Welcome / Tere tulemast!
The Estonian American National Council, Inc. (EANC), is the nationally-elected central organization of Estonian Americans in the U.S. Since 1952, we support Estonian cultural activities and organizations in the United States of America, and work to create awareness and support for Estonia among all Americans. We are proud to voice the Estonian American community's support for means to ensure security and stability as well as the economic and cultural viability of the Republic of Estonia. It is our pleasure to be your connection to the Estonian community in the United States!
Events
EANC Fundraising Matching Program to Support Ukraine
Baltic Advocacy Days 2022
This event organized by JBANC is a timely opportunity for Baltic Americans and their friends to come together and engage with Congress about the security and economic issues impacting the United States' relationship with the Baltic states. As a constituent, you have enormous power to shine a light on these very important issues in today’s reality of a horrific and unjustified war that the Russian Federation is waging against the Ukrainian people. All this happening threateningly close to the Baltics. May 2 - 6. Register here.
Live! Curly Strings & Friends in concert: DC – NY – Boston
Popular Estonian band Curly Strings and special guests take the stage as part of the Estonian Cultural Days Festival 2022, bringing their talent, energy and music to the DC, NY, and Boston areas April 1st, 2nd, 3rd, respectively. Check out the respective event listings to see what special guests will join them on stage: nublu, DJ MAdli, DJ QRx, Gameboy Tetris... See you on the dance floor!
Virtual Forum: A Conversation with the Baltic Presidents
Hosted by the Atlantic Council. On Tuesday, March 29 (8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. ET), the 18th anniversary of the accession of the Baltic states to NATO, Estonian President Alar Karis, Latvian President Egils Levits, and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda will join the Atlantic Council to outline their views on the current situation in Ukraine, its implications for European security, and how NATO should adapt to respond to a fundamentally changed relationship with Russia. Click to register here.
U.S. Rallies in Support of Ukraine and to Stop Putin
Click here to find a rally near you. When attending rallies be safe, know your message, bring flags and posters stating your demands. Currently, EANC and partners JBANC and UCCA suggestion focus be on rallying support for a "Limited No-Fly Zone'" over parts of Ukraine and the provision of additional weaponry, munitions and fighter planes to Ukraine. Elagu vaba Ukraina! Elagu demokraatia!
VIDEO: War in Ukraine – Perspectives from Estonia
An online forum hosted by EANC. As the war in Ukraine continues to rage, Estonian-Americans are concerned for the security of Estonia and wonder what can be done to help from here, the US. Please join us on Sunday, March 20th, to discuss these very topics and more. Rewatch the webinar originally broadcast on March 20th.
Virtual Event: How the Baltic States are Helping Ukraine
In case you missed it: The Ambassadors of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to the United States, moderated by regional expert Edward Lucas, discussed their national and regional strategies to support Ukraine, strengthen regional security, and counter Kremlin attempts to destabilize democracies. Hosted by CEPA on March 1. Recording available for viewing.
JBANC Call to Action: In support of Baltic Security and Advocacy for Ukraine
The Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) invites you to support the latest American Latvian Association (ALA) Call to Action. If you are a registered voter in the United States, please take time to voice your concerns to your elected representatives on the current developments and coming legislation concerning the Baltic region. Stay up-to-date as the situation is changing rapidly. Read EANC's Statement on Russia' s Invasion of Ukraine (below)..
JBANC Action Alert: Support Aid for Ukraine
JBANC call to action: Contact Congress to pass maximum supplemental aid package for Ukraine. Click here for details and more.
Estonian Culture Days 2022, festival in NY
The Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters presents the 2022 Estonian Cultural Days. This marks the festival´s 50th anniversary of this rich multi-day program, which provides a vast range of cultural events for everyone – Estonians, Estonian cultural enthusiasts, Estonian speakers and non-Estonian language speakers of all ages. Click here for the full weekend line-up and a link to purchase tickets. March 31 - April 3rd, 2022.
Fireside Chat: European Security After Ukraine
Tuesday, March 22. 10 pm Eastern. The Estonian Embassy hosts a virtual fireside chat with Ambassador Jonatan Vseviov, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, and Ambassador Kurt Volker, to discuss the future of European security architecture after the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Click here to register.
