Estonia wants to spend EU funds according to ‘own model’

Estonia should spend EU funds, particularly with regard to the digital and green transition, according to its “own Estonian model” and without being influenced by other countries, Finance Minister Keit Pentus-Rosimannus told the country’s parliament on Thursday.

“When searching for Estonia’s vision, some provide Singapore as an example, others the Nordics, and the third ones Switzerland. […] I think that Estonia’s vision should be Estonia – greener than grass and productive as a quantum computer – to become an example to everyone else in terms of a new economy that others are looking at and wanting to copy,” said the country’s finance minister, Estonian broadcaster ERR News reported.

In her speech, the minister promised that by 2050, Estonia’s economy will have no negative impact on the climate.

“With the support of the European taxpayer”, there will be €1.8 billion for measures enhancing green transformation. Currently, Estonia has one of Europe’s most emission-intensive economies.

The minister also announced that the digital sector will receive a €439 million boost, focusing in particular on the sector’s productivity currently at three-quarters of the EU average by helping companies in their path towards digitalisation, developing e-government and 5G connections. Pentus-Rosimannus also noted the Rail Baltic and Tallinn-Helsinki tunnel as vitally important.

With all these measures combined, Estonia would be ready for a “Tiger Leap”, the minister promised. (Pekka Vänttinen | EURACTIV.com)