Could Estonia become a bi-ethnic success story?

According to the Statistics Estonia, the population of Estonia in 2017 was just over 1.3 million people. Over 330,000 of them are ethnic Russians.

At our October event we will look into the topic of the past, present and future of our Russian-speaking people in Estonia. The event will be an open discussion about identities, stereotypes and myths surrounding both Estonian and Russian ethnicities and their relations – and as always, we encourage our visitors to express their opinions and experiences as well.

The evening will start with a presentation by the social scientist and politician, Marju Lauristin, who will take a closer look at the history and background of the Estonian Russians and the current situation.

Afterwards, we will continue with a panel discussion between Marju Lauristin, Marianna Makarova, Sergei Metlev, Artemy Troitsky and Vladimir Svet.

Sergei Metlev is an Tallinn-born Estonian Russian, who has been speaking Estonian since attending a kindergarten. He has a legal degree and is very active in the Estonian society.

Artemi Troitski is a Russian journalist, music critic, broadcaster and academic who was born in Russia and has lived with his family in Estonia for the past four years.

The topics that will be tackled:

* Language issues and different approach to history
* Stereotypes and myths about ethnic Russians
* The real obstacles for integration
* Russian-speaking schools
* “Grey passport” issues
* The option of a dual passport/ethnicity
* Brain drain of successful Russians as well as an influx of modern Russians moving to Estonia
* Media sphere

The event will be moderated by Silver Tambur, the editor-in-chief of Estonian World, Estonia’s most engaging English-language magazine.

Doors and bar will be opened at 18:30.
Tickets: 2-5 euros (CASH)

P.S. Picture on the cover: “Erinevad keeled, üks rahvas”, Evi Pärn (2008) / “Разные языки, один народ” Эви Пярн (2008)

Speakers

Artemy Troitsky Journalist, music critic, academic

Artemy Troitsky is a Russian-born journalist, music critic, concert promoter, broadcaster and an academic. He has taught classes on music journalism at the Moscow State University and the Baltic Film and Media School in Tallinn. Troitsky is a well-known critic of Vladimir Putin’s regime, and as a man who left his homeland for social and political reasons.

Marianna Makarova Strategic Communication Adviser

Marianna Makarova is a Strategic Communication Adviser at the Government Office of Estonia and has also worked at Estonian Integration Foundation as Head of Research Development and organiser of international conferences on integration. Marianna is a PhD student of Tallinn University and her research focus is on ethnic and state identity, bicultural identity, and inclusiveness of integration context. The concept of Estonian Open Identity - a state identity equally acceptable for Estonians as well as representatives of ethnic minorities in Estonia - has been an important inspiration for her research.

Marju Lauristin Professor Emeritus

Marju Lauristin is Professor Emeritus at the Faculty of Social Sciences in the University of Tartu. She has a PhD in Journalism from Moscow University (1976) and co-founded Rahvarinne in 1988, the first real independence movement during the long Soviet occupation. Rahvarinne played a great role in Estonia's restoration of independence. During the first years of independence, Marju Lauristin was also the Minister of Social Affairs from 1992-1994, truly turbulent times of the 90s! She has been a long-time member of the Estonian parliament, Riigikogu (1992-2014), and a member of the European Parliament (2014-2017). She is currently serving in the City Council of Tartu.

Sergei Metlev Public and Partner Relations Manager

Sergei Metlev is a Tallinn-born Estonian Russian who started his public career as a public speaker for the integration of Russian-speaking youth and reforms in local Russian school system. He was one of the leaders of country-wide youth association Open Republic that is dealing with the issue of integrating Russian-speaking youth to the Estonian society life and value room. He holds a master degree in law from the University of Tartu and has an experience of participating in politics – Metlev was a candidate for the Estonian parliament, Riigikogu, as well as local elections, and worked as a political adviser at the parliament. After leaving the active politics, Metlev joined the Estonian Institute of Historical Memory that is a scientific research and history education organisation. Now he is managing public relations and cooperation at the institute.

Vladimir Svet Head of Tallinn City Centre Administration

Vladimir Svet is the Head of Tallinn City Centre Administration since November 2017 and a member of the Centre Party (Keskerakond). Mr. Svet has a Master´s degree in law from the University of Tartu and has worked as a specialist in the Culture and Youth Department of Tallinn City Centre Administration, as well as an adviser for the Estonian Chancellor of Justice.

Speakers

Gallery