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The Riigikogu heard the annual report by Minister of Defence

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur began his speech by recalling recent history, pointing out that, in 1993, Estonia’s defence budget had been only 8 million euro, but in 2026 it would be over 2 billion euro and in four years a total of over 10 billion euro. “This represents more than five percent of our national wealth, which is being directed toward strengthening Estonia’s independent defence capabilities. This is 250,000 – I emphasize, 250,000 – times more than the first defence budgets of the newly independent Estonia,“ Pevkur said.

The minister emphasized that Estonia had made remarkable progress over the past 30 years, economically surpassing all former Soviet Union countries and significantly reducing the gap with Finland. “Today, Estonia is not just a survivor, but a role model – proof that a free nation, however small, can rise, develop, and bear responsibility. Estonia is no longer weak and troubled, but strong and upright. Estonia is capable of defending its freedom, home, and peace on its own,” Pevkur said.

The Minister of Defence highlighted Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine and emphasised the need to maintain pressure on Russia and support Ukraine. “We all, including our allies today, know that Russia understands only force. What is happening in Ukraine only confirms this historical rule. Therefore, our choice can only be one – to provide Ukraine with as much and more military assistance as possible and to keep Russia under constant pressure with all the means at our disposal, including sanctions,” Pevkur emphasized.

Pevkur thanked the Estonian people and all political parties who had supported the increase in defence spending and called on the Riigikogu to also approve the 5% defence spending level in the national security concept in the long term. “Of course, it has not been an easy road, because everyone knows that money does not grow on trees or come out of walls. It is collected at the expense of all our daily needs and habits. At the same time, we are proving that, for Estonians, their country and freedom outweigh inconveniences such as tax increases.”

The Minister also introduced specific steps for developing Estonia’s defence capabilities: “Currently, our wartime structure consists of approximately 44,000 active-duty personnel, reservists, members of the Defence League, and allied units. Here today, in front of you, I say that our goal is to increase this number to 55,000 within the next ten years.” He emphasized that increasing defence spending would enable the development of an air defence brigade, strengthen the navy, invest in infrastructure and ammunition, and support the domestic defence industry.

Pevkur emphasized that people were the backbone of Estonia’s defence capabilities: “The backbone of Estonia’s defence capability, through the national will to defend, is our people – trained active-duty personnel, conscripts, and reservists, whose preparation requires years and whose combat readiness requires consistent training, motivation, and support from society.” According to the minister, allowances for conscripts and reservists will be increased, salaries for active-duty personnel will be raised, and investments will be made in training.

To conclude his speech, Pevkur affirmed: “I repeat here clearly and without hesitation – as Minister of Defence, I do not intend to sit idly by and wait for a Russian boot to step on Estonian territory. We must act quickly and precisely. We must continue to strengthen Estonia’s national defence and increase its defence capability through planned activities at an accelerated pace.”

Kalev Stoicescu from the Estonia 200 Parliamentary Group, Urmas Reinsalu from Isamaa Parliamentary Group, Raimond Kaljulaid from the Social Democratic Party Group, Martin Helme from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and Kristo-Enn Vaga from the Reform Party Parliamentary Group took the floor during the debate. Peeter Ernits took the of the floor on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party Parliamentary Group.

A Bill passed the first reading

At today’s sitting, the Bill on Amendments to the Savings and Loan Associations Act and Amendments to Other Associated Acts  (671 SE), initiated by the Government, passed the first reading. Its aim is to increase the transparency of savings and loan associations and the activity of their members, and to guide associations towards a form of bank or association bank operating under greater supervision. Currently, the activities of savings and loan associations are not subject to financial supervision. The amendments will increase the credibility of associations.

The reform will be implemented in three stages between 2025 and 2029. In the first stage, the establishment of new associations and the advertising of deposit interest rates will be prohibited, and membership fees and contributions for new members will also be increased. In the second stage, authorization and the conclusion of loan and deposit agreements will be restricted, members’ rights will be strengthened, and management and control requirements will be tightened. In the third stage, associations wishing     to accept deposits over time will have to reorganize their activities into an association bank and apply for an operating license from the Financial Supervision Authority. It will be possible to continue as a payment institution or creditor, but those ceasing operations will have to officially notify this.

