• About
    arrow_drop_down
    • SDGsTracker
      arrow_drop_down
      • Background
      • Methodology
      • Launch Events
    • Team
    • Contact Us
  • Countries
    arrow_drop_down
    • Search All
  • World Progress
    arrow_drop_down
    • Overall SDGs
      arrow_drop_down
      • Achieved
      • On-Track
      • Moderately Off-Track
      • Off-Track
      • Severely Off-Track
      • No Progress
    • Individual SDGs
    • World Ranking
  • Challenges
  • Contribution
  • Lessons Learned
  • Impact
  • Interactive Maps
Sign in or Register

Estonia

  • Send an email
  • Other Countries
  • Overview
  • SDGs Progress
  • Challenges
  • Lessons Learned
  • Contribution
  • Experts
  • Universities
  • Events
  • Video
  • prev
  • next
  • prev
  • next
Overview

Estonia presented its Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the United Nations in July 2020, outlining national progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In the 2019 Sustainable Development Report, Estonia ranked 10th globally in the SDG Index, reflecting strong overall performance. Employment reached approximately 79% in 2018, while severe material deprivation declined to 2.8% in the same year. Renewable energy accounted for more than 30% of gross final energy consumption by 2018, demonstrating progress in the energy transition. At the same time, the at-risk-of-poverty rate stood at 21.0% in 2018, highlighting ongoing social challenges. The VNR provides a comprehensive assessment of progress made since 2016, supported by measurable data and policy reforms.

Recommendations

  1. Accelerate Decarbonisation Efforts: Gradually reduce reliance on oil shale while expanding renewable capacity beyond the current 30% share. Strengthen just transition mechanisms for affected regions.
  2. Reduce the Gender Pay Gap: Enhance pay transparency, promote women’s participation in leadership, and address occupational segregation to reduce the 7% pay gap (2018) further.
  3. Increase R&D Investment: Raise research and development expenditure beyond 4% of GDP to improve innovation capacity and competitiveness.
  4. Strengthen Regional Development Policies: Expand infrastructure and employment opportunities in rural areas to reduce regional disparities and population decline.
  5. Address Relative Poverty Risks: While severe material deprivation is low, targeted interventions should focus on reducing the 0% at-risk-of-poverty rate (2018).
  6. Enhance Climate Adaptation and Environmental Protection: Strengthen biodiversity protection, water management and climate resilience measures to complement mitigation efforts.

 Conclusion

Estonia’s 2020 VNR demonstrates measurable progress across economic, social and environmental dimensions, yet it also identifies structural challenges requiring sustained attention. The gender pay gap, although reduced from 25.3% in 2016 to 22.7% in 2018, remains among the highest in the European Union. Research and development expenditure reached approximately 1.4% of GDP in 2018, indicating room for further innovation investment. While renewable energy exceeded 30% of final consumption by 2018, dependence on oil shale continues to influence greenhouse gas emissions. Social transfers have reduced severe material deprivation to 2.8% by 2018, yet relative poverty remains persistent. Overall, Estonia’s ranking of 10th in the 2019 SDG Index reflects strong institutional capacity, but achieving full alignment with the 2030 Agenda will require accelerated climate action, reduced inequalities and sustained structural reform.

Social Networks
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
SDGs Progress Tracker
  • SDGs Completion % 42
  • SDGs On-Track % 12
  • SDGs Achieved % 0
Voluntary National Reports
Country Focal Point

Ms Eili Lepik
Adviser on Sustainable Development issues
Strategy Unit
Government Office

