With the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was interesting to see how sovereign states were building independent course to well-being. The Baltic countries were especially intriguing, as they left with a loud slam of the door.
Over the past 30 years, the Russian Federation has been constantly bombarded with numerous claims and threats. The Baltic people believe that they have the right to this, although the desire to secede was suppressed by the USSR army. As a result of the suppression of separatism in Lithuania, 15 civilians died.
Traditionally, the Baltic states are classified as countries. This is due to the fact that this alliance was formed from liberated states after World War II. 
Some geopoliticians do not agree with this and consider the Baltic states to be an independent region, which includes:
- , capital Tallinn.
- (Riga).
- (Vilnius).
All three states are washed by the Baltic Sea. Smallest area Estonia has a population of about 1.3 million people. Next comes Latvia, where 2 million citizens live. Lithuania closes the top three with a population of 2.9 million.
Based on their small population, the Baltic states have carved out a niche among small countries. The composition of the region is multinational. In addition to indigenous peoples, Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Poles and Finns live here.
The majority of Russian speakers are concentrated in Latvia and Estonia, about 28–30% of the population. The most “conservative” is Lithuania, where 82% of native Lithuanians live.
For reference. Although the Baltic countries are experiencing a high outflow of the working-age population, they are in no hurry to populate free territories with forced migrants from and. The leaders of the Baltic republics are trying to look for various reasons to evade their obligations to the EU on the resettlement of refugees.
Political course
Even being part of the USSR, the Baltic states were significantly different from other Soviet regions in better side. There was perfect cleanliness, a beautiful architectural heritage and an interesting population, similar to the European one.
The central street of Riga is Brivibas street, 1981.
The Baltic region has always had a desire to become part of Europe. An example was the rapidly developing state that defended its independence from the Soviets in 1917.
The chance to separate from the USSR appeared in the second half of the eighties, when democracy and glasnost came along with perestroika. This opportunity was not missed, and the republics began to openly talk about separatism. Estonia became a pioneer in the independence movement and mass protests broke out here in 1987.
Under pressure from the electorate, the Supreme Council of the ESSR issued the Declaration of Sovereignty. At the same time, Latvia and Lithuania followed the example of their neighbor, and in 1990 all three republics received autonomy. 
In the spring of 1991, referendums in the Baltic countries put an end to relations with the USSR. In the autumn of the same year, the Baltic countries joined the UN.
The Baltic republics willingly adopted the course of the West and Europe in economic and political development. Soviet heritage was condemned. Relations with the Russian Federation have completely cooled.
Russians living in the Baltic countries had limited rights. After 13 years of independence, the Baltic powers also joined the NATO military bloc.
Economic course
After gaining sovereignty, the Baltic economy underwent significant changes. The developed industrial sector has been replaced by service sectors. Increased value Agriculture and food production.
Modern industries include:
- Precision engineering (electrical engineering and household equipment).
- Machine tool industry.
- Ship repair.
- Chemical industry.
- Perfume industry.
- Wood processing (furniture and paper production).
- Light and footwear industry.
- Food production.
Soviet legacy in production Vehicle: cars and electric trains - completely lost. 
It is obvious that the Baltic industry is not a strong point in the post-Soviet era. The main income for these countries comes from the transit industry.
After gaining independence, all the production and transit capacities of the USSR went to the republics for free. The Russian side made no claims, used the services and paid about $1 billion a year for cargo turnover. Every year, the amount for transit grew, as the Russian economy increased its pace and cargo turnover increased.
For reference. Russian company Kuzbassrazrezugol shipped more than 4.5 million tons of coal per year to its customers through the Baltic ports.
Special attention it is worth paying attention to the Baltic monopoly on transit Russian oil. At one time, the forces of the USSR built the Ventspils oil terminal, the largest at that time, on the Baltic coast. A pipeline was built to it, the only one in the region. Latvia got this grandiose system for nothing.
Thanks to the built industrial infrastructure, the Russian Federation pumped over 30 million tons of oil through Latvia annually. For each barrel, Russia gave 0.7 dollars in logistics services. The republic's income grew steadily as oil exports increased.
The transiter’s sense of self-preservation has become dulled, which will play one of the key roles in the stagnation of the economy after the 2008 crisis.
The operation of the Baltic ports was ensured, among other things, by the transshipment of sea containers (TEU). After the modernization of the port terminals of St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad and Ust-Luga, traffic through the Baltic states decreased to 7.1% of all Russian cargo turnover.
Nevertheless, in one year, taking into account the decline in logistics, these services continue to bring the three republics about $170 million per year. This amount was several times higher before 2014.
On a note. Despite the poor economic situation in the Russian Federation, many transport terminals have been built on its territory to date. This made it possible to significantly reduce the need for the Baltic transit and transport corridor.
The unexpected reduction in transit cargo turnover had a negative impact on the Baltic economy. As a result, massive layoffs of workers, numbering in the thousands, regularly take place at the ports. At the same time, railway transportation, freight and passenger, went under the knife, bringing stable losses.
The policy of the transit state and openness to Western investors led to an increase in unemployment in all sectors. People are leaving for more the developed countries to earn money and stay there to live.
Despite the deterioration, income levels in the Baltics remain significantly higher than in the rest post-Soviet republics.
