Estonia: European Union Affairs Committee elected Mailis Reps its Chair

NordenBladet — At its today’s sitting, the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) elected its Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson. The Committee will be chaired by Mailis Reps, and Riina Sikkut will continue as Deputy Chair.

The extraordinary elections were held because former Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Anneli Ott was appointed the Minister of Public Administration. Former Minister of Public Administration Jaak Aab became the Minister of Education and Research. Former Minister of Education and Research Mailis Reps, who resigned from office, returned to the Riigikogu and became a member of the National Defence Committee and the European Union Affairs Committee.

Other members of the European Union Affairs Committee are Kalle Grünthal, Heiki Hepner, Ruuben Kaalep, Kalev Kallo, Tarmo Kruusimäe, Oudekki Loone, Lauri Läänemets, Tõnis Mölder, Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, Taavi Rõivas, Aivar Sõerd, Urve Tiidus, Jaak Valge and Mart Võrklaev.

The European Union Affairs Committee is a standing committee of the Riigikogu that has a deciding and coordinating role in the issues relating to the European Union in the Riigikogu. The Committee gives the mandate to the positions of the Government of the Republic on proposed European Union legislation and to Estonia’s positions for the meetings of the Council of Ministers of the European Union and the European Council. The positions of the European Union Affairs Committee are mandatory for the Government, and the Government proceeds from them in the discussions held in Europe.