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The Bill concerning the payment of voluntary sickness benefit to pregnant employees passed the second reading in the Riigikogu

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

If an employee falls ill, at first their employer and then the Estonian Health Insurance Fund must ensure replacement income for them. For the 4th until 8th day of sickness, the employer must pay the employee a mandatory sickness benefit which makes up 70 per cent of the average remuneration of the employee. In addition, it is possible for an employer to pay a voluntary benefit tax-free until the end of the period for the payment of the mandatory benefit so that the employee would retain their average remuneration during that time. However, the current Act does not allow employers to pay voluntary sickness benefit to women released from work due to illness or injury during their pregnancy, and therefore an allowance for the preservation of earnings for a pregnant employee may be lower than that of other employees. The Estonian Health Insurance Fund pays sickness benefit to a pregnant employee to the extent of 70 per cent of their average income in the previous calendar year.

The Bill on Amendments to § 3 of the Social Tax Act and Amendments to § 34 of the Income Tax Act (260 SE), initiated by the Social Affairs Committee, will give employees an opportunity to also preserve the average pay for pregnant employees during their sickness absence. With a view to ensuring equal treatment, the additional sickness benefit paid until the eighth day of sick leave is exempt from social tax. According to the Bill, the social tax incentive on the benefit will also extend to pregnant sole proprietors. During the second reading, an amendment was made to the Bill to preclude the possibility that the calculated sickness benefit paid to a sole proprietor who is pregnant would be deducted from income and thereby be exempted from income tax insofar as the sickness benefits paid by both the employer and the Estonian Health Insurance Fund are subject to income tax.

The Bill was initiated when the Chancellor of Justice proposed that the provisions that do not ensure that, in the event of sickness, pregnant employees have the right to a replacement income which is at least equivalent to that of other employees be brought into conformity with the Constitution.

Another Bill passed the second reading

The purpose of the Bill on Amendments to the Value Added Tax Act and the Taxation Act (225 SE), initiated by the Government, is to improve the fight against VAT fraud in cross-border e-commerce.

The Bill will establish an obligation for payment service providers to store the data regarding the payees of cross-border payments and to transmit them to the tax authority quarterly if the total number of payments per payee exceeds 25 payments in a quarter. Tax authorities will transmit the data to the European Union’s central electronic system of payment information.

The Bill is connected with an EU directive that Members States will have to transpose and implement from next year.

The Riigikogu rejected 21 draft Resolutions and Bills

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Making a proposal to the Government of the Republic to abandon the plan to additionally tax packaging and plastics” (65 OE), submitted by Isamaa Parliamentary Group, was intended to propose that the Government abandon the plan to additionally tax packaging and plastics. According to the presenters of the draft Resolution, the aim of reducing packaging waste is right but it is wrong to do this through additional taxation.

13 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the draft Resolution. A majority vote of the membership of the Riigikogu was required for the draft Resolution to be passed, thus the draft Resolution was rejected.

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Making a proposal to the Government of the Republic to abandon the plan to eliminate the increased tax allowance for children” (66 OE), submitted by Isamaa Parliamentary Group, was intended to propose that the Government abandon the plan to eliminate the increased tax allowance for children. According to the presenters of the draft Resolution, it is wrong to eliminate the tax allowance, considering the demographic situation of Estonia.

During the debate, Varro Vooglaid took the floor on behalf of the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, Andre Hanimägi on behalf of the Centre Party Group, and Mart Maastik on behalf of Isamaa Parliamentary Group.

23 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the draft Resolution. A majority vote of the membership of the Riigikogu was required for the draft Resolution to be passed, thus the draft Resolution was rejected.

According to the Bill on Amendments to the Weapons Act (19 SE), initiated by the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, people of undetermined nationality would have lost the right to hold weapons permit from 15 March next year.

