Emakeelepäev
(Postimees)
“Emakeelepäev on pühendatud eesti keelele ja selle püsimajäämisele ning seda tähistatakse luuletaja Kristjan Jaak Petersoni sünnipäeval. Tähtpäeva algataja oli kooliõpetaja ja keelemees Meinhard Laks.”
https://www.postimees.ee/8209583/reedel-heisatakse-eesti-lipud-emakeele-auks
“Suur ettelugemine presidendi juures.” - ERR
“Ligi 70 tuntud inimest loeb päikeseloojanguni presidendi kantselei ees eestikeelseid tekste.” - Postimees
“Emakeelepäeval võistles seitse Pärnumaa kooli luuletuste lugemises.”
“Tehisaru [AI] Eesti keele oskus vajab kiiret arendamist.” - Novaator
“Aasta keeleteo auhinna pälvis Paul-Eerik Rummo.” - Postimees
“March 14 is Native Language Day in Estonia.” - ERR
Estonia’s first tech giant, Skype, bows out
(Emerging Europe)
“In a world where digital services appear and vanish with bewildering speed, few brands have boasted the longevity and renown of Skype. Since it first came online in 2003, the internet-calling platform has introduced millions of people to the possibilities of cheap or free global communication. Now, following Microsoft’s announcement last week that Skype will be shuttered in May, attention has swung back to the small Baltic nation that helped birth this technological phenomenon.”
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“Though Skype’s roots trace back to a motley crew of Scandinavian and Estonian developers—Niklas Zennström (Sweden), Janus Friis (Denmark), Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, Jaan Tallinn, and Toivo Annus (Estonia) - it was Estonia that served as the platform’s beating heart.”
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“Skype’s first major exit arrived in 2005. eBay, smelling a digital revolution, acquired the company for 2.6 billion US dollars. Although the acquisition did not pan out as smoothly as eBay might have wished—the synergy between an online auction house and free VoIP calls was not as natural as presumed—it threw a spotlight on Estonia’s tech talent. … in 2011, Microsoft purchased Skype for 8.5 billion US dollars, catapulting it into the realm of the tech giants.”
https://emerging-europe.com/analysis/skypes-final-ring-estonias-first-tech-giant-bows-out/
“The History of Skype.” - Ars Technica, Sept. 2018
“Microsoft announces Skype will close in May.” - BBC, Feb. 2025
“How to Download Your Skype Chat History Data Before it’s Gone.” - Downloadsource, March 2025
“Microsoft Spent $9 Billion For the Now Retired Skype. It Was Money Well Spent.” - Barrons, Feb. 2025
“The best VoIP replacements for Skype in 2025.” - Techradar
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EstoNews On-Line:
https://estonewsoftheweek.blogspot.com/
EstoNews Dropbox Archive:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1kvd04gtar6ty2b/AADCUK2J_RXcMyIYf_sjnAwoa?dl=0
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Välisminister Marco Rubio käskis taastada USA julgeolekuabi Balti riikidele
(ERR)
“USA uus administratsioon tahtis teha kindlaks, kas välisabiprogrammid vastavad riigi prioriteetidele ning pani seetõttu abi andmise ajutiselt pausile. Välisminister Marco Rubio aga allkirjastas hiljuti korralduse, mille raames USA taastab oma julgeolekuabi Balti riikidele. Rubio kirjutas alla korraldusele, milles seisab, et USA on pühendunud Balti riikide sõjalise välisfinantseerimise jätkamisele. Rubio kirjutas sellele korraldusele alla 7. märtsil, vahendas LSM.”
https://www.err.ee/1609630694/rubio-kaskis-taastada-usa-julgeolekuabi-balti-riikidele
Estonia not feeling any effects yet from the U.S. president’s trade war
(ERR)
“… but could become more significant if overall confidence in foreign trade declines, according to one expert. Speaking to "Aktuaalne Kaamera," Kaspar Oja, an economist with the Bank of Estonia (Eesti Pank), said: "I think that for now, these effects are still quite modest. … Estonia is, Oja said, by nature a free-trade oriented country. "We depend on the ability to trade freely and to export goods worldwide without any restrictions.”
https://news.err.ee/1609631567/economist-effects-of-trump-trade-war-not-initially-felt-in-estonia
Opinion: Estonia needs to restore the military border guard
Sandra Laur, Postimees
“Currently, Estonia is the only country in our region that lacks a militarized border guard force. Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania all have one. However, Estonia, along with the European Union, relies on the police to guard its 338.6 km border with Russia.”
