Estonia plans national fitness tracking to combat inactivity crisis by 2028

The Riigikogu addressed the need for greater physical activity in a plenary session on 4 July. Lawmakers highlighted its importance as a national priority. The discussion follows growing concern over public health and fitness levels. The Social Affairs Committee has already taken steps to push the issue forward. It sent a letter to the Ministry of Education and Research, asking for an update on plans to create a database tracking children’s physical abilities. Committee Chair Signe Riisalo backs the idea and has urged the ministry to act.

Estonia aims to follow Finland’s example. The Suomi liikkeelle programme there conducts yearly fitness tests for students in fifth and eighth grades. A Finnish study showed that low physical activity costs the country €3.2 billion each year. Boosting the active population from 23 percent to 50 percent could save around €1 billion annually.

However, testing in Estonia will not begin under the current government. The earliest possible start date is 2028. Officials have discussed using a representative sample for assessments, much like standardised school tests. The minister and the Secretary General of the Estonian Olympic Committee explored this approach in recent talks.

Responsibility for youth fitness is currently shared. The Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Culture, and the Estonian Olympic Committee all play a role. Meanwhile, a new physical activity curriculum launched in autumn 2024 shifts focus away from measuring speed or strength. Instead, it prioritises the development of movement skills. The push for better physical activity monitoring continues in Estonia. No immediate testing will occur, but long-term plans are under discussion. The goal remains to improve public health and reduce costs linked to inactivity.