Jurmala lost income
The 2015 scandal in show business became a stone in the garden of the Latvian economy. Some popular singers from the Russian Federation were banned from entering the country by Latvian politicians. As a result, the New Wave festival is now held in Sochi.
In addition, the KVN program refused to hold team performances in Jurmala. As a result, the tourism industry lost a lot of money.
After this, Russians began to buy less residential real estate in the Baltic countries. People are afraid that they might fall under the political millstone.
There is a lot of interesting things in the history of the development of each Baltic country - there is something to learn, in some things to take an example, and in some things you can learn from the mistakes of others.
Despite the small area and small population, they manage to occupy a significant position in various international economic and trade associations.
If you are wondering: what kind of countries are the Baltic countries, how did they develop and how do they live, then this article is just for you, because here you can find all the necessary answers.
In this article we will look at their history, development and current position on the world political and economic stage.
Baltic countries. Compound
Neither more nor less, but three states are called the Baltic countries. At one time they were part of the USSR. Today, all Baltic countries are completely independent.
The list looks like this:
They are both similar and different in their history, development, internal color, people, and traditions.
The Baltic countries cannot boast of large reserves natural resources, which affects the economy. Demographic situation has a negative trend, since mortality exceeds birth rate. The high level of emigration to other more developed European countries also has an impact.
To summarize, in many ways modern development the Baltic countries is at the expense of the European Union. Of course, this affects both the domestic and foreign policies of these countries.
Since 1992, Estonia has chosen the priority path European development and began to turn away from any interactions with Moscow, while maintaining warm relations.
The rapid transition to a market economy was facilitated by loans and external credits worth hundreds of millions of dollars. In addition, European countries returned funds to Estonia that had been frozen since the republic joined the Soviet Union in the 40s of the 20th century.
The global financial crisis has greatly affected the Estonian economy
In just five years after 2000, the country's GDP increased by half. However, the global financial crisis did not spare Estonia and increased the unemployment rate from 5 to 15%. For the same reason, in 2009 the level of industrial production fell by more than 70%.
Estonia is a fairly active member of NATO and takes part in most peacekeeping operations, for example in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Multinational culture
It's hard to believe, but one country combines the cultures of Latvia, Finland, Russia, Lithuania, Belarus, Sweden, as well as other countries. This is due to the fact that at one time rulers chose one or another vector of development.
Estonia can be proud of its commitment to modernizing all processes. Since 2000, it has been possible to report taxes electronically. Since 2008, all meetings of the Cabinet of Ministers are not recorded in paper minutes - everything happens electronically.
Constant introduction of new information technologies
Imagine - more than 78% of the country's population uses the Internet. This indicator is one of the best in all of Europe. It ranks 24th in the world in terms of information technology development in a ranking of 142 countries.
In this regard, Estonians really have something to be proud of.
Despite mass computerization, spiritual values, as well as the preservation surrounding nature are also a priority in the development of this country. It can be especially noted national cuisine, which is characterized by the so-called peasant spirit from the past.
The Baltic countries are a small and beautiful corner on planet Earth
There is a lot to learn from three small countries. Despite the fact that they are completely energy dependent on other states, they managed to make a significant leap in their development compared to other countries that gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
So, what kind of countries are the Baltic countries, how did they develop and how do they live? We hope this article was useful to you and you were able to find all the necessary answers regarding the history, development and current position of these states on the world political and economic arena.
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Why is the Baltics attractive for tourists? First of all, the European standard of living. Secondly, with its northern charm! Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia are today the only countries of the former USSR that have joined the European Union, so these countries fall under the Schengen Agreement.
What is the Modern Baltics? Previously - “Terra Marianna”, which translates as - seaside land, and now - drops of amber, pine trees, white sand, rebellious waves and a measured rhythm of life, folk traditions, mild climate and a huge number of health resorts.
In the Baltics, summers are not too hot, and winters are moderately cold. It attracts an impressive number of tourists throughout the year. The cost of spa treatment is much lower than, for example, in Karlovy Vary, and the quality is no worse.
LATVIA
North-East Europe, the Baltic coast. borders on two Baltic states - Lithuania and Estonia. And also with Belarus and Russia. The capital of the state is Riga. The largest cities are Sigulda and Daugavpils. Popular resort cities are Liepaja, Jurmala, Ventspils. The population of the state is over two million people. The official language is Latvian, and the currency is the euro (formerly Lat).
LITHUANIA
South-East Europe, coast of the Baltic Sea. borders Latvia, Poland and Belarus, as well as the Kaliningrad region Russian Federation. The capital of the state is Vilnius. The largest cities are Kaunas, Trakai, Siauliai. Popular resort towns are Neringa, Birštonas, and Palanga. The population is about half a million people. The official language is Lithuanian and the currency is Lithuanian.
ESTONIA
North-West Europe, washed by the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea. The country borders Russia and Latvia. This state owns over one and a half thousand islands! The most large islands- Hiiumaa and Saaremaa.
Estonia is one big resort! Here hotels and sanatoriums are built wherever there are suitable conditions and climate. Those who love a secluded and relaxing holiday can relax on the island. Those who just want to take a break from the bustle of the city can settle down on a farm or farm in the outback.
