Work

EUPopLink Country report - Estonia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This report examines the relationship between populism and Euroscepticism in Estonia, a country characterised by strong and long-standing support for European integration. Estonia's pro-European orientation has been shaped by the historical narrative of a "return to Europe," security concerns, and the close connection between EU membership and national identity. Despite this broad consensus, several political parties express Eurosceptic and populist tendencies. The analysis focuses on EKRE, Fatherland, the Estonian Centre Party, Together, and Right-wingers. Among them, EKRE emerges as the most prominent Eurosceptic-populist actor, combining nationalist and anti-establishment rhetoric with criticism of EU integration, particularly on sovereignty, migration, and climate policy. The findings show that Estonia remains relatively resilient to stronger Eurosceptic mobilisation, while EKRE maintains stable political support. Estonia thus represents a distinctive case of enduring pro-European consensus coexisting with a limited but persistent Eurosceptic opposition.

Source: Open Research Europe

DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.24028.1

Author: Pavlína Kutnarová

Institution: Masaryk University

Language: English

Topic: Populism, Right-Wing Movements

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $841