Estonia: The Riigikogu passed a Resolution on the use of the Defence Forces in a maritime security mission

NordenBladet — Under the Resolution of the Riigikogu “The Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in Operation ‘Sentinel’ of the International Maritime Security Construct” (211 OE), initiated by the Government, the mandate will be in force until 31 December 2021.

In summer 2019, the United States of America launched an initiative to establish the International Maritime Security Construct IMSC, which aims to ensure the freedom of navigation and security of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and to promote a rule-based international order. In order to achieve this, IMSC has launched the operation Sentinel in the Strait of Hormuz region.

Estonia’s priority is international relations based on international law and rules, including the ensuring of freedom of navigation. By participating in the operation, Estonia will make its contribution to increasing stability and security in the Middle East region. Estonia will contribute with a staff officer at the operation headquarters in Bahrain. By participating in operation “Sentinel”, Estonia will continue bilateral cooperation in international missions with its strategic partners, the United States of America and the United Kingdom.

The expenses of the participation in the operation will be covered from the budget of the area of government of the Ministry of Defence.

84 members of the Riigikogu were in favour of passing the Resolution.

One Bill passed the second reading

The Bill on Amendments to the Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act and the Estonian Flag Act (277 SE) (consolidated Bills 131 SE, 132 SE and 172 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic, members of the Riigikogu Jüri Jaanson, Signe Kivi, Signe Riisalo, Toomas Kivimägi, Mart Võrklaev, Annely Akkermann, Kaja Kallas, Liina Kersna, Vilja Toomast, Yoko Alender, Andrus Seeme and Andres Sutt and the Social Democratic Party Faction, will amend the Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act by including the Children’s Day, celebrated on 1 June, in the list of days of national importance. The list of flag days set out in the Estonian Flag Act will also be amended by adding the Children’s Day and the Grandparents’ Day. The Grandparents’ Day is already now celebrated as a day of national importance in Estonia on the second Sunday of September every year, but not as a flag day.

During the debate, Tarmo Kruusimäe (Isamaa) and Helmen Kütt (Social Democratic Party) took the floor.

One Bill passed the first reading

Under the Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (213 SE), initiated by the Social Democratic Party Faction, sole proprietors and natural persons may additionally deduct up to 5,000 euro, instead of the current 2,877 euro, during a period of taxation from their income derived from the sale of self-produced agricultural products after the deductions allowed have been made.

The explanatory memorandum notes that the tax incentive established for private forest owners will need to extend analogously to Estonian farmers as well.

The Riigikogu rejected a draft Resolution at the first reading

The purpose of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Draw Up Legislative Amendments to Solve the Problem of the Long-term Care Burden” (224 OE), submitted by the Social Democratic Party Faction, was to make a proposal to the Government to prepare legislative amendments in order to resolve the problem of the long-term care burden so that human-centred provision of care would be ensured to all who need help.

During the debate, Heljo Pikhof (Social Democratic Party), Urmas Espenberg (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) and Hele Everaus (Reform Party) took the floor.

35 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Resolution. The support of at least 51 members of the Riigikogu was needed to pass the Resolution.

 


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