Location

Government Office, Rahukohtu 3, 15161 Tallinn, Estonia

Get Directions
Region
  • Europe
  • Estonia
No Poverty
Score: 3
Justification Estonia has demonstrated measurable progress in reducing poverty since 2016. The at-risk-of-poverty rate after social transfers declined from 21.7% in 2016 to 21.0% in 2018. Severe material deprivation fell significantly from 5.0% in 2016 to 2.8% in 2018. However, the in-work at-risk-of-poverty rate rose from 7.4% to 8.0% during the same period. These figures indicate improvement in general living standards but highlight persistent income inequality among the employed population. The 2019 SDG Index ranked Estonia 10th globally, reflecting overall positive performance.
Challenges Despite reductions in severe material deprivation, relative poverty remains persistent. The increase in in-work poverty from 7.4% (2016) to 8.0% (2018) suggests labour market disparities. Income inequality continues to affect vulnerable groups, particularly single-parent households and the elderly. Social transfers have reduced poverty risk, yet structural wage gaps remain. Regional disparities between urban and rural areas also pose concerns. Sustaining poverty reduction amid demographic ageing remains challenging.
Progress/

Solution

Between 2016 and 2018, policy measures improved social protection systems, contributing to the drop in severe material deprivation by 2.2 percentage points. Adjustments in family benefits and pensions strengthened household resilience. Employment policies supported labour participation. Digital governance tools improved access to welfare services. Estonia’s integration of SDGs into national strategies has reinforced coordinated poverty reduction. Continued monitoring through national indicators ensures evidence-based policymaking.
Unsolved Challenges In-work poverty remains unresolved, having increased by 0.6 percentage points since 2016. Income inequality persists despite redistribution mechanisms. Vulnerable populations remain at disproportionate risk. Economic shocks could reverse gains. Long-term sustainability of social protection financing is uncertain. Addressing structural wage inequality remains critical.

 

Zero Hunger
Score: 3
Justification Estonia maintains low levels of undernourishment, with obesity at 20.4% in 2016 rising slightly to 20.8% in 2018. Ammonia emissions from agriculture decreased from 9.1 kg/ha in 2016 to 8.8 kg/ha in 2018. Nitrogen balance improved marginally from 30.3 kg/ha to 29.8 kg/ha. These indicators reflect relatively sustainable agricultural management. However, dietary health concerns remain evident. Sustainable food production remains central to Estonia’s rural policy.
Challenges The rise in obesity from 20.4% to 20.8% signals unhealthy dietary trends. Environmental pressures from agriculture persist despite reduced ammonia emissions. Soil nutrient balance remains fragile. Climate variability threatens agricultural productivity. Ensuring healthy food consumption patterns presents a behavioural challenge. Rural demographic decline also affects agricultural sustainability.
Progress/

Solution

Agricultural emissions fell by 0.3 kg/ha between 2016 and 2018. Improved nutrient management policies contributed to reduced nitrogen surplus. National health campaigns promote balanced diets. Estonia integrates sustainable farming practices within EU frameworks. Environmental monitoring supports precision agriculture. Policy coherence between health and agriculture sectors has strengthened.
Unsolved Challenges Obesity trends remain upward. Sustainable consumption patterns require stronger intervention. Agricultural emissions reductions are gradual rather than transformative. Long-term soil fertility management requires innovation. Rural depopulation may weaken agricultural capacity. Further integration of nutrition and sustainability policy is needed.

 

Good Health
Score: 3
Justification Healthy life years increased from 54.4 years in 2016 to 55.9 years in 2018. Standardised preventable death rates declined from 244.1 per 100,000 in 2016 to 228.4 in 2018. Self-reported unmet medical needs fell from 12.7% to 9.5%. These figures demonstrate significant health system improvements. Mortality reductions indicate stronger preventive care. Estonia’s health reforms show measurable outcomes.
Challenges Despite improvements, preventable mortality remains high at 228.4 per 100,000 in 2018. Gender disparities in life expectancy persist. Mental health issues remain prevalent. Health workforce shortages affect rural areas. Ageing demographics increase healthcare demand. Regional inequality in service access continues.
Progress/

