Ukrainian refugees

How Ukrainians integrate in Estonia

Estonia, with its rich history, cultural heritage and stable economy, has become a new home for many Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their homelands due to war and instability. Today, we observe how the Ukrainian community in Estonia is actively integrated into the local society, overcoming the challenges of adaptation and enriching the country’s cultural landscape with its presence. From learning a language to participating in local communities, Ukrainians demonstrate remarkable resilience and readiness for new endeavors.

Life of Ukrainians in Estonia

About 60-80 thousand Ukrainians currently live in Estonia, which is a significant number for a country with a population of 1.3 million people. By in words Anneli Kolk, Ambassador of Estonia to Ukraine, Ukrainians do not have big problems with living in Estonia, as the society really supports them. The state provides language courses, and there are also two schools where Ukrainian children study according to the Ukrainian curriculum. It is important that Ukrainians preserve their cultural identity and traditions, the ambassador emphasizes.

However, most Ukrainians consider their stay in Estonia to be temporary. They plan to return home after the war ends or their homes are rebuilt. Ukrainians live, work and study in Estonia, but consider it a temporary solution.

Business opportunities and prospects

Despite the temporary stay of most Ukrainians, some of them find themselves in Estonia, establish businesses and integrate into the local society. Ambassador Anneli Kolk emphasizes that we live in a global world where many Estonians also live and work abroad. Approximately 200,000 Estonians, which is almost 15% of the population, live outside the country. The ambassador hopes that after the victory of Ukraine, Ukrainians will be able to travel freely between different countries.

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Over the years, more and more Estonians return to Estonia. Many of them lived in Finland and Russia, but returned thanks to the stable economic development of the country. Identity and roots remain important for many who decide to return home.

Cooperation between Estonia and Ukraine

The volume of trade between Estonia and Ukraine was not significant for many years, but the war became an additional obstacle to business. However, there are Ukrainian investments in Estonia, mostly in the trade sector and IT. Cooperation in the field of information technology and defense has good prospects.

The embassy recently organized a defense business forum between Estonia and Ukraine, where many Estonian companies expressed interest in cooperation. The main interest is in the use of drones and other defense technologies, which are successfully used by the Ukrainian military on the front lines.

Thus, the integration of Ukrainians in Estonia continues on many levels, from cultural adaptation to economic cooperation. Despite the temporary nature of the stay of most Ukrainians, their contribution to the society and economy of Estonia is significant and promising.

 

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