The population is one and a half million people. The capital of the state is Tallinn, the official language is Estonian, and the currency is the euro.
CLIMATE
The Baltic region has a varied climate, despite the fact that the region is only six hundred kilometers long. For example, in Druskininkai at the beginning of April the warm “May” weather begins. The islands have a maritime climate. The temperature in the regions also differs. On the island of Saaremaa in February it is only minus three degrees, and on Nar-ve - minus eight. In July, the temperature on the islands is about seventeen degrees, the same on the continent itself. In the west, temperatures are slightly cooler. Humidity in the Baltic states ranges from four hundred and seventy on the coastal plain to eight hundred millimeters of mercury on the Vidzeme Upland.
Lithuania has the most contrasting temperature differences: winter period- up to minus five degrees, and in summer - up to twenty-two degrees Celsius.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The Baltic states are not so far from Ukraine, but it is most convenient to travel through Russia, Belarus, and Poland. You can even combine several countries in one tour, which is very convenient and profitable.
The fastest and easiest way to get to Lithuania is by plane. You can fly directly to Vilnius via Kyiv, which takes no more than an hour and a half. Or you can do it through Riga. There are also trains from Ukraine to Lithuania. Trains run to Lithuania from Kharkov, Kyiv and Lvov.
Convenient and inexpensive trains run to Vilnius from Belarus, namely from Minsk and Gomel. The train travels from Kyiv to Lithuania for about twenty hours, and some routes are even longer and take an average of one and a half days.
ETIQUETTE OF TRADITION
Communication and rules of behavior in the Baltics are not much different from generally accepted European rules. Residents welcome restraint and politeness; best sign attention for a woman - a bouquet of flowers; Just like birthdays, name days are celebrated just as magnificently.
For a walk in public place with a bottle of alcohol in your hands, you can be fined. Bottles with alcoholic drinks should be placed in opaque bags. Also, after ten in the evening, alcohol can only be drunk or purchased in a bar or restaurant.
When visiting local temples, it is recommended to wear modest and closed clothing.
ATTRACTIONS
The Baltic states can provide tourists with unforgettable impressions and an eventful vacation: in the sanatorium you can improve your health and relax; on the beach - sunbathe and soak up the soft sand; in the mountains - to breathe fresh air and see many sights. After all, each Baltic country has a rich and interesting centuries-old history...
- Lithuania.
The country is bright and emotional, and the population is the same! Beautiful monuments of Vilnius, creative Kaunas, the cozy seaside town of Klaipeda, the edge of the Trakai lakes, the magnificent town of Palanga, and you can take a slow walk along the Kursk Spit - an incredibly picturesque place! Radvilov Palace, Amber Museum, Art Museum… It’s impossible to list everything! Lithuania is a modern country where architectural monuments and the metropolis, sculptures and well-developed infrastructure, green forests and healing springs coexist perfectly. And, of course, what will captivate the tourist is the wondrous nature! Be sure to try in a local cafe: vederi, zhemaichu, zeppelin.
- Latvia.
It is not for nothing that this country is called the pearl of the Baltic states. Latvia is beautiful with the ancient architecture of Riki, the endless beaches of Jurmala, you can even take part in one of the many festivals. To listen to classical music, you can visit the Dome Cathedral; and from the platforms of St. Peter's Church, a beautiful panorama opens up, where the whole Old city as if on the palm of your hand. An amazing region that delights with pine forests, expanses of fields and the wondrous charm of nature - nothing can leave you indifferent! Be sure to try in a local cafe: Janov cheese, bubert, zivju pudiņš.
- Estonia.
The country is distinguished by its unique regularity. And regularity reigns everywhere here. The people are practical, calm, and reasonable, which is why tourists think that Estonia is a mysterious country. Here you can admire ancient castles, stroll along narrow medieval streets, visit the island of Saarem and walk along the wide avenue of Tallinn. Of course, lovers of natural beauty will really like it here. Moreover, Estonia is exactly the country in which you can see everything at once: small bright cafes, cozy streets, fashionable hotels, cobblestone streets, ancient temples, estates and castles and magnificent nature. Be sure to try at a local cafe: sweet soup, vere pakeogid, muligikapsa.
SOUVENIRS
Having rested in the Baltics, you can bring knitted items from there, such as a scarf, mittens, socks or a hat. The Baltics are rich in souvenir sweets, amber products and cosmetics. Handmade products will not leave you indifferent: toys, knives, dishes. Dishes made from juniper look especially beautiful and unusual, which has a very pleasant sweetish smell. Such dishes are business card Saarem.
KITCHEN RESTAURANTS
It would seem that Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia are neighboring countries, but at the same time, their National dishes, and their customs, are very different.
- Estonia.
Estonian cuisine is characterized by widespread use milk and herring. Both components are included in many dishes. There are over twenty recipes for soups alone; blueberry soup, barley soup, dumpling soup, bread soup, beer soup and so on. Herring is caught in huge quantities off the coast of Estonia, and then it is pickled, fried, boiled, stewed, baked... But the most delicious dish made from herring is the sauce that is served with potatoes.
- Latvia.
A country that loves potatoes! Latvians prepare it with eggs, herring, beets, herring... It is added to soups, salads, side dishes... And you can try many different potato dishes in local cafes.
