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Articles by Helen Wright
Estonian raw milk producer buys Latvia's largest dairy company
As part of the transaction, Agrone Group, through its parent company, acquired a 100 percent stake in Food Union Management, which holds majority stakes in both Latvian dairy companies. The stake was purchased from the previous owner, Food Union Luxembourg Holdings II S.à r.l. The transaction was completed following approval from the Estonian and Latvian competition authorities and was financed by SEB. The price will not be disclosed by agreement between the parties.
Wise founder: AI will eventually reach every sector
"I think AI will reach every sector. We are at the very beginning of a very rapid transformation. I think AI will already be helping you [host Andres Kuusk – ed.] prepare the questions in front of you in the coming months, and there is no field of work that it will not penetrate," Hinrikus, a shareholder in AI giant Anthropic, told Tuesday's "Esimene stuudio". AI skills are important for improving the productivity of Estonian industry, he said.
Estonian dual citizen faces 4 years in prison for cooperating with Russia's GRU
Harju County Court convicted citizen Nikita Kuzmin on Tuesday. According to the charges, Kuzmin established a relationship with an officer of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU) while living in Russia no later than 2024, the State Prosecutor's Office said.
Eesti ettevõte ostab Kārumsi kohukeste tootja
Kolmapäeval avalikustatud tehingu kohaselt ostab Eesti suurima põllumajanduskontserni ja piirkonna suurima toorpiimatootja Agrone emaettevõte Falber Investments OÜ Läti suurima piimatöötlemisettevõtte AS Rīgas piena kombināts kontserni. Osapooled leppisid kokku, et tehingu hinda ei avalikustata. "Näeme kahe ettevõtte teineteist täiendavates teadmistes ja kogemustes suurt potentsiaali," ütles Agrone juhatuse esimees Raul Jeets.
Estonian raw milk producer to buy Latvia's largest dairy plant
The deal was announced on Wednesday and will see Falber Investments OÜ, the parent company of Agrone, Estonia's largest agricultural group and the region's largest independent raw milk producer, buy the group of AS Rīgas piena kombināts, Latvia's largest dairy processing company. The parties have agreed not to disclose the cost of the sale. "We see significant potential in the two companies' complementary knowledge and experience," said Raul Jeets, chairman of Agrone's management board.
Minister: Closure of Estonia's border with Russia depends on threat assessment
Opposition politicians and the media have repeatedly called on the government to close the eastern border, which is currently open with time-limited restrictions. The latest call was made by the newspaper Postimees about the queues of travelers at the Narva border. "The situation near the Narva border fosters embarrassing, uncontrolled anarchy and black market activities," it wrote in an editorial.
NATO medikų pratybos Estijoje: ruošėsi dideliems mūšiams, masiniams sužeistųjų skaičiams
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Helen Wright, ERR, A European Perspective 2026.06.28 18:32 00:00 | 00:00 Šiais metais Estijoje pirmą kartą per daugiau nei 20 metų vyksta NATO medikų pratybos „Vigorous Warrior“ (liet. „Energingas karys“). „ERR News“ kalbėjosi su Estijos gynybos pajėgų vyriausiuoju chirurgu pulkininku leitenantu Indreku Olveti apie tai, kaip medikai tapo taikiniais ir kodėl ateityje jie negali tikėtis jokių „lengvatų“.
By Helen Wright Verified, A European Perspective
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Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT)
Verified
NATO medikai Estijoje ruošiasi intensyviems mūšiams ir masiniams sužeistųjų skaičiams
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Helen Wright, ERR, A European Perspective 2026.06.28 18:32 00:00 | 00:00 Šiais metais Estijoje pirmą kartą per daugiau nei 20 metų vyksta NATO medikų pratybos „Vigorous Warrior“ (liet. „Energingas karys“). „ERR News“ kalbėjosi su Estijos gynybos pajėgų vyriausiuoju chirurgu pulkininku leitenantu Indreku Olveti apie tai, kaip medikai tapo taikiniais ir kodėl ateityje jie negali tikėtis jokių „lengvatų“.
By Helen Wright Verified, A European Perspective
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Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT)
Verified
German-Dutch Corps to take over Estonian, Latvian NATO forces on July 1
A handover ceremony will be held in the Estonian-Latvian towns of Valga and Valka to mark the occasion. Defense ministers from Estonia, Germany, the Netherlands and Latvia and senior NATO military commanders will be in attendance. The new command arrangement, which officially takes effect on July 1, is part of NATO's new force model. It is intended to ensure a faster response capability for allied forces and increase combat readiness on the alliance's eastern flank.
