President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas is on a official visit to Sweden with his Latvian and Lithuanian counterparts to celebrate the 30th anniversary of re-establishing of diplomatic relations between Sweden and Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
The visit will begin today with a seminar and parliamentary meetings in the Riksdag, the Parliament of Sweden. Tomorrow, the Speakers of the Parliaments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will have an audience with His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
The Speakers will also have meetings with Minister of Defence of Sweden Peter Hultqvist and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde as well as with President of the City Council of Stockholm Cecilia Brinck. They will visit the Swedish armed forces in Enköping and Uppsala University. There will also be a meeting with Governor of the Uppsala Province Göran Enander.
On Saturday, the Estonian delegation will lay a wreath at the MS Estonia Ferry Disaster Memorial in Djurgård in Stockholm and at the Freedom Gate monument to the Estonian boat refugees who fled to Sweden at the end of WW II. After that, they will meet with the Estonian community in Sweden.
The celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the renewal of diplomatic relations will culminate at noon on Saturday with the Baltic Day in Sollentuna, where President of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas will also make a speech. The Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian singers and folk dancers will perform. Estonia will be represented by the Estonian dance group Virvel from Stockholm.
Chairman of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu Enn Eesmaa and Chair of the Estonia-Sweden Parliamentary Group Yoko Alender accompany the President of the Riigikogu on the visit.
At today’s sitting, the Riigikogu passed an Act that provides as unfair trading practices transactions and activities that are connected to payment periods, supply, and sale conditions, and that are prohibited between buyers and sellers in the agricultural products and food supply chain.
In the Act on the Prevention of Unfair Trading Practices in the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain (377 SE), initiated by the Government, sixteen unfair trading practices have been listed, nine of which are prohibited in any case. For example, the buyer must not unilaterally change the terms of a supply agreement, cancel orders at such short notice that a supplier cannot reasonably be expected to find an alternative means of commercialising or using the products, threaten to carry out acts of commercial retaliation against the supplier, etc.
The remaining seven unfair trading practices are prohibited unless they have been previously agreed in clear and unambiguous terms. For example, if the supply contract includes no written agreement on covering the cost of discount of an agricultural product or food, demanding compensation for such costs from the seller is considered an unfair trade practice. Such transactions do not give rise to any legal consequences and are void from their inception.
Supervision over trade practices will fall in the remit of the Competition Authority. The Competition Authority will also have to publish a relevant report and, by 15 March every year, submit to the European Commission an overview on the application of the requirements of the Act and on the ensurance of compliance therewith.
Liability is also provided for infringement of the prohibition on unfair trading practices. A fine of up to EUR 1,200 or detention is provided for natural persons and a fine of up to EUR 400,000 for legal persons.
The aim of the Act is to protect suppliers of agricultural and food products against unfair trading practices by buyers. The Act transposes the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain.
During the debate, Ivari Padar (Social Democratic Party) and Aivar Kokk (Isamaa) took the floor.
90 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the passing of the Act and one was against.
A Bill passed the second reading
Under the Bill on Amendments to the Restrictions on Acquisition of Immovables Act (365 SE), initiated by the Government, state foundations established to support enterprise in rural areas will be included in the list of persons connected with the state in respect of whom the restrictions on the acquisition of agricultural land and forest land are not applied. As a result of the amendment, such foundations will no longer need to apply for authorisation from the municipal council before buying land. The aim is to reduce bureaucracy, in order to better support agricultural producers and rural businesses who are facing difficulties due to the crisis.
Under the Bill, citizens of the United Kingdom and legal persons whose seat is in the United Kingdom will continue to be exempt from the application of the restrictions arising from national defence reasons in the event of acquisition of immovables.
During the debate, Eduard Odinets (Social Democratic Party), Mihhail Stalnuhhin (Centre Party) and Riho Breivel (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) took the floor.
The Social Democratic Party Faction moved to suspend the second reading of the Bill. Nine members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 70 voted against. Thus, the motion was not supported and the second reading of the Bill was concluded.
A draft Resolution passed the first reading
The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Appointment of a Member to the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group Monitoring the Activities of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation” (405 OE), submitted by the Legal Affairs Committee, provides for the appointment of Urve Tiidus as a member of the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group monitoring the activities of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation.
By its earlier Resolution, the Riigikogu appointed Uno Kaskpeit and Kalle Laanet as members of the scrutiny group. In connection with the suspension of the mandate of Member of the Riigikogu Kalle Laanet due to his appointment as a member of the Government, the Legal Affairs Committee made a proposal to appoint Member of the Riigikogu Urve Tiidus as a member of the scrutiny group to replace Kalle Laanet.