Helir-Valdor Seeder from Isamaa Parliamentary Group took the floor during the debate.

Isamaa Parliamentary Group moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 12 members of the Riigikogu supported rejection and 41 were against it.

The sitting ended at 1.48 p.m.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

The video recording of the sitting 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 heard the annual report by Minister of Defence

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar: Trust is the basis for democracy to function

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

According to Hussar, the question we hear more and more often in today’s information society is, “What time is this we are living in?” According to him, it seems to reflect the attitude that never before has the world been so anxious and out of balance. “We live in an age of anxiety disorder, where fears ranging from swine flu to car taxes, from war to online elections, from inflation to electricity prices, form a kind of ‘cluster anxiety’,” he said.

According to Hussar, a chain of fears triggers a flood of information and emotions that makes worries overwhelming but it should not and does not have to be that way. “So what helps? The whole of society has a role to play here, from the media to civil society, but the most important of these is certainly the role of constitutional institutions, and above all, parliament. As a parliament, we have all the necessary means at our disposal under the constitution. If we use them responsibly, trust will be restored – and trust is the basis for democracy to function. Parliament, government, president – all are ultimately based on the trust of the people,” he said.

Looking back on the past year, Hussar acknowledged the parliament’s decision to define the non-participation of Russian citizens in Estonian local elections. He expressed his satisfaction that several parliamentary groups had submitted a bill regulating the presidential elections and that amendments to the Political Parties Act had also entered the process. “And finally, I would also like to thank you for the solidarity cut, a decision I also referred to in my speech a year ago. The 400,000 euro saved is not a large amount when looking at the overall figures for the state budget, but it is certainly significant,” he said.

According to Hussar, the most important task of the Riigikogu in the upcoming busy and hard-working autumn is to adopt next year’s state budget. According to him, this decision will determine how much funding will be allocated to national defence, teachers, police officers, and healthcare but how these funds are collected is no less important. “Taxes should not be confusing slogans or ideological rhetoric. People are waiting for clarity. And this can be granted by parliament, which imposes, amends, and repeals taxes – on a regular basis, not on an extraordinary basis,” he said. He added that the responsibility of the Riigikogu for the country’s finances was final and absolute. “We need commitment, precision, and clarity – not cheap juggling with billions. The budget must be understandable, and not mysterious.“

Hussar thanked the members of the Riigikogu for their decision made in the spring to introduce end-of-life declaration but called for broader consideration of the next step, which would give terminally ill and suffering people the opportunity to make their own decision to leave this world with dignity. “A dignified way to end unbearable pain and incurable illness can certainly be formulated in a way that does not question the value of life but recognizes a person’s right to decide to end their suffering,” he said.

At the opening sitting of the autumn session, the Speaker of the Riigikogu also emphasized the need for continued support for Ukraine. “To prevent the axis of evil from expanding, it is even more important for all of us to stand united behind Ukraine and continue to support them. Estonia’s role and example have been decisive here, and we have done everything in our power to convince our partners of this as well. Parliamentary diplomacy has also played a significant role here, through which we have strongly supported Ukraine,” Hussar said before the Riigikogu.

Full text of the speech by the President of the Riigikogu

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: Trust is the basis for democracy to function

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Cultural Affairs Committee leaders’ visit to Ukraine focuses on education reforms

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

“Regardless of the full-scale war, Ukraine has set itself the goal of reforming its education system at all levels, from early childhood education to higher education and research. We are also carrying out several reforms in education. We can share lessons learned with each other,” Chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee Liina Kersna said. She acknowledged Ukraine’s efforts in reforming general, vocational and higher education.

Deputy Chair of the Committee Tõnis Lukas said that the aim of the visit was to exchange experience and to learn from each other so that the young people would have good possibilities for shaping their future in their homeland. “Through educational cooperation, we can invest in knowledge and skills that will help both our nations to survive and, in the case of Ukrainians, to rebuild their country,” he underlined, and added, “We will surely gain diverse experience in the field of civil protection.”

