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The Riigikogu discussed the report for 2024 by Minister of Social Protection on the implementation of the long-term national development strategy “Estonia 2035”

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Riisalo pointed out that strong communities, that is, people, made strong societies. The Minister said that all Estonian people, regardless of where they were in Estonia or what their background was, contributed in one way or another to their community, to our society. “And the strength of a community depends on how much each individual member is supported and involved, “Riisalo emphasised.

The Minister explained that the Ministry of Social Affairs mainly operated in two different result areas. These are health and well-being. “Our aim is both to reduce inequalities and to support people throughout their life-course. Today, the most important thing for us is to ensure a sustainable population and well-being, to make the organisation of social protection effective and responsive to people’s personal needs, and to enhance the long-term care system,” Riisalo said.

Speaking about children and families, the minister said that, statistically, people in Estonia considered an average of 2.35 children per family to be ideal. “Our aim is to build on the same principles, putting the well-being of today’s children and families first, and to target public resources in a diversified and sensible way to support families and to create a more favourable environment for future generations,” Riisalo confirmed. She added that, in recent years, Estonia had indeed moved steadily along a path of support for children and families that was as diverse as possible. “This means that, alongside financial support, we will increasingly pay attention to services that would be designed to support the management of current and future families as well as parenting,” the minister said. She gave examples from the system of social benefits.

Riisalo highlighted the importance of transferring the funding of support services for foster, guardianship and adoptive families to the state budget, which previously had been operating as a project-based activity. “This change will provide greater certainty and better support for families raising a child deprived of parental care in their family and will contribute to the creation of new foster families,” the minister said.

Riisalo highlighted the “Estonia 2035″ objective of keeping the population size stable, which had been met thanks to positive immigration that compensated for the negative natural birth rate. “The increase in immigration was particularly marked due to the arrival of war refugees from Ukraine in 2022 when the population increased by 2.6%,” the minister admitted. She noted that the low birth rate was not however a problem only in Estonia, but across Europe, affected by the COVID crisis, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the cost of living, and rising prices. In periods of instability, birth rate has always fallen, and in Eastern European countries this has also been exacerbated by the smaller generation born in 1990. “This is why we have to analyse how to ensure confidence for families and to understand exactly what support families need from the state. However, this support will certainly be multifaceted and created through a skilful interweaving of different areas of life,” Riisalo said.

She said that, in November 2023, the legislative intent to amend the Social Welfare Act and other Acts had been completed with the aim of creating a system of a rehabilitation service based on a person’s need for assistance. One of its key objectives is the provision of rehabilitative individual services and interventions for people with special needs, integrated with health services.

Speaking about the elderly, Riisalo explained that, on the part of the state, it is important to ensure that people’s old age is secure and that the necessary support is also available where necessary. In order to strengthen social protection, it is important that people be healthy, active, and financially secure and have financial knowledge and skills in later life as well.

Riisalo noted that, in comparison with other European Union countries, Estonia’s pensioners were, among other things, at the forefront in terms of employment. A number of socio-economic factors can be seen behind this: increasing average age, a longer healthy life expectancy and certainly also self-fulfilment. Statistics show that Estonian people are at the top in Europe in terms of the employment of the elderly.

The Minister pointed out that population ageing was nevertheless a reality, and it was therefore important as a country to contribute to ensuring that our people remain healthy and fit and feel that their participation and presence in decision-making processes is valuable. Within the framework of strategic partnership, we have also developed the document “An Age-Friendly Estonia”. These principles give different agencies an overview of the way to best involve the elderly in their activities.

Riisalo said that, according to the data of the European Institute for Gender Equality, Estonia’s Gender Equality Index score would be 60.2 points in 2023, placing us 17th in the European Union. The average score is 70.2% but we still remain below it. The main reason for this is a setback in the areas of the use of time and power. Compared to women, men have more flexibility in their working hours as well as more personal free time. Although the gender balance in politics has improved, in particular thanks to women’s equal representation in government, the share of women in economic decision-making, including on the boards of major listed companies, remains very low.

Riisalo explained that, among other things, in cooperation with other European Union countries, we are committed to making pay systems more transparent and reducing the gender pay gap through the Pay Transparency Directive.

