Several European Union member states, with strong backing from Estonia, are pushing for significant amendments to EU legislation to impose stricter limits on cross-border imports of tobacco and alcohol. The initiative, primarily aimed at curbing illicit trade and safeguarding national public health policies, seeks to revise existing rules governing personal use imports within the single market.
Estonia, alongside several other EU member states, is advocating for amendments to existing legislation to introduce stricter limits on cross-border tobacco and alcohol imports. The initiative, primarily driven by Denmark, aims to combat illicit trade, recover lost tax revenues, and bolster public health policies across the European Union.
Several EU member states, with strong backing from Estonia, are advocating for stricter limits on cross-border personal imports of tobacco and alcohol. This initiative aims to curb illicit trade, which results in significant tax revenue losses for governments and undermines public health efforts. The proposals involve amending Article 32 of the Excise Duty Directive.
Several EU member states, led by Denmark and supported by Estonia, are advocating for stricter limits on cross-border tobacco and alcohol imports. The move aims to combat illicit trade, address public health concerns, and prevent revenue loss by amending Article 32 of the Excise Duty Directive.
Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, has approved a phased reduction of the online gambling tax, lowering it from 6% to 4% by 2028. This strategic move aims to modernize the country's gaming framework, enhance transparency, and attract international online gambling operators, positioning Estonia as a competitive hub in the European iGaming market.
Estonia is significantly enhancing its defense industry by launching a €100 million defense fund, establishing industrial parks for arms manufacturers, and committing to raise its defense spending to an average of 5.4% of GDP by 2029. These strategic moves leverage Estonia's startup ecosystem to foster innovation and strengthen national security amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.
Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, has voted to reduce the online gambling tax from 6% to 4% over two years. This phased reduction aims to modernize the country's gaming framework, enhance transparency, and attract international iGaming operators, despite concerns over potential impacts on cultural funding and regulatory oversight.
Estonia has delayed the start of bunker construction along its border with Russia, a key component of the Baltic Defense Belt. Originally slated for early 2025, the installation of the first five facilities is now anticipated in December, with the full project expected to conclude by late 2027. The delay is attributed to the need for landowner agreements and extended design phases. The fortifications are designed to withstand 152mm artillery strikes and are part of a broader defensive strategy against potential threats.
NATO successfully concluded its largest annual cyber defense exercise, Cyber Coalition 2025, in Tallinn, Estonia. The week-long event, involving over 1,300 participants from 29 NATO Allies and 7 partner nations, focused on defending critical infrastructure against complex cyberattacks and enhancing international cooperation.
Ingka Investments, the investment arm of IKEA Group, has received regulatory approval to acquire 18,000 hectares of forest in Estonia from Swedish-owned Södra Forest Estonia. This acquisition is part of a larger €720 million deal for approximately 153,000 hectares across Latvia and Estonia, aimed at securing sustainable raw materials for IKEA.
Ingka Investments, part of the IKEA Group, has secured approval from the Estonian Competition Authority to acquire 18,000 hectares of land, primarily forest, from Södra Forest Estonia. This acquisition is part of a larger €720 million deal across the Baltic states, aimed at bolstering sustainable timber supplies and regional processing.
Estonian transmission system operator Elering is progressing with the planning phase for the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor, a significant pipeline project designed to connect Finland and Germany via Estonia. This initiative, part of a broader European effort, aims to establish a robust hydrogen transmission infrastructure across six Baltic Sea countries, with the planning phase expected to conclude by early 2027.
Estonia has officially announced its decision to open an embassy in Azerbaijan in 2026. The move, communicated by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna to his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov, is anticipated to significantly enhance diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
Estonian businessman Oliver Kruuda has been declared wanted by the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) on November 20, 2025, in connection with alleged economic crimes and an outstanding €15 million debt. Kruuda, who has resided in Ireland since 2020, stated there was no need for a 'manhunt' and claimed he had attempted to contact authorities.
Estonia's Ministry of Climate is reviewing electric scooter regulations, proposing a ban for children under 10 and mandatory bicycle permits for those aged 10-15. This initiative follows a significant increase in accidents involving minors, with officials aiming to enhance road safety and curb the use of high-speed models by inexperienced riders.
Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, has revised labor laws, allowing 15- to 17-year-olds who have completed basic school to work up to 40 hours a week. This change reverses recent restrictions and aims to support youth employment and provide initial work experience.
The 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) concluded its run in Estonia on November 23, 2025. The Spanish drama 'The Good Daughter' secured the prestigious Grand Prix, while the festival showcased a diverse selection of world cinema and hosted the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event.
Estonia is moving forward with plans to acquire a second tranche of six M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from the United States, with deliveries anticipated between 2028 and 2029. This follows an initial purchase of six HIMARS units delivered earlier this year, significantly bolstering the nation's long-range precision strike capabilities.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has firmly rejected a proposed US-Russia peace plan for Ukraine, asserting that Europe's security and Ukraine's territorial integrity are non-negotiable. The 28-point draft agreement, which reportedly includes territorial concessions and limits on Ukraine's military, was discussed following consultations with Nordic and Baltic leaders and President Zelenskyy.
A Limp Bizkit concert scheduled for May 31, 2026, in Tallinn, Estonia, has been canceled. The decision follows resurfaced comments by frontman Fred Durst, including his past support for Russia's annexation of Crimea and praise for Vladimir Putin, which Estonian officials deemed unacceptable.