The visit will begin today with the opening of the vocational education project of the Estonian Centre for International Development and Tallinn University. The aim of the project is to support the vocational education reform in Ukraine. The Chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee will give a speech at the opening of the project and, in the second half of the week, at a seminar where the representatives of Estonia will share their experience in implementing educational reforms.

During the visit, Kersna and Lukas will meet with Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on Education, Science and Innovations Serhii Babak, Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi and Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Mykola Tochytsky. The leaders of the Cultural Affairs Committee will also attend seminars dedicated to the vocational education and higher education reform, and visit universities in Zhytomyr and Kyiv.

Kersna and Lukas also plan to visit the office of the International Criminal Court, headed by Kaupo Känd.

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

Link uudisele: Cultural Affairs Committee leaders’ visit to Ukraine focuses on education reforms

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Instructors from the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League arrived in Poland to train Ukrainian military personnel

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

European Interparliamentary Space Conference stressed the need for cooperation in the field of space

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

“This is the first format of discussion of the organisation where military and civilian uses were discussed openly as parallel, as was the need to enhance military capability,” said the head of the Estonian delegation Mario Kadastik.

The plenary reviewed the EISC statutes and adopted a resolution expressing the need to develop cooperation in the use of space technology.

The key words of the resolution are space, security, and resilience in Europe.

“The plenary was unanimous in acknowledging the important role of space technology in strengthening Europe’s security and resilience,” Kadastik stressed. He explained that in light of the changing nature of the global security architecture and Europe’s security needs, we needed to consider the dual use nature of space technology in the field of security and resilience before anything else.

The participants commended the EU Space Act legislative initiative, which rests on three main columns: safety, resilience, and sustainability. “This is an attempt to harmonise the legal framework all over the EU by integrating the requirements into national legislations on space,” Kadastik explained. The resolution emphasised the need for comprehensive and targeted space strategies to ensure security and resilience, which would enhance the safety and autonomy of European space systems and services. European countries need to act as a single front to protect regional space capabilities and assets.

The resolution highlights the need to ensure resilience and crisis preparedness in the use of space data. There is also a need for close cooperation to better deal with climate change, civil security, and disaster and crisis management, which affect security in Europe and the whole world.

The resolution accentuates the need for joint efforts between countries, interests, and parties to drive international cooperation in space. “The EU must continue investing into its space presence, study the limits of technology, and improve its ability to act independently in the field of space,” the resolution says.

The Tallinn meeting brought together representatives from the EISC member states, the European Space Agency, and the European Space Policy Institute.

The head of the Estonian delegation Mario Kadastik, Director of the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) Hermann Ludwig Moeller, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA) Josef Aschbacher, Policy Officer for Space in the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence, Major R. Toni Pfaffenbauer, security expert Rainer Saks, and expert of the Estonian Defence Forces Ivo Peets took part in the discussion.

Friday will include visits to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and cyber security company CybExer Technologies. The company is known for its cyber range platform solutions.

The aim of the EISC is to facilitate information exchange, discussion, and analysis in the space policy sector for the national parliaments in Europe. The resolutions adopted at the meetings of the EISC are not binding for national parliaments, but the organisation helps to define the role of the European legislators in space issues.

Photos (will be added in accordance with the programme; author: Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal
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Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

 

Link uudisele: European Interparliamentary Space Conference stressed the need for cooperation in the field of space

Source: Parliament of Estonia

European Interparliamentary Space Conference is discussing space cooperation in Tallinn

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

The plenary sitting of the European Interparliamentary Space Conference (EISC) and the related meetings will focus on the common ground in the field of space. The head of the Estonian delegation Mario Kadastik said that the components of military vs. civilian use had been kept apart so far; however, the changed global situation had introduced cross-usage into the field of space. “The new reality in turn has highlighted the need to use and develop both the civilian and military infrastructures more efficiently as a foundation for future space-based security,” Kadastik said.

This meeting brings to Tallinn representatives from the EISC member states, the European Space Agency, and the European Space Policy Institute.