Based on the relevant Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council, the scrutiny of Europol’s activities is carried out by the European Parliament together with national parliaments. This constitutes a specialised Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group (JPSG) established together by the EU national parliaments and the competent committee of the European Parliament. The main task of the JPSG is to politically monitor Europol’s activities in fulfilling its mission, including as regards the impact of those activities on the fundamental rights and freedoms of natural persons.
A Bill was dropped from the proceedings
The Bill on Amendments to the Penal Code (373 SE), initiated by the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Faction, was intended to establish three-to-twelve-year imprisonment for natural persons, and a pecuniary punishment or compulsory dissolution for legal persons, as a punishment for forced vaccination.
During the debate, Tiiu Aro (Reform Party), Viktor Vassiljev (Centre Party), Mihhail Lotman (Isamaa) and Mart Helme (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) took the floor.
The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 51 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 18 voted against. Thus, the motion was supported and the Bill was dropped from the legislative proceedings.
The first reading of a draft Resolution was adjourned due to the end of the sitting
The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Formation of the Riigikogu Committee of Investigation to Ascertain the Legality and Proportionality of the Police Operation in the City Centre of Tallinn in April 2021” (379 OE), submitted by the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Faction, provides for the formation of a Riigikogu committee of investigation to ascertain the legality and proportionality of the conduct of the Police and Border Guard Board and other power structures in order to preclude arbitrary and unlawful restriction of constitutional civil liberties.
Due to the end of the working hours of the sitting, the following was postponed to tomorrow’s sitting
The first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Status of Members of the Riigikogu Act (396 SE), initiated by the Social Democratic Party Faction and Member of the Riigikogu Raimond Kaljulaid.
The Riigikogu should carry forward, develop, but also safeguard and protect the pillars of the democratic and parliamentary state that are set out in the Constitution, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas said in his speech to his colleagues at the Opening Sitting of the Autumn Session.
“This is the Estonia that is built on freedom, justice and law, this is the country of our fathers where the preservation of the Estonian nation, language, and culture is ensured throughout the ages. A country where the highest power is invested in the people,” Ratas emphasised. “I firmly believe that these values provide the framework and the content to our discussions and debates during the autumn session like always.”
The President of the Riigikogu thinks that the work of the Parliament during this session must be even more geared towards a dialogue with each and every person living in Estonia. “A dialogue about how our people cope, feel secure, how our nation would survive, about both mental and physical health, education, economy, this exhausting corona virus, and international situation,” Ratas explained.
In his opinion, it is possible to have a dialogue only if talking and listening are balanced. “I believe that this will help to pacify our society, improve relations, and increase our faith in our future. We need all this in our complicated world and in Estonia very much,” Ratas said.
Ratas underlined that the decisions made to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic had to remain a priority also in the Riigikogu. He said that the objective was clear – a society that is as open as possible and where the people’s health is ensured.
Ratas set out the construction and renovation of cultural facilities of national importance, the Education Sector Development Plan for the next 15 years and the next year’s state budget as the topics that would be discussed during the Autumn Session. He added that supported the debate and expanding of the Riigikogu’s decision-making competence in regard to the state budget. President of the Riigikogu also considers it important to hold a political debate on the procedure for the election of the President.
In his speech, Ratas analysed the alarming international geopolitical situation. “The latest events in Afghanistan and on the Belarus border clearly demonstrate how important it is to build a strong democratic state and to foster allied relations,” Ratas said.
The President of the Riigikogu spoke of the local government elections as well. He invited everybody to participate in the elections and to fulfil their civic duty.
President of the Republic Kersti Kaljulaid also delivered a speech at the first regular sitting of the 6th session of the 14th Riigikogu. The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste, created the festive spirit at the Opening Sitting. After the festive part, the work of the Riigikogu continued with the agenda for the working week.
At its today’s sitting, the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) discussed the impact of the illegal migration pressure originating from Belarus on Lithuania and Latvia, and found that Estonia should learn from the experience of its neighbours and increase its preparedness for preventing possible illegal immigration.
Chairman of the Committee Enn Eesmaa said that Estonia had helped Lithuania from the beginning of the migration pressure by sending both equipment and people. Estonia has contributed altogether more than 900,000 euro.
In the opinion of the Deputy Chairman of the Committee Leo Kunnas, Estonia had to make preparations so that the situation of Lithuania would not be repeated here. “The situation has changed a lot, and at present our existing plan, according to which the construction of the South-Eastern border had to be completed by 2026, is no longer appropriate,” Kunnas underlined. “Estonia has to change its current plan. It is also necessary to establish a crisis reserve, because we may need that one day.”
