ESTONIA

Prime Minister responded to interpellation about compensation for increased energy prices

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas replied to the interpellation concerning the problems with the compensation for the increased energy prices, submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Urmas Reinsalu, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Heiki Hepner, Mihhail Lotman, Priit Sibul, Raivo Tamm, Andres Metsoja, Tarmo Kruusimäe, and Üllar Saaremäe.

The interpellators inquired about the reasons behind the delay in launching the support measures.

Kallas explained that the government had decided on the following compensation measures for the increased energy prices. Firstly, a 50% reduction in the power network charge, in the total amount of EUR 88.25 million, which will benefit every electricity consumer, whether a natural or a legal person. Secondly, elimination of the gas network charge in full, in the total amount of EUR 25.08 million. This concerns every gas consumer, both natural and legal persons. Thirdly, there is a targeted measure for households where the income per person remains below the median salary. “In this case, 80% of the price increase in energy expenses – I am talking about electricity, gas, and central heating – is compensated. This will be in effect from September to March, also retroactively,” Prime Minister said.

She pointed out that the previously agreed complementary measures were added last Thursday. “First of all – the price cap for all household customers has so far been 12 cents per kWh, for up to 650 kWh of consumption. This will be deducted by the seller of electricity from the bill from January until March. And second, the gas price cap for household customers is EUR 65 per MWh, and anything over that will be fully compensated by the state up to the consumption of 2.75 MWh. This is done from January until March. For business customers, we will additionally fully compensate the power network charge, and this is also in effect from January until March,” Kallas added.

Prime Minister explained that the government adopted the first energy price increase support measures at the end of October, and that the first support measures benefited the residents in a matter of a fortnight. For example, the bills for energy consumption in October, which were sent out in November, already reflected the measure to reduce power network charge. And at the end of November, i.e. a month after the government’s decisions, the Minister of Public Administration signed the resolution of the targeted support measure, and its application along with a test period was developed within 1.5 months, which is an extremely short time in IT development. This would usually take at least nine months. But the delay was necessary to allow local governments time to prepare.

Kallas also replied to the interpellation concerning the mitigation of the impact of the energy prices shock, submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Riina Sikkut, Helmen Kütt, Jaak Juske, Indrek Saar, Heljo Pikhof, Lauri Läänemets, Kalvi Kõva, and Raimond Kaljulaid.  

Kallas said that the response in alleviating the increased electricity prices has been quick and efficient; the first decisions were made as early as October 2021, and the most recent date from last week. “The volume of the governmental support measures alone is EUR 325 million. At the moment, Estonia has one of the largest, most farsighted and extensive programmes for supporting household customers and businesses in the whole of Europe,” Prime Minister said.

Minister of the Interior Kristian Jaani responded to the interpellation concerning the reduction in the opening hours of the service bureaus of the Police and Border Guard Board.

During the open microphone, Kalle Grünthal, Alar Laneman (both from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party), and Heiki Hepner (Isamaa) took the floor.

The sitting ended at 7.37 p.m.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Appeal of the Chairs of Baltic and Polish National Defence Committees and Foreign Affairs Committees

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

In their joint appeal to Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg, President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Gerald E. Connolly and the committees in charge of foreign and defence policy in the parliaments of NATO Allies, the Chairmen of the Committees on National Security and Defence and the Committees on Foreign Affairs of the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland expressed concern over the severe security threats faced by all NATO member countries in light of the recent meeting of the NATO-Russia Council.

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Committees on National Security and Defence and the Committees on Foreign Affairs of the Parliaments of the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, and the Republic of Poland, let us express our concern over the severe security threats faced by all NATO member countries in light of the recent meeting of the NATO-Russia Council.

Over the years, Russia has used military aggression against its neighbours, violated international law and spread instability in Eastern Europe and beyond. Then, in December 2021, Russia put forward a set of proposals for “legally binding security guarantees” that the Kremlin was seeking from the West, written in a language that borders on the ultimatum. The demand for the contentious security guarantees followed soon after Western governments alerted the public that Russia had massed over 100,000 troops on its side of the border with Ukraine, a move that could signal an imminent invasion of Ukraine.

Russia’s list of demands and proposals undermine the fundamentals of the international legal system, restrict the right to self-determination of states and go against the principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-violability of internationally recognised borders.