- Lithuania.
Potatoes are even more popular in this country than in Latvia. Along with the most common meat - pork, Lithuanians prepare many delicious dishes. There are hymns and odes to potatoes here, and how many things can be prepared from them. For example: zhemaichu are potato pancakes with meat; vedorei is pork intestine stuffed with bacon and grated potatoes; Ploksteinis is a potato pudding. Well, the most delicious thing is zeppelinai, zeppelins - dumplings with cone-shaped potatoes. And it seemed that it was complicated, there were only two ingredients - potatoes and pork, but it was very difficult to prepare them. And the Lithuanians were able to conquer the whole world with zeppelins! In the old days, when there were no electric graters and meat grinders, the men of a large Lithuanian family vigorously grated small potatoes, and the women kneaded potato dough - there was something family-like, cozy, warm and welcoming about it.
HOW TO SAVE?
The Baltics are a vacation for those who want to save money. The rules of saving are traditional. It is best to book accommodation as needed, and not for the entire duration of your holiday, so as not to deprive yourself of freedom to move.
Most The best way save money - exchange housing. For example, by talking with tourists from a neighboring country who are also on vacation and are planning to move, for example, from Estonia to Latvia or vice versa. But this method of exchange must be free of charge.
If you want to travel a lot and often, then it is better to do it at night. This way you can see more and save on accommodation and more places visit. An experienced tourist, as a rule, does not need much: glasses for sleeping, silence, comfortable spot for sleep.
If you travel with a whole group, then the payment for housing will cost a meager amount.
The best savings is to buy ingredients and cook them yourself. Or, look for authentic restaurants and cafes that are located far from the tourist spot.
SAFETY
Latvia - calm country, where you can move around without fear, day or night, with the exception of ports, “ flea markets"and train stations. In Riga and Jurmala, you can safely drink water straight from the tap. In other areas, it is better to boil or filter the water.
Estonia. Lithuania.
Also, the crime rate is low, and yet, no one is ever immune from surprises, so it is better to follow the usual security measures.
« Historical claims» Baltic countries to Russia
IN Lately The wave of “historical claims” of “Young Europeans” against Russia is intensifying, actively attracting the attention of the world community to the “impossibility of reconciling” Russian and “European” approaches to history without recognizing the policy of the Russian Empire as “colonialist”, and the USSR as “occupational”. They are doing everything to ensure that this issue is included in the agenda of international negotiations at all levels, in television and radio broadcasts. In this way, the “Euro recruits” are trying to enlist the support of “old-timers” and “regulars” of international platforms, where new scenarios are moderated and plots are worked out, and clearly biased opinions coming from double standards, deliberately negative stereotypes are being introduced, contributing to the politicization of the history of their relations with Russia.
The “Young Europeans” are trying to put together a united European “front” to condemn the “Soviet totalitarian regime” and bring our country to moral, legal and material responsibility, to internationalize the debate about “ Soviet occupation", translate it into a plane international law to substantiate claims against Russia.
They managed to achieve serious results in this direction in 2011 during Poland’s EU presidency, which took advantage of this status to “promote” historical subjects that were “sensitive” in their relations with Moscow. In particular, in connection with the 20th anniversary of recognition independence of three The Baltic republics adopted EU statements accusing Russia of “Soviet occupation.” At the instigation of the “Young Europeans,” for the first time in the history of the organization, most EU countries celebrated August 23, 2011 as the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of All Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes. In Estonia, on August 23, the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Totalitarianism was celebrated for the third year in a row.
Among the “Euro recruits”, they are particularly active in presenting material claims to Russia in the international arena, along with the Poles. Baltic countries, putting forward demands to recognize the fact of their “occupation” by the Soviet Union in 1940 as a result of the signing of the Soviet-German Pact of 1939.
The concept of “Soviet occupation” is the basis public policy and the ideologies of these countries. Under the slogan of “reconciliation of European histories”, Lithuania’s permanent representative to the Council of Europe G. Sjärkšnis and Member of the European Parliament V. Landsbergis, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and Lithuania G. Kristovskis and A. Ažubalis, the heads of the Ministry of Defense of Estonia M. Laar and Lithuania R. Juknevičienė, the Chairman of the Lithuanian This is not the first time that Seimas I. Dyagutiene is trying to “push through” and “internationalize” the topic of “damage from the Soviet occupation” on international platforms.
Pursuing a policy of “state manilovism,” the Baltic countries are striving to replenish the budgets of their states at Russian expense1. Lithuanian politicians have repeatedly made claims to Russia for amounts from 20 to 278 billion dollars, Latvia - from 60 to 100 billion dollars, Estonia - from 4 to 17.5 billion dollars2.
The background for “pushing” the issue of material claims against Russia at the legislative level, first in their own countries, then on international platforms, is the participation of representatives of the political elites of these countries in rallies of former “forest brothers” and SS legionnaires, the persecution of veterans of the Great Patriotic War And former employees Soviet security forces.
To substantiate accusations against Russia, the Baltic countries systematically and systematically use legislative initiatives. Their outreach activities are complemented by the constant initiation of projects that serve the idea of Baltic isolation from the former Soviet Union and maximum distancing from present-day Russia, in order to prove to Western Europe their loyalty and commitment to “true European values.”