In the opinion of the minister, one of the most acute problems however remains the deficiency of legal aid. There are shortcomings in legal regulation. “For example, the limited scope of application of the Equal Treatment Act leaves people with disabilities and several other minority groups without effective protection in areas outside working life, including the availability of goods and services. On the other hand, effective legal protection also requires the monitoring of compliance with the law and the provision of free primary legal aid and assessment by the Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner. This is why it is important to ensure that the Commissioner’s institution has the mandate as well as the resources needed to function effectively,” the minister said.

Riisalo said that, going forward, we are committed to the modernisation and effective implementation of the legal framework for gender equality and equal opportunities. “I hope that in the future we will see a widening of the circle of people protected from discrimination, which means an increased number of people with better opportunities to participate in the labour market and society at large. This will improve their economic livelihoods and opportunities for self-fulfilment and increase their capacity to contribute to society and thereby to stimulating the economy,” Riisalo said.

During the debate, Riina Solman (Isamaa), Lauri Laats (Centre Party), Irja Lutsar (Estonia 200), Õnne Pillak (Reform Party) and Helmen Kütt (Social Democratic Party) took the floor.

Minister of Climate Kristen Michal replied to the interpellations concerning the extent of the licence to drive category B vehicles (No. 327) and the renovation of Estonian housing stock (No. 592), submitted by members of the Riigikogu.

Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo replied to the interpellations concerning the need to protect children’s right to life before birth (No. 554), the collection of data regarding post-abortion complications (No. 550) and the situation in care homes (No. 571).

The interpellators withdrew from the proceedings the interpellation concerning the need to protect children’s right to life before birth (No. 521), submitted to Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo.

Before today’s sitting, President of Finland Alexander Stubb made a speech before the plenary.

Rain Epler took the floor during the open microphone.

The sitting ended at 7.57 p.m.

Photos: /Author: Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu/

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal,
+372 631 6351, +372 5190 2837
gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu discussed the report for 2024 by Minister of Social Protection on the implementation of the long-term national development strategy “Estonia 2035”

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu passed the Act accelerating the establishment of offshore wind farms and solar farms

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Act on Amendments to the Building Code and Other Acts (acceleration of the deployment of renewable energy) (308 SE), initiated by the Government, establishes the superficies licence for offshore wind farm as a new type of licence for offshore wind farms. While so far electricity producers have had to apply separately for a superficies licence, an environmental permit for special use of water, and a building permit, the amendment consolidates the requirements for these permit-granting procedures into one.

Application for a superficies licence for offshore wind farm will be more extensive than each separate process but at the same time it will be quicker because on the whole there will be less submission of documents and performance of various acts. Obtaining a superficies licence will give the right to start the construction of an offshore wind farm, and the special use of water needed for that. In the future, a single administrative act will be issued which will also reduce the number of court actions.

The amendment also simplifies the renewal of wind turbines and solar farms and establishes a state fee for proceedings for new applications for a superficies licence, and a state fee for proceedings for those who wish to transfer to integrated permit proceedings. In addition, a directive is transposed into Estonian law to enhance the development of the trans-European transport network.

During the debate, Rain Epler from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, Mart Maastik from Isamaa Parliamentary Group and Lauri Laats from the Centre Party Group took the floor. Jaak Aab took the floor on behalf of the Social Democratic Party Group.

55 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Act and 18 were against it.

The Riigikogu also passed the Act on Amendments to the Customs Act (350 SE), initiated by the Government. It will simplify customs control of postal items both for customs authorities and for postal service providers and enhance the prevention of sending prohibited and restricted goods to Estonia.

The amendment specifies the procedure for preparing the minutes for the examination of postal items. It is provided that no minutes for the examination of a postal item will be prepared where the postal item is examined in the presence of the postal service provider and no circumstances indicating a violation are discovered in the course of the examination. Under the procedure that was in force up until now, a report must always be prepared regarding every examination of a postal item. In the case of examination, a postal item is opened and closed by an accountable employee of the postal service provider in the presence of a customs official, and a report is prepared regarding every opening of a postal item under the Postal Act regardless of whether a breach is identified or not. After the amendment of the Customs Act, the obligation to prepare a report will be maintained for customs only in the case a breach of law is identified.

As a result of the amendment, time will be saved both for customs authorities and for postal service providers and it will be possible to direct this resource to enhance supervision so that as few as possible prohibited goods, such as tobacco products, psychotropic substances and falsified medicinal products, would reach Estonia. As customs controls will be carried out more quickly the person placing the order will receive the goods faster.

