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Source: Estonian Defence Forces
Helena-Reet Ennet
The European Union Affairs Committee underlines the importance of faster equalisation of direct payments in agriculture
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Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali said that the European Common Agricultural Policy was vital for the resilience and the comprehensive security of European countries. “At the time when Estonia and other EU countries bordering on aggressive Russia are investing massively in security, agricultural direct payments are still not fair,” he added.
Tali pointed out that the level of Common Agricultural Policy direct payments in Estonia was expected raise to 86% of the EU average per hectare by 2027, but if the level of direct payments for the Baltic States had not been increased in the period of 2021–2027, the Estonian farmers would have received around 76% of the EU average within this timeframe. “This is not normal. The European Union must act in solidarity, not just talk about solidarity,” Tali said.
“Direct payments must become fair,” the Chairman of the Committee underlined, pointing out that the harmonisation of direct payments must continue. “Food is one of the foundations of security, and it must be produced in sufficient quantities to supply the country,” said Tali, adding that the CAP also included other objectives such as environmental protection, development of rural regions and bridging of regional gaps.
Enlargement of the European Union was also discussed at the sitting. It was noted that after the enlargement, the Common Agricultural Policy would probably be reformed. The accession of Ukraine alone would have a significant impact on agricultural policy, as it is a large country with much agricultural land. It was also noted that everybody expected that there should be less bureaucracy connected with the support measures, and the system should be more flexible and faster.
It was also pointed out that Estonia believed that a food security system could be developed, and the possibility of using the EU’s central crisis reserve fund to cover losses was discussed.
At the sitting, Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Piret Hartman and Head of Land Use Policy Department of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Katrin Rannik gave an overview of the Government’s positions for the negotiations on the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union for the period beginning in 2028.
The Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union plans to present the conclusions and the legislative framework this year.
Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: The European Union Affairs Committee underlines the importance of faster equalisation of direct payments in agriculture
Source: Parliament of Estonia
The Riigikogu to hold annual foreign policy debate
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At the debate initiated by the Foreign Affairs Committee, each member of the Riigikogu may pose up to two questions to the speakers. After the speeches and the questions and answers session, a debate will be held where all members of the Riigikogu can take the floor.
The sitting begins at 10 a.m., and it will be streamed live on the Riigikogu website. TV channel ETV2 will show a live broadcast of the debate.
The Riigikogu has held annual foreign policy debates for more than 30 years. The first foreign policy debate in the plenary assembly of the Riigikogu was held on 17 February 1994.
Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)
Video recording of the debate will be available on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: The Riigikogu to hold annual foreign policy debate
Source: Parliament of Estonia
The National Defence Committee sent a Bill aimed at strengthening maritime security to the plenary
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According to Deputy Chairman of the National Defence Committee Leo Kunnas, who chaired the sitting, the Committee thinks that the tasks of the Defence Forces should be specified and wants to move on with the amendments rapidly, so that they could be passed as an Act by the Riigikogu already this spring. He added that before the second reading, the Committee planned to make some changes to the wording of the Bill.
The Bill clarifies the tasks of the Defence Forces, and the use of direct coercion and military force in the territorial waters of Estonia in enhancing Estonia’s maritime security. The Bill will ensure that the Defence Forces will have sufficient flexibility to operate at sea, so that they would be ready to respond rapidly to threats that come from the sea.
According to the Bill, the Defence Forces will be given the right to respond to the threats directed against the infrastructure ensuring the resilience of essential services, as well as the threats against national defence objects, ports or other civil engineering works or equipment in the territorial waters of Estonia. Among other things, the measures to be used by the Defence Forces in the performance of their functions in Estonia’s economic zone will be specified. Currently, the state supervision tasks of the Defence Forces in the territorial waters of Estonia are mainly connected with guarding the state border.
At the Committee sitting, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, Commander of the Defence Forces, Major General Andrus Merilo and Head of Legal Department of the Ministry of Defence Kristel Urke gave an overview of the changes planned to be made with the Bill.
The National Defence Committee decided to move to include the Bill on Amendments to the Estonian Defence Forces Organisation Act and the Economic Zone Act (enhancing maritime security) (565 SE) in the agenda of the plenary sitting on 19 February, and to conclude the first reading of the Bill.
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: The National Defence Committee sent a Bill aimed at strengthening maritime security to the plenary
Source: Parliament of Estonia
Hussar and Koval discussed cooperation in Ukraine’s path towards EU accession
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“It is a priority for Estonia to support Ukraine every way we can in its path towards European Union accession. We are more than ready to share our parliamentary experiences in carrying out the necessary reforms,” Hussar declared. He emphasised that Ukraine belonged to Europe.