Politicians and space management experts will take part in panel discussions in the Riigikogu Conference Hall, discussing the topics of shifting boundaries in space over the next decade as well as the integration of the space dimension into military structures and operations.

Taking part in the discussion are the head of the Estonian delegation Mario Kadastik, Director of the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) Hermann Ludwig Moeller, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA) Josef Aschbacher, Policy Officer for Space in the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence, Major R. Toni Pfaffenbauer, security expert Rainer Saks, and expert of the Estonian Defence Forces Ivo Peets.

Friday will include visits to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and cyber security company CybExer Technologies. The company is known for its cyber range platform solutions.

The European Interparliamentary Space Conference was established in 1999. Its full members are the national parliaments of the Member States of the European Union and/or the European Space Agency that have established a parliamentary body dealing with space affairs.

The aim of the EISC is to facilitate information exchange, discussion, and analysis in the space policy sector for the national parliaments in Europe. The resolutions adopted at the meetings of the EISC are not binding for national parliaments, but the organisation helps to define the role of the European legislators in space issues.

The organisation currently has 15 full members. The official languages of the EISC are English, French, and German.

The chairmanship of the EISC rotates, and one country holds it for one year. The task of the presidency is to organise a workshop on topics of space from a practical perspective, as well as a plenary session, where a resolution on hot topics of the year is passed.

Estonia last held the presidency of the EISC in 2017. The aim of our presidency at the time was to launch a discussion on how to use entrepreneurship in the space industry, and how to deal with the legislation regulating these issues.

Photos (will be added in accordance with the programme; author: Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

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

 

Link uudisele: European Interparliamentary Space Conference is discussing space cooperation in Tallinn

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Nordic and Baltic Speakers plan to boost cooperation

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

The President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar described closer cooperation between the parliaments and parliamentary committees as an excellent way to solve cross-border issues together, for example in fields like security or transport. Some committees of the Riigikogu are already cooperating with other parliaments in the NB8 format, such as the Foreign Affairs Committee, the National Defence Committee, and the European Union Affairs Committee. Hussar highlighted the joint efforts made by NB8 countries in the European Union enlargement process.

Another important topic at the meeting was support for Ukraine. “Insofar as Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is concerned, we need an unconditional ceasefire before anything else; it is only after that that negotiations can start to achieve a lasting peace,” Hussar said. He added that Russia could not set restrictions on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union or NATO, and that no decisions could be taken concerning Ukraine without Ukraine. Hussar stressed the need to continue pressuring the aggressor. “We need to strengthen the sanctions and start using Russia’s frozen assets to support and rebuild Ukraine, and Ukraine also needs security guarantees from us.”

The participants also discussed developments in their own countries, followed by a thorough discussion about ensuring the resilience of parliaments in possible crisis situations.

Other Speakers present in the meeting besides Hussar were Þórunn Sveinbjarnardóttir from the Icelandic, Daiga Mieriņa from the Latvian, Andreas Norlén from the Swedish, and Jussi Halla-aho from the Finnish parliaments. The Norwegian and Lithuanian parliaments were represented by Vice-Presidents Svein Harberg and Juozas Olekas. The Speakers also met President Alar Karis this morning. The Secretaries General of the Nordic and Baltic parliaments met yesterday as part of the framework of the Speakers’ meeting.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

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

Link uudisele: Nordic and Baltic Speakers plan to boost cooperation

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Foreign Affairs Committee is visiting Moldova

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

“Supporting Moldovan security and resilience is a priority both for Estonia and the European Union. The presidential elections and referendum last year showed that the Moldovan people are intent on moving forward on a democratic and pro-European path,” Mihkelson declared. He added that the parliamentary elections of 28 September would determine the direction for the country for a long time to come. 

“We hope that our meetings with the Moldovan politicians will enlighten us on the political situation and challenges for national security in the country. We will also discuss cooperation as Moldova is advancing towards accession to the EU,” Mihkelson explained.