https://news.postimees.ee/8204903/sandra-laur-we-need-to-restore-the-military-border-guard
Keskkonnaameti korralageduse tõttu hävis väärtuslik mets
(ERR)
“Keskkonnaamet plaanis Rail Balticu loodusmõjude hüvitamiseks metsi kaitsta, kuid andis seesmise korralageduse tõttu välja raielube metsise elupaikade kaitseks kavandatud asendusaladel Lõuna-Pärnumaal ning muu hulgas raiuti maha 17 hektarit metsa, selgus riigikontrolli auditist. Rail Balticu raudteetrassi planeerimine viibis juhtunu tõttu ligi seitse kuud.”
https://www.err.ee/1609633178/riigikontroll-keskkonnaameti-korralageduse-tottu-havis-vaartuslik-mets
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| Metsaraie Lahemaal - Foto: Mati Sepp, Postimees 2022-06-22 |
The impact of Denmark’s biomass energy on Estonian and Latvian forests
(BirdLife International)
“Denmark’s dependence on woody biomass is largely fuelled by imports from Estonia and Latvia. The country ranks among the largest, if not the largest, importer of woody biomass from the Baltic region, with 52% of its wood chips and pellets coming from these two nations. Despite being classified as “green” and carbon-neutral, burning woody biomass can produce more greenhouse gases than fossil fuels. The excessive reliance on wood fuels not only accelerates deforestation, but also degrades forest biodiversity, fragments habitats, and reduces the ability of forests to absorb carbon. …”
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“Prints William teeb visiidi Eestisse.” - ERR
“Tallinn Airport named best airport in Europe.” - Postimees
“Tallinn residents' satisfaction with city drops to below 90%.” - ERR
“Important for the US to stay in Europe says Alar Karis.” - Deutsche Welle
“Nordic-Baltic defense ministers map out fresh support for Ukraine.” - NV
“Kaitsevägi ja päästeamet said kätte Türgist ostetud soomukid.” - ERR
“Estonia to Europe: It’s time to pay more for defense.” - Politico Europe
“Eesti Pank pühendab meenemündi metsavendadele.” - Eesti Pank
“Eesti Pank is dedicating a collector coin to the Forest Brothers.” - Eesti Pank
“NATO F-35 fighter jets conduct advanced counter-drone training over Estonia.” - Defence Industry Europe
“Estonian Defense Forces and Rescue Board receive new armored vehicles.” - ERR
“NATO Exercise Was Held in Estonian Airspace.” - Estonian Defence Forces
“Eesti roll muutuvas rahvusvahelise arengukoostöö arhitektuuris.” - ICDS
“Film campus will be built in Jõhvi Business Park.” - Film New Europe
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Germany’s Merz secures breakthrough on gargantuan defense spending plan
(Politico Europe | Euronews)
“… to unleash hundreds of billions of euros for defense and infrastructure."
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“Germany is back,” Germany’s conservative Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz told reporters in Berlin. “Germany is making its great contribution to the defense of freedom and peace in Europe.” The agreement with the Greens clears the way to a vote that will effectively exempt defense spending from the strictures of the country’s constitutional debt brake and create a €500 billion special fund to finance infrastructure projects outside of normal budgetary spending.”
https://www.politico.eu/article/germanys-merz-secures-breakthrough-on-historic-spending-plan/
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“Saksa parteid saavutasid ajaloolise võlakokkuleppe.” - ERR
U.S. Poll: 56% of Americans worry U.S. President too closely aligned with Russia
(Reuters)
“More than half of Americans, including one in four Republicans, think the U.S. President is "too closely aligned" with Russia, as he radically realigns U.S. foreign policy, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows.”
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“Nearly half - or 44% - of respondents in the poll said they support his plan of "conditioning U.S. military support for Ukraine on the U.S. getting a share of Ukraine's mineral wealth." Two-thirds of Republicans backed the idea, as did one in five Democrats.”
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“The poll (also) showed that Americans had little interest in the president’s stated goals of expanding U.S. territory, as he eyes Greenland, talks of making Canada the 51st state, discusses retaking control of the Panama Canal and floats leveling and redeveloping Gaza … only 17% of respondents, including 26% of Republicans, supported Trump's goal of absorbing Canada.”
