ESTONIA

Sauli Niinistö presents his report on Europe’s defence readiness at a public sitting in the Riigikogu

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

“According to President Niinistö’s report, the security situation of the European Union has steadily deteriorated in recent years, the world has become more dangerous and increasingly crisis-prone. That is why we, as Europeans, need to prepare ourselves in order to cope in the new reality, to keep our comfortable and free way of life and to survive,” Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Peeter Tali underlined.

Tali said that the European Union Affairs Committee had studied Niinistö’s report in February, when they had approved Estonia’s positions on strengthening Europe’s civil and military readiness. “It is a detailed report, and it is useful for everybody to know about its conclusions because on the basis of this report, the European Commission will prepare the White Paper on security.”

Deputy Chairman of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu Leo Kunnas pointed out that in the current unpredictable security situation and in the context of deepening confrontation between democracies and totalitarian states, Europe’s defence capability needed to be dramatically strengthened.

“In order to fill the gap caused by the underdevelopment of the defence capabilities of European countries over the past 30 years, during the next decade, European countries should invest at least 800 billion to trillion euros more than previously planned in strengthening military defence and improving crisis preparedness,” he said.

The European Union Affairs Committee discussed the positions of the Government on strengthening Europe’s civilian and military readiness that are based on Niinistö’s report at its 14 February sitting, and approved the positions with its amendments that underline the key role of completing the construction of Rail Baltic and Via Baltica.

President Sauli Niinistö will also meet with President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar and President of the Republic Alar Karis today. Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali and Ambassador of Finland to Estonia Vesa Vasara will participate in the meeting with the President of the Riigikogu. Later today, Niinistö will visit the International Centre for Defence and Security.

The public sitting will be held in the Conference Hall of the Riigikogu, starting at 11 a.m., and it can be followed online on the Riigikogu web page. Video recording will be available on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

Photos (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: Sauli Niinistö presents his report on Europe’s defence readiness at a public sitting in the Riigikogu

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Bill on the establishment of a new benefit system for children who have lost a parent passed the second reading

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

According to the Bill on Amendments to the Family Benefits Act and Other Act (547 SE),  initiated by the Government, from 1 October  2026, the survivor’s pension will be replaced with the survivor’s benefit, which will guarantee a monthly benefit to children who have lost a parent, regardless of the pension qualifying period or the number of children of the deceased parent. The purpose of the benefit to be established is to compensate for the costs of bringing up a child – partially in the event of the loss of a parent and fully in the event of the loss of both parents.

The amount of the survivor’s benefit will be uniform for children and will take into account the cost of maintaining the child and its real value will be preserved over time through indexation. According to the bill, the new base amount of the benefit will be EUR 272, and according to forecasts, the benefit to be paid out will reach approximately EUR 345 in 2026.

The survivor’s benefit will be paid until the child reaches the age of 19 or, if the child continues their studies, until the age of 21. Under the Bill, the circle of educational establishments that will allow receiving the benefit will be wider than for the survivor’s pension, and it will also be possible to receive the survivor’s benefit at the same time as the work ability allowance.

An Act was passed

The Riigikogu adopted the Act on Amendments to the Farm Animals Breeding Act (551 SE), initiated by the Government. It re-transposes the relevant European Union directive and establishes a regulation for horse competitions which was mistakenly omitted from the Act when the updated version was adopted.

According to the amendment, the conditions for competitions for equidae and the requirements for prior notification of the organisation of competitions are established. The conditions for competitions may not discriminate between equidae which are registered in Estonia and originate in Estonia and equidae of another Member State. The requirement does not apply at competitions organised for improving the breed and at historic and traditional events.

71 members of the Riigikogu supported the passing of the Act and there was one abstention.

A Bill was dropped from the proceedings

The Riigikogu rejected at the first reading the Bill on Amendments to the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act (552 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Rain Epler, Kert Kingo and Arvo Aller. It was intended to lay down more clearly the rules for meeting the obligations of members of the Government and other persons to appear before committees of the Riigikogu and to present documents.

Mart Helme from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and Lauri Laats from the Centre Party Group took the floor during the debate.