77 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Act and 7 were against it.

A Bill passed the second reading

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (416 SE), initiated by the Government, passed the second reading. It stipulates that, from the beginning of 2025, the tax allowance of people who reach old-age pension age will be 9,312 euro per year, or 776 euro per month. The aim of the amendment is to increase tax revenue and to simplify the calculation of tax allowance.

Although, under the Bill, the tax allowance for old-age pensioners will no longer rise in line with the average old-age pension, according to the explanatory memorandum, it will still remain higher than the general tax allowance which will be 700 euro per month next year. In the future, the tax allowance for people of pension age can be raised in the same way as the general tax allowance, by a separate decision.

The amendment will particularly affect pensioners whose pension is equal to or higher than the average pension in Estonia. As of 1 April this year, around 149,400 people, or 48 per cent of all pensioners, receive at least an average pension.

During the debate, Andrei Korobeinik and Vadim Belobrovtsev from the Centre Party Group, Rain Epler, Martin Helme and Helle-Moonika Helme from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and Urmas Reinsalu, Aivar Kokk and Helir-Valdor Seeder from Isamaa Parliamentary Group took the floor.

The Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and the Centre Party Group moved to suspend the second reading of the Bill. 25 members of the Riigikogu supported the motion, 52 members were against and there was one abstention. Thus, the motion to suspend was rejected.

The deliberation of three drafts was deferred

The deliberation of three drafts was deferred from the agenda for today’s sitting of the Riigikogu due to the end of the working hours. The first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Land Tax Act (437 SE), the Bill on Amendments to the Child Protection Act and Other Acts (427 SE) and the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Supporting the adoption of nuclear energy in Estonia” (431 OE) will be deferred.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

Riigikogu Press Service
Maiki Vaikla
+372 631 6456, +372 5666 9508
maiki.vaikla@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu passed the Act accelerating the establishment of offshore wind farms and solar farms

Source: Parliament of Estonia

NATO PA entreats lifting the weapons restrictions set against Ukraine attacking military objects in Russia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The declarations adopted at the plenary sitting focus on the priorities of the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington in July, and the long-term support for Ukraine. Among other things, the members of the Assembly call on the member states to increase their defence spending, recognising the fact that it might be necessary to set the sights higher than the current goal of spending two percent of the GDP on defence. In the declaration on supporting Ukraine, countries are encouraged to speed up the provision of military aid that Ukraine needs to win the war and continue providing long-term help. The members of the Assembly also enjoin the countries who have provided weapons to Ukraine to abandon the restrictions that ban Ukraine from using these weapons to attack military targets in Russia.

Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg spoke at the beginning of the Spring Session. The Head of the Estonian Delegation to the NATO PA Raimond Kaljulaid asked Stoltenberg to explain his statement a few days prior, when he spoke against shooting down Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine from the territory of the Western countries, seeing this as a risk of escalating the situation through the intervention of the NATO allies. He also asked the Secretary General’s opinion on the option discussed in individual countries about sending units to Ukraine to help with training, for example. Stoltenberg explained that he did not see the point in discussing steps that did not enjoy the full support of the allies, and repeated his position that the intervention of the NATO countries in the war in Ukraine had the potential of leading to a broader war between NATO and Russia in Europe.

“The positions expressed by Stoltenberg and many other allies show that the fear of escalation continues to play an important role in decision making, and this serves as the basis for drawing red lines this way or that. Throughout the war we have witnessed these red lines being eventually crossed anyway,” Kaljulaid said. “Just recently, the Western countries proved that they were able to successfully defend Israel from missiles and drones launched by Iran—and we are talking about NATO countries here. For some reason, this was not seen as a risk of escalation. It would be interesting to learn what makes Ukraine different and why it cannot receive the same help as Israel.”

At the Spring Session, the representatives of Estonia met the Portuguese delegation whose Head is planning to run at the elections for the President of the NATO PA at the end of the year. The two delegations discussed both support for Ukraine as well as the priorities of the Assembly. Kaljulaid will also take part in the meeting of Nordic and Baltic heads of delegations and visit the Novo Selo Training Area with the Defence and Security Committee.