Solution

Preventable deaths fell by nearly 16 per 100,000 between 2016 and 2018. Expanded digital health services improved accessibility. Increased investment in preventive care reduced unmet medical needs by 3.2 percentage points. Public health campaigns targeted cardiovascular risk factors. Estonia strengthened primary healthcare coordination. E-health systems improved efficiency.
Unsolved Challenges Health inequalities persist. Preventable mortality remains above EU best performers. Rural access gaps remain unresolved. Ageing will intensify fiscal pressures. Lifestyle-related illnesses continue. Long-term sustainability of health financing requires reform.
Quality Education
Score: 3
Justification Tertiary educational attainment among 30–34-year-olds rose from 45.4% (2016) to 47.2% (2018). Early leavers from education remained low at 11.3% in 2016 and 11.2% in 2018. Estonia’s PISA performance remains among Europe’s strongest. These indicators justify continued educational investment. Digital education leadership supports competitiveness. Education underpins long-term SDG success.
Challenges Regional disparities in outcomes persist. Gender gaps in subject choice remain. Lifelong learning participation needs expansion. Teacher shortages affect rural areas. Demographic decline pressures school networks. Integration of minority-language students requires attention.
Progress/

Solution

Improved tertiary attainment by 1.8 percentage points. Stable early school leaving rates. Continued digital curriculum reform. Investment in teacher training. Alignment with labour market needs. Strong international benchmarking.
Unsolved Challenges Inequality in access persists. Rural-urban divide remains. Lifelong learning gaps continue. Minority integration challenges endure. STEM gender imbalance persists. Sustainable teacher recruitment remains unresolved.
Gender Equality
Score: 2
Justification Estonia continues to experience a significant gender pay gap, although it has narrowed in recent years. The unadjusted gender pay gap declined from 25.3% in 2016 to 22.7% in 2018. Female employment rates remain high compared with the EU average. Women are strongly represented in tertiary education, exceeding male attainment levels. However, representation in senior management positions remains limited. These figures demonstrate progress, yet persistent structural inequality remains evident.
Challenges Despite improvement, a 22.7% gender pay gap in 2018 remains one of the highest in the EU. Occupational segregation continues to influence earnings disparities. Women remain underrepresented in corporate leadership and STEM fields. The unequal distribution of unpaid care responsibilities affects career progression. Rural employment opportunities for women are comparatively limited. Structural inequalities remain embedded in labour market systems.
Progress/

Solution

Between 2016 and 2018, the pay gap narrowed by 2.6 percentage points. Policy efforts have focused on pay transparency and equal treatment legislation. Increased female participation in higher education strengthens long-term equality prospects. Work–life balance measures, including parental leave reforms, support female employment. National equality strategies align with the 2030 Agenda framework. Awareness campaigns promote gender mainstreaming across institutions.
Unsolved Challenges The pay gap remains above 20%, indicating slow structural change. Women’s representation in decision-making roles is still limited. Gender-based economic segregation persists. Long-term pension inequality is a future risk. Cultural norms affecting career choices remain influential. Sustainable equality requires deeper labour market reform.
Water & Sanitation
Score:3
Justification Estonia maintains high access to safe drinking water and sanitation services. Connection to public water supply systems exceeded 90% by 2018. Wastewater treatment compliance rates have steadily improved under EU directives. Nutrient discharge into water bodies has declined over recent years. These trends indicate strong environmental governance. Water resource management remains central to sustainable development policy.
Challenges Diffuse agricultural pollution continues to affect surface water quality. Rural areas face infrastructure modernisation needs. Climate variability may influence groundwater levels. Ageing water infrastructure requires investment. Nutrient runoff remains a risk to aquatic ecosystems. Sustainable financing for infrastructure upgrades is required.
Progress/

Solution

Compliance with EU Urban Waste Water Treatment standards has strengthened since 2016. Investments in wastewater treatment facilities have improved nutrient removal efficiency. Digital monitoring systems support real-time water quality management. River basin management plans guide integrated water protection. Public awareness campaigns promote sustainable consumption. Infrastructure upgrades continue through national and EU funding.
Unsolved Challenges Agricultural nutrient runoff remains persistent. Infrastructure gaps in sparsely populated regions remain unresolved. Climate adaptation measures require strengthening. Long-term financing remains uncertain. Ecological status of some water bodies remains below “good” classification. Continuous investment is necessary.

