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Analysis of the FICE 2024 conference: Challenges and opportunities for foreign companies in Estonia

Analysis of the FICE 2024 conference: Challenges and opportunities for foreign companies in Estonia

On April 17, CAdFE representatives attended the FICE conference entitled “Do foreign companies want to stay in Estonia?”.
The conference focused on the findings of FICE’s executive survey, which is based on responses from a large number of foreign investors and FICE members. The survey aimed to provide an overview of investment trends in Estonia for the year 2023, including growth, salaries, as well as information on future investment projects and concerns regarding Estonia’s economic growth.

The FICE 2024 Executive Report highlights both the promise and the challenges facing the Estonian economy.
Based on information from business leaders, the report offers a comprehensive overview of current sentiments, revealing a mixture of optimism and apprehension.

Positive outlook :
Despite the uncertainties, a significant proportion of respondents (38%) anticipate economic expansion over the coming year. Encouragingly, 54% anticipate an increase in revenues over the same period, with the technology and IT sectors leading this growth in the coming years.
Upcoming challenges :
However, despite these optimistic projections, several obstacles threaten to hold back Estonia’s progress. Rising inflation has eroded companies’ competitiveness vis-à-vis major trading partners, affecting almost half of respondents (47%). Despite the significant challenges posed by rising labor costs and shortages, 28% plan to increase their workforce over the next 6 months.
Political uncertainty:
One of the most pressing problems highlighted by the survey was increased unpredictability in policy-making.
The lack of regulatory stability and dialogue between the public and private sectors has exacerbated uncertainty for businesses.
Almost half of respondents (47.8%) expressed dissatisfaction with the Estonian government’s responsiveness to their concerns, particularly with regard to recent tax increases and corporate tax reforms.
Regional disparities and the education system :
Another critical challenge mentioned in the report isthe pronounced regional economic disparities within Estonia . While the capital region prospers, other regions lag behind, exacerbating socio-economic divisions.
In addition, insufficient investment in research and development (R&D) and shortcomings in the education system are also hampering Estonia’s growth potential.

Recommendations for growth :

Faced with these challenges, the survey puts forward a number of recommendations for decision-makers to foster sustainable economic growth:

Strengthening vocational education: Focusing on vocational education and strengthening links between industries to effectively address skills shortages.

Attracting skilled labor: Relax regulations and visa quotas to attract skilled labor, reduce labor shortages and promote innovation.

Improved dialogue: Foster better dialogue between the public and private sectors to ensure responsive policy-making and regulatory stability.

Increased R&D spending: Prioritize investment in R&D to stimulate innovation and the transition to higher value-added sectors, strengthening Estonia’s competitiveness on the world stage.

Conclusion:
While the Estonian economy shows resilience and growth potential, addressing the challenges highlighted in FICE’s executive report is crucial to long-term prosperity . By heeding these recommendations and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, Estonia can navigate through uncertainties and chart a course towards sustainable, inclusive economic development.
  1. First Panel: Do foreign companies want to stay in Estonia?

The conference was followed by a panel discussion, the first taking the title of the executive inquiry and examining the lessons to be learned.
Moderated by Kris Leinatamm, the panel featured perspectives from Tiit Riisalo, Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology; Sirli Männiksaar, Director of Ericsson Estonia and Chairman of the Board; Karsten Staehr, Professor of Macroeconomics at TalTech; and Dr. Scott Levy, CEO of BlueMount Capital (UK) Ltd.
Navigating economic challenges:
One of the main concerns raised at the panel was the challenge posed by high inflation rates, particularly in the manufacturing sector. Rising energy and electricity prices have led to uncertainty and depressed economic forecasts.
Karsten Staehr stressed the need for a sensible fiscal policy, arguing for a relatively flat tax system and progressive income taxation. He emphasized the untapped potential for redistribution and urged a careful balance between spending and taxation.
Communication and governance :
Dr. Scott Levy stressed the importance of effective communication between government and business. He stressed that companies focus on their business, not lobbying, and called for a pragmatic approach to politics.
Estonia’s accessible political landscape, characterized by a small public service, was highlighted as a positive aspect facilitating communication between policymakers and business.
Predictability and investment climate:
Sirli Männiksaar stressed the importance of predictability for companies operating in Estonia. Despite concerns, she highlighted the significant investment in research and development, with the aim of doubling the economy in the next ten years.
She emphasized the ease of doing business in Estonia, citing low bureaucracy and a favorable environment.
Attractiveness of Estonia :
Minister Riisalo challenged perceptions of economic stagnation, pointing to tangible growth and development in various sectors. He acknowledged the existing challenges, but remained optimistic about Estonia’s investment potential. Sirli Männiksaar echoed this sentiment, citing Ericsson’s substantial investment in research and development in Estonia and the country’s appeal for quality of life.
Bridging the skills gap:
Karsten Staehr stressed the need to close the skills gap in Estonia, advocating training programs and improvements to the education system. Dr. Scott Levy praised Estonia’s pool of educated, English-speaking young talent, positioning it as a competitive advantage over other countries. However, he also stressed the importance of bridging the gap between the education system and business needs through internships and practical training.