“Estonia is a firm ally of Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, in order to ensure Ukraine’s victory and national sovereignty,” Hussar said. He added that when the speakers of six countries neighbouring Russia met recently in Tartu, they also stressed the need for continuing every possible support to Ukraine.
Koval thanked Estonia for its help in fighting against Russia’s aggression. “We are very grateful for that,” Koval said.
He pointed out that Estonia was a critical partner for Ukraine in connection with the EU integration process, where Estonia’s own experiences of accession negotiations were extremely valuable for Ukraine.
Koval described the situation of agriculture in Ukraine and its challenges. During his visit to Estonia, a strategic partnership action plan for enhancing cooperation was signed between the Estonian Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture and the Ukrainian Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food. “This document allows new developmental direction and cooperation points to be identified both bilaterally as well as on the EU level on the strength of Estonia’s experiences,” Koval said.
Also present at the meeting were the Ukrainian Deputy Minister Oksana Osmachko and the Estonian Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Piret Hartman.
Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal
+372 631 6351, +372 5190 2837
gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Hussar and Koval discussed cooperation in Ukraine’s path towards EU accession
Source: Parliament of Estonia
Vaga: Estonia donates 1.11 million medical masks to Ukraine in cooperation with Taiwan
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Chairman of the Estonia-Taiwan Support Group Kristo Enn Vaga said that Taiwanese companies Motex and Kangjian donated 1.11 million medical masks to Ukrainian health care institutions and units of the Ukrainian Defence Forces at a mask donation ceremony held in Taiwan. The masks will be sent to Estonia, and the Chairman of the Support Group will be responsible for their delivery to Ukraine. “All assistance to Ukraine is critical. Medical supplies such as masks are especially valuable as the burden on hospitals in Ukraine is overwhelming and any extra help can help save lives,” Kristo Enn Vaga explained.
Vaga added that Taiwan has also contributed to Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts in partnership with Estonia. In June last year, the Estonian Centre for International Development ESTDEV received 1.1 million euros from the Taipei Mission in Latvia for the construction of family homes in Ukraine. “Taiwan’s slogan “Taiwan can help, and Taiwan is helping!” is very powerful and shows that Estonia is in a very similar value space with Taiwan,” Kristo Enn Vaga underlined.
The visit of the Estonian defence industry companies to Taiwan takes place on 4–8 February. The head of the delegation is Kristo Enn Vaga, and the delegation consists of member of the Estonia-Taiwan Support Group Kalle Laanet and representatives of Estonia’s defence industry companies Threod Systems, TrackDeep, Semetron and Frankenburg Technologies. The delegation will meet with Vice President of Taiwan Hsiao Bi-khim, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Secretary-General of the National Security Council Joseph Wu, and visit the Ministry of Defence of Taiwan. They will also have meetings with the Defence Industry Association, the Asia UAV AI Innovation Application R&D Centre, and several defence industry companies of Taiwan. This is the second visit of the Estonia-Taiwan Support Group of this Riigikogu to Taiwan. The previous visit took place in March 2024. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu visited Taiwan in November.
Photos: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan
For more information, please contact:
Kristo Enn Vaga
kristoenn.vaga@riigikogu.ee
+372 56267733
Link uudisele: Vaga: Estonia donates 1.11 million medical masks to Ukraine in cooperation with Taiwan
Source: Parliament of Estonia
Speakers of six countries adopted a joint declaration on supporting Ukraine and on Russia’s hybrid activities
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The Speakers state in the Joint Declaration that Russia’s ongoing brutal aggression against Ukraine represents a major attack on the rules-based international order and demonstrates that the imperialistic ambitions of Russia persist. In their opinion, Russia is currently the most significant, direct, and long-term threat to the security, peace, and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. “Our countries are determined to continue providing political, economic, military, and humanitarian support to Ukraine. We call on international partners to stand with Ukraine in its fight against the Russian aggressor until victory, emphasizing the need for timely and unrestricted delivery of military assistance aligned with Ukraine’s needs,” they say.
The Speakers express their support to the Victory Plan presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and are confident that its implementation would establish the necessary conditions for the practical realization of the Peace Formula, which is the only viable framework for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They also promise to do their utmost to build a consensus among the Allies to invite Ukraine into NATO, and confirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine on its path to full membership in the European Union. “During the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we look forward to the successful screening process and quick opening of the negotiation clusters,” they say in the Joint Declaration.
The Speakers declare that, together with their partners, they will continue efforts to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war. They emphasise the need to increase pressure through additional sanctions, ensure the full and effective implementation of existing sanctions, and prevent their circumvention. “The preparation of the 16th sanctions package should be expedited, with a focus on cutting Russia’s revenues, targeting energy exports – its main source of income – and restricting access to sensitive goods and technologies,” they underline. “Our countries are determined to hold Russia´s shadow fleet to account, including through sanctions-related measures.”
