NATO & Northern Flank: NATO has started operations to bolster defenses around Sweden and Finland, including a new multinational combat group in Finland led by Sweden under the Forward Land Forces framework. Estonia Security & Readiness: Estonia is hosting a major NATO medical exercise, Vigorous Warrior 2026, with about 2,000 participants rehearsing care from battlefield triage to allied handovers. Russian Strike & Nuclear Safety: Estonia’s foreign minister condemned a Russian drone strike that partially damaged Ukraine’s spent nuclear fuel storage reception building, warning against roulette with nuclear security. EU Migration & Schengen: Estonia and 10 other countries are pushing the European Commission for tighter Schengen visa rules for Russians, citing rising visa numbers and security concerns. Opposition Tax Promises: EKRE reelected Martin Helme and doubled down on tax cuts, while Parempoolsed backed VAT and income tax reductions as part of a smaller-state agenda. Baltic Economy: The EBRD is deepening support for a unified pan-Baltic capital market with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania aiming for stronger regional integration and global index status. Estonia in the News: Tallinn is set to spend up to €20,000 on invasive Spanish slugs, while a dispute continues over health insurance coverage for foreign nuns in Estonia. Regional Defense Drills: Baltic Zenith 2026 air-defense exercises in Latvia involved Estonia and others, focusing on interoperability and live-fire readiness.