3. Chamber of the Year Award 2024

On this occasion, FICE presented the Chamber of the Year 2024 award on the basis of each chamber’s participation in the survey in proportion to its size.
Thanks to the unwavering commitment of its members, CAdFE was elected Chamber of the Year 2024, the fruit of a two-year commitment by its members and executive board! A significant award for the future French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Estonia.
Violaine Champetier de Ribes received the award from FICE President Peter Thomsen.
4. “What do foreign companies need to thrive in Estonia?”
The second panel discussion focused on the vital and provocative question: “What does it take for foreign companies to thrive in Estonia?” With a distinguished panel of speakers and informative exchanges, the session offered valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the Estonian business landscape.
The second panel, with speakers including Lenno Uusküla, chief economist at Luminor Estonia and associate professor of macroeconomics at the University of Tartu, David Clark, venture capital partner at Tera Ventures, and Edmund Smolarek, head of the Möhring Group and CEO of Balti Spoon OÜ, discussed “What foreign companies in Estonia need to thrive”, with Bart Cosijn, FICE secretary and founder of the Estonian Dialogue Academy, moderating the discussion.
Lenno Uusküla highlighted an urgent problem: the shortage of qualified personnel, insisting that among the various challenges, this aspect is often overlooked.

Edmund Smolarek echoed a sense of resilience, emphasizing the need to overcome obstacles.
He illustrated his point by referring to the difficulty of finding electricians despite employing 296 people, necessitating recruitment from other regions.

David Clark praised Estonia’s low bureaucracy and called for increased investment in both start-ups and manufacturing.

Mr. Smolarek stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between start-ups and manufacturing sectors.

However, Lenno Uusküla warned against complacency, noting that rising prices were prompting some to leave Estonia.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of manufacturing, with Edmund Smolarek pointing out that it contributes around 15% of Estonia’s GDP, with two-thirds of production destined for export.
What’s more, the manufacturing sector employs over 120,000 people!
The panelists collectively highlighted the importance of collaboration, sustainability and innovation in the success of foreign companies in Estonia, offering a multifaceted perspective on navigating the evolving business landscape.
Conclusion:
The FICE conference explored Estonia’s economic landscape, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. Insights from FICE’s executive survey report highlighted the need to address issues such as rising inflation, political uncertainty and regional disparities . Panel discussions also highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation and bridging the skills gap for sustainable growth. Overall, the conference provided valuable information and strategies for navigating Estonia’s evolving business environment. On this occasion, it should be noted that CAdFE was awarded the prestigious prize for Best Chamber of the Year. If you’d like to work with Estonia’s leading foreign chamber of commerce, join us! Discover the activities and opportunities offered by CAdFE, Estonia’s recognized beacon of excellence in the development of international business relations.

Florent Angibaud – Communications intern at CAdFE

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Conferences

FICE 2024 conference to unveil annual survey results and address concerns “Do foreign companies want to stay in Estonia?”

FICE 2024 conference to unveil annual survey results and address concerns "Do foreign companies want to stay in Estonia?"

The Foreign Investors Council of Estonia (FICE) is set to host an exclusive conference on April 17, 2024 to answer a pressing question: “Do foreign companies want to stay in Estonia?”
The event promises an in-depth exploration of the current landscape of foreign companies operating in Estonia, with perspectives from industry leaders, policymakers and economists.

The conference will kick off with a keynote address by Tiit Riisalo, Minister of Economic Affairs and IT, who will set the framework for discussions surrounding the results of the FICE 2024 survey.
Participants can expect in-depth panel sessions focusing on the concerns and opportunities highlighted in the survey results.
“We invite all foreign companies and investors in Estonia to join us for what promises to be a stimulating and productive event,” said Peter Thomsen, President of FICE.
“This conference offers a platform for meaningful dialogue on the future of foreign investment in Estonia and how stakeholders can work together to foster a conducive business environment.”

Two panels will bring together CEOs, economists, entrepreneurs, politicians and policymakers to dissect the survey results and address critical questions about the future of foreign business in Estonia.

First panel: “Concerns of foreign companies in Estonia”, Speakers:

🟥 Tiit Riisalo, Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Estonian Government

🟥 Sirli Männiksaar, Country Manager, Ericsson Estonia and Chairman of the Board of Directors

🟥 Karsten Staehr, Professor of Macroeconomics at TalTech – Tallinn University of Technology, and part-time research advisor at Bank of Estonia

🟥 Dr Scott Levy, CEO of BlueMount Capital (UK) Ltd.