The Estonian delegation at the Spring Session held in Sofia, Bulgaria, is made up of Raimond Kaljulaid and Marko Mihkelson.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: NATO PA entreats lifting the weapons restrictions set against Ukraine attacking military objects in Russia

Source: Parliament of Estonia

President of Finland at the Riigikogu: We support each other, take care of each other and defend each other

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Stubb said in his speech that he had been extremely happy when Estonia had joined the European Union and the euro, and equally pleased, though a bit jealous, when Estonia had joined NATO. “Within a few years of independence, you had actually become more integrated to Western institutions than Finland, or any other Nordic country for that matter. This was of course good news for the security of the Baltic Sea in general, and Finland in particular. Your membership in NATO during those 20 years also gave us protection. At the same time, our strong and independent defence brought stability to the region,” he said, adding that Finland was very lucky to have Estonia as a neighbour.

According to Stubb, Finland was neutral during the Cold War, not out of free will or ideology, but out of necessity. “We did not have a choice. When we had a choice, we immediately joined the EU. When there was no other choice, we became NATO members. Better late than never. And rest assured, we will do our part in the Alliance. We understand the responsibilities that come with doubling NATO’s border with Russia,” Stubb said and stated that Finland’s defence capability strengthened the northeastern part of Europe. “That, combined with our concept of comprehensive security will continue to strengthen NATO in the Baltic Sea region. And we will do it together with Estonia.”

Stubb pointed out that the post-Cold War era was over, and the order, balance and dynamics of world politics were in flux. In his opinion, European security is marred by Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and a new Iron Curtain divides Europe.

Speaking of Russia, Stubb said that Finland’s base case rested on three simple realities: first, during the next few years Russia would continue to ramp up its military and would reach levels similar to when it began its attack on Ukraine. “Second, nothing indicates that Russia’s foreign policy will change from aggression and expansion to peaceful co-existence. Third, Russia is not in the process of becoming a liberal democracy any time soon. It is against this background that we must make sure that Ukraine wins the war. At the same time, we must continue to make sure that NATO’s defence and deterrence remains strong,” he underlined.

According to the President of Finland, the new normal is that Russia will continue its war of aggression in Ukraine while launching various hybrid operations in an attempt to intimidate and destabilise all EU and NATO countries. “We see this week after week in Europe. The best response is to stay calm and collected, or as I would say, Estonian and Finnish kind of response. The best way to prevent it going any further is to prepare. And that is exactly what we are doing,” he said, and added that, in the short term, we must continue to give Ukraine financial and military support; in the medium term, we must help Ukraine to achieve a just peace, and in the long term, we must make sure that Ukraine would become a fully fledged member of both the EU and NATO.

In his speech, Stubb quoted President Lennart Meri, who said that small countries could also affect the course of history, or at least they absolutely must try to do so, and in the world, no one would care about small nations if they did not themselves state their own intentions loud and clear. “I think his words should function as a guideline for the role of Estonia and Finland in the world. Small nations must make their voices heard. But, most importantly, we are now using our voice together with our allies and partners in Europe, the EU and NATO. It is important that we support each other, take care of each other and defend each other,” he said.

Stubb is on a state visit to Estonia at the invitation of President of Estonia Alar Karis. The visit will last until Wednesday. Besides Tallinn, Stubb will also visit Tartu. The visit focuses on the relations between Estonia and Finland, security and defence cooperation, security of the Baltic Sea region, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine  and supporting Ukraine.

Verbatim record (in Estonian)

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Video recording in Estonian and in English

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: President of Finland at the Riigikogu: We support each other, take care of each other and defend each other

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar and Stubb underlined the importance of close cooperation and exchange of information in ensuring security

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar said that Estonia and Finland had a completely unique relationship that needs to be kept and developed. “Finland has been a member of NATO for more than a year and the Baltic Sea has become NATO’s internal sea. This gives us a new perspective and an opportunity to take our defence cooperation to a new level,” he said, and added that there also was room for development of relations in several other areas.

During their meeting, Hussar and Stubb discussed Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and its impact on the global security situation, continued support for Ukraine both on the battlefield and in the reconstruction of the country, as well as holding Russia accountable for crimes and damage in Ukraine.