Boston Baltic Film Festival 2022
EANC is a proud sponsor of the 4th annual Boston Baltic Film Festival, presenting the latest award-winning films from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The virtual festival continues through March 13th. World-class feature films and documentaries for all generations offer a unique opportunity to get to know the Baltic soul - creative, reflective, and rebellious. Organized by the Baltic Film Committee and The American National Latvian League, in collaboration with ArtsEmerson. Single event tickets now available!
Ambassadorial Briefing on the Situation in Ukraine
Ambassadors of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania give a briefing hosted by the Baltic American Chamber of Commerce. BACC welcomes you to tune in for up-to-the-minute, first-person viewpoints from the highest-ranking diplomats from the Baltic States - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - on the current situation in Ukraine. Today! March 1 @ 3:30 pm -4:30 pm Eastern
Virtual Fireside Chat with Ms. Eva-Maria Liimets, Foreign Minister of Estonia
The Center for a New American Security will host a virtual fireside chat with Ms. Eva-Maria Liimets, Foreign Minister of Estonia, to discuss the current conflict in conversation with Andrea Kendall-Taylor. As the U.S. and NATO work together to de-escalate, this discussion will provide fresh insight into the conflict from the Estonian perspective.
Virtual Talk: Responding to Russian Cyber Operations
Hosted by the Center for European Policy Analysis. Preparing for an effective response to Kremlin-backed cyber operations is a critical challenge to transatlantic cohesion as Europe and the United States work to prepare a united stance. Speakers include former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and cyber security expert Chris Krebs (Former Director, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security). Feb. 15th, 10 a.m. Eastern. Recording will also be made available after the event.
World Premiere! Singing Revolution: The Musical
EANC is proud to present Singing Revolution: The Musical. Join us at The Broadwater theatre in Los Angeles, for this new musical, inspired by Estonia's real-life story of peaceful resistance and love of country. With a catchy Euro-pop score and story by Tony Spinosa and James Earhart, we follow the tale of star-crossed lovers, hurdles and passions, against the timeless story of Estonia’s song-filled, peaceful uprising against the Soviet Union. Known the world over as the “Singing Revolution,” this movement that so epically defined the strong determination of the Estonian people eventually led to the Republic of Estonia’s restored independence in 1991. New show dates TBD.
Virtual Talk: Out from the Cold: The Estonian Experience
Join the Thompson Center and UW-Madison Center for European Studies on February 18 for a conversation on Cold War Leadership with Mart Laar, former Prime Minister of Estonia. The event, titled Out from the Cold, will center on the Estonian experience of the Cold War. Questions can be submitted during the event through the streaming page.
LIVE: Estonian Prime Minister Discusses Ukraine Crisis, Estonia, and NATO.
Washington Post Live presents "World Stage: Crisis in Ukraine with Estonia Prime Minister Kaja Kallas." Washington Post columnist David Ignatius speaks with Estonia’s prime minister Kaja Kallas about what is at stake for the region in the current crisis, her country’s role in NATO and its history with Russia as a former Soviet republic. Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern).
Nordic & Baltic Oscar Contenders 2022 Virtual Screenings
This year, the Nordic & Baltic Oscar Contenders series returns to Scandinavia House in a hybrid format! In coordination with Scandinavian Film Festival L.A. with [email protected], Scandinavia House is pleased to offer virtual screenings of films chosen by the Nordic & Baltic countries to compete for the Oscar nomination for the Best International Feature Film, available to viewers across the U.S. on weekends in January, as well as select in-house screenings. Jan 6- 10; Jan 13-16. Tickets must be pre-purchased.
