Brussels:The European Commission has approved Estonia's fifth and final payment request for €190.6 million as part of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), a key component of the NextGenerationEU initiative.

According to European Commission - Lebanon, this payment signifies Estonia's successful implementation of all reforms and investments outlined in its recovery and resilience plan, totaling €953 million, which accounts for 100% of its RRF funding. This marks a significant milestone in the RRF's execution and underscores Estonia's dedication to advancing reforms and investments in its national plan.

The European Commission confirmed that Estonia has satisfactorily completed the eight milestones and 19 targets specified in the Council Implementing Decision. These targets include reforms and investments in skills, energy, health, and digitalization, such as online life event services and a skills reform for business digital transformation.

Notable measures within this funding include making ten life-event services available online through Estonia's State Portal, addressing health workforce shortages through prioritized study places, completing 112 broadband network projects, and enhancing the energy efficiency of residential buildings. Additionally, a new biomethane plant in Viiratsi has been constructed, boosting renewable energy production and supporting energy security.

The European Commission has sent its preliminary assessment of Estonia's achievements to the Economic and Financial Committee (EFC), which has a four-week period to provide its opinion. The payment will proceed following the EFC's opinion and the adoption of a payment decision by the Commission.