At present, people of undetermined nationality may hold a weapons permit, an acquisition permit, a parallel weapons permit, a permit to carry a weapon, a collection permit, or a European firearms pass until the date of expiry indicated on the permit or authorisation or until any grounds for revoking the permit or authorisation become evident. The Bill would have established that owners of weapons who are of undetermined nationality have a transition period equal to the transition period for citizens Russia and Belarus whose weapons permits will expire and who will have to give up their weapons by 15 March 2024 at the latest.

During the debate, Henn Põlluaas took the floor on behalf of the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 49 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 11 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (75 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Evelin Poolamets, Helle-Moonika Helme and Rain Epler, was intended to increase the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 11.97. According to the initiators, increasing the revenue base of local governments will help compensate for the increased expenditure of recent years and will allow them to perform their tasks better.

During the debate, Anti Allas took the floor on behalf of the Social Democratic Party.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 41 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 19 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (88 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Kert Kingo, Arvo Aller and Siim Pohlak, would have increased the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 12.08 per cent.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 40 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 16 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (110 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Martin Helme, Leo Kunnas, Ants Frosch, Henn Põlluaas, Kert Kingo and Rain Epler, would have increased the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 12.05 per cent.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 40 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 15 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (112 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Kert Kingo, Jaak Valge and Varro Vooglaid, would have increased the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 12 per cent.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 37 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 15 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (116 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Martin Helme, Evelin Poolamets and Helle-Moonika Helme, would have increased the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 12.14 per cent.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 40 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 16 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (127 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Ants Frosch, Mart Helme and Leo Kunnas, would have increased the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 12.07 per cent.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 40 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 19 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (130 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Rain Epler and Martin Helme, would have increased the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 12.04 per cent.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 37 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 20 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (133 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Arvo Aller, Rain Epler and Evelin Poolamets, would have increased the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 12.02 per cent.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 40 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 21 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (150 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Helle-Moonika Helme, Arvo Aller and Martin Helme, would have increased the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 11.98 per cent.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 40 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 20 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (151 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Rain Epler and Helle-Moonika Helme, would have increased the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 12.16 per cent.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 42 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 20 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (155 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Rain Epler, Helle-Moonika Helme and Kert Kingo, would have increased the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 12.12 per cent.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 36 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 20 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (181 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Leo Kunnas, Mart Helme and Ants Frosch, would have increased the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 11.99 per cent.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 38 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 20 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (194 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Jaak Valge, Arvo Aller and Varro Vooglaid, would have increased the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 12.11 per cent.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 39 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 18 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (199 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Jaak Valge, Anti Poolamets and Helle-Moonika Helme, would have increased the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 12.13 per cent.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 35 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 17 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (253 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Helle-Moonika Helme, Evelin Poolamets, Martin Helme and Anti Poolamets, would have increased the rate of the income tax transferred to the budget of local authorities from 11.96 per cent to 12.01 per cent.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 42 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 14 voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Local Government Organisation Act (63 SE), initiated by Isamaa Parliamentary Group, was intended to provide that, in municipal councils, the remuneration and compensation paid to local government executives may be changed only for the next membership of the council.

According to the initiators, the purpose of the amendment is to preclude cases where municipal councils raise the salaries of local government executives immediately after elections. In their opinion, it is not right that municipal councils should discuss and decide on the increase of the salaries of the chairs and deputy chairs of municipal councils, city mayors, and rural municipality mayors elected by them, or of members of city and municipal governments.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 42 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and five voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Citizenship Act (67 SE), initiated by Isamaa Parliamentary Group, was intended to preclude the grant and restoration of Estonian citizenship to people who have been repeatedly convicted of intentionally committed criminal offences even if their convictions have been spent. According to the initiators, the same prohibition had also initially been in the Citizenship Act passed in 1995.

Under the current Act, as an exception, Estonian citizenship may be granted or restored to a person who has been repeatedly convicted of intentionally committed criminal offences and whose convictions have been spent, taking into consideration the circumstances related to the commission of the criminal offences and the person of the offender.