Participation in the discussion of the so-called common problems historical memory. For example, in the format of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), during the German presidency (until June 2012), with the assistance of the German organization Academia Baltica and the Latvian Museum of Occupation, the “Project for history of the Baltic Sea region". At the initiative of the CBSS Riga Summit, held in 2008, the project “Ring of Partner Schools in the Baltic Sea Region” was initiated.
To implement the project of declaring Riga the “Cultural Capital of Europe” in 2014, the Latvian government made a decision to expand and reconstruct the Museum of “Soviet Occupation” in the Latvian capital. It is planned to spend about 10 million US dollars on this and allocate 100 thousand dollars annually for the maintenance of the museum.
With the assistance of the Commission of Historians under the President Republic of Latvia the idea of creating a so-called Museum of European History in Brussels is being discussed, which is planned to open in 2014.
Lithuania strives for territorial expansion at the expense of Lithuania Minor3, the largest part of whose territory is part of Kaliningrad region Russia, small - within Lithuania and Poland. Vilnius never ceases to dream of creating a “Baltic Republic” there. The conservative government that came to power in Lithuania is actually calling for the redrawing of post-war borders and the separation of the Kaliningrad region from Russia. These ideas are illustrated by a parallel toponymic reality: Lithuanian signs call the Neman River Ragaine, the city of Slavsk - Gastos, and Kaliningrad - Karaliauchus.
It is worth especially noting that Lithuania, laying claim to Russian territories, forgets about what increments it received after 1939. This is the Vilna region, and part of the territory of Belarus (including Druskininkai), and the Vylkovysk region, and Klaipeda (Memel). In addition, Russia ceded part of Lake Vyshtynets in the Kaliningrad region to Lithuania, receiving in return a plot of land in the area of the Shervinta River, and also allocated access to the Swedish fishing zone, receiving in return part of Lithuanian territorial waters.
Latvia lays claim to the territories of the Pytalovsky and Palkinsky districts of the Pskov region, which were part of it before the start of the Great Patriotic War, with an area of 1.6 thousand km 2. While practicing “historical and geographical issues”, Latvian politicians calling for a revision of the Riga Treaty of 1920, passionate about “ cartographic training”, which resulted in the release of scandalous maps on which “Abrene-Pytalovo” is designated as belonging not to Russia, but to Latvia.
In Estonia in " historical games“Even the state bank is participating, which “surprised” sensible people with its “numismatic dreams”, “increasing” a tidbit of Russian land for its country. As a result of “experiments with cartography,” Tallinn, in honor of the recent transition to the euro, issued a coin on the reverse of which is a map of Estonia with the image of the Pechora district of the Pskov region and Ivangorod. Guided by the Tartu Treaty of 1920, according to which Estonia transferred part of the Russian lands in the Leningrad and Pskov regions with Ivangorod and Izborsk, it claims its rights to 800 km 2 of the eastern bank of the Narva River and the Pechora district of the Pskov region with an area of about 1.5 thousand km 2.
In total, Latvia and Estonia lay claim to Russian territories with an area of about 2.5 thousand km 2 . Russia has become the object of not only material, but also territorial claims from its neighbors. “Territorial dreams”, which became a means of struggle for power in the election races of Baltic politicians, an instrument of “economic blackmail”, provoking ethnic and interethnic tension in Russia and beyond, can lead to border conflicts.
Territorial claims are supported in the Baltic countries by calendars of pseudo-historical memorial dates. The programs of the vast majority of commemorative ceremonies and events take place preparatory stage, as a rule, are approved by the governments of the Baltic countries, and special specialized commissions are created. For example, on March 4, 2011, the Committee on foreign affairs The Seimas of Lithuania, in honor of the 180th anniversary of the 1831 uprising4, proposed to proclaim 2011 the year of its memory. The government was asked to form a commission responsible for perpetuating the memory of the uprising and its symbol E. Platerite, develop a state program and allocate funds from the government reserve fund.
In addition, 2011 was declared the “Year of Remembrance for the Defense of Freedom and the Great Loss and Victims of the Holocaust.” Among the occasions are the 70th anniversary of the beginning of mass deportations of Lithuanians to remote areas of the USSR in 1941 (June 14 - Day of Sorrow and Hope) and the events at the Vilnius TV tower in January 19915. The anniversary of the so-called “ June uprising"against the "Soviet occupation" (June 23, 1941), which began with the attack of Nazi Germany on Soviet Union. In general, the Lithuanian calendar includes many pseudo-historical dates.
Estonia does not lag behind its Baltic neighbors. On March 9 and 26, 2011, the next anniversaries of the “bombing of peaceful Tallinn” in 1944 by Soviet aviation and the entry into the Estonian SSR were celebrated there Nazi troops and liberation of Tallinn from Nazi invaders. In the city center, at the so-called Freedom Monument, events were held in memory of administrative expulsions and deportations (June 14 - Day of Mourning) and the confrontation of local collaborators Soviet army(September 22 - Day of Resistance).
In Latvia, May 9 was proclaimed the Day of the Beginning of the 50-year Soviet Occupation. In accordance with the Law of the Seimas of the Republic of Latvia “On Holidays and Memorial Days”, March 16 was declared the Day of Remembrance of Latvian Soldiers in memory of the actions of the 15th and 19th Latvian SS divisions against Soviet troops in 1944. But as a result of international pressure, Latvia had to remove the status of a memorial day from March 16.
