Tallinn Targets Social Aid, Education in New €1.32B Budget
The Tallinn City Council has approved a €1.32 billion budget for 2026 with a 46-24 vote, introducing new childcare allowances and dedicating over €10 million to transitioning schools to Estonian-language instruction.
- —The Tallinn City Council approved the city's budget for 2026, totaling 1.32 billion euros, with 46 votes in favor and 24 against.
- —The budget allocates 1.1 billion euros for current expenses, with education, mobility, and social welfare/healthcare being the largest spending areas.
- —Investment activities are set to receive 195.6 million euros, with education and mobility receiving the largest shares.
- —New initiatives for 2026 include a childcare allowance for children aged 1.5 to 3 years, increased one-time payments for pensioners, and higher allowances for first-graders and newborns.
- —Significant funding is dedicated to the transition to Estonian-language education in schools, including additional teacher support and specialized personnel.
Recap
Tallinn's 2026 budget is a clear political statement from the ruling coalition, using municipal funds to bolster social stability and advance national integration. The increased benefits for families and pensioners act as a direct countermeasure to rising living costs, while the heavy investment in Estonian-language education is a strategic move to foster a more cohesive society. This financial plan signals a dual focus: addressing immediate economic pressures on residents while simultaneously executing a long-term cultural and educational policy shift.