During the debate, Anti Poolamets took the floor on behalf of the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 45 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and five voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The Bill on Amendments to the Use of Privatisation Proceeds Act (70 SE), initiated by Isamaa Parliamentary Group, was intended to allow privatisation proceeds to also be used for the maintenance, repair, conservation, restoration and reconstruction of a structure returned in the course of ownership reform and located in a heritage conservation area.

The initiators find that, if owners of returned historical structures located in heritage conservation areas could also apply for the grants allocated from the ownership reform reserve fund, this would increase the opportunities to preserve the valuable cultural heritage of Estonia.

During the debate, Anti Poolamets took the floor on behalf of the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group.

The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 44 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and five voted against. Thus, the Bill was rejected, and it was dropped from the proceedings.

The sitting ended at 7.36 p.m.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

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

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

Link uudisele: The Bill concerning the payment of voluntary sickness benefit to pregnant employees passed the second reading in the Riigikogu

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Members of the Riigikogu at conference on economic governance: EU debt burden must be reduced

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Chair of the Finance Committee Annely Akkermann said in her speech that Estonia supported the coordination of the economic and fiscal policies of the EU countries through equal and clear rules. “We want to see the debt burden reduced and the deficit remain under three percent of GDP, with an exception for the increase in defence spending in the current security situation. The backbone of inflation has been broken, but it is still slightly above the preferred level. Keeping inflation in check is a coin with the Central Bank’s policy of increasing interest rates on one side and the moderation of countries in increasing expenditure on the other,” Akkerman explained.

She added that countries may have different problems but they all had common aims. “We want to keep the prices stable, to make our economies more modern and sustainable, to protect our nations against aggression. The countries of Europe need to agree upon fiscal policy. We have a common market of goods, labour and capital. We must also have common budget rules.”

Deputy Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski underlined in her speech that due to the recent health care, energy and security crises the public debt of the euro area countries had increased and the inflation continued to be unsustainably high. “The next steps in economic and monetary policy must ensure the competitiveness of the European Union economy, key investments and long-term sustainability,” said Jufereva-Skuratovski, and pointed out that it was important to ensure that the European Union’s debt was reduced. She added that reserve capacities were needed to ensure energy security and emphasised that in Estonia, for example, the possibility of using oil shale should therefore be retained.

Jufereva-Skuratovski spoke at the first session of the Conference that was dedicated to the challenges of government and the economic recovery of the European Union in the international context. Akkerman spoke at the session that focused on the architecture of the new governance. More specific topics of the session were medium-term economic and budget plans, indicators of state budget net expenditure increase, as well as sustainability of debt and fiscal prudence within the framework of the economic and monetary union. Tomorrow, it is planned to hold two more sessions. Integration of the social dimension in economic governance will be discussed at the first session and open strategic autonomy at the second.

The purpose of the Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Stability, Economic Coordination and Governance is to develop the cooperation of parliaments within the framework of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union. The Conference was established in 2013 at the Conference of Speakers of the European Union Parliaments (EUSC).

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

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

Link uudisele: Members of the Riigikogu at conference on economic governance: EU debt burden must be reduced

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Kaja Kallas an overview of the implementation of the long-term national strategy “Estonia 2035”

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

In her report, Kallas recalled that the strategy that had been adopted in 2021 had established a framework consolidating Estonia’s major strategic goals and courses of action agreed nationally and taking account of international obligations. It is taken into account when making budget decisions. She noted that the strategy had been drafted in co-creation with thousands of people and over several years. “Thus ‘Estonia 2035’ is our common agreement, our expectation to Estonia’s future, as well as our promise to our children.”

According to Kallas, “Estonia 2035” sets five equal and interlinked strategic goals. “First, Estonia’s people are smart, active and care about their health. Second, Estonia’s society is caring, cooperative, and open. Third, Estonia’s economy is strong, innovative, and responsible. Fourth, Estonia offers a safe and high-quality living environment that takes into account the needs of all its inhabitants. Estonia is an innovative, reliable, and people-centered country. The basic principle underpinning these goals is a firm conviction that Estonia is and will remain a democratic and secure state founded on freedom, justice and the rule of law which preserves and develops the Estonian nation, language, and culture,” Kallas said.

