where some see risks, others see opportunities

Dear people of Estonia!

Another year is coming to an end. We had a long, pleasant summer and a good harvest of apples in the fall. We cheered for our Olympic athletes, and many took part in the events of the European Capital of Culture. A new tram line has been built in Tallinn, and an iconic monument of Western culture, Notre Dame Cathedral, has been restored in Paris. And our mulgikapsas is now included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

But along with all the good things, the past year has added tensions and challenges. We are more sensitive than before; We get irritated more easily, we can talk at work and at school, and sometimes at home, too loudly and even harshly. Our pulse became faster. We feel tired and have become more anxious.

I understand it’s not easy for us. We are faced with the evil that is fueling war in Europe and beyond, and with threats we did not foresee. We have to deal with hybrid threats and attacks, with sabotage becoming systematic. This causes uncertainty, affects our safety and our well-being. But we are smart people, and we can handle it.

It is important to distinguish between fear and danger. Fear is paralyzing, but decisive action helps you circumvent the danger. We have become more confident in making decisions. We are investing more in our defense, and our allies are following suit. This strengthens Estonia’s defense capabilities, which in turn gives self-confidence. And the policy of containment that ensures peace is based on confidence.

Every person seeks peace – both within and around himself. Balance gives you courage and confidence to lean on. And if the feeling of security has weakened, it must be restored with the help of the contribution and will of everyone. Those who go through crises become strong and courageous, and success is achieved by those who cooperate, trust and support each other.

A close-knit community is our true strength. This means we need to notice and support the people around us. Unfortunately, we have too many people who say they are experiencing financial difficulties. But the more people there are who don’t feel deprived and cope with their lives, the better it will be for all of us, for all of Estonia.

Fearlessness, learning and smart ideas help you be yourself and cope with challenges. The more we invest in education and encourage collaboration between science and business, the more successful we will be. In such unity, smart solutions are born, because it is fresh ideas that are needed to boost our economy. Where some see risks, others see opportunities. There is no need to be afraid of meeting the unknown.

The basis of education is the ability to read. Next year marks the 500th anniversary of the publication of the first Estonian-language publication, and the Year of the Book will begin. We have been a reading and writing people for half a thousand years. A small nation has no choice but to be smart. Although there are only a few of us, we are all readers.

I wish the residents of Estonia, our people, courage and curiosity, ingenuity and determination in the coming year. This will give us greater security and a better ability to cope with difficulties. As the motto of the upcoming Song and Dance Festival “Iseoma” in July says:

We create our own life and happiness.

We speak our own language.

We sing our songs with our own voices.

Anger and rage destroy. We can be different. Our greatest skill is to create, build and preserve. Family, community, society. Your country. Myself.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year!