Tartu protesters rally against Swedish 'trash' in Estonian jails
Sweden will pay Estonia €30.6 million per year for up to 300 prisoners, plus €8,500 per month for each additional inmate. They will be housed in the half-empty Tartu Prison in south Estonia from the second half of 2026. ERR's reporter in Tartu, Airika Harrik, said around 50 people attended Sunday's rally on the riverbank of the Emajõgi in the center of the city.
'Culture continues in a new place': How Estonians celebrate jaanipäev far from home
Continuing Estonian culture in a new place One of the biggest struggles when planning a jaanipäev party for Estonians in Australia is the fire safety regulations, which make it difficult to have a traditional bonfire.
'Ideal' summer weather forecast for Midsummer's Eve
"If we talk about tomorrow evening, then I come with very, very good news: it won't be too hot, it won't be very windy, so the weather will be absolutely ideal in the evening to set tables outside, light bonfires and dance around them," Pedassaar said on Raadio 2's morning program. The meteorologist added that air temperatures on Midsummer Eve will mostly remain between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius during the day, though it may be slightly cooler by the sea.
NATO medics training for 'high-intensity battles' and mass casualties in Estonia
Vigorous Warrior is one of NATO's biggest medical exercises and takes place across Estonia from June 8–20, bringing together approximately 2,000 participants from 32 allied and partner nations, including Japan and the Balkan Medical Task Force. The "active phase" began last week and training will focus on cooperation between civilian and military medical systems, implementing the lessons from Russia's war in Ukraine and new medical solutions, the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) said.
Latvian PM: Ukrainian drone experts arriving in Latvia next week
Helen Wright, ERR, A European Perspective 2026.06.10 17:23 Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs told Estonian ERR News that Ukrainian experts will be arriving in the Baltic states next week to help deter the threat posed by repeated drone violations. Multiple Ukrainian drones have breached Latvia's airspace this year, likely pushed off course by GPS jamming as Russia tries to protect its oil infrastructure from Kyiv's attacks.
Latvian PM to ERR: Ukrainian drone experts arriving in Latvia next week
Multiple Ukrainian drones have breached Latvia's airspace this year, likely pushed off course by GPS jamming as Russia tries to protect its oil infrastructure from Kyiv's attacks. On Monday, a drone was shot down in Latvian airspace by a French jet deployed to Lithuania's Baltic Air Policing mission. Kyiv has said it will send experts to the region to help combat the problem.
'Schengen door needs closing more tightly:' 11 countries call for Russian visa restrictions
Politico Europe cites a joint letter from nine EU members, as well as non-members Norway and Iceland, which it sums up as: "Russians shouldn't be sunning themselves on European beaches while Ukrainians are dying." EU data shows that the number of visas issued to Russians has been increasing, despite the war on Ukraine, and rose 8 percent in 2025 to 623,451. France issued the most Schengen visas to Russians in 2025, followed by Italy and Spain.
Security experts dismiss media speculation about Russian attack on Baltic states
In recent weeks, there has been a flurry of stories in Western media suggesting that Russia may be preparing to militarily attack the Baltic states, including in the U.S. publication the Wall Street Journal and the UK's The Telegraph. Since March, Ukrainian attack drones aiming for Russia's oil facilities on the Baltic Sea have breached Baltic and Finnish airspace, likely knocked off course by GPS jamming.
Where can I find crisis information for Estonia?
The information provided covers all crisis situations, not just aerial threats, such as stray drones. kriis.ee This is the government's crisis website. It features the latest news, advice, and information about preparing for a possible crisis. Information is available in English, Estonian, Russian and Ukrainian. The kriis.ee homepage. Source: ERR Ole Valmis! (Be Prepared!) Ole Valmis! is both a free app and a website that provides information about crisis preparedness.
Reminder: How to act when Estonia's EE‑ALARM public warning alert is issued
This information is republished from the Ole Valmis crisis preparedness website. What is the EE‑ALARM and why is it used? The state uses EE‑ALARM public warning channels to notify the public about various hazards, including air threats, providing details of the specific risk along with initial guidance on how to respond. The channels used depend on the nature and urgency of the threat. It can be sent through the Eesti.ee state portal app or the Ole Valmis! (Be prepared!) app, or via SMS message.
