Hallo Europa,
Können wir reden?

With the accession of the Baltic countries in 2004 EU and NATO for the first time had a direct border with the successor state of the former Soviet Union, the Russian Federation. The attack on Ukraine has demonstrated then Russia's willingness to go to great length to reestablish its hegemony over Eastern Europe. So the common border between Russia and the Baltics has become a focal point of tension between East and West. It is in this situation that we have invited Maris Hellrand, a prominent freelance journalist from Tallinn, Estonia, to talk to us about the impact of this situation on life and politics in her country.

With EU-Mercosur Trade negotiations having begun in 1999 and agreement in principle reached in 2019 the talks have not made it across the finishing line yet. Finally, in December 2024, an agreement on the free trade deal was announced and waits for approval/endorsement from at least 15 of the 27 EU member countries. 

Did you know that our weekly Events are 100% volunteer powered? Right now, everyone in the team is very busy: Family visits, exam phase, deadlines at work... That is why we decided to allow each other a week of pause, in which we can enjoy the colorful early November days.