  • The proposal to cease the NATO Open Door policy stands against the nation-state right to choose the Alliances and undermine Article 10 of the Washington Treaty. Russia has no right to veto NATO’s decisions, nor can it impose its will upon the Alliance it is not a member of. The right to choose the Alliances must be granted to Ukraine, Georgia, and other countries that express such intention.
  • The proposals for the creation of incident prevention mechanisms, for “restraint in military planning”, and for refraining from conducting “military exercises or other military activities above the brigade level in a zone of agreed width and configuration on each side of the borderline of the Russian Federation”, undermine the Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and impose the zones of different defence guarantees within the Alliance.
  • The proposal for restrictions on deploying land-based intermediate and short-range missiles would restrict NATO’s territorial collective defence and result in Russia’s escalation dominance in the region.

We are very much concerned about linking the goals of strengthening Eastern Europe’s security and defence with possible Russia’s invasion into Ukraine. We cannot trade our deterrence and collective defence with Russia, including restrictions on NATO exercises in our region or Allied presence. We must continue NATO deterrence and defence adaptation based on the need to fully implement the Warsaw Summit decisions and subsequent agreements on NATO readiness and rapid reinforcement.

Russia has no right to restrict NATO collective defence and deterrence posture and planning. The current situation is asymmetric and cannot be taken as a baseline for any possible debate on any possible reductions, limitations or unilateral restraints from the NATO side. Over the few years, Russia has significantly modernised and increased the entire range of its capabilities multiple times, improved the readiness of its troops, and developed A2/AD systems. The Alliance is still in a phase of development of its deterrence and defence posture. Therefore, any limitations on NATO posture would only legitimise Russia’s regional military dominance and undermine NATO as a collective defence alliance.

The Baltic Region is facing a massive increase of the Russian military presence close to the NATO border and the most recent Russian-Belarus military integration. Russia’s aggression against neighbouring states, now coupled with the tight integration of Russian and Belarusian militaries, pose a significant threat to the region.

We should not allow Russia to destabilise NATO by dividing the Alliance and undermining NATO cohesion and resolve. The territory and security of NATO are indivisible. The indivisibility of the Alliance is fundamental for Euro-Atlantic security and stability. Russia seeks to attain military advantage in Europe by deterring and decoupling the United States from its European Allies and gaining military domination. NATO must continue strengthening its deterrence and defence posture to respond to the threats and challenges stemming from Russia.

Given the principles mentioned earlier, we must reject Russia’s attempts to undermine European security in the strongest possible way. The division of spheres of influence, the restrictions on national sovereignty, and self-determination are harmful to European and Transatlantic security.

The only condition for dialogue must be based on real de-escalation and Russia refraining from massive build-up near Ukraine. Russia’s aggression in and around Ukraine cannot be tolerated or legitimised. The NATO dialogue with Russia must be conditions, not calendar-driven. NATO-Russia engagement depends on Russia’s willingness to engage in a constructive dialogue, but it cannot lead to business as usual. NATO must sustain and strengthen its deterrence and defence adaptation by pursuing dialogue with Russia.

In light of these dangerous trends, we must remain united, work together to strengthen the transatlantic partnership and increase the role of NATO. Therefore, to show the unity of the Alliance against the aforementioned threats, we call on you to support the position set out above.

Text of the appeal (in English)

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Riigikogu discussed increasing the base amount of the pension

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

The Bill that provides for a EUR 20 increase in the base amount of pension and the national pension from 1 January 2023 passed the second reading at the sitting today.

The Bill on Amendments to the State Pension Insurance Act (466 SE), initiated by the Government, provides that after increasing the base amount, the amount of pension for 44 work years would be close to EUR 611.

From 1 April 2021, the amount of pension for the same number of work years is EUR 552.38. The current rate of national pension is EUR 255.18. The national pension is intended for persons who do not meet the pension qualifying period requirement (15 years) by the time they reach the old age pension age.

Currently, the base amount of pension is EUR 235. All pensioners have the equal base amount of pension; this is supplemented by the part calculated on the basis of years of pensionable service, the insurance part, and the combined part, which are different for each person and depend on their number of work years and size of income.

During the debate, Kersti Sarapuu (Centre Party), Helmen Kütt (Social Democratic Party), Peeter Ernits (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), and Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa) took the floor. Mart Võrklaev took the floor on behalf of the Reform Party Faction.  

The Riigikogu did not support the motion to amend of the Isamaa faction which would have increased the base amount of pension and the national pension by EUR 20 as early as from 1 January 2022. 26 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 40 were against.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)
The video recording of the sitting will be available on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.
(Please note that the recording will be uploaded with a delay.)

