Government of the Republic of Estonia

11/24/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/24/2022 11:53

Prime Minister Kallas: we will start developing skills related to the sustainable use of wood together with Finland and Sweden

Prime Minister Kallas pointed out that both Estonia and the other Nordic countries are rich in forests and wood is an extremely important material in terms of sustainable construction for all of us. "Estonia, together with Finland and Sweden, will establish a platform for the development of wood construction skills to cooperate and exchange knowledge on issues related to wooden architecture and construction. This platform will be part of the New European Bauhaus Academy for sustainable construction, which Commission President von der Leyen announced today in Finland," she said.

The prime minister also emphasised that she is very happy that Estonia will become part of the Nordic Bauhaus family. "This gives our scientists and companies a great opportunity to develop a common vision and work together to create the best living environment where people and nature are equal partners. It also gives us the opportunity to share our knowledge and experience with other European countries," said Kallas.

At the event, the prime minister discussed the role of forests in shaping a high-quality and sustainable living environment together with Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch.

In her speech, Kaja Kallas emphasised that forests have a special role in Estonian culture and in the hearts of our people. She ensured that every Estonian is passionate about forests. "We expect a lot from our forests. Be it their role in absorbing carbon, as an important sanctuary for many species and habitats, or as a vital source of livelihood and provider of resources. But also as a place where we like to spend time, to hike, exercise, relieve stress," said Kallas.

The prime minister noted that forests also play a very important role in implementing the green transition and achieving climate neutrality. "We all want our forests to last. The key is to find a balance between forest use and conservation. We need to find ways to better value the wood from our forests and to make wooden products that also bind carbon, be it furniture or wooden houses," explained Kallas. The prime minister added that in the case of forest-rich countries, the forest sector may also need support for a just transition to a certain extent, to reach a situation step by step where we use our forests in such a way that they benefit both the owner and nature.

Background

The event "New European Bauhaus goes Into the Woods" that took place today is part of the New European Bauhaus initiative, which aims to create an inclusive and sustainable living environment that takes into account the needs of all people. Bauhaus refers to a school of architecture and design founded in Germany in the 1920s. The New European Bauhaus initiative is an environmental, economic, and cultural project of the European Commission. It aims to bring together design, research, and technology in a way that also involves communities to create a beautiful, easily accessible, and environmentally friendly living environment for people.

The European Commission also aims to bring the European Green Deal closer to people with the help of the initiative, so that the positive changes related to it would be more noticeable in the living environment. Commission President von der Leyen announced the New European Bauhaus initiative in September 2020.

A series of regional initiatives have also been launched within the framework of the project. In Nordic countries, Nordic Bauhaus is responsible for achieving the goals of the initiative. Its members are Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and now also Estonia.

More information about the New European Bauhaus is available at https://new-european-bauhaus.europa.eu/index_en and https://estonia.representation.ec.europa.eu/strateegia-ja-prioriteedid/eli-peamised-poliitikavaldkonnad-seoses-eestiga/uus-euroopa-bauhaus-eestis_et

More information about Nordic Bauhaus is available at https://www.nordicbauhaus.eu/#/page=1

Full text of the speech of the prime minister (in English): https://valitsus.ee/en/news/remarks-prime-minister-kaja-kallas-new-european-bauhaus-goes-woods-event-finland-24112022

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/finnishgovernment/albums/72177720303950469