In her report, the Prime Minister focused on three topics. They were, first, a reliable country and a safe living environment; second, a responsible, innovative, and knowledge-based economy; and third, smart and active people who care about their health. “It is good to see that we are moving towards the expected outcome, or the target level set has already been achieved, in most of the indicators. They have been marked in either yellow or green in the application “Tree of Truth” by Statistics Estonia. However, it must be admitted that we are moving away from the desired outcome in several areas, and they are above all linked to the deteriorated security situation and the polarisation of society. There is also room for development in climate and economic indicators where we have set very ambitious goals for ourselves,” Kallas said.

Kallas pointed out that currently no concession could be made in security, and that it was existentially important to Estonia that Ukraine would win the war against Russia. She added that the transition to Estonian as the language of instruction was also important in increasing our security and safety level. “We have made a start with it, and we are going to complete it,” Kallas confirmed. At the same time, Kallas noted that, if we acted smartly, we could use the climate neutrality goal to enhance the competitiveness of our economy. “I re-affirm: investment in power generation from oil shale is a thing of the past,” she said. Kallas specified that the share of renewable energy in final energy consumption had been 38 per cent in the previous year. “While this is six percentage points more than the starting level provided in the strategy ‘Estonia 2035’, our goal is that the share of renewable energy in final consumption would be at least 65 per cent,” she noted among other things.

During the debate, Yoko Alender (Reform Party), Hendrik Johannes Terras (Estonia 200), Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa), Tanel Kiik (Centre Party), Mart Helme (Estonian Conservative People’s Party and Reili Rand (Social Democratic Party) took the floor on behalf of their parliamentary groups.

A Bill passed the first reading

The Bill on Amendments to the Nature Conservation Act and the Land Register Act (301 SE), initiated by the Government, passed the first reading. It will eliminate the right of pre-emption that the state has upon transfer of immovables containing natural objects. Under the current Act, the state has a right of pre-emption upon transfer of an immovable located within the boundaries of a shore building exclusion zone, protection site of a species in the protected category I, limited management zone of a protected natural monument, protected area, or limited-conservation area.

In recent years, the state has assessed the application of a right of pre-emption in respect of thousands of purchase and sale transactions but has not used it. According to the explanatory memorandum, the elimination of the right of pre-emption will reduce the workload of administrative bodies in the transfer of immovables containing natural objects and will speed up the conclusion of purchase and sale transactions.

For the purpose of economising, the Bill introduces an amendment according to which damage caused by animals will not be compensated if no state budget funds have been earmarked for the compensation of damages caused by animals ranking lower in the priority list of applications. At the same time, the Bill will increase the threshold for the compensation of the costs incurred to prevent damages caused by animals in order to avoid or prevent damage that might otherwise have to be compensated.

Among other amendments, the Bill will provide the possibility to choose whether a notice concerning the initiation of the proceedings for placing a natural object under protection is published in a national daily newspaper or in a local newspaper and not in both as provided by current procedure. The Bill will also eliminate the requirement to ask for a separate permission when persons carrying out state monitoring or research commissioned by the manager of the protected area need to move around in areas that are under movement restrictions in protected areas.

During the debate, Arvo Aller (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) and Andres Metsoja (Isamaa) took the floor on behalf of their parliamentary groups.

The Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 11 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 52 were against. Thus, the motion was not supported, and the first reading of the Bill was concluded.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Photos (Author: Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

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

Riigikogu Press Service
Maris Meiessaar
+372 631 6353, +372 5558 3993
maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Kaja Kallas an overview of the implementation of the long-term national strategy “Estonia 2035”

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar: Russia must compensate the damage it has caused in Ukraine

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar said in his speech that Estonia would continue providing strong military, economic and political support to Ukraine until Ukraine had won the war started by Russia, restored its territorial integrity and become a member of the European Union and NATO. “To achieve this, Ukraine needs rapid delivery of the promised equipment to the battlefield. In addition to arms and ammunition, Estonia, together with Luxembourg, supports the development of the ICT infrastructure of the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” he added.

