Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Karin Koppel
New buildings may improve air quality but not always lower energy costs
Lääneranna Municipality replaced its old school building with a new facility for Lääneranna High School, but the new building's utility costs have proven much higher than those of its predecessor. Mayor Tarvi Sits said that part of the increase is due to higher energy prices, but the main reason may be the building's modern ventilation system, which consumes considerably more electricity.
Estonia plans €4 million upgrade to state app and online portal
The RIA has launched a procurement worth up to €4 million to develop and maintain the portal eesti.ee and Eesti app. While plans include integrating the Transport Administration's self-service portal, the RIA has not yet drawn up a full list of new services to be added, as development and maintenance work will be commissioned on an hourly basis.
Supermarkets seeing organic egg shortage as producers replace flocks
The shortages have affected both major retail chains and smaller stores. Retailers recommend visiting first thing in the morning, as organic eggs can sell out by lunchtime. Selver communications manager Mariann Järvela told ERR that Estonian producers of organic and free-range eggs are currently in the process of replacing their flocks, resulting in temporary supply difficulties.
AI recordings of doctor-patient conversations the new norm for Estonian hospitals
Confido CEO Edvard Garder told ERR that the company began testing AI solutions last year, making it one of the first in Estonia to do so. "The solution is now in use in several departments and we plan to roll it out across the entire organization. Patients have responded positively to the solution because doctors have more time to spend with them," Garder said. Narva Hospital is currently seeking Estonian-language speech recognition and transcription software through a public procurement process.
Poodide mahemunalettidelt vaatab vastu tühjus
Mahemune ostma läinud kliendid on viimastel nädalatel sageli soovitud kaubata lahkuma pidanud ning nappus valitseb ühtviisi nii suurte kettide kui ka väiksemate poodide lettidel. Mõni müüja jagab soovitust tulla poodi kohe hommikul, sest lõunaks saavad mahemunad juba otsa. Selveri kommunikatsioonijuht Mariann Järvela selgitas ERR-ile, et praegu on Eesti mahe- ja vabapidamisel kanade munade tootjatel käsil karjavahetuse periood, mistõttu esineb ajutisi tarneraskusi.
Tallinn French Lyceum struggling with leaky sports hall roof
The Tallinn French Lyceum's sports hall was officially opened in October 2018. Principal Peter Pedak told ERR that the building had actually begun leaking even before it opened. "Water has never come in as heavily as it is now, but there have been leaks before," Pedak acknowledged. According to Pedak, the current, more serious leak is likely caused by a blockage in the rainwater drainage system. However, a camera inspection scheduled for Wednesday should help determine whether that is the case.
Education ministry wants schools to teach more local dialects
According to the Ministry of Education, regional varieties of Estonian are currently taught in around 15 to 20 general education schools in Estonia, most of them small rural schools, with just a couple of lessons a week. However, a draft regulation has now been completed that would significantly expand opportunities to study regional varieties of Estonian starting next school year.
Estonian government approves several updates to primary healthcare rules
A bill of amendments the government greenlit Thursday will require health centers to find a replacement for a departing family doctor for up to three months, with the option to stay on longer by agreement. If no permanent doctor is found to take over the previous doctor's practice list within that time, the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (EHIF) would step in.
Estonians still returning bottles despite unchanged 10-cent deposit
Eesti Pandipakend collected more than 355 million single-use containers last year, about 1 percent more than in 2024. Return rates reached 86 percent for glass, 91 percent for metal and 88 percent for plastic. The deposit was last changed in 2015, when rates for different types of beverage containers were standardized at 10 cents. Since then, prices have risen significantly, but bottle return rates have remained high despite the deposit staying at 10 cents.
Officials defend new rules requiring healthier school snacks
New rules for food offered in childcare institutions took effect last September, with a one‑year transition period. At the start of this school year, all changes entered into force, and they now apply not only to school cafeterias but also to food sold in school snack bars.