Speaking of Russia’s responsibility, Hussar mentioned the Act passed by the Riigikogu on the middle of May that allowed to use the assets of persons in Russia, which had been frozen under international sanctions, to be used to compensate the war damages caused to Ukraine. “It is good that more and more countries are creating similar regulations that enable to use not only the profits from Russia’s frozen assets but also the assets themselves to help Ukraine,” he said.

Development of defence industries, increasing of energy security and joint response to Russia’s hybrid attacks were also discussed at the meeting. “Operational exchange of information and cooperation with all allies and partners are particularly important in these issues,” Hussar said, and pointed out that it was also important to learn from Ukraine’s experience.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson, as well as Chair Anti Poolamets and Deputy Chair Kadri Tali of the Estonia-Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group also participated in the meeting of Hussar and Stubb.

Stubb is on a state visit to Estonia at the invitation of President of Estonia Alar Karis. The visit will last until Wednesday. Besides Tallinn, Stubb will also visit Tartu. The visit focuses on the relations between Estonia and Finland, security and defence cooperation, security of the Baltic Sea region, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and supporting Ukraine.

Photos (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: Hussar and Stubb underlined the importance of close cooperation and exchange of information in ensuring security

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Committees of the Riigikogu focus on Estonia’s interests in the next EU budget at public sitting

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta said that the next year it must be unambiguously clear that the financial preparations for the accession of at least Ukraine and Moldova had been agreed upon and made. “The EU budget was also increased for Estonia’s accession, now it is our turn to take it forward for Ukraine and other acceding countries. Setting Estonia’s priorities early will help achieve a larger budget,” Pakosta pointed out.

“Estonia must also be the leader in increasing Europe’s defence capability, where currently at least 600 billion euros are lacking. In both issues, other Member States need to be convinced,” Pakosta said. “In any case, putting off difficult budgetary disputes into indefinite future should be avoided, as this will also reduce the motivation of the Ukrainian soldiers fighting on the front.”

Chair of the Finance Committee Annely Akkermann pointed out that if we approved Estonia’s initial positions on the long-term budget and the future of Cohesion Policy now, we could find countries that are thinking along the same lines, and together influence the long-term budget in the direction that suited us, even before the European Commission presented its budget proposal.

“Together with the budget, it is necessary to speak about the future of Cohesion Policy. Here, we want the continuation of the current rules that avoid a sharp reduction in support provided to a country when the country’s prosperity increases,” Akkermann said. “It is also very important to put an emphasis on cooperation between European countries so that the internal market would work effectively and the competitiveness of the European Union would improve.”

In June next year at the latest, the European Commission will submit a proposal for a new long-term budget of the European Union, including the size of funds and programmes.

Analyst of the European Union Policy Unit Karin Kondor-Tabun and Head of Foreign Funding Unit Triin Tomingas from the Ministry of Finance will give an overview of Estonia’s positions for the negotiations on the long-term budget of the European Union starting in 2028, and in regard to the future of Cohesion Policy.

The public sitting will start at 1.30 p.m. in the Conference Hall of the Riigikogu. It can be followed online on the Riigikogu web page. Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

For more information, please contact: Liisa Pakosta, phone +372 502 6191

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Committees of the Riigikogu focus on Estonia’s interests in the next EU budget at public sitting

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Speakers of seven European countries call on Georgia to continue on the EU path

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Speakers of the Parliaments of the Baltic States, the Czech Republic, France, the Netherlands and Poland stated in the letter sent to Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia Shalva Papuashvili that the law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, adopted by Georgia’s parliament, sought to silence media and civil society organizations that played a vital role in a democratic society and were instrumental in helping Georgia on its path to the EU.

“We urge you to withdraw this law and engage in a meaningful and inclusive dialogue with organized civil society and citizens. We also urge you to respect the fundamental values by upholding the rights of people to assembly and discontinue the use of violence and intimidation against the peaceful demonstrators,” the Speakers said in the letter.

They pointed out that they had been with Georgia every step of its EU integration progress. “We have seen remarkable political transformation and enormous efforts you invested in the reform progress in the previous years. You have led the way and set an example for other aspirants to follow. We have proudly supported you and are committed to continue providing all the necessary assistance you need to continue on this path,” the Speakers said, and underlined that Georgia’s European aspirations and efforts had been rightly recognized by the European Union member states, and that Georgia had been given a clear path to start accession negotiations.