Hussar called on other countries to support the peace formula proposed by Ukrainian President that in his opinion should be the basis of further efforts. He emphasised that there could be no lasting peace if the aggressor won.

According to the President of the Riigikogu, establishing an international special tribunal to bring all perpetrators of Russia’s crime of aggression to justice should be made a priority. “Russia must be held accountable for all crimes committed in Ukraine, including the crime of aggression. No one should be allowed to hide behind immunity,” he said.

Hussar also pointed out that Russia must compensate the damage its activities had caused in Ukraine. He said that a Bill providing for national regulations on how to use the assets of sanctioned persons frozen in Estonia to compensate the war damage caused to Ukraine was being proceeded by the Riigikogu. “Ways for using frozen assets must be looked for both at the European Union level and separately in each country,” he stated, considering it necessary to also strengthen the sanctions against Russia and restrict Russia’s activities on the international arena.

At the Parliamentary Summit held in Prague, the situation in Crimea is discussed, focusing on sanctions, ensuring of freedom of navigation, situation of human rights and the economic and environmental consequences of Russia’s temporary occupation. The representatives of parliaments also speak about supporting of Ukraine and increasing international pressure on Russia on a wider scale, with the aim of restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine. At the end of the Summit, the participants will also adopt a Joint Statement.

Hussar also plans to have a meeting with President of the Parliament of Moldova Igor Grosu during the Second Parliamentary Summit.

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

Link uudisele: Hussar: Russia must compensate the damage it has caused in Ukraine

Source: Parliament of Estonia

A Bill to increase environmental charges passed the first reading in the Riigikogu

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

At today’s sitting, the Riigikogu continued the first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Environmental Charges Act and the Forest Act (300 SE), initiated by the Government.

The purpose of amending the Environmental Charges Act is to update the rates for the pollution charges in the ambient air and aquatic sectors, and regarding oil shale waste and hazardous waste. At the same time, the upper limit for the oil shale extraction charge will be amended, the limits for the fishing rights charge will be updated and the bases for calculating the charge for fishing eel will be amended. The Bill will amend the Environmental Charges Act by adding the deforestation rights charge as a new type of charge and will make amendments relating to the use of the charge in the Forest Act.

The Bill provides for raising the rates for the pollution charges from 1 July next year. New charge rates will be established for the release of pollutants into ambient air, water bodies, groundwater, and soil, as well as for disposal of hazardous waste and oil shale waste.

The Bill provides that environmental charges will rise gradually in 2024–2027. The annual increase in the charge rates will be based on the environmental impact and hazardousness of pollutants, and the need to reduce the release of pollutants into the environment. According to the explanatory memorandum, the pollution charge rates have remained unchanged for years and are no longer adequate for pricing the use of the environment.

The deforestation rights charge will be included in the Environmental Charges Act as a new type of charge in order to limit the decrease in the area of forest lands. In addition, the Bill will increase the limits for the fishing rights charge and amend the bases for calculating the charge for fishing eel.

During the debate, Jaak Aab (Centre Party), Andres Metsoja (Isamaa), Tarmo Tamm (Estonia 200), and Evelin Poolamets (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) took the floor.

The Estonian Centre Party Group, Isamaa Parliamentary Group and the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. The result of voting: 31 votes in favour and 48 against. The motion was not supported. The first reading was concluded. The deadline for submission of motions to amend was set as 5.15 p.m. on 6 November.

The Riigikogu heard the replies to ten interpellations

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas replied to the interpellations concerning Nursipalu training area (No. 34) and the livelihood of families (No. 57), submitted by members of the Riigikogu.

