Nordic identity in Estonia

The extensive settlement of Swedes in Northern and Western Estonia, especially in the islands and coastal areas, has had a significant impact on Estonian culture and also language.

[10] In 2020, the University of Tartu conducted a psychological survey with 6th grade students to find out, among other things, which countries they consider to be the most important and closest to Estonia.

[11] An important element in Estonia's post-independence reorientation has been closer ties with the Nordic countries, especially Finland and Sweden.

[13] A conference comprising the heads of the coalition government was held in September 2016, discussing Estonia's outlook as a Nordic country.

– Taavi Rõivas, Prime Minister of Estonia[15]Kersti Kaljulaid, president of Estonia from 2016 to 2021, commented on views of then Estonian foreign minister Ilves, saying that she does not want to use "loaded words" like Nordic or Baltic but prefers to call like-minded countries of northern Europe the "Nordic Benelux".

[21][22] However, similar explanation by Sakkov which was published on Nordica homepage in English, claimed that motivation behind naming was Estonia's alignment with "Northern Europe" and country's leaders wish to reflect that.

[24] The Tuglas Society has claimed that the Nordic definition that Estonia is moving towards does not exist anymore, being a relic of past times.

[25] Per Högselius, a Swede, wrote an opinion piece about the topic in 2003, looking at the idea as fringe, but concluding that "in time the Estonians might be able to persuade us".