- Funding Programme
- Year
- 2021
Coherent policy development for high-quality and sustainable living environment
The challenges identified in Estonia's built environment include the lack of a coherent policy framework, underdeveloped use of data and digital services, incoherent investments across policy areas, unsystematic development of public space, and a missing policy framework for spatial decisions, which hinder the achievement of the national spatial plan "Estonia 2030+" and its link with the state budgetary system. To address the challenges, the technical support focused on two key areas: adopting a spatial planning development strategy and an action plan for e-construction services to support high-quality development, and establishing institutional arrangements, including a policy framework and coordinating system, to ensure clear roles and responsibilities among stakeholders.
Context
The technical support project was set in the context of Estonia's long-term strategy "Estonia 2035", which aimed to create a safe and high-quality living environment for all citizens. The country faced challenges in spatial development, including a lack of coherent policy framework, underdeveloped use of data and digital services, and inefficient investments in the built environment. The construction sector played a crucial role in spatial development, but it was fragmented and lacked a holistic approach, with a focus on project-based solutions rather than comprehensive spatial planning. The Estonian government had recognized the need for a spatial development strategy and had initiated efforts to develop a new national spatial plan, which was closely linked to this technical support project.
Support delivered
The technical support project delivered several key outputs, including an assessment report on the state of play of Estonia's built environment, a report on policy recommendations to address the identified challenges, and a proposal for a spatial development strategy that encompasses core themes such as public space, buildings and housing, and energy efficiency. Additionally, the project delivered a report on recommendations to improve the governance and coordination system for spatial decisions, an action plan for the further development of e-construction services in spatial development, and an outline of a communication plan to raise awareness about the spatial development strategy and action plan. These deliverables aimed to support the development of a coherent spatial development strategy and improve the governance and coordination of spatial decisions in Estonia, ultimately contributing to the creation of a high-quality living environment for all citizens.
Results achieved
The project resulted in two key outcomes: the adoption of a spatial planning development strategy and an action plan for e-construction services, and the establishment of institutional arrangements to support the implementation of the strategy and action plan. These outcomes are expected to contribute to a high-quality and sustainable living environment in Estonia over the longer term.
More about the project
You can read the documents related to the project here: