The region is predominantly Russian-speaking and relies heavily on industry linked to oil shale extraction and processing. Oil shale was discovered here in 1920´s and the current industrial base developed especially during the Soviet period. However, because of its unfavourable impact on the  environment, the region will have to undergo a major transformation in the context of the European Green Deal. The ambassadors had a chance to discuss current as well as future challenges of county´s development at the beginning of the tour with Mr Hardi Murula, the chief of innovation and development of Ida-Viru, at Saka manor.

From Saka the diplomats headed to Narva – by far the largest town of the region, located at the border with Russia. Once prosperous Swedish town conquered by Peter the Great in the Great Northern War, it became the centre of textile industry of the entire Russian Empire, with a renown Kreenholm factory founded in 1856. In Narva, ambassadors met with Katri Raik, the mayor, visited the bastions constructed during the Swedish period, and the former Kreenholm factory, on whose grounds the Narva Art Residence is situated – a place where talented young artists are being hosted. After visiting Narva, the group took a boat to Narva Jõesu. During the trip, diplomats were briefed by Mr Erik Liiva on the challenges of protection of the external border of the EU.

The second day of the tour started with a visit to the town of Sillamäe, where the group paid a visit to NPM Silmet company which processes rare earth metals, as well as to the port of Sillamäe. They had a chance to discuss, inter alia, the implications of the current EU sanctions imposed on Russia for town´s development. In the afternoon, ambassadors visited also the Estonian Mining Museum, Mon Laurée handicraft chocolate production at the Aa manor and the Purtse fortress and local brewery.

The future development of the region, its green transition, and integration of its predominantly Russian-speaking population into the Estonian society represent some of the foremost challenges for the current Estonian government as well as those to come in a foreseeable future.