The Constitutional Committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 45 members of the Riigikogu supported the rejection of the Bill and 15 voted against.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

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

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

Link uudisele: Bill on the establishment of a new benefit system for children who have lost a parent passed the second reading

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Prime Minister presented a report on the implementation of development strategy to the Riigikogu

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Prime Minister began his report by acknowledging that, in today’s world where political currents are unpredictable and turbulent, a clear goal is more important than ever before. “Our goal is a high value-added economy, a protected and secure Estonia, and efficient governance,” he said.

Michal pointed out that Estonia’s economic recession had ended in the fourth quarter of last year and the economy was growing again, and Estonia’s exports of goods and services had also increased. According to the Prime Minister, people’s well-being has also increased. The average gross pension increased by 11 percent, bringing the ratio of the average old-age pension to the average wage to an all-time high of 49 percent. The average gross monthly salary increased by eight percent. After-tax wage income grew by 4.2 percent over the year – outpacing price increases, which were 3.5 percent. “And this is a good achievement, given the current economic climate,” the Prime Minister said.

Speaking about energy, Michal highlighted the successful merger with the Western European frequency area and confirmed that the energy mix must include renewable electricity, nuclear energy, new controllable capacities, and storage technology. “In addition, modernized electricity and gas networks that ensure energy security and availability in any situation, be it a storm, heavy snow, damaged lines, or cyber-attacks. Without clean, available, and affordable energy, it will be very difficult for companies to find new markets.”

“According to the latest survey, 88 percent of Estonian residents feel safe in their home country. And that is the way it should stay. We work every day to ensure that confidence is sustained and boosted,” Michal said. He explained that the primary task of the Estonian government was to ensure that military capabilities commensurate with NATO’s defence plans were developed as a matter of urgency. “This means that Estonia’s defence spending will rise to five percent of GDP very quickly, either next year or the year after, depending on how quickly it will be possible to procure equipment and ammunition and to deliver it to Estonia,” Michal said. He added that our allies must also contribute much more to their security and collective defence.

According to the Prime Minister, it is also necessary to strengthen the defence industry in both Europe and Estonia. He pointed out that Estonia has a technology sector with a strong community – the large and successful IT companies that are currently contributing to economic growth were once small start-ups. “A similar development is possible in the defence industry: to first be a new and small flagship of Estonian start-up sector, which will grow into a successful global company,” Michal drew a parallel. He added that products from defence industry companies were needed both in the defence sector and in everyday life, for example in agriculture, transportation, education, and medicine.

Michal also highlighted the need to support local language and artificial intelligence technologies, excessive bureaucracy, Estonia’s high ranking of 11th in the European Innovation Scoreboard, the transition to Estonian-language education, the extension of the obligation to study, the reform of vocational education and the country’s record spending on research and development.

Tanel Kiik (Social Democratic Party), Anti Poolamets (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa), Margit Sutrop (Reform Party), Igor Taro (Estonia 200) and Lauri Laats (Centre Party) took the floor during the debate.

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: Prime Minister presented a report on the implementation of development strategy to the Riigikogu

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The draft Resolution to form a committee to investigate the activities of Nordica passed the first reading in the Riigikogu.

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Riigikogu concluded the first reading of a draft Resolution

The explanatory memorandum to the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Formation of the Riigikogu committee of investigation to investigate the facts relating to  the termination of the activities of Nordica” (543 OE), submitted by the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Parliamentary Group, notes that, due to the seriousness of the management errors and the significant investments made in Nordica in previous periods, it is necessary to immediately form a committee of investigation of the Riigikogu. . In order to ensure the credibility and broad-based nature of the committee of investigation, it should include at least one representative from each parliamentary group of the Riigikogu.

Mart Helme from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, Mart Võrklaev from the Reform Party Group, Mart Maastik from Isamaa Parliamentary Group and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart from the Centre Party Group took the floor during the debate.

The motion made by the Constitutional Committee to reject the draft Resolution at the first reading was not supported. 35 members of the Riigikogu were in favour of the motion and 38 were against. Thus, the first reading of the draft Resolution was concluded.

The Riigikogu heard replies to two interpellations

Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur replied to the interpellations concerning the impacts the rise in VAT will have on the budget of the Ministry of Defence  (No. 709) and concerning the acquisition of ammunition (No. 714), submitted by members of the Riigikogu.

On the motion of the Constitutional Committee, the first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Identity Documents Act and Amendments to Other Associated Acts (572 SE), initiated by the Government, was excluded from the agenda for today.

Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Riina Solman, Vladimir Arhipov and Mart Helme took the floor during the open microphone.

The sitting ended at 5.25 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: The draft Resolution to form a committee to investigate the activities of Nordica passed the first reading in the Riigikogu.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Speakers of the Parliaments of seven countries call on holding Russia accountable for war crimes

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Speakers noted that Russia, emboldened by impunity, continued to blatantly violate principles of the UN Charter and mock fundamental human rights. “Russia, aided by its accomplices, continues its genocidal warfare against Ukraine and its people, threatening the continent and the world,” they say in the Joint Statement made in Vilnius.

According to the Speakers, the effectiveness of international guarantees for thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) at the mercy of Russian captors is seriously undermined, as Russia does not give sufficient access to the prisoners of war and hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), other international and humanitarian organizations operating in the temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation territories of Ukraine and in Russia. “The denial of access to internment facilities for independent monitors, combined with the adoption of broad amnesty laws for Russian servicepersons, contributes to impunity for systematic torture and ill-treatment of POWs,” they pointed out.

In the opinion of the Speakers, these war crimes reflect Russia’s state policy of terror and disregard for international law. “This is not the work of rogue soldiers – it is a deliberate state policy aimed at breaking Ukraine’s resistance through terror. The Kremlin not only allows these crimes but actively encourages them. Public figures in Russia have explicitly called for inhumane treatment, and even execution of Ukrainian PoWs, often using dehumanizing terms in public discourse and through State-owned media,” they wrote in the Joint Statement.

The Speakers of the Parliaments of seven countries underlined that the only way to stop these atrocities was by holding Russia accountable and ensuring Ukraine had the means to defend itself. “The international community must support Ukraine until its victory over the aggressor state and ensure accountability of perpetrators and masterminds for violations of international law. Only this way will lay the path towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine and Europe,” they said.

In the Statement, the Speakers urge Russia to implement its international commitments with respect to international humanitarian law, and adhere to the provisions of the Geneva Conventions. They also urge Russia to grant immediate and unhindered access for the ICRC and other relevant international organizations and mandate holders to the PoWs in order to fulfil their mandates in the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russian Federation.

The Joint Statement was signed by President of the Riigikogu of Estonia Lauri Hussar, Speaker of the Eduskunta of Finland Jussi Halla-aho, Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Saulius Skvernelis, Marshal of the Sejm of Poland Szymon Hołownia, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk, and Vice President of the Althing of Iceland Bryndís Haraldsdóttir. Tomorrow, the Speakers will attend the celebrations of the 35th anniversary of restoration of independence of Lithuania and deliver speeches at a festive sitting of the Seimas of Lithuania.

Text of the Joint Statement 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: Speakers of the Parliaments of seven countries call on holding Russia accountable for war crimes

Source: Parliament of Estonia

President of the Riigikogu is visiting Vilnius on the Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Speakers of Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine convene in Vilnius to discuss further support to Ukraine and European security. “Our task is to present a united front and do everything in our power to increase military support to Ukraine, strengthen sanctions and put Russia’s frozen assets to good use, as well as invest significantly more into our own security and defence to deter the aggressor,” Hussar said.

In addition to the President of the Riigikogu, Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Saulius Skvernelis, Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia Daiga Mieriņa, Marshal of the Sejm of Poland Szymon Hołownia, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Eduskunta of Finland Jussi Halla-aho, and Vice President of Althing of Iceland Bryndís Haraldsdóttir are taking part in the events. The Speakers will also adopt a joint statement in support of Ukraine and then give a press conference together.

Tomorrow, the parliamentary leaders will take part in celebrating the 35th anniversary of restoring Lithuania’s independence and give a speech at a festive sitting in the Lithuanian Seimas.