🎤 Moderator: Kris Leinatamm, effectiveness consultant for organizations and teams

Second panel: “What do foreign companies in Estonia need to thrive?”, Speakers:

🟥 Lenno Uusküla, Chief Economist of the Luminor Group in Estonia and Associate Professor of Macroeconomics at the University of Tartu

🟥 David Clark, Venture Partner, Tera Ventures

🟥 Edmund Smolarek, Möhring Group executive, CEO of Balti Spoon OÜ

🎤 Moderator: Bart Cosijn, FICE secretary and founder of the Estonian Dialogue Academy

In addition, the conference will feature the much-anticipated announcement of the House of the Year.
Representing foreign chambers of commerce from eight countries and accounting for almost 80% of total foreign direct investment in Estonia, we are committed to facilitating constructive engagement between foreign investors and local stakeholders to stimulate sustainable economic growth.
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Times: 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Blu Hotel Olümpia, Tallinn

Full program and early registration via https://lnkd.in/d9_3MbGy

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Categories
Conferences

Nuclear Energy in Estonia: Crossroads at the Franco-Finnish Seminar

Nuclear Energy in Estonia: Crossroads at the Franco-Finnish Seminar

A few days ago, on Wednesday February 21, 2024, CAdFE was invited to take part in a seminar on nuclear energy in Estonia, orchestrated by the French Embassy.The aim of the seminar was to feed the debate through the sharing of French and Finnish experiences.
Here are a few extracts from the interesting exchanges between experts that took place during the morning.

The French Ambassador to Estonia, H.E. Emmanuel Mignot, opened the meeting by emphasizing that the aim of the seminar was to feed the debate through feedback. Estonia has indeed opened a public debate on nuclear energy, and a decision will be made by a vote in parliament by the end of 2024.

The international context of nuclear power, with 56 reactors under construction worldwide, was presented, highlighting the significant share in Europe and France.
Nuclear power accounts for 25% of the EU’s energy mix, a response to the zero-carbon challenges set by the EU for 2050.
France was open to cooperation with Estonia, while emphasizing its respect for the Baltic country’s sovereignty.

Estonian Perspectives and Presentation of the Nuclear Energy Working Group Report
Estonian experts Anti Tooming and Reelika Runnel, who are part of the nuclear energy working group, took part in the morning’s discussions.
The aim of this interministerial group, formed in 2021, is to provide the best knowledge on the subject to enable the country to decide on the potential role of nuclear power in achieving climate goals and ensuring energy security in Estonia.
The final decision on whether or not to build a nuclear power plant will be a societal choice determined by the vote of parliamentarians in 2024.
The prospects for nuclear power in Estonia have met with strong public support, with over 60% of the population declaring themselves to be in favor of nuclear power. The proposed sites could also stimulate regional economic development.
However, the need for qualified experts was highlighted, implying an initial reliance on foreign experts.
International cooperation has been very important in this project from the outset, following the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), underlining the importance of international standards in nuclear safety.
The IAEA has also given a positive opinion on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Estonia.
The research budget for ensuring scientific and technological advances in the field of nuclear energy amounts to 577,000 euros, of which more than a third, i.e. 209,000 euros, comes from European funds dedicated to research and development.
How much does such a project cost?
According to the report, the Estonian state’s expenditure on infrastructure development will be offset fairly quickly.
This compensation will arrive during the power plant’s construction phase, and will come from the state’s income from labor taxes and the impact on the regional economy resulting from construction activities.

When the plant is built – some 11 years after the launch of the nuclear program – the tax revenues received by the state would exceed expenditure by at least 5.5 million euros in the worst-case scenario, or 19 million in the most likely case.

Furthermore, the total cost to the State budget of the regulatory framework and educational programs for expert training would amount to 73 million euros , with an additional allocation estimated at 54 million euros.
This allocation is still difficult to estimate precisely, and will be used to cover rescue and technical capacity-building measures.
During the public question and answer session, the speakers addressed several crucial points.
In the event of failure, the importance of exploring other energy sources, notably hydrogen, was stressed.
The EDF representative assured the audience that the French company would be ready to support the Estonian government in this endeavor.
It was stressed that the role of the private sector in financing the project should not be underestimated, building on its success in other fields, such as space programs.
Finally, the Swedish Ambassador to Estonia, H.E. Ingrid Tersman, suggested the creation of a regional training complex for nuclear experts with our Nordic neighbors, offering an innovative perspective to regional cooperation.
Energy Security, Energy Sovereignty and Energy Sobriety: The Pillars of a Sustainable French Strategy
In her presentation, Cécile Maisonneuve, associate energy expert at the Institut Montaigne, highlighted Europe’s current dependence on Russian gas, underlining an insufficient focus on energy security in recent decades. Cécile Maisonneuve proposes a combined hydroelectric and nuclear approach as the key to decarbonization.
She stresses the need to prioritize the production of green electricity to support the development of new green industries.

