As we enter 2026, I wish you all a healthy, prosperous, and joyful New Year on behalf of the Estonian American National Council! Amid the crosscurrents of today’s world, we as Estonian Americans can find inspiration, purpose, and a sense of grounding in our heritage and in the enduring richness, opportunities, and connection it provides.
I am proud of the far-reaching work EANC accomplished over the past year. Just a few highlights: This past year we supported 179 singers and dancers who participated in the 2025 Song and Dance Festival (laulu- ja tantsupidu) celebrations in Estonia. In October, EANC was the major sponsor of the world-renowned Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir for the two extraordinary, sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall in New York, dedicated to the music of Arvo Pärt.
At the same time, amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the broader sense of unease, EANC increased its support for the Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC), which in 2025 hosted its most successful Baltic Advocacy Days to date. EANC and partners issued statements and organized forums to help both the public and decision-makers in the United States better understand Estonia’s security needs. This increasingly important advocacy work continues, and your voices add impact to our efforts.
I am also grateful that, with EANC’s support, the newspaper Vaba Eesti Sõna (VES) continues as a channel connecting Estonian Americans and preserving a record of our community’s activities and aspirations. VES – due to the hard work and efforts of many – now moves forward as a nonprofit entity, steering into the future with renewed energy.
This past November, EANC members gathered in person for our annual full-council meeting. Given our wide geographic spread and busy schedules, these meetings serve as an important touchstone, allowing for deeper discussion and thoughtful planning informed by perspectives from across the country. We recommitted ourselves to strengthening EANC so that it can continue to best serve the community as the elected body representing Estonians across the United States, and carry out its unique twofold mission: to be a voice for Estonian American interests while also supporting culture and community life. This representation and dual mission is what makes us “uniquely ERKÜ.“
In the year ahead, EANC will hold its once-every-four-years elections. We seek to continue building a broad, diverse, and representative council that also includes younger members with fresh ideas and an interest in leadership opportunities. Please contact us with your questions or interest and consider this opportunity to serve — EANC needs you!
Even in these troubling times, each of us can resolve to do our part, to contribute in whatever speaks to our individual skills and passions, ensuring that Estonian organizations and institutions continue to renew themselves and are here to serve future generations. May we support one another in these pursuits, find new ways to collaborate, and build upon the work of those who came before us.
EANC extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our work through their generous donations this past year.
Happy New Year!
Mai-Liis Bartling, president
Estonian American National Council
