HDR finds population decline biggest problem

TALLINN -- This year's Estonian Human Development Report has found that population decline is the greatest problem facing the Baltic states today.

"The most important feature unifying all Baltic countries lies in the shrinking population due  to  the  low birth  rate, high mortality as a  result of external causes, and in particular recently, the growing trend for emigration," the report said.

To mark the 20th anniversary since regaining independence, the Cooperation Assembly -- a group of NGOs -- came out with a special pan-Baltic edition of the report, which was officially presented in Tallinn on Sept. 5. 

"The authors hope that as the frst publication to present an overview on this scale of the development of the three Baltic states over the course of the past two decades, the report[...] will serve as inspiration for the next step in the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region," said editor-in-chief Marju Lauristin.

A full version of the report can be found at Eesti Koostoo Kogu.