Kallas was prime minister from 2002 to 2003, a European commissioner and vice-president of the European Commission from 2004 to 2014, and a founder member of the Reform Party. He was an architect of Estonia's monetary reform and its accession to the EU and NATO in 2004, and to the euro in 2011. He was the father of current EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

President Alar Karis made the first entry into the book, housed in the Angels' Hall (Ingli saal) at Stenbock House, and had earlier led tributes to Kallas, describing him as a statesman who played an important role in shaping Estonia through bold, forward-looking goals and actions.

Former prime minister Taavi Rõivas and former Bank of Estonia president Ardo Hansson were among the first to sign.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal had also paid tribute on Saturday, calling Kallas a role model and mentor who was instrumental in constructing modern Estonia.

The book of condolences is open until 5 p.m. on Sunday. It will be open for signing on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting Monday, until the day before Kallas' funeral. The book will then be handed over to his family.

Condolences can also be expressed online.

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