Freedom of association
Supreme Court upholds church law amendments targeting foreign influence
On 8th June 2026, Estonia’s Supreme Court upheld amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act that restrict religious organisations from maintaining ties with foreign religious bodies or spiritual leaders deemed to pose a threat to national security. In an 11–6 ruling, the court rejected President Alar Karis’s challenge that the law was overly broad, vague and disproportionately restricted freedom of religion and association.
The court held that restrictions would apply only where a foreign affiliation presents a genuine and concrete threat to Estonia’s security, constitutional order or public order. While acknowledging concerns about the law’s clarity, the court found it could be interpreted in a manner consistent with the constitution. The court also endorsed lawmakers’ concerns about the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church’s links to the Russian Orthodox Church as a potential security risk, while stressing that the dissolution of a religious organisation could only be used as a last resort after less restrictive measures had proved ineffective. Six justices dissented, arguing that the amendments were insufficiently clear and should be struck down.
As previously reported by the CIVICUS Monitor, the amendments were introduced amid concerns about foreign influence, particularly regarding the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church’s links to the Russian Orthodox Church. They were passed in the second reading in April 2025; however, President Alar Karis refused to promulgate the bill on the grounds that it was unconstitutional.
Freedom of peaceful assembly
Police deny storing IDs following controversy over identity checks at protests
Concerns have been raised in Estonia about police practices at public demonstrations after protesters reported being stopped by plainclothes officers and asked to present identity documents, which were then photographed. In March 2026, Estonian public broadcaster ERR spoke to a protester who underwent an identity check following a pro-Palestinian protest near Tallinn’s Kadriorg Palace during a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog in August 2025. The individual stated they were walking past the presidential palace after the demonstration had ended when they were stopped by police.
Speaking to ERR, the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) defended the practice, stating that officers may verify identities when assessing or preventing threats to public order. According to the PPA, photographs of identity documents are used solely to facilitate database checks and must be deleted at the end of an officer’s shift. The authority said it does not maintain databases of protest participants or use facial recognition technology. Civil liberties concerns have nevertheless emerged over the potential chilling effect of identity checks at demonstrations and broader questions about data protection and surveillance.
2026 Baltic Pride Parade held in Tallinn
Thousands of people took part in the Baltic Pride parade in Tallinn on 6th June 2026, taking place at the end of a week-long programme of events celebrating LGBTQI+ visibility, inclusion and community. Participants carrying flags and banners marched through the city’s Old Town before gathering for an open-air concert at Telliskivi Creative City.
Organised by the Estonian LGBT Association and partner organisations, Baltic Pride 2026 also included events in Tartu and Viljandi. According to ERR, this year’s theme, “Silence Will Not Defeat Hate,” was chosen to highlight the importance of speaking out against discrimination and intolerance. Rotating annually between Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius since 2009, Baltic Pride has become one of the most prominent LGBTQI+ events in the Baltic region.
Protests marking anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine
The fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was marked in Estonia with rallies, marches and anti-war protests in Tallinn. On 22nd February, Ukrainians living in Estonia joined a procession through the Old Town, organised by the Estonian Ukrainian Congress under the slogan “Protect Future Generations.” The march began at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, passed the Russian Embassy and concluded at Freedom Square, where participants expressed gratitude for Estonia’s support and called for the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia.
On 24th February, several dozen activists gathered outside the Russian Embassy in Tallinn to protest Russia’s continued aggression. Organised by the movement “We Help Political Prisoners,” the demonstration highlighted four years of war, suffering and resistance. Organisers said the protest aimed to show that international solidarity with Ukraine remains strong and that people must not become indifferent to the ongoing injustice of the war.
Far-right torchlight procession met with counter-protests
The far-right Estonian Conservative People's Party (EKRE) held its annual torchlight procession in Tallinn on 24th February to mark Estonia’s Independence Day. Nearly 1,000 participants gathered at Freedom Square before marching through the Old Town carrying torches and banners reading “For Estonia.” The event, organised by EKRE and its youth wing Blue Awakening, has taken place annually since 2014.