On a grand scale state level marks the days of the imprisonment of Tartu and Riga Treaties 1920, turning into the “days of territorial claims.”
In 2011, under the guise various kinds actions, international scientific conferences, official Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn advocated another round of anti-Russian rhetoric.
Historians of the Baltic countries “reformatted” their consciousness in order to conscientiously carry out political orders in the conditions of a “war of interpretations.” Their pseudo-historical literature, which claims to be “scientific” and “objective”, forms pseudo-knowledge.
In Latvia, at the end of 2009, with the assistance of the Commission of Historians under the President, the 25th volume of the collection “ Occupation regimes and their crimes in the Baltic countries in 1940-1991.” At the beginning of 2010, the book of the Latvian journalist B. Shaberte “Let Me Speak” was published, in which the bloody activities of G. Cukurs from the punitive team of the Nazi V. Arais were whitewashed and elevated to the rank of a “national feat” during the Second World War. This opus was published in support of the initiative of local non-governmental organizations for the reburial of the remains of G. Cukurs at the Fraternal Cemetery in Riga. At the same time, the illustrated album “ Unknown War. The struggle of Latvian national partisans against Soviet occupiers in 1944-1956."
Such steps were necessary for the Latvian establishment to create a “counterbalance” to the fund-raising campaign for the monument to anti-fascist partisan V.M. Kononov, who died in Riga in April 2011.
In Estonia in 2009 with the assistance of the Center European Studies works of the famous Estonian politician and historian M. Laar were published - a photo album in Estonian and English languages“Estonian soldier in the Second World War” and the book “The Power of Freedom. Central and Eastern Europe after 1945."
In the vein of “alternative” history, the book by H. Lindpere “The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact - a challenge” was written Soviet history" Some translations of its title indicate a desire to portray the nature of Soviet foreign policy as “defeatist”: “The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact is a difficult (difficult) recognition.”
In mid-2010, another book by M. Laar, “Saaremaa 1944. The tragic path of the Estonian rifle corps" “Exposures of the Soviet occupiers” by T. Made “From idyll to despair” were also published. 1939-1941." and eulogy military formation Baltic Germans from the Civil War by A. Trey “The Forgotten Battalion”.
At the end of 2010, I. Kopytin’s book “Russians in Estonian liberation war"about their participation in the anti-Soviet struggle of Estonians in 1918-1920. and during World War II. At the same time, the book “The Story of Harald Riipalu” about the Estonian officer of the 36th Police Battalion and the 20th SS Division was published in Estonia. In the USA in 2010, the book of the Estonian emigrant A. Weiss-Venda “Murder without Malice” was published. Estonians and the Holocaust." In mid-2011, bookstores were replenished with a new book by O. Rems about the Nazi criminal H. Männil, who died at the beginning of 2010 in Costa Rica.
This is a far from complete list of pseudoscientific products aimed at glorifying and glorifying accomplices of fascism and promoting fascist ideology. Political elite In the Baltic countries, pseudo-heroes are needed to substantiate material and territorial claims against Russia. Emphasizing the “special” role of nationalists who acted under the banner of Nazism, champions of the independence of the Baltic countries during the Second World War, unprecedented interest in repressive and “occupation” issues, insurgent activities, denigration Soviet period serve a purposeful policy of “soft revision of the results of the Second World War.” It creates a threat of deterioration in Russian-Baltic relations and leads to the constant reproduction of their deadlock.
The Baltic countries make “historical claims” to Russia on academic platforms, which are also used to put pressure on our country and pursue their policies. An example of this is the Joint Commission of Historians of Russia and Latvia, established in accordance with the order of the President of the Russian Federation dated January 11, 2011 No. K6339. Discussion of the idea of creating it by analogy with the bilateral commissions of historians existing in Lithuania and Estonia turned into a “game of ultimatums.” The head of the Presidential Commission of Historians of Latvia, I. Feldmanis, at the preliminary stage of discussing this project, repeatedly tried to “push through” such thematic plan work, which would consist exclusively of controversial and “sensitive” issues. The meeting held on November 14, 2011 in Moscow revealed the bias of the Latvian partners, their focus on discussing events related to the mythical “Soviet occupation.” In Lithuania, according to experts, cooperation between Russian and Lithuanian historians has reached a dead end and has become futile. In short, one cannot count on success in joint study of history given the current political situation in the Baltic countries.
Established in the Baltic States legal framework, prohibiting Nazi and fascist paraphernalia. As a result of the line of Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn on the falsification of history, attempts to place “equal responsibility” for the outbreak of the Second World War on the USSR and fascist Germany it extends to Soviet and communist symbols.
In Lithuania, the legislative framework regarding occupation issues is impressive. At the end of 2009 and at the beginning of 2010, the Seimas of Lithuania recommended that the government turn to the Russian Federation as the legal successor of the USSR with a demand for payment of compensation to the families of those killed and injured as a result of the events of January 13, 1991 in Vilnius, as well as to the relatives and descendants of A. Barauskas, a Lithuanian border guard - “the first victim of the Soviet occupation” in 1941.
