Estonia’s Ministry of Justice plans to submit a draft bill to expedite and make the handling of criminal cases more cost-effective, ERR reports. The proposed amendments aim to reduce delays in criminal proceedings by giving judges more control, such as preventing changes in defence attorneys to delay cases, separating civil claims from criminal cases, and…
Estonia’s incoming prime minister, Kristen Michal, said that the Estonian Reform Party would not propose reducing or repealing the tax-free income threshold during upcoming talks on forming a new coalition, ERR reports. Earlier, outgoing prime minister Kaja Kallas said that Reform had suggested lowering the basic income tax exemption, but that the party’s coalition partners…
A recent study reveals a significant increase in the occurrence of heat waves in the Baltic States, particularly Estonia, over the past 30 years, ERR reports. Using data from 40 weather stations in 1951-2021, the study assessed changes in heat waves using five common indices: Number, duration, total days, amplitude, and magnitude, showing a marked…
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, visited Estonia, where he met with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, ERR reports. The discussions focused on economic and business cooperation, regional security, and human rights. Also, the foreign ministries of the two countries signed a memorandum to facilitate regular consultations….
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has pledged not to comment on domestic politics if she is appointed as the EU’s foreign policy chief, ERR reports. She will be stepping down after over three years in office. Despite challenges and tensions within the ruling coalition during her tenure, Kallas acknowledged the honour of serving and expressed…
The Estonian Reform Party has proposed reducing the tax-free income threshold to boost government budget revenue, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas revealed, ERR reports. However, she said that Reform’s coalition partners, Estonia 200 and the Social Democratic Party (SDE), opposed the idea due to its potential adverse impact on low-income earners. Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets of…
Over 60% of Estonia’s population is prepared to defend the country, according to a poll conducted by Eesti Uuringukeskus for the Ministry of Defence, ERR reports. The survey shows that 81% support armed resistance in case of an attack. Support for military service is very high at 87%, for reserve forces at 86%, for NATO…
Estonia’s transmission system operator, Elering, plans to replace the damaged EstLink 2 undersea power cable by the end of August 2024, ERR reports. Preparatory work is ongoing, with the reserve cable sourced from Sweden. The power cable, which links Estonia and Finland, failed unexpectedly in January 2024. The fault was located at a complex point…
Estonia’s ruling coalition parties have agreed to introduce a new tax to fund national defence, ERR reports. Incoming prime minister Kristen Michal of the Estonian Reform Party stated that the tax would likely combine increases in VAT, income tax, and excise duties. The aim was to distribute the financial burden evenly across different societal groups,…