Sõda on muutunud Venemaa jaoks hapnikuks – kas Putin ilma oskakski?
Kristi Raik, Kuku raadio/Postimees
“Kas relvarahu Ukraina pinnal saavutatakse või mitte, sõltub nüüd edasi Venemaast. Järeleandmisi Venemaa teha ei taha ja ootab mööndusi hoopis teistelt, rääkis Rahvusvahelise Kaitseuuringute Keskuse (ICDS) juht Kristi Raik Kuku raadio saates «Sihik».”
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“Kaitseuuringute keskuse juhi jaoks on arusaamatu, kuidas plaanivad USA president ja tema meeskond kiire rahuni jõuda. «Me teame, mis on Venemaa nõudmised. Me teame, et Venemaa pressib nendega edasi,» nentis Raik.”
Around the Baltic Sea
The Baltics Adapt to the U.S. President
By Eitvydas Bajarūnas, CEPA
“Baltic public opinion is predictable and more depressed. Typically, what you hear on the streets is “when the Russians come [and it’s when, not if], can we rely on the Americans?”
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“The Baltics also arose in that infamous Oval Office meeting. Answering questions, the President explained he is committed to Poland, then hesitated for a moment before adding: “The Baltics . . . they got a lot of . . . it’s a tough neighborhood too, but we’re committed.” It’s doubtful champagne was uncorked in Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn on hearing this less than ringing endorsement.”
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“Despite the uncertainties and challenges, the Baltic states remain determined to maintain robust partnerships with Washington while supporting Ukraine, strengthening regional security and promoting European defense and greater self-reliance.”
https://cepa.org/article/the-baltics-adapt-to-trump/
What Baltic intelligence agencies say about the risks of peace talks with Russia
(Le Monde)
“Blinded by a certain arrogance, European powers have often shown polite indifference to the Baltic states' warnings of the Russian threat, despite the fact that history and geography make these countries invaluable sources of information on Moscow. This is why the opinion of the intelligence agencies of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia is so important at a time when the conflict in Ukraine is being reshaped by the rapprochement between Russia and the United States. In their view, the current move toward peace negotiations conceals a major risk: Vladimir Putin's regime is using the opportunity to prepare for a possible confrontation with NATO, even if it wishes to avoid it. …”
The U.S. will continue it’s military funding for the Baltic states
(LSM | ERR)
“This order was signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 7 and announced to the Ambassadors of the Baltic States on March 10.”
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“Statement from Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
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“Can Europe’s Navies Deter Russia Alone?” - CEPA
“How dependent are Europe's militaries on the US?” - France24
“Wealth disparity grows in Finland as rich get richer.” - Yle
“Sweden’s first year as a Nato member.” - Radio Sweden Podcast
“The U.S. President has the Baltics walking a tightrope.” - Deutsche Welle
“Latvian National Guard aims to double its numbers.” - LSM
“Poola president tahab riiki USA tuumarelvi.” - Postimees
“Finnish museum reinvents itself in response to shifting relations with Russia.” - The Guardian
“War games in Latvia: Once unimaginable scenarios become chilling rehearsals.” - CBC
“Säpo hoiatas Rootsi julgeolekuolukorra halvenemise eest.” - ERR
“How much of a threat do Kremlin hybrid operations in the Baltic pose to the EU and NATO?” - Novaya Gazeta
“Rootsi kaitsepolitsei peab Venemaa kõrval julgeolekuohuks ka USAs toimuvat.” - Postimees
“Director Gints Zilbalodis' animated film "Flow" won the first Oscar in the history of Latvia.” - The Baltic Times
“Finnish Researcher: Baltics and Nordic Nations Should Discuss Acquiring Their Own Nuclear Deterrent with Poland.” - Baltic Sentinel
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Putin’s Forever War
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment
March 13, 2025
(ISW)
“Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the ceasefire proposal that the United States and Ukraine recently agreed upon in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and offered an alternative proposal that undermines the US President’s stated goal of securing a lasting peace in Ukraine. Putin claimed on March 13 that he "agrees" with the temporary ceasefire proposal and that the "idea itself is correct" but that the cessation of hostilities "should be such that it would lead to long-term peace and eliminate the initial causes" of the war. Putin thus rejected one of the main principles of the US-Ukrainian proposal — that the temporary ceasefire precede formal negotiations to end the war. Putin also claimed that there are questions that "require painstaking research from both sides." Putin questioned several aspects of the US-Ukrainian temporary ceasefire proposal. Putin asked what would happen to the remaining Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast and whether Ukraine would be allowed to continue to mobilize forces, train newly mobilized soldiers, and receive military aid from its partners and allies. Putin questioned the control and verification measures of a temporary ceasefire and who would give the orders to stop fighting. Putin suggested that he may call the US President to discuss the "issues" involved in the ceasefire proposal. Putin postured military strength during his rejection of the ceasefire proposal, highlighting recent Russian successes in pushing Ukrainian forces out of Kursk Oblast and claiming that Russian forces are advancing in "almost all areas of combat."
