Estonia's 32 years of Freedom: From Soviet Ruin to Economic Wonder

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VIDEO DESCRIPTION:

In the Estonian city of Narva, the fruits of European integration are evident, boasting monthly gross wages over 1700 euros and a high life expectancy of 79 years. On the other side of the river in Ivangorod, a mere 517 euros in monthly wages and a life expectancy of around 70 years underscore a different reality.

This documentary delves into the past and present of these twin cities, once mirroring each other but now standing as separate entities. We explore the backdrop of 2014 when international media gathered in Narva to question if it could be the next Crimea, as tensions escalated due to Russia's annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas.

With a spotlight on the complex emotions towards Russia, Putin, and Estonian statehood, we unravel the multifaceted sentiments among the predominantly ethnically Russian population of Narva. As over 80% of Narva's population identifies as ethnically Russian, the battle for hearts and minds in the Baltic states intensifies.

Estonia's remarkable transformation post-Soviet era takes center stage, showcasing its journey from economic struggles to becoming a beacon of innovation and stability. We explore the reasons behind Estonia's swift pursuit of EU and NATO membership upon gaining independence and the strategic policies that paved its way to success.

Uncover the challenges and aspirations of the Russian-speaking minority in Estonia, whose integration and identity struggles unfold against the backdrop of evolving government policies, citizenship changes, and the removal of Soviet-era monuments.

As we navigate the complex landscape of these two cities, we consider the future of the Baltic region. Will the resilience and innovation of these nations prevail over challenges brought by the conflict in Ukraine? Could landmark projects like the proposed Tallinn Tunnel strengthen connections and drive regional growth?

Join us for a compelling exploration of the Narva River and the contrasting worlds it separates, offering insights into history, geopolitics, and the profound impact of economic and political choices on the lives of those living on either side of this symbolic divide.

[GeoPerspective]

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[trikyy]

I remember the day when Estonia declared its independence. I was abroad and heard the news from a bus driver. I translated to other Finns. There were spontaneous applause, hurrahs and quite a lot of tears. Our little brother free at last!

[nathanseper]

I've read that Estonia and Finland had roughly the same standard of living. Had it not been for decades of communist rule, Estonia would've had the same degree of prosperity as the Nordic nations.

[MrBell-iqsm]

I have never heard of an instance where the Soviets/Russians improved a country or a people's standard of living.

[carlossaraiva]

Visited Tallinn early this year and what i saw of Estonia is a modern, advanced western democratic country where people can enjoy life in peace and prosperity. I saw no vestige of soviet times in their daily life, save for what can be told by the history books. Estonia has not forgotten their past but it is not obsessed and fully defined by it, its a country of the future. I loved Estonia. Greetings and love from Portugal.

[RCSVirginia]

The smartest thing that Latvia and Estonia are doing now is to require all children in public schools to be educated in the national languages. In time, that will cause them to become more fully part of the societies of these countries.

[roskis]

Beautiful, prosperous Estonia! Best wishes from Sweden. 🇸🇪

[vojtechrod]

Baltics deserve just success after the tragic 20th century. Never Soviet/Russian misery again!

[uzstiklo]

It's just too funny to read Russian comments in here saying something along the lines of 'no no no, you aren't doing better, you were better off under Soviets' etc:) It's like getting immersed in an Orwellian parallel:)

[realhawaiio]

My adoptive home! ❤ As a foreigner (Portuguese) in Estonia, I must say I have great respect for the freedom achieved by Estonia peacefully!

[Siranoxz]

The digital integration of Estonia should be implemented on a European scale.

[mareks]

From Poland I wish all the best for Estonian !!!!

[JamesVaughan]

Observing Estonia today, so modern, prosperous and Western, one would never guess the country had once been a part of the USSR.

[carlossaraiva]

Russians you feel unhappy living in Estonia can always move back to russia, putin needs more able bodies for his cannon fodder army. If that is not appedling then you better integrate into estonian fociety and become estonia, language included.
Seriously, the hypocrisy of the average russian immigrant annoys me to no end: they love the perks of living in the west yet follow putin fanatically. They better be made to make a choice: civilization or putin. You cant have both.

[edwardpi]

Proud of Estonia! Let them start to develop their nuclear industry. It would be crazy when tiny Estonia invades Russia and win the war. This is because they can. To develop their 50 million robot AI military can turn into submarines, jet, or even a Ballistic missile.

[Frazv]

beautiful country with proud and smart people

[justus_x]

For example, next to Estonia is Ingerimaa. Now known as Leningrad Oblast, Russia. Before 1917, the majority of the inhabitants there were Ingerians (Finnish-Ugric). Mass destruction of Lutheran churches and cemeteries began. Schools were changed to Russian language. Killings, deportations ...
Already in the 1980s, there were no Ingerians left in that area. The nation had disappeared from its land

[jonasjonava]

Leedu, Kaunase linn - tervitused õed ja vennad Eestist.!!!🇱🇹❤️Estonie

[artursbondars]

Didn't Estonia reestablish independence in 1991, not declared?

[Kim-J]

I remember when this happened, my Czech 🇨🇿 grandparents and great-grandparents cheered, cried, and were so happy for people, Estonia 🇪🇪 ❤️. Finally, freedom for this beautiful country ❤️