In 2011, the Lithuanian government approved the idea of granting the status of “victims of the occupation of 1939-1990.” those who, after the restoration of Lithuania’s independence, were “forced to serve in the Soviet army.” In the same year, a bill was introduced to the Seimas to grant the status of “participant in the resistance to the Soviet regime” not only to “fighters against the first occupation of 1940-1941,” but also to those who “fought in 1944-1990.” By a government resolution, the draft amendments proposed by the Ministry of Justice to the Law “On Responsibility for Genocide of Lithuanian Citizens” were submitted to the Seimas for consideration, which allow filing individual claims in local courts for compensation for damage caused during the “occupation” of Lithuania Nazi Germany and the USSR, without a statute of limitations.
Laws regarding “occupation” are also in force in Latvia and Estonia. Thus, the Baltic countries declared open opposition to Russia at the legislative level.
The emphasis on maximum isolation and distancing from our country opens up wide opportunities for them to maneuver. Having made the concept of “Soviet occupation” the basis of their state policy and ideology, the Baltic countries are striving in the ranks of the “Young Europeans” to act as the “first violin” in the struggle to bring Russia to moral, legal and material “responsibility” for the legacy of the “Soviet totalitarian regime.” Their “territorial claims” serve as an instrument of “economic blackmail”, provoking ethnic and interethnic tensions on the territory of our country and beyond its borders. The intensification of lawmaking, the use of memorable dates and symbols in information and propaganda activities are intended to reinforce “historical claims”, serve the fulfillment of the corresponding political order and the goals of the political course of the “war of interpretations” pursued by the Baltic countries.
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NOTES
1 Chairman of the Commission under the President of the Russian Federation for the rehabilitation of victims political repression M.A. Mityukov recently cited the following figures: Riga presented Russia with material claims of $200 billion, Vilnius - $20 billion, Tallinn - $4 billion, and $250 thousand to each repressed person. The criterion was the calculation of the amount of losses from the countries' lost GDP after joining the USSR.
2 Such information is given in the articles: Gladilin I. They demanded $100 billion from Russia for the “genocide of the Kyrgyz” // Military Review. 2011. August 24: http://topwar.ru; Filatov Yu. Is Moscow preparing to recognize the “occupation” of the Baltic states? // KM.RU. 2011. July 18: http://www.km.ru; Yakovlev F.“Occupation” of the Baltic republics, or Political schizophrenia // KM.RU. 2011. July 23: http://www.km.ru and others. Moreover, the numbers changed every year. For example, if Lithuania’s appetite in 2000 amounted to $80 billion, and at the official level - $20 billion, then by the fall of 2008 it increased to $276 billion, and by the beginning of 2012, the Seimas of Lithuania due to a lack of funds for the closure of the Ignalina nuclear power plant announced a different figure - $834 billion.
3 The issue of returning the entire territory of Lithuania Minor is being discussed in Lithuanian society. In 1998, the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania declared November 30 as the memorial day of the Tilzhen Act (1918) “on the unity of Lithuania Minor and Greater Lithuania,” state commission of the Lithuanian language decided to use traditional (Lithuanian) names of the “Königsberg region” in printed and oral information.
4 National liberation uprising against the power of the Russian Empire on the territory of the Kingdom of Poland, Lithuania, partly Belarus and Right Bank Ukraine under the slogan of restoration " historical speech Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth" within the borders of 1772 began on November 29, 1830 and lasted until October 21, 1831. The symbol of the uprising became national heroine Lithuania and Poland Emilia Platerite.
5 December 2011 metų paskelbimo Holokausto aukomis tapusių Lietuvos gyventojų atminimo metais 2010 m. rugsėjo 21 d. No. XI-1017 // Lietuvos Respublikos Seimas: http://www3.lrs.lt.
It so happened that this year I traveled around the Baltics 3 times, traveled all over it (dozens of cities in Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, as well as the Kaliningrad region of Russia), and based on the results of what I saw, I decided to write ratings for the Baltic states in order to systematize my impressions a little .
It is safe to say that in some ways the Baltic countries are similar to other former union republics, however, they differ from the rest in many ways. Many people here believe that all three Baltic countries are like three twin brothers. Some citizens, far from travel and geography, even believe that there is no difference between these three republics, everything there is supposedly the same. In fact, this is not true - Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have significant differences from each other - both in culture and mentality, and in the appearance of cities and towns, as well as some other factors.
In order not to go into details, but simply briefly outline how the Baltic countries are similar and different, we will use the rating system below.
The main criteria used in compiling the rating of cities: the presence of famous architectural monuments (palaces, fortresses, churches, old residential buildings), the integrity of the residential buildings of the pre-Soviet period (is the old appearance of the city well preserved or are there many “Khrushchev”, “Brezhnevka” buildings in the center, industrial enterprises), the state of the infrastructure (if the city center has been renovated - this is undoubtedly a plus, but if a significant percentage of houses are in disrepair - a minus), the presence of beautiful parks, picturesque nature and terrain, the presence of charm/romance (the most subjective criterion, defined as architecture, a sufficient number of animating city life cafes/bars/shops/markets, and the cultural level of the local population).