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-13-2025
Ukrainian diplomats told U.S. that Kyiv will never agree to limit size of its armed forces or renounce NATO aspirations
(Meduza)
“… as part of a potential peace deal with Russia. Ukraine’s delegation conveyed this position to the U.S. earlier this week at a meeting in Saudi Arabia, a source close to the negotiations told European Pravda. According to the source, the meeting was not intended to finalize a position on a peace agreement but served as an opportunity for the Ukrainian side to inform its American partners of Kyiv’s “red lines.” Sources reported the same information to RBC-Ukraine and BBC Russia.”
“Zelensky Slams Putin’s ‘Very Manipulative’ Statements on Ceasefire.” - The Moscow Times
“Putin rääkis relvarahust ja käis välja tingimused.” - ERR
“Putin supports a ceasefire, but there are ‘issues to discuss’.” - Meduza
“US arms flow to Ukraine again. Kremlin mulls a ceasefire proposal.” - AP
“'Passportisation', propaganda: In occupied Ukraine, Russia lays down roots.” - France24
“Putin still intends Ukraine domination says U.S. intelligence.” - Washington Post
“Putin makes clear Russia will only play ball with Ukraine by his rules.” - The Guardian
‘We Cannot Trust the Russians’
[nor the Americans?]
(The Moscow Times)
“A deep sense of confusion appears to have taken hold of Ukraine. Faced with an erratic U.S. foreign policy, Ukrainians no longer know what to believe. "I wouldn’t say that the U.S. has betrayed us," says Vlad Ivanchuk, in his 40s. "But one thing is certain: we will never fully trust the Americans again. Our future is in Europe, and I know that Europe will never abandon us.”
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"It feels like we have been betrayed," laments Tatiana, a resident of Kherson in southern Ukraine. "Western partners are asleep and cannot wake up. They are incapable of looking a few steps ahead to realize that soon, this war will reach them too. For now, they are just watching Ukraine being killed like it's some kind of reality show.”
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“Hours before Putin said he would be open to a ceasefire, Moscow launched a new wave of airstrikes against Ukraine and continued its assaults on the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces … appear on the verge of retreat.”
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“Maybe there will be a ceasefire. But the Russians will use that time to rearm and attack us again," Kristina says.
Moscow hit with largest Ukrainian drone attack since full-scale war began
(Meduza)
“On March 11, Ukraine carried out the largest drone attack on Russian territory since the start of the war. The strikes, which mainly targeted Moscow and the surrounding region, killed at least three people and injured 18 others, including three children. … The assault began just hours before Ukrainian and U.S. officials met for talks in Saudi Arabia, which resulted in Ukraine agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire if Russia follows suit.”
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2025/03/12/drones-over-russia-s-capital
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“Claim: Almost 10,000 drones used by Ukraine to attack Russia since start of war.” - Novaya Gazeta
Sõda on muutunud Venemaa jaoks hapnikuks – kas Putin ilma oskakski?
Kristi Raik, Kuku raadio/Postimees
“Kas relvarahu Ukraina pinnal saavutatakse või mitte, sõltub nüüd edasi Venemaast. Järeleandmisi Venemaa teha ei taha ja ootab mööndusi hoopis teistelt, rääkis Rahvusvahelise Kaitseuuringute Keskuse (ICDS) juht Kristi Raik Kuku raadio saates «Sihik».”
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“Kaitseuuringute keskuse juhi jaoks on arusaamatu, kuidas plaanivad USA president ja tema meeskond kiire rahuni jõuda. «Me teame, mis on Venemaa nõudmised. Me teame, et Venemaa pressib nendega edasi,» nentis Raik.”
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