Academy of Liberalism

The Academy of Liberalism is an independent Liberal think tank founded by the Estonian Reform Party in 2006. The Academy of Liberalism has a board of 12 persons, including ministers, parliament members and entrepreneurs. The purpose of the Academy is to promote a Liberal world view to oppose the emergence of socialist ideas in society. The Academy of Liberalism is focused on civic education and research projects to promote Liberalism in Estonia and EU neighbourhood countries.

Politics

Estonia-US Relations after Joe Biden’s Victory

BY Academy of Liberalism / December 1, 2020

Joe Biden\'s victory at U.S. presidential elections is not something all sides to the Estonian government welcome. This is a shame because Estonia\'s relationship with the United States has never nor should it depend on who is president in America, Marko Mihkelson writes.

Politics

Estonian Referendum and Downward Spiral

BY Academy of Liberalism / November 30, 2020

The only way to limit damage to what has already been done would be to cancel the hatred-inciting referendum plan, MEP Urmas Paet writes. The principal damage to be done by this so-called marriage referendum that works to tear apart Estonian society is that the mere fact it will take place along with the base […]

Economy

Energy Sector in Times of COVID-19 Pandemic: Decide, Act, Move Fast

BY Keit Pentus-Rosimannus AND Academy of Liberalism / September 17, 2020

As urbanization is continuing in a rapid speed it will also drive the further demand for energy resources. World energy consumption is expected to increase 39% by 2050. Knowing all that and thinking about our energy sector, what could be three suggestions to make?

Economy

Estonian Taxpayers Must Pay for Stupid Decisions Made by Government

BY Kaja Kallas AND Academy of Liberalism / August 10, 2020

Estonian opposition Reform Party leader Kaja Kallas said that Minister of Rural Affairs Arvo Aller\'s promise to consider compensating strawberry farmers for their loss is covering up the government\'s bad choices for taxpayers\' money.

Politics

Psychologists, Economists Should Be on Estonian Scientific Council

BY Academy of Liberalism / May 5, 2020

Kaja Kallas, the chairman of the Estonian opposition Reform Party, said the composition of the scientific council, which is advising the government on the coronavirus crisis, could be expanded to include people of different professions not just medical professionals.

Politics

Five Thoughts about Coronavirus Crisis: Estonian Perspective

BY Keit Pentus-Rosimannus AND Academy of Liberalism / May 4, 2020

The current crisis has reminded us how interconnected the world is. Developments which seem to take place somewhere far away can rapidly have the impact on the whole world. Today it\'s the virus. Tomorrow climate change.

Politics

Estonian Opposition Parties Want Faster Minister Responses to Riigikogu Questions

BY Academy of Liberalism / May 3, 2020

Estonian opposition MPs want to slash the timescale for responses to Riigikogu inquiries to government ministers, from a month, to four days, for the duration of the emergency situation at least.

Politics

Kallas Supports Hiring Assistants But Says There Is Currently No Need

BY Academy of Liberalism / January 10, 2020

Estonian opposition leader Kaja Kallas (Reform Party) supports the idea of hiring assistants for members of the Riigikogu but said currently not enough work is being done to justify the need. She said aids should be competent and hiring relatives or friends should be avoided.

Politics

Democracy and Power, Power and Democracy

BY Siim Kallas AND Academy of Liberalism / January 10, 2020

While Western democracy is showing increasing signs of uncertainty, people look, with quiet admiration, to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. The power in those countries is in hand, stable and effective at affecting people\'s behavior and actions.

Society

Estonia Could Be Climate Neutrality Trailblazer

BY Keit Pentus-Rosimannus AND Academy of Liberalism / January 9, 2020

In a situation where 77% of Estonia\'s greenhouse gas emissions comes from power generation and burning of fuels, while we can make changes elsewhere, the big picture will not change unless we solve the energy question.