The Minister of Finance Mart Võrklaev replied to the interpellations concerning deceitful policy (No. 148 and No. 225), transparency of the legislative process (No. 188) and the establishment of a car tax (No. 154, No. 340 and No. 423), the impact of inflation on the area of administration of the ministry (No. 144) and the impact that the obstruction of the issue of the authorisations for the provision of virtual currency services and overregulation are having on the business environment and international image of Estonia (No. 332), submitted by members of the Riigikogu.

According to an agreement between the interpellators and the Prime Minister, the interpellation concerning the underfunding of roads (No. 36) was not discussed at today’s sitting.

The sitting ended at 8.25 p.m.

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: A Bill to increase environmental charges passed the first reading in the Riigikogu

Source: Parliament of Estonia

National parliaments focus on the role of good governance in addressing global crises

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Head of the delegation of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Maris Lauri said that the representatives of national parliaments would consider how to make public institutions more effective, accountable and representative, and to empower parliaments so that they could better handle the complicated and interconnected geopolitical, economic and environmental crises across the world. Lauri added that the parliamentarians also wish to discuss resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

At the Assembly, all the statutory bodies of the IPU will meet, including the Governing Council, the Standing Committees, the Committee on Human Rights and Democracy, and the Committee on Middle East Questions, as well as the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, and the Forum of Young Parliamentarians. The Standing Committees will present reports on their work to the Assembly, and the Plenary of the Assembly will adopt the resolutions of the Standing Committees, including the resolution on orphanage trafficking and the General Debate Outcome Document. The topic of the extraordinary debate will be announced on Tuesday.

The 12+ group, which also includes Estonia, has proposed to discuss the situation in Israel. On the last day of the Assembly, it is planned to elect a new President of the IPU. This time, the President will be elected from the African geopolitical group. For the first time, four women stand as a candidates for the President of the IPU. They are representatives of the parliaments of Senegal, Malawi, Tanzania and Somalia.

The Estonian delegation to the IPU also plans to meet with Honorary Consul of Estonia in Luanda Rui Miguel Tati. The Honorary Consulate of Estonia in Luanda was opened in August.

Hundreds of MPs from parliaments across the world will attend the Assembly. The Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union will be held in the capital of Angola Luanda from 23 to 27 October 2023. Estonia is represented at the Assembly by President of the Estonian Interparliamentary Union Group Maris Lauri and Vice-Presidents Helle-Moonika Helme, Helmen Kütt and Peeter Tali.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is the oldest and largest global organisation of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 and has 179 member states from the entire world. Bahama is about to join the IPU as the 180th member state. Estonia was a member of the Union between 1921–1940 and restored its membership after regaining independence in 1991.

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

Link uudisele: National parliaments focus on the role of good governance in addressing global crises

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar attends Crimea Platform parliamentary summit in Prague

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar said that Estonia would continue providing strong military, economic and political support to Ukraine until Ukraine had won the war started by Russia, restored its territorial integrity, and become a member of the European Union and NATO.

“We support the peace formula proposed by Ukrainian President that should be the basis of our further efforts. We must make establishing an international special tribunal to bring the perpetrators of Russia’s crime of aggression to justice a priority. We also have to continue with strengthening of the sanctions and move forward on using Russia’s frozen assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine,” he stated.

The parliamentary summit organised by Czechia and Ukraine will be opened on Tuesday by Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Speaker of the Czech Senate Miloš Vystrčil, Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Jan Lipavský. Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Refat Chubarov and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk will also speak at the Summit. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy will deliver an on-line address.

At the plenary session, the representatives of parliaments will discuss the situation in Crimea, focusing on sanctions, ensuring of freedom of navigation, situation of human rights and the economic and environmental consequences of Russia’s temporary occupation. Supporting of Ukraine and increasing international pressure on Russia will be spoken about at the Summit on a wider scale, with the aim of restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine. The participants of the Summit also plan to adopt a joint statement.

Hussar also plans to have a meeting with President of the Parliament of Moldova Igor Grosu during the Second Parliamentary Summit.