Real estate disputes over hidden faults increasingly common and aided by AI
Real estate experts say claims over hidden defects have become more common. Karlis Kolk, a lawyer and board member at real estate agency Uus Maa, told ERR that people have become more aware of their rights, but that the trend is also linked to the use of artificial intelligence. "People don't have to turn to a lawyer right away. AI is also being used to draft claims," Kolk explained.
Real estate disputes over hidden faults increasingly common and aided by AI
Real estate experts say claims over hidden defects have become more common. Karlis Kolk, a lawyer and board member at real estate agency Uus Maa, told ERR that people have become more aware of their rights, but that the trend is also linked to the use of artificial intelligence. "People don't have to turn to a lawyer right away. AI is also being used to draft claims," Kolk explained.
Kinnisvara varjatud puudused tekitavad üha enam vaidlusi
Kinnisvaraasjatundjate sõnul on varjatud puuduste tõttu nõuete esitamine sagenenud. Uus Maa kinnisvarabüroo jurist ja juhatuse liige Karlis Kolk ütles ERR-ile, et inimesed on oma õigustest teadlikumaks saanud, kuid lisaks on see seotud ka tehisaru kasutamisega. "Inimene ei pea otsekohe juristi poole pöörduma, AI-d kasutatakse ka nõuete koostamiseks," selgitas Kolk. Tüüpilisemate probleemidena tõi ta esile näiteks hädad naabritega – seinad kostavad läbi ja müra on liiga suur.
Estonia prioritizes national defense, postpones Rail Baltica completion in 2027 budget
The government approved the draft state budget for next year and its 2027–2030 budget strategy on Monday. The general government's nominal budget deficit is projected to fall by 0.5 percentage points from the forecast for next year, reaching 4 percent of GDP. "Under European rules, we're allowed to run a deficit of 4.5 percent because defense spending is higher.
Social insurance IT overhaul moves forward with €28 million plan
SKAIS2 — used by the Social Insurance Board to process benefits, family allowances, pensions, and maintenance support — became notorious more than a decade ago for missed deadlines and ballooning costs. Ministers pointed fingers at each other, and millions of euros in state funds were wasted. Now TEHIK is making a new attempt, launching a procurement to close SKAIS1 and migrate its services to SKAIS2 or other appropriate systems.
Minister's past roles prompt scrutiny of startup funding decisions
Vahtras, who took her oath of office before the Riigikogu on Wednesday, had been head of EIS's e‑residency program since 2023 and became a member of EIS's management board last summer. On Wednesday, Lauri Laats, chair of the Center Party's parliamentary group, contacted Prime Minister Kristen Michal, arguing that Vahtras had a conflict of interest while serving on EIS's board.
Some kids refuse to eat Estonia's new regulation school meals
A new regulation governing meals at children's institutions took effect last fall, stipulating that the average amount of salt added in food preparation over a two-week period must not exceed half a gram per day. The maximum permitted amount of sugar, honey or syrup is 10 grams for children aged 3 and older in kindergarten, up to 5 grams for younger children and 5 grams for school lunches and other school meals.
Osa lapsi tõrgub uutele nõuetele vastavat kooli- ja lasteaiatoitu söömast
Eelmisel sügisel hakkas kehtima uus lasteasutuste toitlustamise määrus, mis näeb ette, et toitude valmistamisel lisatava soola kahe nädala keskmine kogus ei tohi ületada poolt grammi päevas. Suhkru, mee või siirupi maksimaalne lubatud kogus on lasteaias alates kolmandast eluaastast 10 grammi, nooremate puhul kuni viis grammi ning koolilõuna ja koolieine puhul viis grammi. Põhjuseks on järjest suuremaks mureks saanud laste ülekaal ning eesmärk harjutada lapsi tervislikuma toiduga.
Rising costs force restaurants to shut doors across Estonia
This year has brought a steady stream of announcements from eateries ending operations. In Tallinn, La Tabla, Lendav Maaler, Rudolf, Vatican, Pomo, Barbarea, O2, Tai Boh and St. Vitus have all closed. This Sunday will be the last day for Ülo. Co‑owner Steve Heinlo said that the reasons mirror those behind other recent closures: customers are spending less, while all other costs — labor, taxes, gas, electricity — continue to rise. "Every place has its own dynamics and differences.