Dependence on China in renewable energies was also singled out, as was the decision to leave this sector to the private sector.
Maisonneuve insisted on the importance for Europe of breaking away from Russia by renewing nuclear power, underlining the geopolitical stakes and the security of the electricity system.

Géraldine Raud, representing the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, outlined France’s ambitious carbon neutrality objectives.
The objective of reducing electricity consumption was highlighted, supported by a survey carried out by RTE (Réseau de Transport d’Électricité, an EDF subsidiary) on the evolution of electricity consumption and production up to 2050. Three different scenarios are envisaged, but the conclusion underlined that without nuclear power, carbon neutrality will not be achievable.
This approach is supported by two major economic plans, “France Relance” and “France 2030”.
In the discussion, the importance of a regional approach was raised, in particular by the RTE survey, which takes account of dependency between regions, with reference to Germany’s decision to abandon nuclear power.
However, speakers pointed to the lack of synergy and discussion at European level on the subject, indicating a greater need for cooperation.
Finland shared its experience with increased energy production coupled with reduced consumption, pointing out that the issue of reduction is not receiving sufficient attention.
On the other hand, the French initiative on energy efficiency in buildings and industry caught the public’s attention, with examples such as 1 euro insulation, and lowering the temperature in public buildings to 19°C, which has resulted in a 10% reduction in electricity consumption.
Nuclear Waste Management Strategies: Finnish and French Experiences in Transparency, Acceptance and Implications
Pasi Tuohimaa, Head of Public Relations at Posiva Solutions, highlighted the Finnish experience of nuclear waste management by this private company.
With experience spanning 44 years, the process, including site selection, excavation and licensing, culminated in the construction of a nuclear waste processing site located on the island of Olkiluoto in Finland.
The storage capacity is 6,500 tonnes of uranium. The current public acceptance rate of 80% is attributed to a policy of transparency, reinforced by communication campaigns and, in particular, an active presence on social networks, notably with a campaign on the EU’s green taxonomy, illustrated by hashtags such as #rocktorock.
As ambassadors, employees contribute to the site’s positive image.
Posiva Solutions presents a complete solution for the management and storage of nuclear waste.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency praised the quality of the project.
Nicolas Solente from the French National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management (ANDRA) presented an example of waste processing in France, with the Morvilliers and La Chaise sites in the Aube region specializing in the treatment of low-level radioactive waste. He highlighted the diversity of nuclear waste, mainly from nuclear power plants (60%), research (25%) and defense (9%), with three main producers: CEA, EDF and Orano. Almost 1,760,000 m³ of nuclear waste have been produced up to the end of 2021. Solutions for the treatment of high-level waste and long-lived intermediate-level waste are currently being developed. As for the management of low-level waste, the two sites at Morvilliers and La Chaise are already in operation and working perfectly.
Solente emphasizes the governance and interactions between stakeholders, highlighting the involvement of all players in this process, demonstrating a well-defined strategy.
In the discussions, it was emphasized that the idea of joint nuclear waste treatment centers makes sense, as the main costs are fixed costs.
The success of such partnerships is above all a political issue, with questions raised as to which countries would be willing to host such structures.
Experience in France and Finland has shown that the proximity of the population to a treatment site influences their willingness to accept a new center, with greater acceptance coming from those who are better informed.
Public perception of nuclear energy and the financial impact on local communities
Michel Berthelemy, Strategic Nuclear Policy Advisor at the OECD’s Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), discussed public perception of nuclear energy and financial returns for territories.
His work at the OECD focuses on research into nuclear safety, technology and policy.
He underlines the importance of COOP28, noting that the issue of nuclear power has been raised for the first time in bilateral cooperation between countries using nuclear power since the beginning of its use.
In conclusion, the French Ambassador to Estonia, H.E. Emmanuel Mignot, expressed his sincere thanks to all participants for their commitment and contribution to the discussion.
He underlined the importance of the informal discussion that had emerged, highlighting a trend towards a more rational approach to nuclear energy.
This shift in perception indicates a significant change in the way people approach and understand nuclear issues. The ambassador also recalled that France stands ready to support Estonia in the decision it will take, underlining the ongoing commitment to cooperation and sharing of expertise between the two nations.
He expressed the hope that this growing rationality will continue to guide debates and decision-making in the field of nuclear energy, fostering a balanced and informed understanding of this crucial energy source for the future.

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Conferences Events

“Does it still make sense to invest in Estonia?”

"Does it still make sense to invest in Estonia?"

Join us for our conference, “Does it still make sense to invest in Estonia – Exploring economic resilience and growth opportunities”, on March 14, 2024.