The programme also includes a visit to Lukiškės Prison, which has been given a make-over as a cultural space, and the Vilnius TV Tower.

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: President of the Riigikogu is visiting Vilnius on the Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania

Source: Parliament of Estonia

NATO Exercise Was Held in Estonian Airspace

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Riigikogu: The European Union must increase its defence capability faster and invest more in supporting Ukraine

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

“The Council will discuss European defence, in particular the defence initiative of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which would mean contributing EUR 800 billion to defence. The Council will also discuss the channelling of a EUR 150 billion loan to the growth of the defence industry,” Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali said.

“We no longer have the time to sit back and wait for the implementation of the next long-term budget of the EU in 2028, we need to act now, quickly and decisively. For Estonia, military defence is crucial, as well as the development and security of critical infrastructure,” he underlined, adding that the biggest war since the Second World War was going on in Europe and we must do more to support Ukraine who was fighting the aggressor.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson, who participated in the sitting, expressed concern that mobilising such a large amount of money would take a long time, and suggested that there were platforms through which investments in the defence industry could be made immediately if there was a political will for that. “The possibility of channelling European assistance funds to Ukraine to fill the gap left by the Americans should be considered. In addition to supporting Ukraine, we also need to think about how to support Moldova and Georgia so that this region would not become Russia’s zone of influence,” Mihkelson pointed out.

It was noted at the sitting that it was important to put pressure on Russia, including through the use of frozen assets, to increase military assistance to Ukraine and to maintain relations with the United States. It is expected that the Council will decide that in order to cover the gap left by the United States, the European Union has to assume a more ambitious role in assisting Ukraine. Estonia expects the EU to send a message of support for the efforts Ukraine, who is waging a war, has made in moving forward with the EU accession process. The willingness of large member states to raise defence spending was also discussed.

The positions of the Government for today’s special European Council meeting in Brussels were presented by Prime Minister Kristen Michal. The positions of the Government were approved by consensus.

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

Link uudisele: Riigikogu: The European Union must increase its defence capability faster and invest more in supporting Ukraine

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35 Fighter Jets Practice Drone Defense on the Coast of Rutja

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Hussar in France: Europe needs to do more to support Ukraine

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

“Europe must do its utmost to fill the gap left by America in supporting Ukraine and strengthening its defence capability,” Hussar underlined. “Europe can do more and must do more. Europe needs to understand that it is not just a Single Market, it is and it must start to behave as a military force,” Hussar said at the meeting with President of the Senate of France Gérard Larcher.

“Our common aim is to provide Ukraine a position of strength for the negotiations that must guarantee a just and lasting peace for the Ukrainian people. In doing so, we need to exert maximum pressure on Russia, which means military assistance to Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and urgent actions to use Russia’s frozen assets,” Hussar said.

The discussions also focused on strengthening the defence capability of Europe. At the meeting with the representatives of the French Parliament, it was pointed out that Europe needed to invest significantly more into defence, and hope was expressed that important decisions would be made in this regard at the European Council on Thursday. “Estonia is doing its part – currently our defence spending is 3.4% of GDP, and we are heading towards 5%,” Hussar noted.

The President of the Riigikogu said that France was an important partner and ally for Estonia, and acknowledged the contribution of France to collective defence, especially their participation in NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Tapa, Estonia

Hussar met with President of the National Assembly of France Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the Senate of France Gérard Larcher and several members of the French Parliament, including members of the France-Estonia parliamentary friendship group. Yesterday, Hussar visited a sitting of the National Assembly, and today, a sitting of the Senate of France. Further support to Ukraine and the security of Europe were discussed at both sittings. He also visited MBDA, one of France’s largest defence industry companies, and participated in a discussion on the relations between the United States and France together with experts. At the Embassy of Estonia, Hussar had a meeting with Estonians living in France.

The President of the Riigikogu was accompanied on the visit by Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson, Chairman of the Estonia-France Parliamentary Friendship Group Andres Sutt and member of the Estonia-France Parliamentary Friendship Group Tõnis Lukas.

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: Hussar in France: Europe needs to do more to support Ukraine

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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