Free Estonian Word

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, January 15, representatives of the Central & East European Coalition (CEEC) met with the offices of five key members of Congress to discuss critical security issues affecting the region and U.S. strategic interests. The bipartisan outreach included meetings with the offices of Senator Mitch McConnell...

The popular Estonian film “Fränk” opens the 8th season of the highly acclaimed Boston Baltic Film Festival on February 27, 2026 at the historic Paramount Theater in downtown Boston. Tõnis Pill, the film’s director and Edith Sepp, CEO of the Estonian Film Institute, will introduce the film. “Fränk” was the...

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,...

The Baltic Security Initiative is now officially ensconced in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act at a level of $175 million. The act, which was signed into law by President Trump on December 18, will deepen “security cooperation with the military forces of the Baltic countries” and “achieve United States...

Director Taavi Arus' new feature-length documentary about Estonian Eurovision stars Puuluup will be screened as the opening film at the 2026 DocPoint Tallinn film festival on February 3. "Puuluup – kaablid autos veel" ("Puuluup – Cables Still in the Car") tells the story of unlikely duo Ramo Teder and Marko...

A celebration of culture and the ways it connects us What brings us together, across generations and across distances? Our theme is “Kultuur hoiab meid” or “Carried by Culture.” Culture is the braid of strands that come together - music, dance, language, community, history, and resilience - to which we...

"Abandon all hope ye who enter here”. This phrase from Dante Alighieri's "Inferno" could easily have been inscribed on the gates of the many so-called corrective labor colonies of the former Soviet Union, often referred to colloquially to this day as the Gulag prison system of the USSR. The highly...

Members and friends of Kesk-Florida Eesti Selts, the Estonian Society of Central Florida were delighted to attend Azara Ballet’s engaging performance titled “Encore” on November 14 and 15, 2025, in the Riverview Performing Arts Center, Sarasota (FL).  Martin Flowers (Roosaare), Azara Ballet’s co-founder and resident choreographer, graciously extended complimentary tickets...

The Christmas market on Tallinn’s Town Hall Square opened on November 21. It is like a winter fairytale land – the square is decorated with a sparkling Christmas tree and surrounded by small wooden huts. These offer everything from Christmas goods and gifts to food and drinks. Strolling through the...

Dear Council Member Keith Powers, dear President of the Estonian House Carl Skonberg, dear community representatives, ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here to honor the legacy of Estonian diplomat Mr Ernst Jaakson. He who represented Estonia in New York from 1932 until 1998, until his passing. He was recognized...