Three most interesting cities The Baltic states are undoubtedly three capitals - Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn. Trying to compare them with each other is a thankless task; a traveler can spend considerable time in each of them and not have time to explore all the interesting places. Fans of medieval architecture will prefer Tallinn to other capitals, eager to plunge into a lively urban environment, see crowds walking along the streets and loud sounding music, will head to Riga, those who want to feel as far away from the Russian language as possible, in some kind of linguistic foreign country, will choose Vilnius. Due to the extreme interest of everyone three capitals Baltic states It seems most logical not to compare them with each other, but to consider separate “Top-5” ratings for the cities of each of the three Baltic republics, separately adding the rating of the cities of the Kaliningrad region of Russia.
1 place. Tallinn
2. Tartu
3. Parnu
4. Narva
5. Haapsalu
1. Riga
2. Jurmala
3. Ventspils
4. Liepaja
5. Cesis
1. Vilnius
2. Kaunas
3. Klaipeda
4. Trakai
5. Palanga
1. Kaliningrad
2. Svetlogorsk
3. Chernyakhovsk
4. Sovetsk
5. Baltiysk
As is known, in each of the Baltic republics there are cities inhabited by representatives of “non-titular” nationalities, in which the number of Estonians / Latvians / Lithuanians is small. Most of these settlements are so-called “Russian” cities; it would be more correct to call them Russian-speaking. Visiting them is of definite interest for a traveler; I have visited quite a lot of them. The rating below shows the five Baltic cities in which this Russianness is manifested to the greatest extent, and travelers from Russia / Belarus / Ukraine can in every sense words to feel at home there.
These cities are ranked not only taking into account the percentage of “non-titular” nationalities from total number residents. Also taken into account general form the city, the amount of Soviet and traditional Russian architecture, the atmosphere reigning on the streets, train stations and cafes.
1. Daugavpils ( historical name Dvinsk, Latvia) - the most Russian city in the Baltics and all European Union. Historically, he was Russian from the 2nd half. 18th century
2. Sillamae (Estonia) - a closed military city built in the USSR, into which Estonians were not particularly allowed in those years.
3. Narva (Estonia) - historically a Russian city from the beginning. 18th century Part of it 20 years ago ended up across the state border, on the territory of Russia (it has been called Ivangorod since Soviet times), and a small bridge in the center of Narva became a border point through which residents were forced to pass in order to get from essentially one part of the city to another.
4. Visaginas (Lithuania) - a city near nuclear power plant, where specialists from all over the USSR came to work.
5. Kohtla-Jarve (Estonia) - a mining town that arose in the USSR near oil shale deposits.
Speaking of Russianness, it is worth placing the three Baltic capitals in a mini-rating.
1. Riga is the most Russian capital of the Baltics.
2. Tallinn.
3. Vilnius is the least Russian city; in many areas of the city the Russian language is almost inaudible.
The level of everyday nationalism in the Baltic countries that you may encounter during a trip to the country (from highest to lowest)
1. Estonia - immediately catches your eye.
2. Latvia - a little less striking.
3. Lithuania - less noticeable than in the republics above. People are calmer.
Level of discrimination against national minorities by the governments of the Baltic countries (from most to least)
1. Latvia - national minorities are deprived of citizenship and cannot vote in either parliamentary or local elections. There is no democracy.
2. Estonia - national minorities are deprived of citizenship, cannot vote in parliamentary elections, but can vote in local elections. There are elements of democracy combined with a predominant ethnocracy.
3. Lithuania - all residents have citizenship and the right to vote, democracy works.
Level of Russian language proficiency by representatives of the “titular” nation in the Baltic countries (from highest to lowest)
1. Latvia - in cities, most people except the youngest own.
2. Lithuania - in cities (many, but not all) most people except the youngest own. In Kaunas it is more difficult.
3. Estonia - in the provinces many people do not understand Russian at all, even in Tallinn not everyone understands it. They speak much worse than in Latvia and Lithuania, with a more noticeable accent and slowly.
Road quality in the Baltic countries (from best to worst)
1. Estonia - broken roads I didn’t notice it at all (although they probably exist somewhere)
2. Lithuania - there are few broken highways, but there are some.
3. Latvia - the roads are almost all full of holes and potholes, a significant gap down from the other two countries
Number of abandoned / dilapidated houses and industrial enterprises in cities (from the least amount of devastation to the greatest)
1. Lithuania
2. Estonia
3. Latvia - abandoned buildings are everywhere, even in Riga in almost all areas of the city. The second city of the country, Daugavpils, in some places resembles the Chernobyl exclusion zone. A lot others settlements countries look pretty used...
Amount of garbage on city streets and highways (from the cleanest country to the least clean)
1. Estonia - very little garbage
2. Lithuania - little garbage
3. Latvia - there is much more garbage than in Estonia and Lithuania, but compared to Russia and Ukraine there is little of it
Salary level (according to Internet data in terms of summer 2011)
1. Estonia - the highest salary in the Baltics and the former USSR (approx. 900 dollars per month net)
2-3. Latvia and Lithuania receive approximately the same amount, the same as in Russia (approx. 600 net dollars per month), this amount is more than in other former republics. THE USSR.
Price level
1. Estonia - significantly higher than the other two republics
2-3. Latvia and Lithuania - approximately the same, although Riga is slightly more expensive than Vilnius