Education Ministry to study how teachers spend their working hours
With the study on teachers' working time and tasks, the Ministry of Education wants to map what teachers' duties are under Estonia's current legal acts, determine how much time these tasks take from the perspective of teachers and school leaders, and develop recommendations for education policymakers, school owners, principals, and teachers.
Schools widely using exceptions to start classes before 9 a.m.
In exceptional cases and for serious reasons, and with mutual agreement between the school and the school operator, the school day may begin earlier, according to new rules. In reality, the picture across Estonia is very varied, because schools must take into account extracurricular activities, public transport and many other circumstances. The Ministry of Education does not have an overall overview of schools' choices.
Pärnu rains flood insurance providers with claims
ERGO's head of claims, Caterina Lepvalts, told ERR that the company had received 59 claims related to the Pärnu flooding by Tuesday morning. "The vast majority are home insurance claims, while fewer vehicle damage claims have been registered so far," Lepvalts added. She said the damage reported so far has been fairly similar, with basements, garages and the ground floors of buildings most commonly flooded.
Being transferred from one hospital to another restarts inpatient fee count
The Health Insurance Act states that an insured patient may be charged an inpatient fee for a hospital stay, but for no more than 10 calendar days per case. In practice, however, a concern has arisen when a patient is initially treated at one hospital but is then transferred to another to continue treatment, for example to a hospital closer to home. Even though the patient's health issue remains the same, the second hospital may start charging the inpatient fee again for up to 10 days.
Apartment associations seek greater power over rentals
Minister of Economic Affairs Erkki Keldo said the associations' concerns are understandable, but any restrictions must be approached cautiously because private property is inviolable. The union proposed this week that apartment associations be given the right, through a general meeting of owners, to prohibit renting out apartments. The decision would require more than half of the votes and more than half of the co‑ownership shares — a qualified majority.
Expert: Health Insurance Fund cuts likely to lengthen waiting lists
On Friday, the Health Insurance Fund supervisory board approved the draft budget for next year, and Minister of Social Affairs Karmen Joller said the goal for the coming years is to bring the fund out of its financial crisis so that by 2030 the budget reaches balance — or even a surplus.
Estonia's Ministry of Finance forecasts tense fiscal situation in the coming years
The ministry's summer economic forecast, which will serve as the basis for next year's budget decisions, projects GDP growth of 2.5 percent this year, 2.3 percent next year and 2.4 percent in 2028. Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi (Reform Party) said Estonia's economy has been one of the best-performing in Europe, with rapid growth and low inflation. "Growth of 2.5 percent this year is still very impressive given the broader disruptions in the economy," Ligi said.
Creative professionals vexed by plan not to increase state cultural award sums
A draft regulation prepared by the Ministry of Culture provides that the state will pay €64,000 as a lifetime achievement award for long-standing outstanding creative work, while the annual award for outstanding work presented to the public during the previous calendar year will be €9,600. "The amounts of the awards will not be changed and will be kept at the same level as in previous years," the explanatory memorandum accompanying the draft regulation states.
Loomeinimesi pahandab plaan riigi kultuuripreemiate summad muutumatuks jätta
Kultuuriministeeriumis valminud määruse eelnõu näeb ette, et elutööpreemiaks pikaajalise väljapaistva loomingulise tegevuse eest maksab riik 64 000 eurot ning eelmisel kalendriaastal avalikkuse ette jõudnud väljapaistvate tööde eest antava aastapreemia summa on 9600 eurot. "Preemiate suurusi ei muudeta ning neid hoitakse eelnevate aastatega samal tasemel," sedastab eelnõu seletuskiri. See tekitab pahameelt nii esitajate kui ka tantsukunsti ja tantsuhariduse liidus.
Nearly 1,900 basic school graduates still lack a school place as year begins
According to Serbak, HTM monitors the situation of finding school places daily. Since continued admissions to schools are still underway, HTM does not yet have a complete overview of young people who have not found a new study place after finishing basic school. Schools must enter admitted students into the Estonian Education Information System, from which HTM can see how many students are still without a school place.
