The Estonian Ministry of the Interior is initiating reforms to simplify civilian firearm ownership rules, citing the evolving security landscape. It was emphasized the need to modernize the outdated Weapons Act to better prepare citizens for national defense roles. Click here to learn more

🎭 Theatre

The international youth film Wet Monday, a collaboration between Polish, Estonian, and Czech filmmakers, premiered in Tallinn this week. Co-produced by Marianne Ostrat, known for Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, the film features contributions from Estonian talents such as sound designer Gabriel Solis, colorist Kaspar Kallas, online editor Priit Pääsuke, and graphic designer Eva Reiska. Wet Monday is set for general release in theaters across Estonia on April 18. Click here to learn more

🎡 Amusement park

The Tallinn City Office has denied a permit for entertainment events planned on a 5.4-hectare plot between Reidi tee and Kadriorg. Organizers intended to host a spring fair starting April 19 and operate an amusement park through late May.However, following concerns from local residents and a meeting held on April 7, the city decided to reject the application. Click here to learn more

🏦 Interest Rate

The European Central Bank (ECB) has reduced its key interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, bringing the deposit facility rate to 2.25%, the main refinancing operations rate to 2.40%, and the marginal lending facility rate to 2.65%. This marks the third rate cut of the year and the seventh since June 2024. Bottomline, it’ll probably make your home loan cheaper! Click here to learn more

📚 School

A new six-grade basic school is set to open next fall in Tiskre, a rapidly growing village just outside Tallinn. Located at Liiva tee 53, the 6,700-square-meter facility will accommodate 432 students and include a kindergarten for 40 children.The campus will feature a gym, community center, and outdoor sports areas, including a stadium, soccer field, and multipurpose court. This development aims to meet the educational needs of the expanding local population. Click here to learn more

🏢 Tallinn Government

In its first year, the Tallinn City Government has implemented targeted reforms and high-impact investments aimed at enhancing residents' quality of life and promoting sustainable urban development. Key initiatives include significant investments in education, the development of a 15-minute city concept, and the enhancement of public transport infrastructure. Click here to learn more

🧑‍💻 Security

Estonia is emerging as a central hub for Europe's space cybersecurity initiatives, leveraging its advanced digital infrastructure and strategic focus on cyber defense. The country is developing state-of-the-art cyber training facilities to address the growing threats in the space sector, particularly from adversarial nations. Estonia's proactive approach positions it at the forefront of safeguarding Europe's interests in the increasingly contested domain of space. Click here to learn more

🎭 Film Festival

The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival has unveiled its 2025 "Goes to Cannes" lineup, spotlighting five standout projects from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. These films, currently in post-production, will be presented at the Marché du Film on May 16, aiming to attract co-financing, sales, and festival exposure. Click here to learn more

🚝 Train

Estonia's state-owned rail operator, Elron, is set to conduct trial runs of a three-car Stadler Flirt train on the Valga–Riga railway section from April 22 to 24. These tests are crucial for certifying the trains for operation on Latvian tracks, paving the way for a direct Tartu–Riga passenger service anticipated to launch this summer. Click here to learn more

🎶 Music

Estonian Eurovision contestant Tommy Cash has released a cover of John Cage's avant-garde composition 4'33", renowned for its duration of silence. In his rendition, Cash remains true to the original's concept, incorporating ambient sounds and sipping espresso macchiato during the performance. Click here to learn more