Tere, everyone!
Lately, in the Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian subreddits, we’ve been having a lot of discussions about the idea of a more formally united Nordic Union. In many of these conversations, Estonia’s name comes up almost immediately because we see you as a natural part of us.
I know that Estonia has worked incredibly hard to rebuild its sovereignty and unique identity, so I am curious if the idea of a formal union sounds like of equals to you, or if it feels like something that would step on the toes of the independence you’ve fought so hard for.
Do you feel like Estonia’s future is more closely tied to a unified Nordic front, or do you find the current balance of the EU and Baltic cooperation to be the better path? I’d love to know if you’d actually want to be at the table with us, or if this is just a Scandinavian pipe dream.
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MyNameIsMoeLester
4 comments
Estonia has already been sold to the EU, too late.
Yes, NB8+Poland is the new meta
For nearly three decades, many Estonians were circlejerking over the idea of “can into Nordics”, which became a rather popular meme. These days, most people have given up on the idea and are quite content with Estonia as it is. It’s healthy.
However, I do believe most Estonians would be more than happy to have even closer relationships with the Nordic countries. Being part of a formal Nordic Union would be an absolute privilege, as long as it benefits each party. The reality is that many people still look up to the Nordics, the societies they have built and Nordic people. However, at the same time, people do not look up to some of the demographic changes and associated issues, which we can see in places like Sweden.
To me, personally, the EU feels just too large, with too many different member states, to have a long-term future as a federation or a union with even closer ties. The cracks can already be seen. The EU should preferably stick together, but I would rather see a closer union between smaller and more like-minded states, which may very well be in the form of Nordic Union. I do believe most Scandinavians underestimate the similarities that Estonian people have with them. We would get along very well.
Eesti into nordic has been a meme for ages.
But what would that even entail? Passportless travel to other Nordic countries? Sending our representatives on a sauna night? Do we need a cross flag? Because I quite like our flag.
In terms of identity, we are still “Russia” to the uninformed, so being Nordic is definitely a step up. Glad to hear you see us as a natural part!