Minister of the Interior Kristian Jaani, who gave explanations at the sitting, assured the National Defence Committee that the works for fortifying the external border of Estonia were continued actively. Currently, active preparation and construction works are simultaneously conducted on a nearly 60 km long section of the external border. He added that if necessary, it was possible to build temporary obstacles in cooperation with the Defence Forces.
Jaani also remarked that in the current situation, not only the migration pressure from Belarus on Latvia and Lithuania was under discussion, but also Poland was facing increasing challenges. “Today, it is the duty of the Baltic states and Poland to fortify the Belarusian border and to return the people who have illegally entered these countries to their homeland,” Jaani said.
Undersecretary for Defence Readiness of the Ministry of Defence Meelis Oidsalu also replied to the questions of the members of the National Defence Committee.
Today and tomorrow, the Estonian delegation to the Baltic Assembly is in Lithuania to participate in the meetings of the Presidium of the Assembly, the Budget and Audit Committee and the Consultative Council, where the refugee crisis on the borders of the Baltic countries arising from foreign policy tensions is discussed among other issues.
The BA Presidium will meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis, the current Chairman of the Baltic Council of Ministers (BCM), to discuss the cooperation between the BCM and the BA, and the implementation of the recommendations made to the Governments. In addition, a statement regarding Belarus will be discussed.
Head of the Estonian Delegation to the BA Aadu Must said that, against the background of international discord, tensions had increased significantly in the Baltic region, and the pressure on Lithuania and Latvia was of particular concern. “The Baltic countries must not submit to the migration pressure caused by Belarus, and in order to manage the crisis on the border, it is necessary to act together and to find workable solutions together,” Must said.
Among the scheduled meetings, member of the delegation Andres Metsoja highlighted the Consultative Council due tomorrow, where the Chairman of the BA Natural Resources and Environment Committee would report on the activities of the Committee, and circular economy would be one of the issues under discussion. “Circular economy is one of the key priorities of Baltic cooperation that helps turn environment problems into economic opportunities. As natural resources are limited, it is important to find a sustainable way to use them that will benefit both the consumer and the business. At the same time, it will be beneficial for the environment and the country as a whole,” Metsoja said.
In addition, Lithuania as the current Presidency of the BA will report on its activities in the Presidium and committees, and Latvia will present its priorities and plans as the next year’s Presidency.
The Estonian delegation also includes Erki Savisaar and Signe Kivi.
The Baltic Assembly is a consultative cooperation organisation of the parliaments of the three Baltic States, which discusses issues of mutual interest. A 12-member delegation of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) represents Estonia in the Assembly.
The President of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas is attending the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Vienna today and tomorrow.
The two-day conference focuses on priorities that need prompt international parliamentary action, including international response to the pandemic and post-COVID recovery, climate change, fight against disinformation, involvement of youth in politics, and gender equality.
Today, the President of the Riigikogu is having bilateral meetings with the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia Kakha Kuchava, and the Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova.
On Wednesday, Ratas will speak in a panel discussion on balancing the openness, transparency and accessibility of parliaments with security. Ratas will explain to his colleagues how openness works in the daily work of the Riigikogu, and summarise its efforts during the COVID pandemic, with emphasis on the importance of cyber security and cyber hygiene next to physical security.
The 5th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament brings to Vienna, Austria, the largest number of high-level representatives in the world: 110 speakers of parliament. This is the first interparliamentary meeting in person since the beginning of the COVID-pandemic. The Conference was preceded on Monday by the Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament, and it will be followed on Thursday by a parliamentary meeting on fight against terrorism.
At its extraordinary session today, the Riigikogu elected Alar Karis President of the Republic. 72 members of the Riigikogu supported him at the secret ballot.
80 members of the Riigikogu participated in the second round of voting. Eight ballot papers were unmarked.
To be elected, the candidate for President needed a two-thirds majority of votes of the membership of the Riigikogu, that is, the support of at least 68 members of the Riigikogu.
59 members of the Riigikogu from the Estonian Centre Party Faction and the Estonian Reform Party Faction had nominated Alar Karis again for the second round of voting.
In the first round yesterday, Karis received the support of 63 members of the Riigikogu. 79 members participated in the voting then. 16 ballot papers were unmarked.
The newly elected President of the Republic Alar Karis thanked the Riigikogu for the votes that had been cast for him.
