Eastern Europe News 2025 — Latest Events and Trends

"Shock is an Understatement": Power Bills Jump 50% as Government Withholds Aid

In January 2026, residents of Narva and other municipalities in Ida-Viru County were hit by a massive spike in utility costs. According to local authorities and energy reports, heating and electricity bills rose by an average of 30%, with some hou...

Kallas Asserts Superiority of Estonian Press Freedom Over U.S.

Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, publicly compared the global press freedom rankings of Estonia and the United States during the Munich Security Conference. Her remarks, delivered ...

Estonia Debates Softening Drug Penalties: Decriminalization or Deterrence?

Estonia’s political landscape is currently weathering a storm of intense debate as the government tackles one of the most polarizing issues of the modern era: the future of drug policy. Against a backdrop of alarming data regarding the risin...

Estonia Recognized as a "Model Ally" of the U.S. in 2026

On February 3, the U.S. Congress approved $200 million in security assistance for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI)—a joint U.S.-Baltic program designed to bolster the defensive capabilities of the region. Furt...

Russian Language in Estonian Kindergartens: Minister Explains When It Can Be Used

The Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, in an official response to a written inquiry from Riigikogu member Aleksandr Šaplõgin, confirmed that current legislation does not prohibit the use of the Russian language in kindergartens, including a...

Narva to Demolish €7 Million Football Dome: Declared Structurally Unsafe

The Narva football dome, constructed at a cost of approximately €7,000,000, was commissioned at the end of 2024. However, less than a year after opening, it was shut down due to significant risks to the health and life of its users. The closure follo...

The End of Free Visa-Free Travel: EU Entry for Ukrainians to Become Paid via ETIAS System

Starting from the end of the fourth quarter of 2026, citizens of Ukraine (as well as other visa-free regime beneficiaries) will have to obtain a paid electronic ETIAS authorization in advance to enter European Union and Schengen Area countries—the us...

Estonia Declines New Contracts for Hosting Foreign Inmates

The Government of the Republic of Estonia has reaffirmed its commitment to the existing agreement to lease prison space to Swedish inmates but has ruled out active discussions on any new similar arrangements until a change in cabinet. This was stated...

LDz dismisses Russian and Belarusian citizens per national security requirements

Latvijas dzelzceļš (LDz) has terminated employment relations with 13 citizens of Russia and Belarus in accordance with the Law on National Security and is preparing to dismiss as many again. The company plans to terminate employment with an additiona...

Katri Raik Announces Opening of Outdoor Ice Rink in Narva: Admission Will Be Free

Narva is kicking off its winter outdoor activity season with the city administration’s first-ever free temporary outdoor ice rink. This pilot project, aligned with similar initiatives across Estonia and Europe, aims to expand accessible wint...

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