The Day of Reading Estonian Literature Together 2022
January 30th is the birthday of renowned Estonian writer Anton Hansen; also known as A. H. Tammsaare (1878-1940). Some have even proposed making the day a national holiday to celebrate Estonian literature. The Estonian Institute and the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre invite you to read together! Read any Estonian author of your choosing, or take the suggested reading for this year´s event, Naksitrallid (Three Jolly Fellows) by Eno Raud. It’s a legendary, loved children’s series and includes unforgettable illustrations by Edgar Valter, likely forever etched into the memories of nearly every full grown Estonian. Fun for the whole family! ´Eesti keeles, pea meeles!`
Virtual Conversation: Secretary General Stoltenberg discusses NATO’s response to the renewed tensions in Europe
An event hosted by the Atlantic Council. Russia’s military buildup in and around Ukraine is raising the specter of all-out conflict on the continent for the first time since the Cold War. Secretary General Stoltenberg will join the Atlantic Council in a unique event to outline NATO’s response to the renewed tensions in Europe. Friday, Jan. 28th at 8:30 am (Eastern)
Virtual Event: What’s Next for Ukraine? A Conversation with Former President of Estonia Toomas Ilves
Hosted by the Hudson Institute: Toomas H. Ilves, former president of Estonia and noted geostrategic analyst, and Hudson Institute´s Walter P. Stern Distinguished Fellow Kenneth R. Weinstein discuss the Ukraine crisis and prospects for an effective policy response from the West. Jan. 28th @ 10 a.m. (Eastern).
Traditional Christmas Event at the Lakewood Estonian House
The Lakewood Estonian Association / Estonian School welcome everyone to a Christmas party on Sunday, December 19th, 2021 @2 pm. Doors open @1 pm. Lakewoodi Eesti Kool ja Ühing kutsuvad kõik Jõulupeole! Jõulupuu + laulmine + laste etedused + jõuluroog + ehk külastab ka Jõuluvana!
Christmas Dinner at the New York Estonian House
Join friends at the N. Y. Estonian Educational Society's annual Christmas Dinner on Saturday! Cocktails, music by the sensational Holger Marjamaa, and a traditional Estonian Christmas meal at the historic Estonian House. Dec. 18th, reservations required.
New York Baltic Film Festival 2021
The Fourth Annual New York Baltic Film Festival (NYBFF) presented by Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America returns in 2021 as a hybrid festival with both in‐person and virtual screenings on November 3‐14. This year, the festival will feature eleven feature films and one TV series, including numerous premieres. Filmmakers will be present at a number of the premieres to participate in Q&As after the screenings. Nov. 3 - 14. Ticket sales have begun!
CEEC Online Discussion – Moving Target: Getting Ahead of Kremlin Aggression
The Central and East European Coalition hosts this important forum, which is open to the public. The respected panelists will discuss how the U.S., along with its allies, should determine and impose effective consequences on the Kremlin for its violations of international norms to safeguard Transatlantic security. October 21st at 12 p.m. Eastern. Registration required.
Online Forum: President of Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu), Mr. Jüri Ratas.
2021 has been an interesting year for Estonia, and the excitement continues. New officials are in place at the country's top three offices (President, Prime Minister and president of Parliament), and local elections in Estonia are less than 2 weeks away. Mr. Ratas will discuss what changes might be expected, and give an update about current Covid-19 restrictions in Estonian and more. Hosts from the Estonian American Business Alliance ask you to submit your questions early so they might be accommodated. Q & A to follow as time allows. Sat., Oct. 8th, 11 a.m. Pacific / 2 p.m. Eastern.
West Coast Estonian Days Online Fundraising Auction
The dedicated organizers of the West Coast Estonians Days invite you to participate in an online auction. All proceeds from this fundraiser go toward the LEP / West Coast Esto Days 2022 in Seattle, and will serve to help reduce tickets costs. There is still time to donate a service or experience, and get ready to get in on the auction action. Bidding begins on October 10th.
ESTO|RAISER 2021 – Online Auction & Cultural Gathering
Join EANC in raising funds and awareness to keep our Estonian-American community strong and thriving. Register today and be entered into free drawings throughout the event.
Hajali, aga koos. Dispersed Yet Together
The Foundation of Estonian Arts and Letters along with the Estonian Consulate of New York and the New York Estonian House are pleased to sponsor a unique event to commemorate the 30-year anniversary of Estonia’s re-independence.
