Avaleht Seisukohad European elections candidates discuss competitiveness and the green transition

European elections candidates discuss competitiveness and the green transition

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Liisa-Ly Pakosta argued for necessary changes without sacrificing equality. “If we don’t want to burn up our planet, changes are needed, but they must be just,” Pakosta said.
“Europe has already done much to break free from dependence upon Russian natural gas; only 5 percent of the EU’s gas purchases currently come from Russia, and even that will soon disappear thanks to a new round of sanctions. People are not going to be forced to disconnect their gas boilers, and there will be no coercion in terms of home renovation. The EU provides funding, for those that choose this,” she went on.
Annela Anger-Kraavi. Source: Ken Mürk/ERR
Lahtvee advocated for a smarter energy grid, citing the inefficiency of Estonia’s current reliance on oil shale-generated electricity.
“Euro for euro earned, Denmark’s spending is one seventh of Estonia’s, primarily because we are using oil shale energy.”
“We need to eliminate support not just for oil shale but for all fossil fuels, to then grasp the real price we have to pay,” Lahtvee argued.
He stressed that investments should be made into network security to ensure security of electricity supply in more outlying areas of the country, and that following the green deal in developing energy systems would facilitate this.
Liisa-Ly Pakosta outlined the EU’s stance on oil shale, noting that while it hasn’t been banned, it has been set at price levels which would discourage its long-term use. “Natural gas hasn’t been banned either; biogas can be used, for instance.”
At the same time: “We need to accelerate our efforts to meet the renewable energy targets we promised to the EU 15 years ago,” Pakosta added.
Pakosta also expressed concerns about accepting draft legislation from officials which may impose excessive obligations on Estonia.
On nuclear energy, Pakosta noted that: “the EU has agreed that nuclear energy is clean, and should at least be considered as an option in Estonia.”
One of Eesti 200’s European election candidates, Liisa-Ly Pakosta. Source: Ken Mürk/ERR
Epler argued that energy security in Estonia and in Europe could be ensured through oil shale, nuclear energy, and coal too.
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Pakosta spoke about the disparity in support larger countries can offer their business sectors compared with smaller nations like Estonia. She advocated for reducing national support within the union, to create a fair internal market.
This position underscores the need for a level playing field that allows smaller nations’ businesses to compete more effectively.
Rasmus Lahtvee. Source: Ken Mürk/ERR
Sikkut agreed with Pakosta, adding that competitive advantages often come at the expense of human rights. She argued that regulation is not inherently bad if it ensures protection, such as in data security, highlighting the importance of balancing business interests with individual rights.
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news.err.ee 15.05.24