A Bill on public sector information passed the first reading in the Riigikogu

NordenBladet —

The main purpose of the Bill (409 SE) is to increase the availability and re-usability of open data to promote innovation and economy, the smooth functioning of the internal market and the promotion of the information society.

The amendments to the Bill will enforce the requirements for open data and the re-use of public sector information arising from a relevant EU directive. Another purpose of the Bill is to solve the practical shortcomings that have arisen upon the interpretation of the definition of open data and the principles relating to re-use provided for in the current Act.

The explanatory memorandum notes that public sector information has been gaining increasingly more importance and new meaning over the last nearly twenty years. As a result of the development of the data and platform economy, it has been realised that such information should be re-used as much as possible. At the European level, this awareness led to the adoption of the directive on the re-use of public sector information (PSI directive) in 2003. It aimed to create favourable conditions for the development of the internal market. It was understood that public sector information is an important primary material for digital content products and services and will become an even more important content resource with the development of information technology opportunities.

The wider re-usability of public information enabled European businesses, among other things, to make use of the potential of the information, and supported economic growth and the creation of jobs.

During the debate, Heiki Hepner (Isamaa), Kalle Grünthal (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) and the Minister of Justice Maris Lauri took the floor.

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Approval of the Principles for the Implementation of the European Union Cohesion Policy Funds for 2021–2027 to Reduce Regional Inequalities” (390 OE), submitted by the Social Democratic Party Faction, was rejected at the first reading. It had been intended to speed up the growth of the regions with slower growth rates in order to stop the increase in regional inequalities.

During the debate, Eduard Odinets (Social Democratic Party) and Heiki Hepner (Isamaa) took the floor.

The lead committee moved to reject the draft Resolution at the first reading. The result of voting: 44 votes in favour and 24 against. The draft Resolution was dropped from the legislative proceedings.

During the open microphone, Kalle Grünthal and Peeter Ernits took the floor.

The sitting ended at 6.26 p.m.

Source: Parliament of Estonia