According to the Speakers, recent decisions by Georgia are a matter of concern for them since they run contrary to those values and principles Georgia has committed to be guided by and that are at the core of its European aspirations. “The decision to pursue EU membership is a sovereign choice of Georgia and its people as it was for those of us who joined the EU 20 years ago. That path was neither guaranteed, nor easy. Unwavering commitment and support of friends made it possible,” they said.

In the letter, the Speakers from seven countries expressed hope that Georgia would not waver in its commitment to using the historic window of opportunity to bring Georgia’s people into the common area of peace, and prosperity, but also freedoms, and values. “We believe in Georgia’s European future and are committed to supporting you,” they emphasised.

The President of the Riigikogu added that the joint letter was necessary in order to point out to the leaders of Georgia clearly and unambiguously that they were moving away from the path to Europe. “I very much hope that the Parliament of Georgia will understand this criticism, withdraw the law that is contrary to the European values and continue its efforts towards EU membership,” Hussar said.

Text of the joint letter in Estonian and in English

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Speakers of seven European countries call on Georgia to continue on the EU path

Source: Parliament of Estonia

NATO PA discusses Washinton Summit and supporting Ukraine at Spring Session

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Before the Plenary Sitting of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, discussions will be held in the committees of the Assembly on Saturday and Sunday. Kaljulaid is a member of the Defence and Security Committee and Mihkelson is a member of the Political Committee.

On Monday, the Assembly will come together for the Spring Session held in NATO’s 75th anniversary year. Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg and Kerstin Lundgren, Speaker of the Parliament of Sweden that joined NATO in March, will speak at the plenary sitting. Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umerov will deliver an online address.

The debates at the plenary sitting will focus on two topics: first, the priorities of the NATO Summit to be held in Washington in July will be discussed, and then immediate and long-term support to Ukraine until it has won the war launched by Russia. Among other issues, both the strengthening of NATO’s coordinating role in assisting Ukraine and the implementation of NATO’s defence plans and commitments relating to defence spending will be addressed at the sitting. The NATO PA also plans to adopt a declaration on both topics of discussion at the sitting.

Head of the Estonian delegation Kaljulaid will also participate in the meeting of Nordic and Baltic heads of delegations, and the visit of the Defence and Security Committee to Novo Selo Training Area.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: NATO PA discusses Washinton Summit and supporting Ukraine at Spring Session

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Estonia–Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group: Application of the International Criminal Court for arrest warrant for leaders of the State of Israel is regrettable

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

We express our indignation about the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue a similar warrant of arrest against Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defence of Israel Yoav Gallant, as against the leaders of Hamas. 

With this, the ICC Chief Prosecutor is placing the democratically elected members of the Government of Israel on the same level as the leaders of an Islamist terrorist organisation.

Israel is a state governed by the rule of law, where an independent judicial system is in place. Alleged war crimes, including those committed by the Israel Defence Forces, are investigated and the perpetrators prosecuted. Hamas is a terrorist organisation whose main aim is to destroy the democratic State of Israel. 

ICC arrest warrants call into question the impartiality and competence of the International Criminal Court. They make it more complicated to resolve the conflict, release the hostages and achieve a lasting ceasefire. 

The credibility of the ICC is in Estonia’s national interests, especially in the current times, and undermining it is worrying and regrettable.

We reaffirm our continued support for the State of Israel and its right to self-defence.

We call on the governments of Estonia and Estonia’s allies not to recognise ICC arrest warrants against the leaders of the State of Israel.

The Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) is composed of Chairman Eerik-Niiles Kross and members Yoko Alender, Vadim Belobrovtsev, Meelis Kiili, Andrei Korobeinik, Lauri Laats, Jürgen Ligi, Riina Solman, Aivar Sõerd, Peeter Tali, Vilja Toomast and Kristo Enn Vaga.

For more information, please contact:
Eerik-Niiles Kross
chairman of Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group
eerik-niiles.kross@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Estonia–Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group: Application of the International Criminal Court for arrest warrant for leaders of the State of Israel is regrettable

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Largest annual military exercise Spring Storm 2024 comes to an end

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —Today marked the end of the Estonian Defence Forces’ largest annual exercise, Spring Storm, which took place from May 6 to 17. Nearly 14,000 conscripts, reservists, active-duty personnel, members of the Estonian Defence League, and allied soldiers participated in the exercise. After the exercise, units will gather initial feedback from …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

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