NordenBladet —President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Henn Põlluaas delivered a speech in memory of the victims the June Deportation and laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Estonia at the Memorial to the Victims of Communism at Maarjamäe in Tallinn.
The President of the Riigikogu said at the memorial ceremony that today we bowed our heads, thinking of those who perished in the communist repressions or fell fighting for our country, our people and the future of Estonia. In his speech, he recalled all the victims. “Grandmothers, grandfathers, mothers, fathers, children and grandchildren. We will never forget them! As long as these crimes are justified, and not regretted, it is not possible to forgive,” Põlluaas said.
“But we survived and restored our state. It is our duty to tell about those events to the coming generations and to the whole world, and do everything we can to ensure that such horrors would never happen again,” Põlluaas added.
“Estonia, a small country with a population of one million, lost nearly every fifth of its inhabitants, almost every family was touched by violence,” Põlluaas said. He recalled that his family, too, had been deported in 1945. “My mother and her sisters were still children. My grandfather was executed in Patarei Prison in 1946 as a traitor. Because what else a pastor and an Estonian man who had been forced by circumstances to fight for Estonia’s freedom in a foreign uniform could be in the eyes of the occupants.”
On the night before 14 June 1941, mass deportation took place in Estonia. Soviet repressive authorities deported more than 10,000 people to Siberia. Nearly 6,000 children, women and men died of hunger and exhaustion there, or were executed. On the Day of Mourning, all victims of repressions are commemorated.
NordenBladet — The European Union Affairs Committee elected Riina Sikkut its new Deputy Chair
At its today’s sitting, the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) elected Riina Sikkut as its new Deputy Chair. The new Deputy Chairperson was elected because Sven Mikser took up his seat in the European Parliament. Anneli Ott will continue as the Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee.
Other members of the European Union Affairs Committee are Kalle Grünthal, Heiki Hepner, Kalev Kallo, Tarmo Kruusimäe, Oudekki Loone, Lauri Läänemets, Tõnis Mölder, Kalle Palling, Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, Anti Poolamets, Taavi Rõivas, Aivar Sõerd, Urve Tiidus and Jaak Valge. The Committee has altogether 16 members.
The European Union Affairs Committee is a standing committee of the Riigikogu that has a deciding and coordinating role in the issues relating to the European Union. The Committee gives the mandate to the positions of the Government of the Republic on proposed European Union legislation, and to Estonia’s positions for the meetings of the Council of Ministers of the European Union and the European Council. The positions of the European Union Affairs Committee are mandatory for the Government, and the Government proceeds from them in the discussions held in Europe.
NordenBladet —At today’s last regular plenary sitting of its spring session, the Riigikogu passed the Act that reduces the excise duty rates for beer, cider and strong alcoholic beverages by 25 per cent from 1 July.
The Act on Amendments to the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Duty Act (30 SE), initiated by the Faction Isamaa, the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Faction and the Centre Party Faction, provides for a 25 per cent reduction in excise duty rates for beer, cider and strong alcoholic beverages with the aim of curbing the business in border areas. The explanatory memorandum notes that, with the reduction of excise duty rates for alcoholic beverages, undertakings are given the possibility of reducing the prices of alcoholic beverages in order to take control of the business in alcoholic beverages in the areas of Estonian-Latvian border. When alcoholic beverages become cheaper, the quantities of alcoholic beverages procured in Latvia may decrease and the quantities of alcoholic beverages bought in Estonia may grow, the explanatory memorandum states.
During the second reading, the Finance Committee made an amendment which aimed to prevent the carriage of excise goods on which excise duty has already been paid in Estonia from Estonia to another Member State and back to Estonia from there only for a new lower excise tax to apply. Therefore, the excise duty rate applied in the first release for consumption will be applied to goods that have already been released for consumption in Estonia.
70 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the Act and nine were against.
The Act enters into force on 1 July.
The Riigikogu passed another Act:
The Act on the Denunciation of the European Convention on Spectator Violence and Misbehaviour at Sports Events and in particular at Football Matches (25 SE), initiated by the Government, gives the opportunity to accede to the updated convention. According to the explanatory memorandum, the Convention established over three decades ago is outdated by now and no longer provides sufficient solution to football-related violence. Adherence to the Convention may in some cases even increase the risks relating to safety and security at football matches, for example disproportionate use of riot police. In 2016, a newer and updated convention was drafted in the Council of Europe which also focuses on security and good services at matches, besides managing violence. In order that Estonia could accede to the newer convention, it is necessary to denounce the earlier agreement.
