Estonia may deprive private forest owners of millions in EU funds

Private forest owners in Estonia face the potential loss of millions of euros in crucial funding starting in 2028, as reported by the Estonian Private Forest Union. The union asserts that the Ministry of Rural Affairs intends to discontinue payments that have supported landowners in managing their forests.

Specifically, the ministry's plan involves ending compensation for conservation restrictions and halting forestry support derived from the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget. These funds have been instrumental in enabling forest owners to maintain their woodlands while simultaneously contributing to national and EU objectives for climate action and biodiversity enhancement.

The Estonian Private Forest Union has voiced strong concerns, arguing that this decision would significantly impact the livelihoods of private forest owners and undermine efforts to achieve environmental goals. The continuation of these payments is seen as vital for sustainable forest management practices across the country.