 

Clean Energy
Score: 2
Justification Renewable energy accounted for over 30% of gross final energy consumption by 2018. Estonia has historically relied on oil shale, contributing to high carbon intensity. Energy productivity has gradually improved since 2016. Electricity interconnections with neighbouring states strengthen energy security. These data justify energy transition as a strategic priority. Diversification remains essential for sustainability.
Challenges Oil shale dependency continues to drive greenhouse gas emissions. Energy intensity remains above the EU average. Transition costs for workers in fossil fuel sectors are substantial. Infrastructure modernisation is capital intensive. Balancing affordability with sustainability remains complex. Carbon reduction targets require accelerated action.
Progress/

Solution

Renewable energy share has steadily increased since 2016. Investments in wind and biomass projects support decarbonisation. Energy efficiency programmes improve building performance. Regional interconnections enhance grid stability. EU climate policy alignment strengthens national targets. Just transition mechanisms support affected communities.
Unsolved Challenges Oil shale still plays a major role in energy production. Emission reductions remain insufficient for long-term neutrality. Storage capacity for renewables is limited. Transition financing gaps persist. Household energy costs may rise. Structural transformation is ongoing.
Decent Work
Score: 3
Justification Estonia’s employment rate rose to approximately 79% in 2018. GDP growth remained stable prior to 2020, averaging above 4% in 2017. Long-term unemployment declined compared with 2016 levels. Youth unemployment remained below EU average levels. These indicators reflect resilient labour market performance. Digitalisation supports economic productivity.
Challenges Labour shortages affect certain sectors. Wage disparities persist regionally. Productivity growth has slowed since peak expansion years. Ageing demographics reduce workforce supply. Skills mismatches challenge competitiveness. External economic shocks pose risks.
Progress/

Solution

Employment growth strengthened between 2016 and 2018. Active labour market policies improved reintegration rates. Digital economy expansion supports new business creation. SME development initiatives foster entrepreneurship. Vocational training aligns with labour needs. Innovation strategies promote sustainable growth.
Unsolved Challenges Productivity gaps with leading EU economies persist. Demographic ageing reduces labour force growth. Regional inequalities remain visible. Income disparities endure. External vulnerability to global markets continues. Economic diversification requires acceleration.
Industry & Infrastructure
Score: 3
Justification Research and development expenditure reached approximately 1.4% of GDP in 2018. Estonia ranks highly in digital infrastructure development. Broadband coverage is extensive nationwide. Industrial value added has grown moderately since 2016. Innovation performance is supported by strong ICT sectors. Infrastructure digitalisation underpins competitiveness.
Challenges R&D spending remains below the EU 3% target. Private sector innovation investment is uneven. Rural infrastructure requires upgrading. Dependence on specific export markets increases risk. SME innovation capacity varies significantly. Industrial decarbonisation remains incomplete.
Progress/

Solution

Digital public services remain among Europe’s most advanced. Innovation ecosystems support start-up growth. Broadband penetration exceeds 90% coverage. Public–private research partnerships have expanded. EU structural funds support infrastructure upgrades. Smart specialisation strategies guide development.
Unsolved Challenges R&D intensity remains modest relative to leading innovators. Regional disparities in innovation persist. Industrial emissions reduction requires further investment. SME digital uptake is uneven. Long-term innovation financing remains uncertain. Export diversification is needed.
Inequality
Score: 2
Justification Income inequality has gradually declined since 2016. Social transfers reduced at-risk-of-poverty rates to 21.0% in 2018. Severe material deprivation fell to 2.8% by 2018. Employment participation among women remains high. Estonia ranked 10th globally in the 2019 SDG Index. Redistribution policies show measurable impact.
Challenges Relative poverty persists despite redistribution. Regional income gaps remain significant. Ageing populations risk pension inequality. Migrant integration requires attention. Wage inequality between sectors continues. Social cohesion pressures persist.
Progress/

