Estonia's new economy minister sat on the board of a state startup-funding agency while startups backed by an investment firm she managed received about EUR 1.25 million
Subject of this story
Also named
What happened
Liina Vahtras took her oath as Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry before the Riigikogu around 16 September 2026. ERR News reports that she sat on the management board of the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS), where she led the e-residency programme, and was also the sole management board member of Rochna Invest OU. During her EIS term, startups in Rochna Invest's portfolio received about EUR 1.25 million in EIS support; Rochna Invest itself did not. EIS says she declared the connection and did not take part in the grant decisions, and Prime Minister Kristen Michal said she acted according to the rules. Vahtras says she held no ownership and drew no income from the firm and will leave its board. Opposition Center Party group chair Lauri Laats questioned whether formal recusal is enough to avoid the appearance of a conflict.
By the numbers (2)
● confirmed by a primary document · ○ reported
Money
1 source
- ERR News
approximately €1.25 million in support was awarded to companies in Rochna Invest's portfolio
Roles
1 source
- ERR News
While Vahtras served on EIS's board
Sources (1)
Response
Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.
Not yet contacted for this story.
Not yet contacted for this story.
What happened next (0)
No outcome recorded yet.