77 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the Act, and there were no votes against.
At today’s sitting, Jaak Juske and Lauri Läänemets took their oaths of office. They assumed membership of the Riigikogu in connection with resignation of Marina Kaljurand and Sven Mikser.
NordenBladet — At today’s plenary sitting, the Bill intended to reduce the excise duty rates for beer, cider and strong alcoholic beverages by 25 per cent in order to curb the business in border areas passed the second reading.
The explanatory memorandum to the Bill on Amendments to the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Duty Act (30 SE), initiated by the Estonian Centre Party Faction, the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Faction and the Faction Isamaa, notes that, with the reduction of alcohol excise, undertakings will be given the possibility of reducing alcohol price in order to take control of the business in the areas of Estonian-Latvian border which intensified in 2015. When alcohol becomes cheaper, the quantities of alcohol procured in Latvia may decrease and the quantities of alcohol bought in Estonia may grow, the explanatory memorandum to the Bill states.
During the second reading, the Finance Committee made an amendment which aimed to prevent the carriage of excise goods from Estonia to another Member State and back to Estonia from there only for the purpose of applying for a refund of excise duty. Therefore, the excise duty rate originally applied will be applied to goods that have already been released for consumption in Estonia.
No legislative intent for the Bill has been drawn up because it is an urgent issue of state budget revenue. The action programme for 2019–2023 approved by the Government on 23 May 2019 provides for a reduction in excise duty rates with a view to bringing tax revenues into Estonia.
During the debate, Taavi Rõivas (Reform Party), Aivar Sõerd (Reform Party), Jürgen Ligi (Reform Party), Jüri Jaanson (Reform Party), Helmen Kütt (Social Democratic Party), Signe Riisalo (Reform Party), Andres Sutt (Reform Party) and Tarmo Kruusimäe (Isamaa) took the floor.
The Riigikogu supported the proposal of the Chancellor of Justice
The Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise made a proposal to the Riigikogu to bring the Code of Misdemeanour Procedure into conformity with the Constitution. The Chancellor of Justice explained that, at the moment, there is no regulation in the Code of Misdemeanour Procedure that would allow a person who suffers damage due to a misdemeanour to examine the information that is collected in the misdemeanour procedure and that is needed to protect his or her rights A person who suffers damage in a misdemeanour can apply for compensation by court proceedings under civil procedure, and for that, evidence concerning the causing of damage and the extent of the damage must be submitted.
The Chancellor of Justice pointed out that the Code of Misdemeanour Procedure was in conflict with subsection 13 (1), § 14, subsection 15 (1), § 25 and subsection 44 (3) of the Constitution in their conjunction. According to the Constitution, everyone is entitled to protection from the state and the law, has the right of recourse to the courts to protect his or her rights, and is entitled to request compensation for intangible as well as tangible harm that he or she has suffered because of unlawful actions. Any citizen of Estonia is also entitled to access information about himself or herself held by government agencies and local authorities.
80 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the proposal of the Chancellor of Justice. Under § 152 of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, the chair of the sitting instructed the Legal Affairs Committee to introduce a Bill to bring the Code of Misdemeanour Procedure into conformity with the Constitution.
The Riigikogu passed a Resolution
Under the Resolution of the Riigikogu “Appointment of Members of the Supervisory Board of the Guarantee Fund” (32 OE), submitted by the Finance Committee, Dmitri Dmitrijev and Aivar Sõerd were appointed as members of the Supervisory Board. The objective of the Guarantee Fund is to guarantee protection of funds deposited by clients of credit institutions, clients of investment institutions and unit-holders of mandatory pension funds, and to thereby increase the reliability and stability of the financial sector. The highest directing body of the Guarantee Fund is the supervisory board. Of the nine members of the board, two are appointed by the Riigikogu on the proposal of the Finance Committee.
71 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the Resolution.
At today’s sitting, member of the Riigikogu Siim Kiisler and justices of the Supreme Court Kaupo Paal and Kai Kullerkupp took their oaths of office.
NordenBladt – The Medieval Days are one of the most important annual events of the Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union* since the year 2000. The Medieval Days take place in Tallinn’s Old Town every year on the first full week of July from Thursday to Sunday.