In the Joint Declaration, the Speakers condemn Russia’s acts of sabotage, disruption of critical infrastructure, cyber and electronic interference, information manipulation, election interference, and other hybrid operations. “Our countries will strengthen cooperation to deter, defend against, and counter Russian hybrid actions, ensuring the resilience and security of our societies and critical infrastructure. To that aim, we will make full use of all means available, considering for instance adopting measures to restrict the movement of Russian diplomats and tightening visa policy towards Russian citizens,” they say.
The Joint Declaration was signed by Lauri Hussar from the Parliament of Estonia, Jussi Halla-aho from the Parliament of Finland, Daiga Mieriņa from the Parliament of Latvia, Saulius Skvernelis from the Parliament of Lithuania, Szymon Hołownia from the Parliament of Poland, and Ruslan Stefanchuk from the Parliament of Ukraine. The Speakers adopted the Joint Declaration at the official meeting held at the University of Tartu.
Text of the Joint Declaration in Estonian and in English
Photos of the meeting (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Speakers of six countries adopted a joint declaration on supporting Ukraine and on Russia’s hybrid activities
Source: Parliament of Estonia
Speakers of six countries discuss supporting Ukraine and fighting against Russia’s sabotage in Tartu
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The meeting of the Speakers will be hosted by President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Lauri Hussar, who said that the Speakers of the parliaments of the Baltic States, Finland and Poland would symbolically come together in Tartu already today, on the 105th anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty. The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will also participate in the official meeting tomorrow morning via video bridge. “This month marks 11 years since the start of Russia´s war of aggression and three years since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine The main focus of our meeting is achieving just and lasting peace in Ukraine and in Europe,” Hussar pointed out.
Hussar noted that in order to achieve a just peace, the Western world must now sharpen its focus to support Ukraine in every way in its fight against the aggressor, and do much more by tightening sanctions and enforcing them more effectively to deprive Russia of the economic means to continue the war. The Speakers will also discuss supporting Ukraine on its path towards EU and NATO membership.
Another key issue the Speakers will discuss is Russia’s intensifying hybrid actions, including acts of sabotage in the Baltic Sea as well as other hybrid operations that have taken place in recent months. “Parliaments shape the legislative space, and one of the objectives of the meeting of the Speakers is to coordinate the legislative activities of our countries to better protect the Baltic Sea region and our countries against such operations,” Hussar said.
Relations with the United States and the situation in Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Belarus will also be discussed at the Speakers’ meeting.
The meeting will be attended by the President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar, Speaker of the Eduskunta of Finland Jussi Halla-aho, Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Saulius Skvernelis, and Marshal of the Sejm of Poland Szymon Hołownia. Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk will participate in the official meeting via video bridge.
The Speakers will adopt a joint declaration and give a joint press conference in the assembly hall of the University of Tartu. After that, the Speakers from the five countries present will hold an public debate with students on achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Opening words will be delivered by Rector of the University of Tartu Toomas Asser, and the discussion will be moderated by Professor of Comparative Politics Piret Ehin.
Programme on Monday, 3 February
8:30 – official meeting of the Speakers at the University of Tartu.
10:20 – press conference of the Speakers in the assembly hall of the University of Tartu. The press conference can be followed live either with simultaneous interpretation into Estonian or in English. Video recording will be available on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.
11:00 – debate of the Speakers and the students “How to Achieve a Just and Lasting Peace in Ukraine and Europe” in the assembly hall of the University of Tartu. The debate can be followed live either with simultaneous interpretation into Estonian or in English. Video recording will be available on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.
Photos (will be added in accordance with the programme; author: Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Speakers of six countries discuss supporting Ukraine and fighting against Russia’s sabotage in Tartu
Source: Parliament of Estonia
The Foreign Affairs Committee: Our focus must be on supporting Ukraine, and its victory
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Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson underlined at the meeting that the events on the battlefield did not provide a basis for negotiating with the aggressor, and it was important to focus on victory instead of sham peace. “We cannot accept Putin as a partner. In doing so, we would legitimise him and the shifting of borders by force. If we focus on peace and negotiations at any cost in Europe, we are already losing. Our focus must be on supporting Ukraine, both in military terms and through joining NATO,” Mihkelson said.
At the video meeting, the parties highlighted the importance of international cooperation, the significance of solidarity between partners and the need to continue to move forward with Ukraine’s NATO membership. They also emphasised the important role of weapons and sanctions in leading Russia to a strategic defeat.
Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Oleksandr Merezhko and members of the Committee Mariya Ionova and Iryna Herashchenko thanked Estonia for its long-time support.
In addition to Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson, members of the Committee Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski and Luisa Rõivas also participated in the meeting.
Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: The Foreign Affairs Committee: Our focus must be on supporting Ukraine, and its victory
Source: Parliament of Estonia