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Baltic Assembly discusses security issues

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Today and tomorrow, members of the Estonian Delegation to the Baltic Assembly (BA) and the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) will attend the meeting of the BA Security and Defence Committee in Riga. The meeting will focus on cross-border cooperation and fight against organised crime in the Baltic States.

Member of the Estonian Delegation to the Baltic Assembly Anti Poolamets pointed out that the hybrid attacks of Lukashenka’s regime on Latvia, Lithuania and Poland were currently one of the most important foreign policy issues for the security of the Baltic States. “No workable solutions have yet been found for the activities on the border between Belarus and the European Union. The meeting of the BA Security and Defence Committee will discuss joint solutions that would ensure security and stability in the region,” Poolamets said.

He added that the cooperation of the Baltic States in the fight against organised crime was also an important topic that would be discussed. “Organised crime is considered one of the main security threats to the people of the European Union, besides that, the number of organised crime groups is growing in the region. We will discuss how to stop criminal activities through enhancing our cooperation,” Poolamets explained.

Chairman of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu Enn Eesmaa said that one of the issues on the agenda of the meetings in Riga would be drafting a plan for effective border control in the Baltic States in crisis situations. Establishing of the early warning procedure for closing of the borders of the Baltic States, which will reduce the risk of uncoordinated activities and ensure the continuation of the daily life of the citizens in border regions, will also be spoken about. “At the meeting, we will also hear the reports of the representatives of Governments on the implementation of the recommendations of the BA in the areas of security threats, preparedness of society to respond to crises, and cross-border cooperation with Poland,” Eesmaa added.

Deputy Chairman of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu Leo Kunnas and member of the Committee Mati Raidma will also participate in the meeting of the BA Security and Defence Committee.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces visited Estonia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

The Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces, General Timo Kivinen, visited Estonia on 18 January 2022. The visit was be hosted by Estonia’s Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Martin Herem.

During his visit, General Kivinen discussed the international security situation and defence cooperation between Estonia and Finland.

„Visit to Estonia was important. Direct personal meetings made it possible to discuss thoroughly international security situation and bilateral defence cooperation,“ said General Kivinen.

„Finnish and Estonian Defence Forces have been, are and will remain strong and close partners. We have a common understanding of the security situation in our region and how to maintain our defence capabilities even in a complicated security situation,“ said Lieutenant General Herem.

The visit was accompanied by meetings with Estonian Defence Minister Kalle Laanet and Finnish Ambassador Timo Kantola. General Kivinen also visited NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and got an overview of Estonian Defence League activities.

PHOTOS

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

The Riigikogu discussed the heating problems relating to private houses

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

At its today’s sitting, the Riigikogu heard replies to two interpellations.

The Minister of the Environment Erki Savisaar replied to the interpellation concerning the encouragement to phase out wood-stove heating in private houses (No. 99), submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Siim Pohlak, Martin Helme, Riho Breivel, Kalle Grünthal, Anti Poolamets, Kert Kingo, Urmas Reitelmann, Leo Kunnas, Helle-Moonika Helme, Henn Põlluaas, Alar Laneman, Merry Aart, Mart Helme, Uno Kaskpeit and Paul Puustusmaa.

The interpellators wished to know whether the encouragement to phase out wood-stove heating was the initiative of the Government or if it arose from the European Union guidelines.

They also wished to know the minister’s assessment of what impact the phasing out of wood-stove heating would have on people’s readiness to cope on their own with various crises, for example in the event long-term power cuts.

Savisaar explained that the discussion concerned a subsidy for replacement of heating appliances with or their renovation to lower-emission or more environmentally-friendly heating appliances. The issue of phasing out wood-stove heating is not and has never been on the agenda in the European Union. “All such suggestions are a speculation,” Savisaar emphasised. He said that the Ministry of the Environment was currently developing a support measure that aimed to improve air quality. “We are speaking of a support measure that will be funded from the European Regional Development Fund and the aims of which are more sustainable energy consumption, renewable energy and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” the minister noted.

Savisaar pointed out that there would be no need to phase out wood-stove heating. “It is true that wood-heating stoves emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. However, wood-heating is still recognised as a green energy source,” the minister said. He underlined the simple fact that trees capture carbon dioxide as they grow. If a tree is burnt in the stove, the amount of carbon dioxide released is exactly equal to what it would have been if the tree had decayed in the forest. “The problem with wood-heating is the emission from the chimney, especially in densely populated areas like cities,” the minister noted.

