Estonia cannot yet participate in EU climate neutrality negotiations because the Riigikogu has not approved the country's positions, Minister of the Environment Erki Savisaar (Center) said. He added that it is already clear that Estonia will not be able to hit its carbon capture target as it would cost tens of thousands of jobs in forestry.
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Reform) says a proposal by a leading party-mate to provide a one-off lump sum payment to those most in need amid soaring energy prices was unilateral, and not her or the party's official line. Kallas also said that discussing proposals from the Center Party were off the table, adding that a meeting was set to take place directly with energy producers, on Thursday and after the regular cabinet meeting.
Additional measures are needed to combat the continuing, soaring energy prices, with a long way to go until the end of winter, Center Party leader and Riigikogu speaker Jüri Ratas says. Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Reform) has tasked one of Center's ministers with coming up with such proposals by tomorrow, Thursday, mid-morning, Ratas says, adding that he does not think they will fly unmodified with Reform.
The European Union's "Fit for 55" climate package is expected to receive the Riigikogu's European Union committee's approval by the end of January, but parties involved say Estonia should have formed its positions for negotiations some time ago.
Estonia's political parties have submitted their fourth quarter 2021 (Q4 2021) financial reports to the Political Parties Supervision Committee (ERJK). Reform took in the highest overall revenue, while Isamaa received more donations than any other party.