Estonian Christian Orthodox Church Loses Final Appeal Over Tallinn Property

TALLINN, ESTONIA — The City of Tallinn prevailed in a yearslong rental dispute with the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church after Estonia’s Supreme Court declined to hear the church’s appeal on October 19, 2026, making a ruling upholding the termination of its lease final.

The case concerned commercial premises at 64 Pikk Street, which the church occupied under an open-ended lease. Tallinn’s City Center District Administration terminated the agreement on April 17, 2024, prompting the church to challenge the decision in court and seek confirmation that the lease remained valid.

On August 29, 2025, Harju County Court dismissed the church’s lawsuit, ruling that the district administration had been entitled to terminate the lease. Tallinn Circuit Court upheld that decision on June 12, 2026.

The Supreme Court’s Civil Chamber subsequently refused to review the church’s appeal. The decision cannot be appealed, and the lower courts’ ruling confirming the lawful termination of the lease has entered into force. Tallinn Mayor Peeter Raudsepp said the city had acted lawfully and that the municipal property would be vacated. He added that the district administration intended to return the premises to use as quickly as possible.

The city has been negotiating with church representatives over their departure. The parties have reached a verbal agreement to vacate the property and are working to finalize a deadline.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Estonia gave the Orthodox Church six months to comply with a new law.