Author: Helen Wright

Live-fire cyber defense exercise Locked Shields launches in Tallinn today with participants from over 40 nations. Despite being in its 14th year, the event is still considered by organizers to be a "unique" place for cooperation.

In the 21st century, security threats are not limited to one country and while Europeans may think Asia is far away, like-minded countries need to collaborate, said Dr Elena Atanassova-Cornelis, the International Center for Defense and Security's (ICDS) first Japan chair.

Estonia's National Library (Eesti Rahvusraamatukogu/ RaRa) contains approximately 9,000 historic French works and, now, for the first time, they have been mapped and studied. French cultural historian Dr Sophie Turner told ERR News about her experience and discoveries.

Exactly 80 years ago, the Soviet Army launched bombing raids on Narva, Estonia's eastern border city, as it tried to retake territory from the Germans. A new exhibition launches at Narva Castle today, explaining the event. ERR News spoke to the museum's Head of Collections and Exhibitions Zurab Jänes about its significance and parallels with Russia's current war in Ukraine.

NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission marks its 20th anniversary this year and Germany has been one of the most frequent participants. ERR News spoke to the German Air Force's Lieut. Col. Swen Jacob about why this mission is important, what Germany gets out of it, and how Russia can still surprise the Alliance.

Estonia's airspace was not breached by Russia in 2023 – the first time in almost a decade. However, experts do not believe it suggests a reduction in Russia's capabilities due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The birthrate in Estonia has hit a new low. Data from the Ministry of the Interior suggests 10,721 people were born in 2023, down 867 from the year before.

Unemployment in eastern Estonia's Ida-Viru County has risen rapidly since September with an additional 900 more people out of work. Estonia's average unemployment rate is just over 8 percent.

Legislation approving Estonia's new defense industrial park was sent for government approval by Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur (Reform) on Tuesday. The area will create the conditions for domestic ammunition production.

GPS systems across the Baltic Sea region, including Estonia, reported disturbances at the end of last year, monitoring websites show. Russia is to blame, the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA) said.