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

Link uudisele: Hussar attends Crimea Platform parliamentary summit in Prague

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Committees of the Riigikogu appraise the European Court of Auditors 2022 annual report

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta stressed the importance of making sure that Estonia continued to use EU funds wisely. However, this could be done more innovatively, for example by setting up innovation procurements whereby the public sector seeks the best solution to a problem. Pakosta also sees value in showing flexibility wherever this is permitted.

The Chairman of the Finance Committee Annely Akkermann remarked that the European Union had been forced to respond to sudden crises over the past few years and spend large sums to resolve these, which also increased the budget risk. She added, referring to the audit, that this had significantly increased the number of misjudgements made in EU spending compared to earlier.

The Chairman of the State Budget Control Select Committee Urmas Reinsalu said that since the high inflation and increase in interest rates, as well as the growing debt and the continuous need to support Ukraine impacted the EU budget and its purchasing power, it was vital to pay particular attention to ensuring that the desired results were achieved.

The European Court of Auditors Annual report for the 2022 financial year shows that the consolidated accounts of the European Union for 2022 present the EU’s financial position fairly and correctly and the results of its operations are legal and regular in all material respects. However, the auditors estimate that the level of error for budget expenditure has risen to 4.2 % on the total expenditure of EUR 196 billion (compared to 3 percent in 2021). The estimated level of error is an estimation of the funds used in contravention of the EU and national regulations.

The auditors estimate two thirds (66%) of the audited expenditure to be of high risk, which is more than in 2021 (63.2%). The rules and eligibility criteria governing this type of expenditure are often complex, which makes errors more likely.

The auditors also reached the conclusion that the EUR 46.9 billion spent as Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) grants is impacted by issues and irregularities discovered in the correctness of national audit systems; however, these were not pervasive in nature.

The joint sitting of the Committees starts at 1:15 p.m. and will be streamed live. Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

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 appraise the European Court of Auditors 2022 annual report

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Two Bills related to state budget passed the first reading

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Riigikogu started the sitting by continuing the first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Traffic Act and the Road Transport Act (302 SE), initiated by the Government. The daily road user charge rate, which is currently between EUR 9 and 12, would be set between EUR 4 and 40 under the Bill. The annual road user charge would increase from the current EUR 500–1,300 to EUR 200–2,000. When road user charges are differentiated, the more polluting and heavier vehicles will pay proportionally more than less polluting vehicles. In addition, the Bill proposes fines for persons who allow others to drive or drive themselves trucks or lorries without paying the road user charges or paying lower charges than required.

Mart Maastik (Isamaa), Rain Epler (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), and Jaak Aab (Centre Party) took the floor during the debate.

Isamaa, Estonian Conservative People’s Party, and the Centre Party Parliamentary Groups moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 29 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 46 voted against. The Bill passed the first reading.

The Bill on Amendments to the Earth’s Crust Act (296 SE), initiated by the Government, also passed the first reading. The Bill provides an eight year transition period for charges for transferring the right to mine on an immovable owned by the state. During the transition period, the charge for transferring the right to mine on an immovable owned by the state will increase every year by up to 50 per cent compared to the current charge, until the new charge rates that reflect the new taxable value of the land are reached.

The purpose of the Bill is to allow the producers to adapt gradually to the increased taxation rates, which should also alleviate the price pressure on consumers. The amendments to the Earth’s Crust Act that come into force next year provide that the charge for transferring the right to mine on an immovable owned by the state will be three percent of the taxable value of the land.

Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski (Centre Party), Rain Epler (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), and Helir-Valdor Seeder (Isamaa) took the floor during the debate.

Isamaa, Estonian Conservative People’s Party, and the Centre Party Parliamentary Groups moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 14 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 50 voted against. The Bill passed the first reading.

The first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Environmental Charges Act and the Forest Act (300 SE), initiated by the Government, was adjourned. The Bill would change the pollution charge rates. The new pollution charge rates are set on emitting pollutants into ambient air, water bodies, groundwater, or soil, or during the elimination of dangerous waste or oil shale waste.