“I would like to thank everyone who voted for me, as well as those who did not. I promise to be a good partner to the Riigikogu. Thank you very much,” Karis said.
Photos(Author: Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu)
At today’s extraordinary session of the Riigikogu, Alar Karis was not elected in the first round of the election of the President of the Republic.
63 members of the Riigikogu voted for him. The support of at least 68 members was required.
59 members of the Riigikogu from the Estonian Centre Party Faction and the Estonian Reform Party Faction had nominated Alar Karis.
79 members of the Riigikogu participated in the voting. 16 ballot papers were unmarked.
The extraordinary session of the Riigikogu will continue tomorrow, on 31 August, at 12 noon in the Riigikogu session hall. The nomination of candidates for President of the Republic will begin at the premises of the National Electoral Committee at Toompea 1, Tallinn, tomorrow, on 31 August, at 8 a.m., and will end at 10 a.m. The National Electoral Committee will register the candidates for President of the Republic before the beginning of the second round of voting.
Photos: (Author: Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu)
Today, the European Union Affairs Committee convened for an extraordinary sitting to discuss Estonia’s readiness to receive individuals caught in a dangerous situation in Afghanistan. The Committee agreed that the Government resolution to receive those in need of help is absolutely necessary, and expressed its support to it.
The Chairman of the Committee Riina Sikkut pointed out that the current situation in Afghanistan is extremely volatile, which is why the Government decided at its meeting yesterday to resettle or relocate up to 30 individuals in need of international protection from Afghanistan to Estonia. “Taliban’s rise to power is a threat to human rights, especially the rights of women and girls, and to the lives of those who cooperated with NATO and the previous authorities of Afghanistan. This is why it is crucial for Estonia to show willingness to help these people, and to act fast,” Sikkut said.
Member of the Committee Oudekki Loone said that checking the backgrounds of those arriving in Estonia is undoubtedly important, as is interviewing them, but that this must be conducted in a way that does not slow down the process of extracting them from Afghanistan. “The first priority is to evacuate the individuals at risk – we have very little time left for helping them out of the country,” she stressed. Loone explained that Estonia is giving priority to our immediate collaborators who now find themselves in danger. “By receiving these individuals, we are proving that Estonia can be taken seriously: we care about our cooperation partners and refuse to leave them behind in difficult circumstances,” Loone said. She added that we are very capable of integrating 30 individuals into the Estonian society, and take their needs into consideration.
As of yesterday, 31 individuals had applied for help from Estonia. The background checks will be conducted by the Police and Border Guard Board, who will make the final decision on granting international protection. The plan is to bring the individuals at risk to Estonia under the Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens, which means that they can be either resettled directly from a third country, or be relocated from another European Union Member State.
The European Union Affairs Committee decided to support the decision of the Government, according to which Estonia will receive up to five NATO collaborators, and their family members; up to five European Union collaborators, and their family members; and up to 20 individuals, and their family members, who have worked in Afghanistan together with Estonian organisations and have helped in carrying out Estonia’s foreign policy objectives in Afghanistan.
The participants at the sitting also emphasised how important it was to help the countries around Afghanistan, such as Iran and Pakistan, to support their ability to better protect those fleeing the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Eva-Maria Liimets and Minister of the Interior Kristian Jaani also attended the sitting, as did the Head of the Citizenship and Migration Policy Department of the Ministry of the Interior Ruth Annus, and National Security and Defence Coordination Director of the Government Office Indrek Sirp.
The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson, the President of the Estonia-Ukraine Parliamentary Group Mati Raidma, and member of the delegation to the PACE Raivo Tamm are on a visit to Ukraine until Wednesday, to take part in the inaugural event of the Crimea Platform, the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, and to visit Ukraine’s marine border near Mariupol.
Chairman Mihkelson explained that the objective of the Crimea Platform is to ensure the end of occupation in Crimea, which makes it an extremely welcome initiative. “Even on the 30th anniversary of restoring independence in Ukraine, the international community should continue keeping a sharp eye on the situation in Crimea, and condemn the illegal annexation of the region by Russia,” the Chairman stressed. “The Platform gives the democratic community the opportunity to come together in support of the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
Today, the schedule of the delegation includes participation in the expert forum of the Crimea Platform, to discuss the rights of the Crimean Tatars, reintegration of Crimes, non-recognition of annexation, and security threats in the Azov Sea and Black Sea region. They will also take part in the extraordinary session of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada and a cultural programme dedicated to the inauguration of the Crimea Platform.
Tomorrow, the visit will continue with the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. On Wednesday, they are to visit Mariupol and the marine border areas in the vicinity of the town.
