Why the Baltic Nations Have Suddenly Embraced LGBTIQ+ Rights

The rocky path to marriage equality in Estonia

21 June 2023

Merili Arjakas

Marcin Król Fellow

Estonia became the second country in CEE to allow same-sex marriages after an acrimonious parliamentary debate, as a drive to solidify the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community in the Baltic States suddenly accelerated.

Yesterday morning, Estonia’s Riigikogu (Parliament) amended the family law to expand equal marriage rights to same-sex couples, becoming the second country in Central and Eastern Europe after Slovenia legalised the right last year.

“We join other Nordic nations with this historic decision,” Prime Minister Kaja Kallas tweeted. “I’m proud of my country. We’re building a society where everyone’s rights are respected and people can love freely.”

Editor’s Pick: Slovak President Čaputová Will Not Seek Re-election  

Subscribe

Democratic security comes at a price. What is yours? By subscribing or donating now gain access to analysis, forecasts and scenarios by leading analysts and reporters who monitor democratic risks and develop policy debate from Central Europe on Central Europe.

MonthlyVAT included

€4/month

See all details

  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline

AnnualVAT included

€40/year

See all details

  • Individual subscribers only. Check our CORPORATE OFFER below
  • 15% Discount (8 EUR off monthly cost if paid annually)
  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline

Student OR Donation

Choose your contribution

See all details

  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Some Visegrad Insight events invitations

I am a representative of an institution/business. Is there a corporate offer?

The annual subscription for up to ten institutional users: EUR 999
GO TO CHECKOUT

For a tailor-made offer email us: contact@visegradinsight.eu 

  • Access to all articles for your team
  • Access to all Reports for your team
  • Every Monday a Weekly Outlook with an update on key developments in Central Europe delivered by e-mail
  • Every Thursday a newsletter with the most important highlights and invitations
  • Personal invitations to Visegrad Insight Events
  • Foresight, policy, and risk analysis reports (on-demand)

Intelligence prepared by a group of Visegrad Insight Fellows from all across

Can I receive an invoice?

Yes. You will receive a receipt immediately after purchase and a VAT invoice upon request. The subscription amount includes tax. In case of a donation, there is no tax.

Are my credit card details safe?

Yes. The payment is processed by STRIPE www.stripe.com entrusted also by Amazon, Zoom, Booking.com and used by other global NGOs and businesses in the world. We do not store your credit card details.

How modify or cancel my subscription?

At any moment you can manage your subscription and account details. Sign in to modify or cancel.

Merili Arjakas

Marcin Król Fellow

Marcin Król Fellow at Visegrad Insight. A researcher interested in the interplay of domestic and international politics in Europe and the Middle East. Holds a master's degree in international relations and European Union affairs from the University of Tartu, Estonia. She is also a regular contributor in Postimees, the most circulated Estonian daily.

Newsletter

Weekly updates with our latest articles and the editorial commentary.