Editing Flag of Estonia (section)

== Nordic flag proposals ==
{{Main|Nordic identity in Estonia}}
[[File:Estonian-Nordic-Cross-Flag.jpg|thumb|left|An Estonian cross flag proposal from 1919.]]
Several [[Nordic cross]] designs were proposed already in 1919, prior to the official adoption of the Estonian state flag. In 2001, journalist [[Kaarel Tarand]] made a similar suggestion again – that the flag design be changed from a tricolour to a Nordic cross with the same three colours.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.epl.ee/artikkel_92271.html|title=Lippude vahetusel|last=Tarand|first=Kaarel|date=December 3, 2001|publisher=Eesti Päevaleht|language=et|access-date=2009-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080126101143/http://www.epl.ee/artikkel_92271.html|archive-date=January 26, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Supporters of this idea have claimed that the cross, instead of a tricolour design, would better symbolise Estonia's links with [[Nordic countries]]. However, as the traditional tricolour bands have by now become an important symbol of national identity, proposals to modify the national flag have not gained much popularity.

Advocates for a Nordic flag have stated that Estonians consider themselves a Nordic nation rather than [[Baltic states|Baltic]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web-static.vm.ee/static/failid/220/eesti_elu.pdf |title=Estonian Life |year=2004 |publisher=Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs |access-date=2009-04-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325013626/http://web-static.vm.ee/static/failid/220/eesti_elu.pdf |archive-date=2009-03-25 }}</ref> based on their cultural and historical ties with [[Sweden]], [[Denmark]], and particularly [[Finland]].

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