For the first time, the procession was met by a counter-protest. More than 50 demonstrators joined an action titled “Let’s Keep Estonia from EKRE – No to the Torchlight Procession,” arguing that the event was associated with symbols of right-wing extremism and white supremacy. The two groups exchanged chants and shouts, creating a tense atmosphere, though the events remained peaceful. Police, including dialogue officers and a special unit, were deployed to prevent confrontations and maintain public order.
Estonian farmers stage nationwide demonstrations, agriculture minister joins protest
Farmers across Estonia staged a coordinated protest on 19th March 2026, bringing tractors onto major ring roads and junctions in cities including Tallinn, Tartu and Pärnu to draw attention to agricultural subsidies and food security. The action, organised by the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce and the KEVILI cooperative, was part of a nationwide demonstration involving nearly 400 tractors moving slowly through key transport routes without fully blocking traffic.
The protest comes at a time when the European Union is discussing priorities for the next budget period, with the EU allocating €546 million to Estonia intended to reduce income disparities in the agricultural sector. However, farmers are concerned there is no guarantee the funds will reach Estonian producers, and have warned that uncertainty over subsidies threatens the sector’s long-term viability and food security. The government is expected to decide on the allocation of the funds in the coming budget discussions. While the demonstration was ostensibly aimed against the government, it received support from the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, with the minister himself taking part in the demonstration.
Hundreds protest calling for stronger conservation protections, Forest Act amendments suspended
Hundreds of people gathered in Tallinn on 25th April 2026 for a demonstration calling for stronger protection of Estonia’s forests and the withdrawal of proposed amendments to the Forest Act and Nature Conservation Act. According to ERR, the protest, held under the slogan “Forests are for passing on, not seizing,” brought together cultural figures, scientists, conservationists and landowners and was organised by concerned individuals rather than formal organisations.
Participants are concerned that, if adopted, the draft laws would enable more extensive clear-cutting and reduce protected areas, benefiting industrial interests at the expense of biodiversity and the public good. Speaking to ERR, conservationist Farištamo Eller said the proposals prioritise short-term profit over Estonia’s long-term environmental and constitutional interests.
Following the protests, in May, Estonia’s Minister of Energy and the Environment Andres Sutt announced a pause in working on the long-prepared Forest Act, citing deep disagreements between conservationists and the forestry sector.
Bolt drivers stage strikes across Estonia
Drivers for the ride-hailing app Bolt staged a series of strikes and work stoppages across Estonia in late 2025 and early 2026, protesting increased commission fees, tighter algorithmic control over rides, and what they describe as unsustainable pricing policies. The unrest has spread from major cities to the regions, highlighting growing tensions between the Estonian multinational company and its drivers.
In Tartu in September 2025, nearly 100 drivers organised a coordinated “blackout” by gathering at the Zeppelin shopping centre car park. By refusing to accept rides during peak hours, they left the city without available Bolt cars late at night. In January 2026 in Ida-Viru County, drivers used a “phantom strike” tactic, logging into the app but rejecting hundreds of ride requests to disrupt services. Also in January, on the island of Saaremaa, drivers staged a strike demanding higher fares and weekend and night-time multipliers comparable to those in mainland cities.
Drivers say recent software changes have reduced their control over pricing and left earnings unsustainable after costs. For its part, Bolt has defended its pricing model and stated it remains open to dialogue with representatives.
Freedom of expression
New law expanding wartime censorship powers adopted, media union announces appeal
On 2nd June, Estonia’s parliament adopted the Emergency Situations and National Defence Act, a wide-ranging law designed to strengthen the country’s preparedness for crises and wartime situations. Among its provisions are new restrictions on publishing information about the government, Defence Forces, Police and Border Guard Board, and security services during wartime. The law also expands the authority to restrict media operations during a state of emergency or war, granting such powers not only to the Prime Minister and individual ministers, but also to the Police and Border Guard Board, the Defence Forces and the Internal Security Service.
The legislation has drawn criticism from media freedom advocates. The Estonian Media Association warned that the law’s broad wording could enable officials to suppress information through subjective interpretation and increase the risk of abuse. The association also noted it was not involved in the drafting process and announced its plans to challenge the legislation before President Alar Karis and, if necessary, the Chancellor of Justice. Opposition politicians have also raised concerns that some provisions are overly vague and could undermine press freedom.