Solution

Redistributive reforms strengthened family and pension benefits. Labour participation increased. Digital service delivery improved access to benefits. Education attainment expansion supports mobility. Targeted social assistance programmes improved efficiency. Monitoring systems strengthened equity analysis.
Unsolved Challenges Structural income inequality remains. Rural–urban divides persist. Long-term demographic shifts challenge redistribution systems. Gender pay gap influences inequality. Economic shocks threaten progress. Sustained reforms remain necessary.
Sustainable Cities
Score: 3
Justification Urban population accounts for over 68% of Estonia’s total. Air pollution levels remain below many EU averages. Public transport accessibility improved between 2016 and 2018. Municipal waste generation per capita remains moderate. Urban planning integrates sustainability goals. Digital governance enhances municipal services.
Challenges Urban sprawl increases transport emissions. Housing affordability pressures persist in Tallinn. Waste recycling rates require improvement. Infrastructure maintenance is costly. Rural depopulation intensifies urban concentration. Climate adaptation planning requires expansion.
Progress/

Solution

Public transport reforms enhance accessibility. Investments in cycling infrastructure increased. Digital municipal platforms improve citizen engagement. Urban development strategies align with SDGs. Waste management reforms strengthened sorting systems. Green urban spaces expanded.
Unsolved Challenges Car dependency remains high. Recycling performance can improve further. Affordable housing gaps remain. Regional imbalance continues. Climate resilience planning is ongoing. Urban–rural inequality persists.
Responsible Consumption
Score: 2
Justification Material consumption remains relatively high per capita. Recycling rates improved gradually after 2016. Circular economy principles have been integrated into national strategies. Resource productivity has increased moderately. Estonia participates in EU waste reduction targets. Sustainable procurement policies are expanding.
Challenges Waste generation remains substantial. Recycling rates remain below leading EU countries. Consumer awareness varies. Industrial resource efficiency gaps persist. Hazardous waste management requires monitoring. Behavioural change remains slow.
Progress/

Solution

Circular economy action plans guide implementation. Recycling infrastructure has expanded. Public procurement integrates sustainability criteria. Resource productivity indicators show improvement. EU compliance strengthened monitoring systems. Awareness campaigns promote responsible consumption.
Unsolved Challenges Material footprint remains high. Recycling performance needs acceleration. Industrial waste reduction remains gradual. Behavioural change is inconsistent. Long-term waste prevention strategies require scaling. Sustainable production incentives need expansion.
Climate Action
Score:2
Justification Greenhouse gas emissions remain high due to oil shale usage. Emissions declined modestly between 2016 and 2018. Renewable energy share exceeded 30% by 2018. Estonia aligns with EU 2030 climate targets. National climate strategies integrate mitigation goals. Energy transition is central to policy reform.
Challenges Carbon intensity remains above EU average. Oil shale dependency persists. Just transition costs are substantial. Climate adaptation measures require strengthening. Industrial decarbonisation is complex. Emission reductions must accelerate.
Progress/

Solution

Renewable energy expansion reduced emission growth. Energy efficiency improved across sectors. National adaptation strategies were adopted. EU climate funding supports transition. Monitoring frameworks track emission trends. Public debate supports decarbonisation.
Unsolved Challenges Net-zero alignment remains incomplete. Fossil fuel reliance persists. Climate financing needs expansion. Adaptation capacity requires investment. Long-term industrial restructuring is ongoing. Emissions trajectory requires faster decline.
Life Below Water
Score: 2
Justification Estonia borders the Baltic Sea and contributes to marine ecosystem management. Nutrient discharge into coastal waters has declined since 2016. Wastewater treatment compliance improved by 2018. Marine protection areas have expanded. Fisheries management aligns with EU standards. Marine biodiversity protection remains a policy priority.
Challenges Eutrophication of the Baltic Sea persists. Agricultural runoff remains problematic. Marine litter monitoring requires strengthening. Climate change affects marine ecosystems. International cooperation is essential. Overfishing risks require vigilance.
Progress/