“Those who wish to replace an old stove have the alternatives of acquiring a new stove, renovating the old stove, connecting to district heating, replacing the existing stove by an air-to-water heat pump and transition to geothermal energy,” Savisaar described the solutions. In his opinion, there are several options. The solutions depend on personal wishes and the regional specifics.

With the planned measure, the support will be channelled to densely populated areas where local heating is the main source of heating and problems with air quality are the greatest. There is a huge difference between correct and incorrect heating. “Incorrect heating causes large amounts of smoke, soot and fine particles, and the smell and acidic smoke spread around in the neighbourhood. With skilful knowledge, it is possible to greatly reduce emissions from all types of stoves and furnaces. It is necessary to acquire high-quality firewood and to get to know the process of burning wood in your stove,” Savisaar explained.

The Minister of Education and Research Liina Kersna replied to the interpellation concerning serious changes to nursery education (No. 106).

During the open microphone, Heiki Hepner, Aivar Kokk, Tarmo Kruusimäe and Peeter Ernits took the floor.

The sitting ended at 6.29 p.m.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu adopted a statement in support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

The Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) adopted a statement in support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine, initiated by 28 members of the Riigikogu. The Statement of the Riigikogu calls on all nations to unconditionally support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

67 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of adopting the Statement.

Text of the statement:

“In 2014, Ukraine fell victim to an unprovoked aggression, the consequences of which have still not been eliminated, and the security threats in Europe are rapidly escalating.

The Riigikogu resolutely condemns the aggression of the Russian Federation targeted against Ukraine. The Riigikogu reiterates its position of 2014 and 2018, condemning the aggressive activities of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea.

The Riigikogu calls on all nations to unconditionally support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The Riigikogu underlines that no country outside the European Union or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has the right to veto regarding the enlargement of these alliances. Ukraine’s membership in international organisations is a decision of Ukraine and these organisations, and third parties have no say in this issue.

The Riigikogu is of the opinion that no decision concerning Ukraine’s sovereignty can be made behind Ukraine’s back. The policy of spheres of influence is over in Europe, and the Riigikogu condemns all attempts to restore spheres of influence in Europe.

The Riigikogu firmly believes that one of the conditions for ensuring lasting peace in Europe is ending the aggression of Russian Federation against Ukraine.”

The Statement of the Riigikogu “In Support of the Territorial Integrity of Ukraine” (501 AE) was submitted by members of the Riigikogu Helir-Valdor Seeder, Heiki Hepner, Priit Sibul, Mihhail Lotman, Urmas Reinsalu, Paul Puustusmaa, Ruuben Kaalep, Leo Kunnas, Urmas Reitelmann, Henn Põlluaas, Rene Kokk, Siim Pohlak, Anti Poolamets, Jaak Valge, Martin Helme, Alar Laneman, Merry Aart, Sven Sester, Tarmo Kruusimäe, Raivo Tamm, Riina Sikkut, Heljo Pikhof, Andres Metsoja, Üllar Saaremäe, Riho Breivel, Indrek Saar, Uno Kaskpeit and Jaak Juske.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Comparison of FINLAND’s and ESTONIA’s power prices – In Estonia the price is 20 times higher!

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet – In Estonia the electricity prices have already been very high for several months. The record was December 7th 2021 when the power price reached as high as 1000 euros per megawatt-hour, i.e. for a kilowatt-hour, before VAT and other taxes (excise + network price) a full euro had to be paid. December’s unusually expensive electricity prices were reflected on January’s bills, which in many cases exceeded people’s monthly income.


Table 1. Power prices in Estonia on December 6th and 7th 2021

Although the valid stock exchange power price is today, on January 13th, more favorable than earlier (almost a week the price has been in the yellow zone), the prices, as compared to Finland, are partly 20 times higher. While a Finnish citizen pays 1.3 euro cents for electricity’s kilowatt-hour, then in Estonia up to 21 euro cents per kilowatt hour must be paid.


Table 2. Comparison of Finland’s and Estonia’s power prices. Today’s (January 13) power prices in Finland (left column) and Estonian prices in the right column.

What can a simple homeowner do in order to alleviate their complicated situation created by the high power price?