Pollution charge rates are set to rise gradually over the period of 2024–2027. The annual increase in charge rates is based on the environmental impact and potential danger caused by the pollutants and the need to reduce their emission into the environment.

The Bill also amends the maximum charge for the right to mine oil shale. A new charge category to be added into the Environmental Charges Act is the felling right charge, intended to limit the reduction of the surface area of woodlands. The Bill also increases the limits for fishing rights charges.

Due to the end of the working hours of the sitting, the first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Nature Conservation Act and the Land Register Act (301 SE) and the Bill on the Ratification of the Amendments to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (226 SE), initiated by the Government, was deferred.

In addition, the first reading of  the Bill on Amendments to the Weapons Act (19 SE), initiated by the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, and 15 Bills on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (75 SE, 88 SE, 110 SE, 112 SE, 116 SE, 127 SE, 130 SE, 133 SE, 150 SE, 151 SE, 155 SE, 181 SE, 194 SE, 199 SE and 253 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu, was deferred due to the end of the working hours.

Also deferred is the first reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Making a proposal to the Government of the Republic to abandon the plan to additionally tax packaging and plastics” (62 OE), Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Making a proposal to the Government of the Republic to abandon the plan to eliminate the increased tax allowance for children” (66 OE), Bill on Amendments to the Local Government Organisation Act (63 SE), Bill on Amendments to the Citizenship Act (67 SE), and Bill on Amendments to the Use of Privatisation Proceeds Act (70 SE), all initiated by Isamaa Parliamentary Group.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

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

Riigikogu Press Service
Maris Meiessaar
+372 631 6353, +372 5558 3993
maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Two Bills related to state budget passed the first reading

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Stoicescu to Turkish Minister of Defence: Without Sweden, collective defence of the Nordic-Baltic region is not complete

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Stoicescu stated that Estonia’s and NATO’s greatest security challenges continued to be countering the threat posed by Russia and supporting Ukraine, but also fighting terrorism. “Together with the Nordic Countries and the Baltic States, we are facing hybrid attacks as front-line guards. We have to take very seriously the recent incidents with the Balticconnector and undersea fibre-optic cables, as well as the SMS bomb threats against schools in Estonia, but also in Latvia and Lithuania. NATO’s collective defence must cover the entire Baltic Sea, including the underwater infrastructure,” he said, and expressed hope that the defence cooperation between the countries within NATO would strengthen further. “Without Sweden, the collective defence of the Nordic-Baltic region is not complete. We hope that Sweden’s accession to NATO will become a reality in the nearest future,” he said. Stoicescu also pointed out that Estonia invested a significant amount of more than three per cent of its GDP in national defence, and that the procurement contracts signed today with a Turkish company would increase Estonia’s defence capabilities.

The Minister of National Defence of Turkey noted that the relations between Estonia and Turkey were based on long-standing respect and cooperation, the vitality of which is evidenced by the fact that in January 2024 we will be able to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the recognition of Estonia’s independence by Turkey, as well as by the fact that Estonia makes a large purchase of defence equipment from Turkish companies. The Minister of National Defence also emphasised that Turkey always respected all commitments of NATO and had supported Ukraine from the beginning of the war, and that support would continue in the future as well.

Estonia will buy from Turkey wheeled armoured vehicles for 200 million euros to armour the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the Defence Forces. The first vehicles will arrive in a year. Minister of National Defence of Turkey Yaşar Güler will sign the agreements on the purchase of armoured vehicles today in Tallinn. According to the National Centre for Defence Investments, the future partners will equip the Defence Forces of Estonia with around 230 wheeled armoured vehicles and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre of the Rescue Board with four 4×4 armoured vehicles.

Photos: Erik Peinar

Riigikogu Press Service
Maris Meiessaar
+372 631 6353, +372 5558 3993
maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

 

Link uudisele: Stoicescu to Turkish Minister of Defence: Without Sweden, collective defence of the Nordic-Baltic region is not complete

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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