During a press conference on February 19, the Estonian government announced its intention to provide local municipalities with financial incentives—up to one million euros—if they establish a planning framework for wind farms. This announcement has sparked significant controversy, as it appears to offer a financial reward for what some view as a straightforward regulatory action. Jaan Viita, a member of the Haljala municipal government, argues that if a private citizen were to engage in similar behavior—offering payments to influence governmental decisions—it would be classified as corruption.

Viita emphasizes the potential ethical implications of the government's proposal, suggesting that the use of financial rewards to encourage municipalities to adopt specific policies raises questions about transparency and fairness. He points out that the soft wording used by the government obscures the stark reality of the situation, where financial incentives may distort decision-making processes at the local level. The proposal may also lead to uneven benefits among different municipalities, depending on their willingness to comply with the government’s request.

The discussion surrounding this issue reflects broader national and local tensions concerning environmental policy and governance in Estonia. As the government promotes renewable energy initiatives, the fine line between encouraging development and incentivizing potentially corrupt practices remains a crucial topic of debate among politicians, citizens, and environmental advocates alike.