Estonian traders not daunted by ban on destroying unsold clothing
Since July 19, large companies in the European Union have been prohibited from destroying new, unsold clothing, accessories and footwear. The ban stems from the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, which will also apply to medium-sized companies from 2030, while small and microenterprises are generally exempt.
Tuberkuloosijuhtumite harvenemine toob Eesti vaktsineerimiskavva muudatuse
Praegu kehtiv immuniseerimiskava näeb ette, et kõik vastsündinud saavad ühe kuni viie päeva vanuselt tuberkuloosivastase vaktsiini. Tänavu juunis tegi immunoprofülaktika ekspertkomisjon aga otsuse, et toetab selektiivsele tuberkuloosivastasele vaktsineerimisele ülemineku ettevalmistamise alustamist.
Teachers, NGO call for more emphasis on global education in school curricula
Global education, knowledge of how global issues affect the daily lives of individuals, communities and society, and how everyone can influence the world, has been promoted in Estonia for 15 years. Schools can choose elective courses, take part in themed weeks and projects, and such content has been integrated into various subjects, but according to those involved, this has been done in a fragmented way.
Mondo ja ajalooõpetajad tahavad maailmaharidusele õppekavades suuremat kaalu
Maailmaharidust ehk teadmisi sellest, kuidas globaalprobleemid mõjutavad üksikisiku, kogukonna ja ühiskonna igapäevaelu ja kuidas igaüks saab mõjutada maailma, on Eestis edendatud 15 aastat. Koolides on võimalik valida valikkursusi, osaleda teemanädalatel ja projektides ning sellist sisu on lõimitud erinevatesse õppeainetesse, kuid asjaosaliste hinnangul killustatult.
Tech firm Nebius hiring push fuels speculation over Estonia data center plans
Nebius, an international technology company born from the restructuring of the Russian tech giant Yandex and headquartered in Amsterdam, is hiring in Estonia. The company is offering positions for a data centre IT manager, IT technician, IT support unit manager, IT infrastructure engineer and senior IT technician, and is also looking for a warehouse and logistics specialist.
Estonia's online gambling tax cut fails to lure new operators
Under legislative amendments passed by the Riigikogu late last year, the tax on online gambling is being reduced in stages from 6 to 4 percent, aimed at attracting foreign online casinos to register in Estonia. Officials say the impact so far has been limited.
Tallinn to finish two new schoolhouses this year
Two school buildings will be completed in Tallinn this August: the Hiiu Basic School building, with a total budget of €13.2 million, and an extension to Tallinn Secondary School of Science, which will cost €32.25 million. This year, reconstruction of the roof of the current building of the Old Town Educational College (VHK) will also begin. Tallinn has approved a budget of €1.5 million for the project.
Tallinn eyes former ministry building in state real estate swap plan
The City of Tallinn is negotiating with state real estate manager RKAS so that Old Town Educational College (VHK), which currently operates out of several Old Town buildings in need of renovation, could move into the former Ministry of Rural Affairs building at Lai tänav 39/41, which is also located in the Old Town.
Tallinn moves Ukrainian flag at Freedom Square onto scaffolding
Tallinn will soon begin restoring the façade and canopy of the building located at Freedom Square 10. Deputy Mayor Tiit Terik, responsible for city property, told ERR that a contract with the construction company has already been signed, work will begin shortly, and is expected to be completed in early February next year. According to him, the façade and canopy of the building, designed by architect Elmar Lohu, will be thoroughly restored.
Estonian agency turns to TikTok and Roblox in attempt to reach troubled youth
Harno wants to launch an online youth work service aimed at reaching people ages 15 to 26 who are not studying or working or who are at risk of ending up in that situation. The goal of the service is to help young people return to education or the labor market. Although youth workers are already active in many regions and mobile youth work services and the Youth Guarantee support system are also in place, Harno says a significant number of young people in need of support still go unnoticed.
