mr. Andres Simonson.

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Published: November 01 2018

This low-tech jalg/ratta/hoidja (bicycle rack) in central Saaremaa, fashioned out of a palk (log) can accomodate rattad (bikes, literally "wheels"; jalg/ratas = "leg wheel"), as well as large aed/viljad ("garden crop/fruit", i.e. fruits and vegetables) awaiting transport. Perhaps the smaller one of these two kõrvitsad (pumpkins) could fit in your ratta/korv (bike basket). And then, when you get home, the traditional place to store them is high up on top of a shelf, cupboard or wardrobe, believe it or not. The sparkling, sweet, orange cubes of marineeritud kõrvitsa/salat have been a classic Estonian Christmas salad for generations.

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Published: November 01 2018

Six Estonian institutions and the city of Tallinn will open the International House of Estonia by the end of 2018 in the capital’s Ülemiste City area – the idea is to help expat specialists with information and services in one place.

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Published: October 26 2018