Estonia

The Baltic states, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, experienced Russian control and domination for half a century. However, in the late 1980s the three states declared their independence from the Soviet Union. Yet, the heady feelings of those days have passed, now that economic, political, and social realities have begun to appear, realities that demonstrate it is not an easy process to build vital democratic states from the left-over piles of communist debris. Still, Estonia has fared much better than its Baltic counterparts because of its economic and political reforms instituted after gaining independence as well as its beneficial and sound relationship with its successful neighbor, Finland. Political, economic, and social reforms have all occurred in Estonia, but each area of change is still plagued by problems that must be addressed for optimal long-term growth and success. This analysis will discuss the types of reforms that have occurred in these areas since Estonia claimed its independence, as well as highlighting the problems that still remain. A conclusion will address the likely future success of Estonia and what changes must occur in the political, economic, and social realms to make this success a reality.

In the early 1990s, the first wave of reformers took control of the Estonia government. While this occurred in 1992, two short years later the same reformist government would be dissolv

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a vote of disapproval regarding the current social and economic conditions in the Baltic states. As reported in Time, “Lithuanians voted their former communist leaders back into power. But the victory of the freshly named Democratic Labor Party does not presume a return to orthodox communism. It testifies instead to the disappointment of the great expectations in the three Baltic republics of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia that the end of Soviet rule would mean the beginning of a wonderful life” (Riga 1). Nonetheless, Estonia, even if a reluctant participant, has increasingly furthered ties with the EU. All of the contracts between Estonia and other nations are based on the Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement of 1993. This Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Estonia’s application for EU membership in 1995 demonstrate its commitment to being a member of the EU despite objections from some. However, these objections are not being voiced by those who are involved in Estonia politics. Most of the political parties in Estonia are interested in being members of both NATO and the EU, even though some fear belonging to the EU is another type of supranational control. Yet, the reason Estonia was not dealt a debilitating blow from
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Approximate Word count = 2151
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page)