Estonia's AI program gets €11M boost but no immediate economic return expected
In January, the government launched the Eesti.ai program, which is intended to help boost Estonia's economy through artificial intelligence. The initiative will implement AI-related projects in areas such as healthcare, education, and workforce skills. Projects under Eesti.ai will receive an additional €10.98 million from the supplementary budget, which will reach its second reading in parliament next week.
Estonian Authors' Society wants radios to play more Estonian music
Speaking at a Riigikogu Cultural Affairs Committee discussion on proposed amendments to the Media Services Act, Estonian Authors' Society (EAÜ) Executive Director Mati Kaalep said that EAÜ, along with the Estonian Performers' Association and the Estonian Association of Phonogram Producers, wants works by Estonian authors to account for at least 30 percent of radio programming, with at least half of that aired during daytime hours.
Estonian companies say hiking 'cassette fee' playing into the hands of foreign retailers
Last week, the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with the Estonian Traders Association, the Estonian E-Commerce Association and the Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications, sent a letter to the Ministry of Justice arguing that raising the private copying or so-called cassette levy — the blank media levy paid on every device capable of recording — is unreasonable.
Tallink's departure from Paldiski-Kappelskär route creates long truck queues
Tallink Grupp discontinued freight operations on the Paldiski-Kapellskär route with the Superfast IX vessel starting in May, citing operational optimization, as the ship had greater passenger capacity than the route required. Since then, only DFDS has operated the Paldiski-Kapellskär route, with sailings six times a week.
Children must be told they're adopted in Estonia's new Family Law Act
The Ministry of Justice has completed a draft amendment to the Family Law Act which would clarify adoption confidentiality provisions by requiring adoptive parents to inform children that they were adopted. The amendment would also give adoptees the right to obtain identifying information about their biological parents regardless of whether the latter consent. Under the current system, children only learn they were adopted if their adoptive parents decide to tell them.
More drivers opting for repairs over new cars
Hiteh Autoteenindus CEO Raul Põdersalu said the shift is driving up spending on major repairs, with some car owners willing to pay thousands of euros to keep older vehicles on the road longer rather than trade them in. "In the past, older cars only had just enough basic repairs done to pass inspection," he said.
Children's camps still in tax limbo as summer break nears
The uncertainty stems from a dispute over how youth and children's camps are classified — either as educational services or recreational activities. The designation determines their tax treatment. Until recently, camps were widely considered VAT-exempt. But last fall, the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (MTA) said they must be taxed under current law, arguing camps do not qualify for existing exemptions tied to social or educational services.
Kadriorg Park playground renovation to highlight history and heritage
The park belongs to Tallinn City Museum and procurement specialist Reeli Kork told ERR the facility is under significant public scrutiny because it is located close to the presidential palace. Both conservation and environmental considerations must be taken into account in the new design. "We have planned one year for studies and design.
Coop Pank enters Estonia's booming investment services market
Over the past decade, investing has grown in popularity in Estonia and now Coop Pank is entering the market. At the same time, competition in the sector is intense — a point on which both the newcomer Coop and existing providers of investment services agree. According to Elisabet Visnapuu, head of savings, investments and pensions at SEB, Estonia's investment services market has become significantly more diverse in recent years. Competition is not limited to local providers.
Retailers: Grid operators' plan could make fixed-price power contracts more expensive
Elering and Fingrid have applied to the Competition Authority to cut the volume of Finland–Estonia electricity price hedging instruments (FTRs) from 650 megawatts to 350 megawatts starting the year after next. Kalvi Nõu, energy trading portfolio manager at seller Alexela, said reducing hedging options would limit the market's ability to manage price risks and likely translate into higher prices for consumers, with market estimates suggesting increases of around 10 percent or more.
Olive oil price drop not fully reflected in Estonian stores
Retail chains note that price declines depend on the brand and country of origin, with Greek and Italian producer prices remaining fairly stable while others make aggressive cuts. Global olive oil prices peaked in early 2024 when a metric ton cost more than $10,000 USD. Prices then fell steadily, reaching just over $5,000 per metric ton by last May.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Karin
Contact Karin, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack