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

European Elections: Estonian Parties Focus on Environment

BY Academy of Liberalism / May 29, 2024

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.

Society

Estonia’s eGA Leading EU Project to Strengthen Ukraine’s E-Services

BY Academy of Liberalism / February 28, 2023

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.

Politics

Kaja Kallas to Riigikogu: Consensus Must Underpin National Security Concept

BY Academy of Liberalism / February 24, 2023

While work on Estonia\'s newly drafted National Security Concept began before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Reform) says that the changed security situation has made its adoption all the more pressing.

Politics

Estonian Riigikogu Reached Rare Consensus When Declaring Russia Terrorist

BY Academy of Liberalism / November 2, 2022

The Estonian Riigikogu recently condemned the annexation of the territory of Ukraine and declared the Russian regime terrorist.

Economy

Estonia Needs More Tax Take, Debate Likely Not Until after Election

BY Academy of Liberalism / October 28, 2022

While the state does need to find new revenues, there will not be any substantive debate on taxation over the next four months, new Finance Minister Annely Akkermann (Reform) says.

Economy

Estonian Defense Minister to Meet with US Counterpart Lloyd Austin

BY Academy of Liberalism / October 28, 2022

Estonian Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur (Reform) is on an official visit to the United States, and will meet with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin while in Washington.

Economy

Estonia Fighting EU to Maintain Current Income Tax System

BY Keit Pentus-Rosimannus AND Academy of Liberalism / January 11, 2022

Estonia is doing all it can to maintain its current income tax system in the EU tax debate, Minister of Finance Keit Pentus-Rosimannus (Reform) told ERR on Tuesday, confirming reports of Estonia, alongside Hungary, blocking a revised set of EU tax rules.

Politics

Estonian PM: NATO Allies Do Not Underestimate Russia

BY Kaja Kallas AND Academy of Liberalism / January 10, 2022

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Reform) said the situation in Ukraine is worrying and NATO cannot go along with Russia\'s demands. She said allies see things more clearly after the Crimea occupation and do not underestimate the situation.

Economy

Network Operators Happy about Estonia’s Decision to Auction 5G Frequencies

BY Academy of Liberalism / January 7, 2022

Mobile network operators welcome the decision by Estonian Minister of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology Andres Sutt (Reform) to put three 5G frequency authorizations up for auction instead of four.

Economy

Estonian Finance Minister: Income Tax Should Be Reduced

BY Academy of Liberalism / July 5, 2021

\"The income tax rate could be reduced to 13-15%, sending all income tax to local governments and reducing labor taxes\" suggested the Minister of Finance Keit Pentus-Rosimannus (Reform) on Monday. Writing on social media, the minister said this move would help local governments to finance maintenance and care costs. She also wrote that Estonian labor taxes are too high while health care and social care costs need to be better funded in an aging society.