Estonia

The trade war presents Europe with an opportunity to leverage the situation for a strategic edge and a push to reduce its dependence on the United States — whether in the areas of technology, energy, defense, or raw materials. The United States\' game of imposing tariffs, along with the European Union\'s retaliatory duties, does not support free trade. It is clear that endlessly raising tariffs on both sides benefits neither party.

\"Estonia will never recognize the forcible seizure of Ukrainian territory,\" Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform) said. Despite differences between Ukraine, European countries, and the US on peace, the Prime Minister remains hopeful about progress in upcoming talks after Wednesday\'s summit in London drew a blank.

The Estonian economy is showing green shoots of recovery again, and people\'s real purchasing power has risen since June of last year. These are the words of the Minister of Economic Affairs and IT Erkki Keldo . He also added that wages have also been outpacing inflation. Speaking to \"Esimene stuudio,\" Keldo noted that people\'s real purchasing power has been increasing since June of last year.

The state must act where there is no other way. However, when it intervenes, the state must be efficient, strong, and decisive. In other areas, we must understand that our success is a collective creation, with the main author being the free citizen. Life improves only when solutions are in the hands of citizens, not dictated by the state.

By investing in government bonds, every citizen can contribute and demonstrate their faith and support for the Estonian state. Government bonds strengthen its security, provide additional income for Estonians, and stimulate the economy, writes Mart Võrklaev. The long-awaited issuance of government bonds targeted at Estonian retail investors, which has been on nearly everyone\'s mind in recent months is now open.

The Estonian Reform Party approved Prime Minister Kristen Michal to continue as the party leader at the general meeting held on Sunday. Michal said \"We are unique in Estonian politics. Our work culture brings people together but does not shy away from asking difficult questions. Our respect comes from mastering the subject and getting the work done, not merely nodding in agreement. (...)\"

The combined military spending of NATO members is 18 times that of Russia, with a massive advantage in all types of weaponry. Being this afraid in a situation like that seems a peculiar way of doing the right thing, Raul Rebane notes in Vikerraadio\'s daily comment. Full-scale war has been raging for over two years in Ukraine, and fatigue is clearly setting in.

At the opening of the annual conference on technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation on May 24 Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Reform) said that it is important to seize the opportunity to invest in defense technology because it will strengthen security and boost the economy. In her speech she emphasized that \"The changed security situation in Europe has clearly shown the need for increased investment in defense.

In their election manifestos for the European Parliament, the political parties have paid a lot of attention to environmental issues; there is talk of steps towards climate neutrality, but also of issues that directly affect Estonian entrepreneurs and rural life. The Reform Party\'s program links the environment with security. According to candidate Hanah Lahe, the party emphasizes restoring and preserving biodiversity.

Estonia\'s e-Governance Academy (eGA) is leading a digital transformation project in Ukraine that will improve the efficiency, security and access to public services for citizens and businesses. The project will develop services for the government e-service app Diia, improve data exchange between registers and service providers and further develop eID infrastructure.