Politics & Society

The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) recently prepared and sent its questionnaire for the 2020 Presidential candidates to both the Trump and Biden campaigns.   The CEEC has been sending questionnaires on our issues of interest to candidates on a nonpartisan and fully inclusive basis since the 1996 Presidential...

On October 7th, the embassies of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and the Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) held their first meeting since the start of the pandemic.    Under normal circumstances, the embassies and JBANC meet three to four times annually to discuss upcoming events, policy and legislative priorities,...

While Congress enters its pre-election recess, the Estonian American National Council (EANC) will stay in touch with Congressional staffers to ensure issues important to Estonian Americans aren’t forgotten as the elections become the focus of attention.    EANC actively advocates with Congressional offices to express support for legislation that impacts...

On September 18th, the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) held a virtual policy discussion on the Kremlin's disinformation campaigns, Putin's recent attempts at revisionism, their role in the changing political landscape, and implications for upcoming elections.   Panelists explored effective counter-narratives to fight back on multiple levels, including in...

Ambassador Jonatan Vseviov and Alvar Soosaar. Photo by Estonian Embassy in Washington   In September, Alvar Soosaar began his term as Director of U.S. investment and Trade out of the Embassy in Washington, DC.   His naming came as part of the expansion of Estonia’s business diplomacy efforts in the...

  Statement by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.   The Foreign Ministers of the Nordic-Baltic 8 – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden – condemn in the strongest possible terms the usage of a chemical nerve agent of the Novichok group to poison...

More photos here.   Estonian Americans in several communities came out to show their support for the ongoing fight for democracy in Belarus. Socially-distanced, COVID-aware rallies have been held across the U.S. in recent weeks as outrage over disputed elections and demand for change continue in Minsk and beyond.  ...

Estonia's purchase last month of 92 Javelin missiles through the US European Command Assistance Program is an example of the kind of programs these bills fund. Source: Eesti Kaitsevägi/Estonian Defense Forces/mil.ee   The Estonian American National Council (EANC) is tracking several bills in process in Congress that include significant funding...

The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) sent a letter on July 15th to President Trump expressing concerns about his proposal to withdraw approximately 9000 U.S. servicemembers stationed in Germany. Copies were also sent to the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the chairmen and ranking members of...

EANC annual meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida. All photos by Ülle Ederma   In conjunction with its annual meeting, the Estonian American National Council held a well-attended public forum in St. Petersburg, Florida on 11-12 November. The program included panel discussions and a keynote address by Estonian Ambassador Lauri Lepik....