1. Observe power prices daily – you will find real time power prices from the power prices LIVE guidelines. Estonia’s power prices are on NordenBladet.ee site and Finland’s power prices are on NordenBladet.fi website. All who have concluded an hour-based tariff electricity package, for you the amount of the bill will depend on the amount of electricity consumed each hour and on the stock exchange price valid during that hour. Thus it is very important to daily observe the hourly power prices!

NordenBladet’s hour-based power prices graph (electricity market’s PRICES GUIDELINE) allows you to easily and conveniently observe power prices and plan the day’s more power consuming activities to a more favorable time zone. The price guideline functions as a traffic light (red light warns that the prices are high and the green light lets you know the prices are in a favorable zone). We define a price favorable when it is up to 10 euro cents per kilowatt hour.

(Those who have a fixed price stock exchange package need not worry, since the kilowatt-hour based price has been fixed for a certain time period and the bill shows a similar kilowatt-hour price every month).

2. Be aware of the amount of home appliances (technology) that are consuming electricity in your home. A long and thorough insight about domestic appliances that consume power can be found HERE. By knowing how much an electric stove, television, washing machine, computer and other home appliances consume energy, you will be able to make decisions that in conclusion will positively be reflected on your electricity bill.

3. It is possible to cut electricity costs by using several saving tips at home – beginning from a simple “switch the lights off” principle to a proper heat insulation of the building. You can find various tips and recommendations on how to limit electricity consumption HERE.

COSAC focuses on achievements and future of the euro

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Today and tomorrow, Deputy Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Raimond Kaljulaid attends the Meeting of Chairpersons of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of the Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) in Paris, France. The main topic of discussion at the meeting will be the achievements and the future of the euro.

“The debate on the achievements and the future of the euro is inspired by the 20th anniversary of the single currency,” Kaljulaid said. “At the meeting, the representatives of the European Union Affairs Committees will have the possibility to present their assessment of the euro in the context of their countries, the euro area and the European Union, and also discuss if the euro area should move today towards greater coordination of the economic policies of its members. Improving of parliamentary control of the functioning of the euro area and strengthening the international role of the euro will be spoken about as well,” the Deputy Chairman added.

The members of national parliaments will also hear about the priorities of the French Presidency and discuss new working methods within COSAC, in particular the creation of new working groups so that the members of national parliaments would have the possibility for more in-depth debate on important issues.

COSAC is a cooperation format that brings together the Committees for Union Affairs of the national parliaments of the 27 Member States of the European Union.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Estonian Navy Officer took command of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Today at the ceremony held in Tallinn, Estonian Navy Officer Commander Ott Laanemets was assigned as the new commander of the NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One and took over the responsibilities from Polish Navy Officer Commander Michal Dziugan.

„I am humbled to take command of SNMCMG1. Me and most Estonian sailors have been deployed to SNMCMG1 many times and SNMCMG1 has been a red thin line through the whole of Estonian Navy’s development, integration to NATO and operating alongside allies. Since establishment in 1973 the tasks of SNMCMG1 have remained the same – provide the Alliance with immediately ready mine countermeasures capability and demonstrate the cohesion of allies. I will do my best to deliver a ready mine countermeasures capability for the Alliance during these challenging times,“ said Commander Ott Laanemets.

The new commander will be responsible for leading the unit and maintaining combat readiness as part of the NATO Response Force. This includes training within the SNMCMG1, exercises with allies, mine countermeasures operations and participation in major NATO exercises.

In accordance with the practice of the ceremony, the new commander’s pennant was hoisted on the new SCMCMG1 staff ship LVNS Virsaitis and the former commander’s pennant was returned to Commander Michal Dziugan.

„Every organization, group is as strong, as the people making it, and we had luck to have within the staff and command platform to meet and to cooperate with amazing people,“ said Commander Michal Dziugan.

In addition to the new commander and its staff, the ceremony was also attended by the Polish ambassador in Estonia Grzegorz Kozłowski, the former commander of SNMCMG1, the previous staff, the crew of the new group’s staff ship LVNS Virsaitis and the crew of the minehunter EML Sakala, which will also be part of the SNMCMG1 this year.

Commander Ott Laanemets has formerly been deployed as the commander of EML Sakala and as the chief of staff of SNMCMG1.

Since 2005, Estonia has contributed to the NATO Mine Countermeasures Group one with staff ships, minehunters and a commander and staff. The minehunters take part of the group annually, the Estonian commander and the staff have previously been a part of SNCMGM1 once in 2016-2017.

PHOTOS

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

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