Climate activists from the Fridays for Future movement have faced a legal setback in their bid to stop the Enefit 280-2 oil plant in Estonia. The Tallinn Circuit Court rejected the activists' appeal against the environmental agency's issuance of a complex permit that allows the plant to commence operations. This permit, which has significant financial implications estimated at around 400 million euros, has been a focal point for climate advocates seeking to limit greenhouse gas emissions in line with European Union regulations and national strategies.

In its ruling, the court determined that the environmental agency had appropriately aligned the permit's issuance with greenhouse gas reduction objectives, which are binding under EU law and outlined in Estonia's own development documents. The activists had argued that the operation of the oil plant would contradict these environmental goals; however, the court found their claims unsubstantiated, reaffirming the legitimacy of the agency's decision. Additionally, the permit was granted with a deadline for compliance stretching until the end of 2034.

This ruling highlights the ongoing tensions between environmental activists and industrial interests in Estonia, reflecting broader global discussions surrounding climate action and sustainable development. With the court's decision to support the government's initiatives, it raises questions about the effectiveness of legal avenues for environmental protection and the future of such activism in the face of established industrial projects.