Estonia extends nighttime border crossing closures in Narva, southeast
Since February, the Koidula and Luhamaa road border crossing points in southeastern Estonia have been shut overnight, operating only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The government decided to extend the rule until August 31. The measure was introduced earlier this year after repeated breaches of the Estonian border by Russia. Additionally, the hours at the Narva-1 pedestrian border crossing point in the border city, Narva, will now be reduced from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from June 15.
Tallinn's Aegna island ferry line season opens
The vessel departs six days a week from Linnahall quay (Patareisadam), and the journey to Aegna harbor takes approximately 30 minutes. The ferry has a capacity for 100 passengers and space for 30 bicycles. Pets are also welcome on board. Aegna Island is approximately three square kilometers in size and is located about 14 kilometers from Tallinn's city center. The island is known for its diverse nature, sandy beaches, and hiking trails.
Minister on keeping border open: We need to respond to risks
While the time allowed for crossing has been reduced, it is still possible to travel back and forth into Russia from Estonia. However, Taro and the government have faced questions about why this is still allowed when other countries, such as Finland, have closed their borders with Russia.
EDF: Potential drone sightings in eastern, southern Estonia
The new alert was sent at around 12:30 a.m. on March 30 for the Lääne and Ida-Viru counties, and around 30 minutes later for south Estonia: Jõgeva, Põlva, Tartu, Valga and Võru counties. The messages were sent via the "Ole Valmis" and the Eesti.ee apps. They said: "Potential new air threat at East- and West- Virumaa. In case of drone sighting take cover. Stay vigilant. Info: kriis.ee and +3726001247." "Potential new air threat at South-East Estonia. In case of drone sighting take cover. Stay vigilant.
EDF: Potential air threat has passed
Messages about "a potential new air threat" over eastern and southern Estonia were issued between 12:30 a.m. and 1 a.m. and urged residents to take cover if they see a drone. The affected areas were Lääne-Viru, Ida-Viru, Jõgeva, Põlva, Tartu, Valga and Võru counties. Just before 5 a.m. a new SMS message was sent about "a potential new air threat" in Rapla, Pärnu and Harju counties.
FM: Estonia denies claims Ukrainian drones used its airspace for attacks
Earlier this week, Ukraine targeted Russia's Ust-Luga and Primorsk oil ports on the Gulf of Finland and the Kirishi refinery southeast of St. Petersburg, where large fires reportedly halted operations. In the early hours of Wednesday, several unidentified drones passed through Northeastern Estonian airspace, mostly over the Gulf of Finland.
EDF commander: Estonian power plant was hit by attack or decoy drone
Several drones crossed into Estonian airspace from Russia on Wednesday morning, with one hitting the chimney of the Auvere power station in the eastern Ida-Viru County at 3:43 a.m. The drones were part of a Ukrainian attack on the Russian port of Ust-Luga, which is less than 50 kilometers from Auvere. One drone from the same wave hit a factory in southeastern Latvia. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday morning, Lt Gen.
Russian fighter jet breaches Estonia's airspace
The violation occurred near Vaindloo Island, where a Russian Sukhoi Su-30 fighter aircraft entered Estonian airspace and remained there for approximately one minute. On Thursday (March 19), the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the chargé d'affaires ad interim of the Russian Federation in Estonia to hand over a protest note about the violation.
Riigikogu advisor loses job after gambling tax error
On January 12, it was announced that a clerical error in the Gambling Tax Act passed in December last year eliminated the taxation of online casinos in 2026. Due to the legal flaw, the state will lose about €4 million in projected gambling tax revenue for that year. The act has since been corrected. ERR knows the adviser's name, but has chosen not to publish it as they are not a public figure.
PPA vessel sinks in Mediterranean with Estonia's ambassador to Greece on board
The accident occurred at around 4:20 p.m. local time near the island of Megisti, when a three-member Estonian border guard boat crew was at sea together with a local border guard and a guest, the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) said in a statement. All five passengers were injured and four were taken to hospital. Ambassador Karin Rannu sustained minor injuries, the PPA said PPA Director General Veiko Kommusaar said that the accident was serious.
