By Plenary Sessions: Züleyxa Izmailova

The speaker criticizes an economic model that prioritizes narrow business interests and intensive management (70% of forests are managed) over nature conservation and long-term development. They reject the burning of wood pellets as a form of higher value-added processing and demand a vision that is not a compromise with the economic model of the last century. It is emphasized that managing the economy at the expense of natural capital actually diminishes the potential for economic success.

Economic perspectives express skepticism toward policies supported by the Economic Growth Council if those policies lead to environmental degradation. The speaker warns against giving excessive consideration to the interests of the forestry industry, which could result in the relaxation of regulations and the proliferation of tree plantations.

Economic views strongly favor the implementation of a progressive income tax and wealth taxes, seeing these systems as a prerequisite for achieving the state's financial robustness. This indicates a preference for greater tax redistribution and a broader tax base, necessary to achieve the economic model of AAA-rated countries.

Economic perspectives are critical of the government, which favors unsustainable business models and a narrow economic elite under the slogan of a "thinner state." It is emphasized that short-term profits (fatter profits) will not result in a stronger Estonia. Criticism is directed at the forestry industry's low income tax contribution, particularly concerning foreign parent companies, and the value of nature as capital that actively sequesters carbon is highlighted.

Not enough data.

Economic perspectives center on regulatory readiness, specifically questioning whether businesses have been adequately informed about the stricter requirements stemming from the deforestation regulation. Furthermore, the depletion of Estonia’s timber reserves is highlighted—a fact acknowledged even by timber industry representatives—underscoring the necessity of factoring environmental constraints into economic activities.