Background information

The Employers Confederation has established a working group focused on environmental and sustainable entrepreneurship practices. The working group is a format of collaboration that provides a platform for members to discuss policy changes, share best practices, and exchange information on funding opportunities and other relevant topics.

The primary goal of this group is to support businesses in transitioning to sustainable business models and adopting circular economy principles while contributing to climate policy. A key objective is to enhance the competitiveness of companies and ensure that timelines for achieving climate goals are realistic.

The Employers Confederation also operates five other working groups addressing topics such as Economic Environment and Taxes, Health, and Education.

Content of measure

All members of the Employers' Confederation are eligible to participate by appointing a representative. The goals of the working group are to support businesses in transitioning to sustainable models and adopting circular economy principles and share information about best practices and funding opportunities. The focus topics and mission statement of the working group are the following: Climate policy should enhance competitiveness, ensuring that regulations consider the global market to avoid adverse impacts on well-being. Achieving climate goals requires a realistic transition period, with support from governments to create a predictable and business-friendly environment for investment. *Policies should align with the updated National Climate Plan (REKK2030/2050) and prioritize education and innovation to prepare a skilled workforce. The working group is lead by Taavi Veskimagi from the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association.

Use of measure

The working group participates in consultation rounds regarding the draft of national Climate Law.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Applies to all businesses	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
Employers' organisations	No special funding required

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	No involvement	Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative
Form	Not applicable	Any other form of consultation, institutionalised (as stable working groups or committees) or informal

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Only employers' organisations
• Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level

Involvement

The working group is an initative of peak level social partner, Employers Confederation.

Views and reactions

No views have been expressed by other social partners.

Sources

• 01 January 2023: Keskkond ja vastutustundlik ettevõtlus töörühm (employers.ee)