The theme of our conference, “Does it still make sense to invest in Estonia?”, is a multifaceted exploration of Estonia’s economic future.
Given the recent economic downturn, including a significant recession in 2023 and an estimated GDP contraction of -2.6% according to EU projections, we aim to dissect the crucial question of Estonia’s economic trajectory.
Our aim is to examine the growth potential for 2024, identify the key sectors that will drive recovery, and highlight Estonia’s intrinsic strengths that will underpin its resilience in the face of economic uncertainties.

Agenda:
6:00 pm Doors open
6:30 pm Welcome by CAdFE President Violaine Champetier de Ribes 6:35 pm Panel moderated by Silver Tambur
19h25 Questions / Answers
19h45/20h00 Networking
9:00 pm End
Registration is mandatory: here

Tickets give you access to the conference and buffet.

Co-organized by the Club d’Affaires des Francophones en Estonie (CAdFE) and Estonian World(https://estonianworld.com), the event serves as a solid platform for professionals from various sectors to share knowledge, network and discover new opportunities.
Our panelists for the event include:

Thomas Padovani, founder of AdCash; investor.

Piret Mürk-Dubout, Tallink board member;
Andres Sutt, Member of the Estonian Parliament, Riigikogu, former Minister of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology;

Helery Pops, Investor at Practica Capital; who will share their ideas and expertise on the topics covered.

The panel will be moderated by Silver Tambur, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Estonian World magazine.

The conference is organized in partnership with Estonian World, a global online portal in English(www.estonianworld.com) focusing on news, analysis and information related to Estonia.

The conference will take place at the Mövenpick Hotel in downtown Tallinn.

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Inter-chamber grouping

Inter-chamber grouping

On November 28, the heads of chambers of commerce from over ten countries in the Nordic and Baltic regions gathered to explore potential collaborations.
The day began with the Mayor of Tallinn, Mr Mihhail Kõlvart, warmly welcoming participants to the Jaan Poska Kadrioru residence.
Each chamber of commerce had the opportunity to highlight its principles and present its membership base, while exchanging ideas for global partnerships.

After substantial conversations, participants were transported to Ülemiste City, offering an opportunity to connect with local entrepreneurs, including R8 Tech and Mainor AS.

The day ended with a dinner attended by 5 CAdFE members at Tallinn City Hall, featuring round-table discussions, presentations and conviviality.
CAdFE congratulates the Baltic Business Club for orchestrating this remarkable gathering.

Find out more about CAdFE: https://www.cadfe.ee/about-us

Meet our members : https://www.cadfe.ee/members

Discover our memberships https://www.cadfe.ee/membership

Become a member : https://www.cadfe.ee/join-us

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BECC and CAdFE: Welcome to the new Canadian Ambassador on November 29 in Tallinn

BECC and CAdFE: Welcome to the new Canadian Ambassador on November 29 in Tallinn

We are delighted to inform you of the event organized by the British-Estonian Chamber of Commerce (BECC), in partnership with the Club d’Affaires des Francophones en Estonie (CAdFE) and the Canadian Embassy.

This special event is designed to welcome Laird Hindle, Canada’s new Ambassador to Estonia.
This event will be a unique opportunity to network and welcome Ambassador Hindle.
In addition, information on diplomatic relations between Canada and Estonia will be shared.

To reserve your place, please register and purchase your tickets by following this link: https://fienta.com/becc-welcomes-the-new-canadian-ambassador

📅 Date and time: Wednesday, November 29, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tallinn time

🏨 Location: Centennial Hotel Tallinn – Endla 15, 10122 Tallinn, Harju maakond, Estonia

The Program :

6:00 pm: Welcome with drinks and appetizers

6:30 pm: Welcome address by the BECC Board of Directors

6:45pm: Speech by Canadian Ambassador Laird Hindle

7:00 pm: Networking

8:00 pm: Closing of the event

To reserve your place, please register and purchase your tickets by following this link: https://fienta.com/becc-welcomes-the-new-canadian-ambassador

We look forward to welcoming you to this event.

Find out more about CAdFE at https://www.cadfe.ee/about-us

Meet our members: https: //www.cadfe.ee/members

Discover our memberships https://www.cadfe.ee/membership

Become a member: https: //www.cadfe.ee/join-us

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Meeting with the new French Ambassador, HE Mr. Emmanuel MIGNOT Emmanuel MIGNOT

Meeting with the new French Ambassador, HE Mr. Emmanuel MIGNOT Emmanuel MIGNOT

From right to left: SE M. Emmanuel Mignot, Ambassador of France to Estonia, Mrs. Louise Dubrulle Economic Attaché at the French Embassy in Estonia, CAdFE Board of Directors: Mme. Noemi Poget, Ms. Lamiaa Bennis, Ms. Alice Järvet, Ms. Violaine Champetier de Ribes President of CAdFE, M. Francois Byvoet. (Absent: M. Jean-Marc Salsa, M. Raphaël de Vivans) .