Solution

Nutrient reduction measures strengthened wastewater treatment. Regional cooperation under Baltic frameworks improved coordination. Marine protection zones expanded. Fisheries policies align with sustainability quotas. Monitoring systems improved ecological assessment. Public awareness initiatives promote conservation.
Unsolved Challenges Baltic Sea ecological status remains fragile. Nutrient loads remain above optimal levels. Climate impacts intensify ecosystem stress. Marine litter remains underreported. Cross-border coordination remains complex. Long-term restoration requires sustained effort.
Life on Land
Score: 3
Justification Forest area covers over 50% of Estonia’s land. Protected terrestrial areas have expanded steadily. Biodiversity monitoring improved between 2016 and 2018. Sustainable forestry practices are embedded in national policy. Land use planning integrates conservation goals. Ecosystem services remain economically significant.
Challenges Intensive forestry practices raise biodiversity concerns. Habitat fragmentation persists. Species protection requires strengthened enforcement. Climate change affects forest ecosystems. Balancing economic and conservation interests is complex. Monitoring data gaps remain.
Progress/

Solution

Protected areas increased coverage. Biodiversity strategies align with EU directives. Forest certification schemes promote sustainability. Habitat restoration projects expanded. Environmental impact assessments strengthened oversight. Public engagement improved conservation awareness.
Unsolved Challenges Deforestation pressures in certain regions persist. Species decline trends remain concerning. Climate resilience strategies require enhancement. Land-use conflicts continue. Biodiversity loss remains a long-term risk. Enforcement mechanisms require strengthening.
Peace & Justice
Score: 4
Justification Estonia ranks highly in governance indicators. Digital public services enhance transparency. Corruption perception levels remain low. Trust in public institutions is relatively strong. Estonia ranked 10th globally in the 2019 SDG Index. E-governance supports institutional efficiency.
Challenges Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve. Judicial efficiency requires ongoing monitoring. Public trust can fluctuate. Digital exclusion risks marginalisation. International security risks persist. Institutional resilience must be maintained.
Progress/

Solution

E-governance platforms improved service accessibility. Anti-corruption frameworks strengthened accountability. Judicial reforms improved efficiency. Open data initiatives enhanced transparency. Digital identity systems increased citizen participation. Institutional performance remains strong.
Unsolved Challenges Cyber threats remain significant. Digital inequality may widen access gaps. Public trust requires continuous reinforcement. Institutional adaptation must keep pace with technology. Cross-border security risks persist. Long-term resilience planning is essential.
Partnerships
Score: 4
Justification Estonia actively participates in EU and UN SDG frameworks. Official development assistance has gradually increased since 2016. International cooperation supports digital governance sharing. Multi-stakeholder engagement strengthens SDG integration. Estonia ranked 10th in the 2019 SDG Index. Partnerships underpin national implementation.
Challenges ODA levels remain below 0.7% of GNI target. Global economic volatility affects cooperation funding. Small-state capacity constraints limit scale. Data harmonisation requires improvement. Private sector engagement varies. Monitoring partnership outcomes remains complex.
Progress/

