Committee of investigation to investigate the influence activities of the Russian Federation, the methods of financing them, and the risks associated with them

Work of the committee of investigation 

The committee’s task is to determine the extent and the methods of financing of the Russian Federation’s influence activities in Estonia, including through political, cultural, and social projects. The committee will investigate how much the projects, associations and activities that promote Russia’s interests have received direct or indirect funding from Estonia’s state agencies, local authorities, their bodies, or companies they control.

The committee will also map the projects, activities and cultural programmes that have been funded by organizations connected with or controlled by the Russian Federation, including the Russki Mir Foundation, Rossotrudnichestvo, the Embassy and consular offices of the Russian Federation, and other similar structures. It will also analyse the impact of the Russian Federation’s propaganda publications and channels – including television channels, online publications, social media and influence channels – on Estonia’s population, paying particular attention to the Russian-speaking population and young people.

The committee will also ascertain the possible involvement of organizations, associations, companies and individuals operating in Estonia in the Russian Federation’s influence and divisive activities, including the production, dissemination, and promotion of narratives. It will assess the impact of influence activities on Estonia’s internal security, social cohesion, governance capacity, and international reputation, as well as the risk level of hybrid threats and influence activities, including possible links to the activities of the Russian Federation’s special services and the networks or individuals supporting them in Estonia.

In cooperation with independent experts, the committee will draft proposals on how to prevent and reduce the risks associated with influence and divisive activities, and improve the capacity of public authorities to identify threats, and assess the need for legal, organizational, and financial changes.

The committee will submit the final report of its investigation to the Riigikogu and the public by 1 February 2027. The mandate of the committee of investigation will last until the submission of the report.