EU border agency vessel sinks with Estonia's ambassador to Greece on board
The boat was carrying four Estonian nationals, including the ambassador, and one officer of the Hellenic Coast Guard assigned to Frontex, the EU border agency said. All five were pulled from the water by coast guard units and a passing catamaran and taken to the health center on Kastellorizo. Four of the five people on board were injured. The four injured passengers were later airlifted by a Greek Air Force Super Puma helicopter to a hospital on Rhodes.
Internal Security Service: 'Narva People's Republic' is an information operation
The volunteer-run anti-propaganda Propastop blog published an article last week after its authors tracked information about a supposed separatist movement – the "Narva People's Republic" – in Estonia's eastern border town on social media. Over the past month, social media accounts have popped up promoting the idea of separating Narva and Ida-Viru County from Estonia and creating a so-called Narva People's Republic.
Russian icebreaker enters Estonian territorial waters without permission
On Saturday (February 28), the Russian Federation icebreaker Murmansk entered Estonian territorial waters near Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland without permission. It did so to free the Olympic Friendship tanker, which had become stuck in ice. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Estonian Navy said they were not notified of the Murmansk's entry into Estonian territorial waters and the vessel did not respond to radio calls from the Estonian Navy.
Moldova's deputy PM: EU accession process is an 'individual exercise'
ERR News spoke to the deputy prime minister for European integration in Tallinn earlier this month when she attended the EU enlargement conference. Complex reforms Moldova was declared a candidate country for European Union accession in 2022 and was given the green light to start negotiations the following year. But the process is dependent on the reforms each country needs to make to meet the EU's admission criteria.
ERR News is hiring a journalist
About the role: ERR News is looking for a motivated journalist or writer with a solid understanding of Estonian current affairs to join our small team and help explain these topics to the wider world. The role requires being able to spot a news story suitable for our audiences; the ability to translate, write and add context to articles to meet tight deadlines; and to work both independently and as part of a team.
Winter Storm 2026 [Image 18 of 18]
1 Staff Sgt. Alvaro Alzate and Sgt. Suter with the 249th Engineering Battalion, discuss power and generator capabilities with an employee from Grand Electric Company. Date Taken: 01.29.2026 Date Posted: 01.30.2026 16:33 Photo ID: 9501324 VIRIN: 260129-D-CS260-8432 Resolution: 6720x4480 Size: 6.17 MB Location: US Web Views: 0 Downloads: 0 PUBLIC DOMAIN GALLERY
The flag that fell from heaven: The legend forever binding Estonia and Denmark
According to legend, the Danish flag – the Dannebrog – fell from heaven in present-day Estonia during the Battle of Lyndanise between the Danes and Estonians in 1219. The battle was the starting point of a 127-year period when Estonia and Denmark were ruled by the same kings. In the early 13th century, the Danish king Valdemar Sejr (Valdemar the Victorious) led his army on a crusade in territory that is present-day Estonia.
The flag that fell from the sky: The legend connecting Tallinn and Denmark
According to legend, the Danish flag – the Dannebrog – fell from heaven in present-day Estonia during the Battle of Lindanis between the Danes and Estonians in 1219. In the early 13th century, the Danish king Valdemar Sejr (Valdemar the Victorious) led his army on a crusade in present-day Estonia. During a battle on June 15, 1219, the Danes were on the defensive when suddenly a red banner with a white cross fell from the sky.
Crashed drone in Tartu County: Investigation finds no evidence Estonia was a target
The investigation was closed by the Internal Security Service (ISS), with the permission of the Office of the Prosecutor General, because it is not possible to continue without assistance from Russia. Due to the geopolitical situation, this is not possible. The evidence indicates the drone was of Ukrainian origin, which Estonian law enforcement agencies also said at the time it was found. Several days earlier, Ukraine had attacked the Port of Ust-Luga, which is close to Estonia's border.
Watch live at 3 p.m: Eastern Flank Summit
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has invited the leaders from Sweden, the Baltic states, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania to participate in the Eastern Flank Summit. Discussions will focus on threats to European security and defence readiness, especially at the EU's eastern border. The one-day Eastern Flank Summit is being held for the first time.
Driver's license compensation boosts conscripts' motivation
The change was introduced in April 2023 and paid conscripts with at least a Category B driver's license €1,000 in compensation. "For us, this has been a good solution; it has had a very positive impact on our service," the colonel said. Among the benefits are a reduction in basic driver training and the expansion of broader training opportunities for squad and platoon leaders with leadership potential.
