“We need to make the economy more environmentally friendly and the living environment habitable, so our children can inherit an Ida-Viru County where life is good and where they would like to be. Ida-Viru County is very diverse in terms of industry, nature and culture alike, which has a potential to attract even more people to live here,” said President Karis.
When visiting Auvere Power Plant, President Karis obtained an overview of the current situation and future plans of Eesti Energia, including its objective to become carbon neutral by 2045. “The company’s thousands of employees have undoubtedly worked particularly hard under stressed electricity market conditions in the last few months to keep the homes of our people warm and lit,” said the Head of State. “These people deserve to know what the future holds.” During the meeting, the Head of State also listened to employees’ concerns forwarded by representatives of unions, which reflected the uncertainty surrounding the green transition.
Additionally, the meeting touched upon the topic of the exceptional circumstances on the electricity market and the security of supply. “It is clear that we must support the people who are currently in need of help. Struggling families must receive assistance. At the same time, we must continue to think about the immediate future and diversify our energy sources, which means clear and large investments and decisions, including establishment of wind farms. We must aim to achieve the security of supply by using new technologies and at a cost that is as affordable as possible to everyone,” said the President. The Head of State noted that yesterday, Auvere Power Plant finally began working at full capacity, which will hopefully bring relief to electricity prices.
At Narva College, the President met with young people from Ida-Viru County who have taken the future of their home to heart and submitted to the state their proposals for making life in their home county better and more climate-friendly in the course of fair transition. “Young people want their county to thrive and have a modern living environment and rich culture, so that people would not leave to live elsewhere. Above all, they consider it important to expand the opportunities related to education and labour market. It is important to make their voices heard and accounted for,” said President Karis.
At a meeting with the teachers and young people of Narva Estonian Language House, President Karis talked about language learning and culture. “I hope that more and more people interested in our language and culture will find their way to the Estonian Language House in Narva. Equally important to the Estonian language is the Estonian mindset, for which it is important for Ida-Viru County to host more cultural events,” said President Karis.
The Head of State visited the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences and Narva border checkpoint to obtain an overview of internal security. President Karis also visited the factory of metal product manufacturer Fortaco, which provides work for more than 500 people in Narva, making it one of the largest employers in the city. This year, the company trained and hired an additional 150 people.
