Headlined Estonian Residents’ Attitudes towards Sweden, this spring’s survey on the image of Sweden in Estonia was presented to media and invited participants at the Swedish Embassy on Friday, 2 September.

- 40% of the survey respondents are very well or rather well informed about Sweden. Among them; men, people under 50 years of age, respondents with higher education, Tallinn residents, executives, specialists and students have a higher level of knowledge about Sweden, said Juhan Kivirähk, project manager at the Social and Market Research Company Turu-uuringute, as he presented the survey.

The general attitude towards Sweden continues to be positive according to the survey.

- The greatest number of “very good” assessments, 38%, was awarded to the Swedish social system. However, together with the option “rather good”, Swedish economy scores the highest in positive assessments. Swedish culture and technology, sport and ecological situation received a very positive assessment as well, continued Juhan Kivirähk.

- Swedish media, the condition of sexual minorities, foreign and defence policy, political and educational system received the smallest number of assessments. The Swedish immigration policy, which has recently been linked to the burning question of the European migrant crisis, received the highest number of critical assessments. In terms of the policy exercised in relation to sexual minorities and the reception of immigrants and refugees, there is a divide between the assessments given by younger and older respondents and respondents with lower and higher educations. Younger and highly educated respondents show greater than average support towards the principles Sweden applies in these areas, concluded Juhan Kivirähk.

In connection with the upcoming official launch of Team Sweden, 23 September, the findings of the survey will be presented to SCCE’s members. Information on this event is found at this link: www.swedishchamber.ee/upcoming/show/1724.

On behalf of the SCCE, I would like to thank Ambassador Anders Ljunggren for a very interesting and nice morning seminar. My thanks also go to Juhan Kivirähk for his insightful and captivating presentation on the image of Sweden in Estonia.

Sincerely,

Kristiina Sikk

SCCE Ombudsman