In June 2020, we marked 80 years since the tragic events between June 15-17, 1940, when the Baltic countries were occupied by the Soviet Union and lost their independence.

The sacrifice, bravery and hope of the people of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, eventually led to their regaining independence half a century later.

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Published: July 05 2020

The European Union has confirmed that American citizens will not be allowed to enter its borders as the bloc begins to ease travel restrictions imposed earlier this year in response to the pandemic.

Travelers from America, as well as Brazil and Russia, have been barred from entry because of their countries’ inability to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

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Published: July 05 2020

Helga Merits

The Baltic University in Hamburg, Germany, opened in March, 1946. Photo courtesy of Helga Merits

For us displaced persons, an essential part of our life is hope. Without hope, our life would be intolerable. Hope for our future, hope for a better fate of our native countries.

These were the opening lines of the Information Bulletin of the Baltic University from the 12th of July, 1947.

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Published: July 05 2020

100 Years of Estonian-German Relations

On June 29, the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Estonian Embassy in Berlin was celebrated, marking the beginning of celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Estonian-German diplomatic relations.

President Kersti Kaljulaid and German President Frank Walter Steinmeier with both in attendance.

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Published: July 05 2020

June 23rd Victory Day observance at Toompea. Source: news.err.ee/Siim Lõvi

As much of the current news cycle revolves around COVID-19, several developments not related to the virus have been followed by the Estonian American National Council (EANC) in the last few weeks.

While time should provide more clarity on how they will play out, EANC is concerned about their effect on Estonia, NATO, and the broader transatlantic community, and will track them closely as more information becomes available.

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Published: June 30 2020

Estonian American Fund Press Release
June 22, 2020

NATO troops pitched in on June 15 and 16 to move the Tartu Christian Adolescents’ Home to its new home.

Twenty-two soldiers from Great Britain came from the base at Tapa, bringing their muscle and equipment to help the staff and young people transfer furniture and other property to the Home’s new abode on Jaama Street.

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Published: June 30 2020

Helga Merits

Andres’s family.

There are many stories of people that I interviewed or just spoke with, which come to my mind these days. Stories about uncertainties, about loss, about waiting and the need for being patient.

One of these is The Story of Andres, an Estonian refugee:

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Published: June 30 2020

Estonian State Will Support Estonian Newspapers Abroad
The National Foundation of Civil Society (Kodanikuühiskonna Sihtkapital) will launch a pilot project providing €50,000 in grants to support Estonian publications abroad.

All publications aimed at Estonians abroad, published on paper or online, promoting the Estonian language or culture, including publications in English, can apply for funding, ERR reports.

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Published: June 30 2020