Solution

International digital cooperation initiatives expanded. EU structural funding supports SDG implementation. Development cooperation strategies align with Agenda 2030. Cross-sector partnerships improved coordination. Data systems strengthened reporting capacity. Estonia promotes knowledge exchange globally.
Unsolved Challenges ODA target remains unmet. Global instability may constrain funding. Domestic resource mobilisation must strengthen. Monitoring partnership effectiveness requires refinement. Long-term financing commitments are needed. Sustained global cooperation remains critical.
SDGs World Progress: On-Track
  • SDG16
  • SDG17
SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track
  • SDG4
  • SDG3
  • SDG2
  • SDG1
  • SDG6
  • SDG11
  • SDG13
  • SDG15
  • SDG8
  • SDG9
  • SDG12
SDGs World Progress: Off-Track
  • SDG5
  • SDG7
  • SDG10
  • SDG14
Country Challenges
  • High Gender Pay Gap: Although the gender pay gap declined from 3% in 2016 to 22.7% in 2018, it remains among the highest in the EU. Structural labour market segregation and unequal representation in senior positions continue to drive disparities.
  • Income Inequality and Relative Poverty: Despite social transfers reducing severe material deprivation to 8% in 2018, the at-risk-of-poverty rate remained 21.0% in 2018. Regional disparities and demographic pressures continue to affect vulnerable groups.
  • Dependence on Oil Shale and High Carbon Intensity: While renewable energy exceeded 30% of gross final energy consumption by 2018, Estonia remains heavily dependent on oil shale. This contributes to greenhouse gas emissions above the EU average.
  • Low R&D Investment Compared to EU Target: Research and development expenditure stood at approximately 4% of GDP in 2018, significantly below the EU target of 3%. Innovation intensity needs strengthening to enhance long-term competitiveness.
  • Demographic Pressures and Ageing Population: Estonia faces population ageing and regional depopulation trends. These trends impact labour supply, social protection systems and long-term economic sustainability.
  • Regional Inequalities: Economic activity is concentrated around Tallinn and major urban centres. Rural areas face lower employment opportunities and infrastructure gaps, limiting balanced development.
Country Contribution
  1. 2019 – High Global SDG Performance: In the 2019 Sustainable Development Report, Estonia ranked 10th globally in the SDG Index. This strong position reflects effective governance, high institutional capacity and the systematic integration of sustainable development principles into national strategies and policy frameworks.
  2. 2018 – Reduction in Severe Material Deprivation: Severe material deprivation declined to 8% in 2018, indicating the positive impact of Estonia’s social protection and redistribution policies. Targeted social transfers have significantly improved living standards among vulnerable groups.
  3. 2018 – High Employment Rate: Estonia’s employment rate reached approximately 79% in 2018, placing it among the higher-performing countries in the European Union. Strong labour market participation contributes to economic resilience and supports social inclusion.
  4. 2018 – Growth in Renewable Energy Share: By 2018, renewable energy accounted for over 30% of gross final energy consumption. This reflects meaningful progress in the energy transition and supports national commitments to climate mitigation.
  5. 2016–2018 – Improvement in Gender Pay Gap: The gender pay gap decreased from 3% in 2016 to 22.7% in 2018, a reduction of 2.6 percentage points. Although still significant, this trend indicates gradual progress towards greater gender equality in the labour market.
  6. 2020 (VNR Reporting) – Expansion of Digital Governance: As highlighted in the 2020 Voluntary National Review, Estonia’s advanced e-governance system enhances transparency, efficiency and accessibility of public services. Digital identity solutions and online service delivery strengthen institutional effectiveness and reduce administrative burdens.
  7. 2018 – Strong R&D and Innovation Framework: Research and development expenditure reached approximately 4% of GDP in 2018. While below the EU target of 3%, Estonia’s innovation ecosystem—particularly in ICT and digital infrastructure—supports long-term economic competitiveness.
  8. 2018 – Broad Access to Water and Sanitation: Access to public water supply systems exceeded 90% by 2018, demonstrating strong infrastructure development and compliance with European environmental standards.
  9. 2019 – Low Corruption and Strong Institutions: Estonia’s high SDG Index ranking in 2019 reflects robust governance, rule of law and transparent institutions. Digital public administration further strengthens accountability and enhances public trust.

You May Also Be Interested In

European Union

The European Union’s (EU) 2023 Voluntary National Review (VNR) marks a historic milestone as the first…
  • Phone

Brazil

In the VNR report, Brazilians' commitment to the principle of "leaving no one behind" guides decisions and…
  • Phone

Austria

Austria's second Voluntary National Review (VNR) for 2024 presents a comprehensive assessment of the nation's…
  • Phone

© Sdgstracker

Cart

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • VKontakte
  • Mail
  • Copy link