Yesterday, the CAdFE Board of Directors met with His Excellency Emmanuel Mignot, the new French Ambassador to Estonia, and Louise Dubrulle, the new Economic Attaché.

This working lunch was an opportunity to discuss ways of developing trade and business relations between Estonia and France, and the wider French-speaking world.
The discussion was warm and constructive, and covered many interesting topics.
Economic affairs, defense, culture and sport figured prominently among the topics discussed.

Biography of Mr Emmanuel MIGNOT, French Ambassador to Estonia.

After studying political science, international relations, economics and Turkish (Institut d’études des relations internationales, ILERI; Université de Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, London School of Economics and University of Ankara), Emmanuel Mignot passed the competitive examination for Orient at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in March 2000.

He spent two years in the Strategic Affairs Division of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dealing with sensitive issues relating to nuclear energy (2000-2002).
He then worked on issues relating to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems (2002-2004).
From 2004 to 2007, he served as First Secretary at the French Embassy in Berlin.
From May 2007 to 2009, he was Strategic Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister.
He then became First Counsellor at the French Embassy in Mexico City.
In 2012, he was seconded to AREVA as Director of European and International Affairs.
In 2015, he took up the post of Deputy Permanent Representative of France to NATO.
In 2020, he was appointed diplomatic advisor to the Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces.

Since July 30, 2023, he has been France’s ambassador to the Republic of Estonia.

Biography of Louise Dubrulle Economic Attaché at the French Embassy in Estonia.

Louise studied at Emlyon business school and Sciences-Po Lyon.
She has acquired professional experience in the fields of geopolitics, defense, security and economics.
She has worked successively for the Ministry of Defense, the United Nations, BPI France, and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

About CAdFE (Club d’affaires des francophones d’Estonie) cadfe.ee

Our primary objective is to position ourselves as a business club and chamber of commerce serving French-speaking entrepreneurs, companies and organizations in Estonia.
We also offer support to Estonian companies interested in markets in French-speaking countries.
We are committed to building a strong community of entrepreneurs, businesses and strategic partners.
One of our missions is to animate the community with regular, quality events, focusing on three main areas:

  • Business and networking,

  • socio-economic issues,

  • conviviality and the art of living.

CAdFE is a member of FICE, the Estonian Foreign Investors Council.

Learn more about CAdFE: https://www.cadfe.ee/about-us

Find out who our members are: https://www.cadfe.ee/members

Contact us!

✉ contact@ccife.ee

CCI France-Estonie is proudly affiliated to CCI France International, the worldwide network of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

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CCI France-Estonie is proudly affiliated to CCI France International, the worldwide network of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Download the CCIFI Connect application

Accelerate your business thanks to the 1st private network of French companies in 94 countries: 119 chambers | 33,000 companies | 4,000 events | 300 committees | 1,200 exclusive advantages

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A look back at our conference: Opportunities and prospects for Estonia’s energy transition

Back to our conference:
Opportunities and prospects for energy transition in Estonia

Retour sur notre conférence: Opportunités et perspectives de la transition énergétique en Estonie

Last Thursday, we held our conference on the theme of energy transition in Estonia, at which our speakers, professionals from the sector, shared their visions and forecasts for the development of the energy market in the region.
Our members also had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss future issues.

The conference began with an introductory speech by our President, followed by our first speaker, Kristo Kaasik, Director of the Renewable Energy Sector at Estonia’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.
Kristo Kaasik began his speech by taking stock of Estonia’s progress towards its targets for renewable energy production and consumption, in comparison with other European countries.
Estonia is the 8th European country with the highest share of renewable energy in its production (30.2% in 2020).
Nevertheless, Estonia has real difficulties in producing low-cost energy, which penalizes it and makes it less competitive on this market.
In any case, the country is not lacking in ambition, since the government’s stated goal is for 100% of the energy produced in Estonia to be renewable by 2030.
Kristo Kaasik also gave us an overview of the resources and infrastructure being deployed to achieve these targets, via solar and especially wind power projects.
This also involves changes in legislation to speed up the launch of these projects and achieve these targets on time.
In this way, Estonia also hopes to gain energy independence.

Then it was the turn of Raido Hallik, Director of Services and Renewable Energy Development at Enefit Green.
Raido Hallik began by pointing out that the current energy crisis has highlighted the extent of the EU’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Enefit Green’s ambition is to become the largest producer of renewable energy in the Baltic States and a major player in this sector in Poland.
Enefit Green currently relies on long-term energy sales contracts to invest in new renewable energy infrastructures, with a focus on solar/wind complementarity.
In particular, our speaker stressed the need to develop offshore wind farms.
Questioned by one of our members about the absence of a development plan for nuclear energy in Estonia, Mr. Hallik explained that Estonia had no experience in this field and therefore risked wasting too much time training the many engineers and workers needed for this kind of project.

Finally, it was the turn of Stéphane Lobbedey, former director of the Normandy region’s renewable energies department, to speak.
Mr. Lobbedey began by presenting the Normandy region in terms of energy production.
The Normandy region has been at the forefront of marine renewable energies (MRE), with the very first French offshore wind farm project at Veulettes-sur-Mer in 2005.
The region’s attractiveness in terms of MRE stems from a strong focus on coordination between local authorities, energy producers and universities, as well as international cooperation (with Canada and Scotland in particular).
The Normandy region has also made major investments in its infrastructure, such as the ports of Le Havre and Cherbourg.
Mr. Lobbedey then turned to the subject of hydrogen, which again has been the source of major investment in the Normandy region.
Numerous hydrogen-related projects and initiatives were presented.
Our conference ended with a buffet and a time dedicated to exchanges and networking.
We would like to thank our speakers for their rich explanations and expertise, and our members for their presence.
Don’t miss our upcoming conferences & events:
  • April 5: Breakfast at the French Embassy in Estonia

  • April 20 – 18:00/21:00: Start-up competition – New start: Empowering Ukrainian women through mentoring

  • May 8 – Cocktail + Dinner with MEDEF Lille Métropole

Contact us!

✉ contact@ccife.ee

CCI France-Estonie is proudly affiliated to CCI France International, the worldwide network of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Download the CCIFI Connect application

Accelerate your business thanks to the 1st private network of French companies in 94 countries: 119 chambers | 33,000 companies | 4,000 events | 300 committees | 1,200 exclusive advantages

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Keep up to date with the latest news from the Chamber and never miss an upcoming event.

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Copyright 2024 Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie France Estonie

Contact us!

✉ contact@ccife.ee

CCI France-Estonie is proudly affiliated to CCI France International, the worldwide network of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Download the CCIFI Connect application

Accelerate your business thanks to the 1st private network of French companies in 94 countries: 119 chambers | 33,000 companies | 4,000 events | 300 committees | 1,200 exclusive advantages

Exclusively for members of the CCI Françaises à l’International, discover the CCIFI Connect app.

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Copyright 2024 Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie France Estonie

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Opportunities and prospects for Estonia’s energy transition

Opportunities and prospects for the
energy transition in Estonia

Opportunités et perspectives de la transition énergétique en Estonie

Take part in our exclusive conference with leading experts on March 16.

Faced with the challenges of climate change, the European Union has set ambitious targets on several occasions since 2008.
With the “fit for 55” legislative package presented in July 2021 by the European Commission, the European Union would aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in all member states.
Due to the war in Ukraine, the RePowerEU plan was adopted in 2022, with a target of 45% renewables in electricity production by 2030.
Targets have also been set for hydrogen.
For example, France is a long way from meeting its climate targets (as the French president has stated).
The country would have to make twice as much effort to get on track.
This implies a great deal of investment, while facilitating the energy transition.
So what’s the situation in Estonia?
How does the country plan to meet its targets?
How can the energy transition also help develop the economy?

with :

– Kristo Kaasik, head of the renewable energy sector at Estonia’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication.

– Raido Hallik, Head of Renewable Energy Development and Services at Enefit Green

– Stéphane Lobbedey, former head of the Normandy region’s renewable energies department.

  • Registration is compulsory.
    Tickets give access to the buffet.

The price for CAdFE members is EUR 10.00 per person (a hot buffet is included).

The price for non-members of CAdFE is EUR 20.00 per person (a hot buffet is included).
* only valid for CAdFE members with an active subscription.

If you would like to subscribe to CAdFE and benefit from the discount, please send an e-mail to event@cadfe.ee.

Agenda:

18.00 Doors open and welcome buffet

18.10 Greetings from Violaine Champetier de Ribes, President of CA(d)FE.
18.15 Kristo Kaasik : Past actions and future plans to meet Estonia’s climate/energy transition targets.

-18.35 Q&A

-18.45 Raido Hallik: What are Estonia’s next (committed) steps, the challenges ahead and how is the sector evolving?

-19.05 Q&A

19.15 Stéphane Lobbedey: The Normandy experience.
How has an industrial sector been built up in marine renewable energies and hydrogen?

-19.35 Q&A

-19.45 Social time

-21.00 End

Contact us!

✉ contact@ccife.ee

CCI France-Estonie is proudly affiliated to CCI France International, the worldwide network of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Download the CCIFI Connect application

Accelerate your business thanks to the 1st private network of French companies in 94 countries: 119 chambers | 33,000 companies | 4,000 events | 300 committees | 1,200 exclusive advantages

Exclusively for members of the CCI Françaises à l’International, discover the CCIFI Connect app.

Stay informed!

Keep up to date with the latest news from the Chamber and never miss an upcoming event.

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Copyright 2024 Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie France Estonie

Contact us!

✉ contact@ccife.ee

CCI France-Estonie is proudly affiliated to CCI France International, the worldwide network of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Download the CCIFI Connect application

Accelerate your business thanks to the 1st private network of French companies in 94 countries: 119 chambers | 33,000 companies | 4,000 events | 300 committees | 1,200 exclusive advantages

Exclusively for members of the CCI Françaises à l’International, discover the CCIFI Connect app.

Stay informed!

Keep up to date with the latest news from the Chamber and never miss an upcoming event.

Made with by Cycoma

Copyright 2024 Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie France Estonie

Categories
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Does crypto still have a future?

Does crypto still have a future?

La crypto a-t-elle encore un avenir ?

The CA(d)FE team is pleased to invite you to an exclusive conference:

Thursday December 08 at 6pm at Nordic Hotel Forum – Viru väljak 3, 10111 Tallinn.

Does crypto still have a future?

In the midst of the turmoil shaking the sector, does crypto still have a future?

Will the crypto-currency winter ever come to an end?

Is it still the right time to invest in crypto?

How will the new Estonian regulations affect local crypto companies?

____________________________

Registration is compulsory.
Tickets give access to the buffet.

Click here to register: https://bit.ly/3VlUnMC The price for CAdFE members is EUR 10.00 per person *.
The price for non-members of CAdFE is EUR 20.00 per person.

*Only valid for CAdFE members with an active subscription.

Agenda:
-18.00 Doors open and welcome buffet

-18.10.
Salutations de Violaine Champetier de Ribes, présidente de CA(d)FE.

18.15 Dr. Chris Kacher
Chris Kacher: Does crypto still have a future?

18.35 Q&A

-18.45 Frédéric Hubin: Is Estonia leading the way in regulating crypto-currencies?

-19.05 Q&A

-19.15 networking

-21.00 End

Introducing the speakers: – Dr. Kacher
Chris Kacher, Managing Director, Hanse Digital Access OÜ

Chris Kacher is the co-founder of TriQuantum Technologies, a KJA holding company where he is the principal portfolio manager.
Dr. Kacher’s indicators
Kacher’s indicators have revealed all of bitcoin’s ups and downs since 2011, give or take a few weeks.
He has been involved in blockchain since January 2013, when he bought his first bitcoin and attended Buterin’s ETH meetings in London.
He launched one of the first regulated, asset-backed blockchain platforms, HanseDigitalAccess.
His crypto fund for investing in digital assets will be launched soon, but in the meantime he has launched a test fund.
D. in nuclear physics from the University of California at Berkeley.

Dr. Kacher
Kacher (stage name: Christian Casher)was a concert pianist from the age of 5 to 12, composing his first song at the age of 5.
He has published numerous articles and books on nuclear physics and business.

Frédéric Hubin, member of the Dream Finance OÜ Board of Directors
Frédéric has been working in the banking and financial sector for almost 25 years, with experience gained in Switzerland, Luxembourg, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, France and now Estonia.
His expertise covers most of a bank’s activities, from payments to derivatives pricing or from compliance to clearing and settlement.
Frédéric’s interest in Blockchain dates back to 2013, and he began developing smart contracts mimicking derivatives as early as 2016.

He is currently a board member of Dream Finance OÜ, the company behind the CoinsPaid, CryptoProcessing and Altra.House brands.

Contact us!

✉ contact@ccife.ee

CCI France-Estonie is proudly affiliated to CCI France International, the worldwide network of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Download the CCIFI Connect application

Accelerate your business thanks to the 1st private network of French companies in 94 countries: 119 chambers | 33,000 companies | 4,000 events | 300 committees | 1,200 exclusive advantages

Exclusively for members of the CCI Françaises à l’International, discover the CCIFI Connect app.

Stay informed!

Keep up to date with the latest news from the Chamber and never miss an upcoming event.

Made with by Cycoma

Copyright 2024 Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie France Estonie

Contact us!

✉ contact@ccife.ee

CCI France-Estonie is proudly affiliated to CCI France International, the worldwide network of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Download the CCIFI Connect application

Accelerate your business thanks to the 1st private network of French companies in 94 countries: 119 chambers | 33,000 companies | 4,000 events | 300 committees | 1,200 exclusive advantages

Exclusively for members of the CCI Françaises à l’International, discover the CCIFI Connect app.

Stay informed!

Keep up to date with the latest news from the Chamber and never miss an upcoming event.

Made with by Cycoma

Copyright 2024 Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie France Estonie