The schedule includes meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi, Former Deputy Prime Minister and member of the Supervisory Board of the National Bank Dumitru Alaiba, National Security Advisor at the Presidential Administration Stanislav Secrieru, Director of the Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation Ana Revenco, Chair of Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Policy Ina Coșeru, and members of the committee. There will also be meetings with representatives of think tanks and the press.

Mihkelson explained that the political situation in Moldova was particularly tense because of the parliamentary elections due on 28 September.

“The situation is further exacerbated by the activation of the Kremlin’s substantial propaganda machine intended to influence the public opinion and election results,” Mihkelson said. He added that extensive campaigns have been identified on social media channels that spread pro-Russian narratives and attack the European Union, Moldova’s integration aspirations, and leaders who favour the accession to the European Union. These channels are used to boost the messages of pro-Russian politicians.

Mihkelson emphasised that Moldova was one of the priority development cooperation countries for Estonia and that our cooperation has intensified further since 2022 when Moldova became an EU candidate country. We are engaged in projects that support Moldova’s integration into the EU or are linked to our partnership in implementing the association and free trade agreement.

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

 

Link uudisele: Foreign Affairs Committee is visiting Moldova

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Nordic and Baltic speakers meet in Tallinn

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar emphasises the importance of close information exchange and fruitful cooperation in the current complicated security situation. “We will discuss introducing new cooperation formats at the level of parliaments, and enhancing the cooperation between committees,” Hussar said. He added that the schedule tomorrow included planning for further joint activities to provide much-needed support to Ukraine. “The focus of the discussion will be on enabling the use of Russia’s frozen assets to help and rebuild Ukraine,” Hussar said.

In light of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine and the increased hybrid threats directed against European countries, the Speakers will also discuss how to ensure the resilience of parliaments in possible crisis situations. “Parliaments must function with efficiency during crises, while continuing to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities, including making national defence decisions. The Board of the Riigikogu has approved a resilience plan and has practised different scenarios. We will also discuss the preparations and plans made in other countries to enhance our readiness for possible crises”.

In addition to Hussar, other Speakers meeting in the Knighthood House are Þórunn Sveinbjarnardóttir from the Icelandic, Daiga Mieriņa from the Latvian, Andreas Norlén from the Swedish, and Jussi Halla-aho from the Finnish parliaments. The Norwegian and Lithuanian parliaments are represented by Vice-Presidents Svein Harberg and Juozas Olekas. The Speakers will also meet President Alar Karis on Friday. The Secretaries General of the Nordic and Baltic parliaments will also meet in the framework of the Speakers’ meeting.

Please note that members of the press who wish to cover the event are asked to register at press@riigikogu.ee by 4 p.m. today at the latest.

Photos (will be added in accordance with the programme; author: Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

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

Link uudisele: Nordic and Baltic speakers meet in Tallinn

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Stoicescu and Mihkelson take part in the EU security policy conference in Denmark

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Chairmen of the National Defence Committee Kalev Stoicescu and the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson are in Denmark where the European parliamentarians are shaping the common foreign, security, and defence policy.

Mihkelson, who has just returned from the celebrations of the Independence Day of Ukraine, said that the European countries were playing a more important role in defending democratic societies than ever before. “One of the things that the President of Ukraine confirmed yesterday was that there are currently profound discussions going on between Ukraine, European countries, and the USA about the actual nature of the security guarantees for Ukraine. A lot remains to be decided but progress has been made, and it continues to be crucial that the western countries continue to exert pressure on Russia,” Mihkelson said.

Stoicescu said that Estonia was in favour of raising the defence spending to five percent of the GDP and expected the other European countries to do the same. “The European countries should all make a relatively equal contribution considering their economic performance. This duty is not restricted to the Member States at the border,“ he pointed out.

The Conference will be opened tomorrow by the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament David McAllister and will discuss closer cooperation between the European Union and NATO, promoting democracy in Ukraine, migration from third countries, Europe’s role and responses to events in the Middle East, as well as defence investments, and topics of critical infrastructure, social resilience, energy, and climate.

Riigikogu Press Service
Maris Meiessaar
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maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

 

Link uudisele: Stoicescu and Mihkelson take part in the EU security policy conference in Denmark

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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