Latest news in Estonia? September 13th, 2026

Major developments in Estonia around mid-September 2026:

• Defense Leadership Shake-Up: A significant cabinet reshuffle is underway following the resignation of Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur over controversies involving a €70 million ammunition procurement program for Ukraine. Former commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, General Martin Herem, has been selected to take over the post, emphasizing sustained defense spending near 5% of GDP and regional preparedness. Defence24.com
• Presidential Election: The Estonian parliament (Riigikogu) recently elected Ülle Madise, the country’s long-standing Chancellor of Justice and legal scholar, as the next President of Estonia. estonianworld.com
• Baltic Security & Transit Stance: Estonia and neighboring Baltic states coordinated a joint policy rejecting Russian grain transit through regional ports, while Estonian officials continue pushing EU allies to utilize frozen Russian state assets for Ukrainian reconstruction. NewsNow
• Diplomatic Role on War Tribunals: Estonian diplomat Aino Lepik von Wirén was selected to chair the working group in the Council of Europe preparing the framework for a special tribunal addressing aggression against Ukraine. estonianworld.com
• Preparations for Estonian Defence Week 2026: Tallinn is finalizing arrangements to host thousands of international defense innovators, military officials, and technology companies for Estonian Defence Week, scheduled to open in late September. Estonia.ee