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The Riigikogu exempted from excise duty the natural gas used for the regasification of liquified natural gas (LNG). A Resolution was passed, two Bills passed the first reading, and one Bill passed the second reading.

The Act on Amendments to the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Duty Act (675 SE), initiated by the Finance Committee, exempts from excise duty the natural gas used for the regasification of liquified natural gas (LNG), similarly to the exemption for the natural gas used to keep the natural gas network in operation. In order to keep the natural gas network in operation, part of natural gas is used to heat it to prevent the equipment of the regulator station from freezing upon reduction of pressure. This part of natural gas does not reach the consumer and it is not subject to tax. On the same principle and with a view to ensuring equal treatment, the Act extends the excise duty exemption for natural gas to LNG regasification, including in LNG FSRU-s.

72 members of the Riigikogu supported the passing of the Act.

The Riigikogu passed a Resolution

Under the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Removal of Members and Appointment of New Members of the Supervisory Board of the Foundation Environmental Investment Centre” (733 OE), submitted by the Environment Committee, Annely Akkermann, Igor Kravtšenko and Tõnis Mölder are removed from the Supervisory Board of the Environmental Investment Centre and members of the Riigikogu Kaido Höövelson, Erkki Keldo and Üllar Saaremäe are appointed as members of the Supervisory Board. The draft Resolution is deliberated in a single reading.

47 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the Resolution.

One Bill passed the second reading

The Bill on Amendments to the Farm Animals Breeding Act (624 SE), initiated by the Government, will make the provisions relating to breeding programmes clearer in order to avoid the possibility of narrow interpretation of the Act. The amendments will help better understand that, when describing the content of a breeding programme, the relevant requirements must also be taken into account and, in the event of a violation of the requirements, it is possible to refuse to approve a breeding programme. The amendments are of a technical nature and no new requirements will be placed on breed societies.

Peeter Ernits (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) took the floor during the debate.

Two Bills passed the first reading

The Bill on Amendments to the Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act and the Estonian Flag Act (635 SE), initiated by the Government, will make the Estonian Literature Day a day of national importance and a flag flying day. It will be celebrated on the anniversary of the birth of Estonian author Anton Hansen Tammsaare on 30 January. The aim of the new day of national importance will be to pay attention to the role of Estonian literature and writers in the Estonian culture and society and to encourage people to read more literature in Estonian.

As another amendment, according to the Bill, the days on which the Song Celebration, the Dance Celebration and the Youth Song and Dance Celebration take place will be declared flag flying days as well in order to show the national extent and meaning of the Song and Dance Celebration movement, to pay homage to all those who have been upholding the tradition of the Song and Dance Celebration over 150 years and to acknowledge those who are carrying on the tradition. On flag flying days, state and local government agencies and legal persons in public law hoist the Estonian flag.

During the debate, Jaak Juske (Social Democratic Party), Margit Sutrop (Reform Party), Riho Breivel (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), Üllar Saaremäe (Isamaa) and Marko Šorin (Centre Party) took the floor on behalf of their factions.

The Bill on Amendments to the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Duty Act (652 SE), initiated by the Centre Party Faction, is intended to lower the excise duty rates on unleaded petrol and diesel fuel, including diesel fuel for specific purposes, to the minimum level of the European Union from the beginning of the next year. According to the Bill, the excise duty rates on the components of such fuels would also be lowered to the same level. The excise duty rates on fuels comparable to diesel fuel are intended to be adjusted as well. The aim of the amendments is to curb inflation, to lower fuel prices and to improve people’s livelihoods.

During the debate, Siim Pohlak (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) and Taavi Aas (Centre Party) took the floor.

Source: Parliament of Estonia