30th Anniversary Celebration: Restoration of Independence for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
Join local Estonians, Latvians, Lithuanians and friends on August 21 to celebrate this important anniversary (Aug 20, 1991). Festivities include daytime program, speakers, sports, and games/crafts for the kids, a pig roast and traditional buffet with something for everyone. Evening program includes talented performers (music and dance) and a village-styled dance. Bonfire and festivities all night long. Gate opens at 2 pm. Hosted by the Connecticut Estonian Society.
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Estonia’s Restoration of Independence
The Estonian Society of Los Angeles is very pleased and honored to celebrate this important milestone for Estonia with a luncheon under Air Force One at the Reagan Library.
Muinastulede öö –The Night of Ancient Lights
The Chicago Estonian House welcomes you to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the restoration of Estonian independence together with The Night of Ancient Lights. Enjoy an evening of comradery, celebration, and the lighting of bonfires at sunset.
Atlantic Council Virtual Forum: Featuring the Prime Minister of Estonia, H.E. Kaja Kallas
Following consensus at the G7 Leaders’ Summit on countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and ahead of this Fall’s Tallinn Digital Summit, Prime Minister of Estonia H.E. Kaja Kallas discusses how the United States and its allies and partners should collaborate to build trusted connectivity into their emerging digital and physical infrastructure, using the Three Seas Initiative as a foundational example. Registration required to receive the link.
Victory Day and Summer Solstice Events on June 26th
Estonian summers are magical, and the summer solstice, celebrated on St John´s Eve, gives ample ways to celebrate. Anticipation and celebration of the longest day of the year equate with carefree days in the countryside with family and friends, the long white nights of summer, singing & dancing with friends around the bonfire, searching for ´fern blossoms´ with that special someone, midnight swims and saunas ,and beholding sunsets that meet the dawn... Estonians in the U.S. welcome the holiday with just as much joy and tradition. Estonia's Victory Day coincides with the St. John's Eve, bringing an added dimension to the importance of the day.
Virtual Discussion: A Day of Mourning and Hope
June 14th marks 80 years since the first wave of mass deportations carried out by the Soviet regime. Tens of thousands of people, including babies and elderly from the Baltic states died in Siberia, and many more came back to their countries to find their former lives destroyed. "The Day of Mourning and Hope: the Living Memory of Soviet Deportees and Displaced Persons of the Baltic States” hosted by the Embassies of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia can be viewed from provided link.
PBS Re-Airs Documentary Series about Estonia
This four-part documentary series, sponsored by the EANC, introduces today´s Republic of Estonia to American TV audiences. The Estonia episodes of the world affairs series 'This is America & the World,' hosted by Dennis Wholey, premiered on PBS in Autumn 2019. During this time of travel bans, enjoy the comfort of your own couch and some virtual travel to the remarkable land of Estonia, which offers something for everyone! The third episode features an interview with EANC president Marju Rink-Abel in which she shares a few words about Estonians in America and the work of the Estonian American National Council. All four episodes can be watched and shared from right here on our site! The Council is a proud sponsor of these episodes!
Many thanks to members of the EANC President's Circle and individual donors for their generous support!
News
May 3, 2022
The Estonian American National Council (EANC) announced on April 14 its General Election for the XXIII Council, to be held this year. With the announcement, EANC issued a call for candidates who support the EANC […]
April 14, 2022
Thank you for interest in the General Election for the XXIII General Election scheduled for 2022! Dear Fellow Estonian American, For seventy years the Estonian American National Council has been the national organization representing the […]
February 24, 2022
The Estonian American National Council condemns in the strongest terms possible the invasion of Ukraine by Russian president Putin's forces.
Washington Update
Did you know...?
Estonia has the highest amount of meteorite craters per land area in the world.
The most spectacular of these craters is the Kaali crater field on the island of Saaremaa, believed to have been created 7500-7600 years ago. The largest crater measures 110 m across and 22 m deep, and was an ancient sacrificial site. Today, it is an easily accessible tourist attaction. Photo: VisitEstonia.com
The most spectacular of these craters is the Kaali crater field on the island of Saaremaa, believed to have been created 7500-7600 years ago. The largest crater measures 110 m across and 22 m deep, and was an ancient sacrificial site. Today, it is an easily accessible tourist attaction. Photo: VisitEstonia.com