Mobile apps public warning system tests taking place on Thursday
Several test notifications will be sent throughout the day to check how the system works and to prepare for the nationwide test of the public warning system on December 10 (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.). To receive the messages, notifications must be enabled for the Eesti.ee and "Ole Valmis!" apps on smartphones The apps must be updated or set to update automatically. "The test alerts will clearly state that they are part of the test.
Lithuania-Belarus border closure could bring more traffic to Estonia
Last week, Lithuania's biggest airports closed their airspace and temporarily stopped operations four times after smugglers used weather balloons to move cigarettes into the European Union. The capital Vilnius is approximately 50 km from the Belarusian border. But Lithuanian officials say the problem is not just about smuggling and is a hybrid attack against the country.
RMK upgrades forest road to bypass Saatse Boot in south Estonia
Until earlier this month, Estonians had the right to drive through two small areas of Russian territory without special agreements. After an armed Russian unit appeared on the road – in Russian territory – Estonia blocked access to the roads. RMK said it widened the road, without cutting down any trees, by utilizing the roadside ditches. The work required nearly 75 truckloads, or approximately 2,300 tons, of gravel and crushed stone.
'Small' Saatse Boot detour around Russian territory complete
The construction of a road around the "Small Boot" near Saatse in southeastern Estonia started on Friday and ended on Tuesday. It was closed to "ensure the safety of Estonian residents" after an armed unit was spotted on a road – known as the "Big Boot" – used by Estonians and others that runs through Russian territory earlier this month. "A gravel road has been built alongside the existing road, running entirely within Estonian territory.
Latvia's new Salacgriva bridge on Via Baltica partially opens on Monday
Traffic will switch from the temporary bridge to the new structure during the day, Latvia's public broadcaster LSM reported. For now, traffic will be organised along one lane of the new bridge and controlled by traffic lights. The closed lane will be demarcated by guide rails, and the speed limit on the bridge will be 50 km/h. Reversible traffic is planned to be maintained until the bridge is fully opened to traffic in mid-November.
Prime minister: Roads through Russian territory will remain closed
On Friday, a group of armed Russian soldiers was seen on the Estonian road that travels through Saatse Boot, a sliver of Russian land that Estonians can drive through without a permit. The road was closed that afternoon. Ministers say the situation at the border is calm. The government believes that no Estonians should have to use Russian territory for travel, which means the two sections of road at the Saatse Boot will remain closed, Michal said at the government's weekly press conference.
Minister: Reports about 'tense' situation on Estonian-Russian border are exaggerated
On Friday, the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) closed the road through a small chunk of Russian territory known as Saate Boot, which Estonians and others can drive through without special permission, after an uptick in Russian activity. A video recorded by the PPA on Friday shows seven armed personnel in military uniform standing on the road. On Saturday evening, Minister of the Interior Igor Taro (Eesti 200) said the situation was calm and the threat level had not changed.
Estonia's border guard: Armed Russian groups seen in Saatse Boot
-- In brief: A larger Russian unit than usual was seen around Saatse Boot on Friday. The PPA closed the road in south Estonia in response on the same day. Video footage from the PPA shows armed personnel standing on the road. Latest information suggests the unit has left the area. Russia said this is a routine operation, Estonia says it isn't. PPA: Threat level has not increased, but the situation at the border is tense.
Security service warns FSB trying to recruit Estonians at Russian border
On Tuesday, Estonian citizen Ivan Dmitrijev was sentenced to almost five years in prison for conducting intelligence activities against Estonia. From March to May 2025, Dmitriev collaborated with Aleksandr Bobkov, an officer of the FSB Border Guard Operations Department. On his instruction, Dmitriev handed over information about the Estonian Defense League, local life in Narva, and the Narva Castle Museum, whose director has been sentenced to 10 years in a penal colony in absentia.
Ambassador: Media narratives turn Narva into a hypothetical chess piece
Last week, in an article titled "Vladimir Putin is testing the West — and its unity," the UK publication The Economist outlined Russia's "grey-zone" tactics against the West. The author used the Estonian border town of Narva as an example of a future attack on NATO that could test the alliance's Article 5 collective defense clause.
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