Our activities
In defending the interests of employers, we focus on all important processes, decisions and discussions that directly or indirectly affect the Estonian business environment, labour, education and tax policies. We attach great importance to meaningful dialogue with decision-makers, policy-makers and stakeholders. On a daily basis, we explain the consequences and potential impacts of different scenarios to policymakers and advise on the best decisions to accelerate Estonia’s economic development. We are a credible partner for government, parliament, political parties and the public at large.
Our views are highly valued and taken into account on issues that affect Estonian life. We want Estonia’s success story to continue, and we want the strategic choices made at national level to be forward-looking and in the interests of business. We have also helped to ensure that a number of plans to drastically change the direction of our country have been abandoned after consultation with employers.
Over the years, we have been involved in a number of landmark developments where employers have directly contributed to the development of the Estonian state. The Employers’ Manifesto, which is prepared every four years in the run-up to elections, has been included in the election manifestos of political parties as well as in government pacts. With our support, work has started on social tax cuts, state reform, amendments to the Public Procurement Act, the legalisation of long notice periods for tax changes and the reduction of VAT increases on accommodation costs. We have also contributed to the launch of the Work in Estonia programme to attract skilled foreign professionals to Estonia, and others.
Innovative Business Club – invest 2% of turnover in R&D!
A more detailed overview of our initiatives and activities over the years can be found below:
The Confederation of Estonian Employers has six sectoral working groups focusing on:
- Innovation
- Economic environment and taxes
- Health
- Labour market
- Education
- Environment and responsible business
We welcome all our members to participate in working groups and contribute to policy development. If you wish to participate, you must fill in the online form in the relevant sub-section of the working group.
International communication
The Confederation of Estonian Employers is a member of BUSINESSEUROPE, the European employers’ umbrella organisation, IOE and Business@OECD (BIAC), which represents business organisations at the OECD. We actively participate in various international working groups, represent the interests of Estonian business in Europe and the wider world, and share international best practices and knowledge with our members. Read more here.