During the Medieval Days you are able to feel the atmosphere of the flourishing Hanseatic era. A large medieval market is set up in the Town Hall Square with merchants and workshops. Musicians and dancers from near and far take the stage. A medieval procession opens the event followed by various workshops, excursions and theatre performances. The children’s area is situated on the Niguliste hill where children are able to participate in workshops, knight tournaments and other exciting activities.
Medieval Days will take place from 11h to 14th of July AD 2019
MEDIEVAL VILLAGE
KNIGHT TOURNAMENT
MASTERS COURT OF St. CATHERINES CHURCH
MEDIEVAL MARKET
11 July 5 p.m. The opening procession starting from the Viru Gate
12 July 2 p.m. Award ceremony for the best craftsmen On the Town Hall Square
13 July 11:30 The start of tournament of Reval on the Town Hall Square
12 p.m.–6 p.m. The tournament of Reval on the Niguliste hill. Swordfighters will find out who is the best.
14 July The programme may change. Handicraft market is open and workshops take place at the Town Hall Square every day. Mediaeval village on the Niguliste hill.
Organiser – Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union
The cultural programme is organised by the Hopner House
______________________________ * Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union is established in 1929 (abolished during the Soviet occupation) and re-established 1992. Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union is a non-profit organization that brings together regional folk art and craft organisations as well as individual craftsmen and craftswomen. The aim of the Union is to value, preserve and develop the traditions of Estonian handicraft and to treasure the regional characteristics of these traditions. The Union works to preserve folk craft as a cultural phenomenon as well as a source of subsistence.
In order to reach these objectives the Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union:
– represents and unites individuals and organisations connected to handicraft in Estonia and in the rest of the world; – organises handicraft fairs and workshops, including Estonia’s largest traditional handicraft event, the St. Martin’s Day Fair in November and the Medieval Market in July; – organises courses for the regional coordinators, small handicraft entrepreneurs and others; – organises handicraft competitions and exhibitions; – publishes a newsletter twice a year and various other information materials and books on handicraft traditions; – various other activities.
NordenBladet —Chairman of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Andres Metsoja and member of the Committee Johannes Kert attend the security forum of the national defence committees of the parliaments of the Baltic States and Nordic Countries and Poland in Sweden. The forum will focus on strengthening the security of the region.
The topics on the agenda of the meeting include discussions on creating resilience in societies, and on developing the European Defence Fund.
“Increasing of the Nordic-Baltic cooperation is extremely necessary, keeping in mind the regional security situation, and it should be developed further,” Metsoja said. “We think that information exchange should be made more effective both in situation awareness and in reacting to potential crises.”
The discussions held today seek an answer to the question what the resilience of society means. Supply security, and cooperation between the states and the defence industry companies will be spoken about.
“It is important to promote the competitiveness and innovation capability of Europe in defence sphere in close cooperation with NATO. We see the need for Defence Fund, and the opportunities for organising research activities in defence industry and cooperation that would develop common defence capabilities,” Kert said.
The participants of the security forum will also get an overview of the developing of defence capability in Sweden.
The annual meetings of the National Defence Committees of the parliaments of the three Baltic States started in Lithuania in 1998. Since 2011, the delegations of the parliaments of the Nordic Countries and Poland have also been taking part in these meetings.
NordenBladet —Today, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) was given an overview of the elections of non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council for 2020–2021, and future activities. The Committee acknowledged the work of the Estonian diplomats during the UN Security Council campaign and admitted that practical work was only beginning.
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Enn Eesmaa said that the diplomats had done a huge job, which also won recognition, but the real work was just starting. He thinks that the Committee is interested in parliamentary level involvement in the development of Estonia’s positions for participating in the work of the UN Security Council. “The Foreign Affairs Committee actively cooperates with the representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Eesmaa emphasised. “We effectively use our role relating to parliamentary control in dealing with various issues.”
Eesmaa added that during the autumn session, the Foreign Affairs Committee would continue discussing the issues of the UN Security Council, and before Estonia took up its seat, the Committee would review Estonia’s positions also by topics. During Estonia’s presidency, there will be regular discussions in accordance with the agenda of the Council.
In the opinion of Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson, it is clear that Estonia’s diplomatic work in the Security Council during the coming two years will be based on the framework of international law and the long-time traditions of Estonian foreign policy.
Mihkelson thinks that the status of non-permanent member will give Estonia the possibility to make itself better known globally. “It should be kept in mind that a large part of the topics concern African and Middle Eastern region, where we ourselves do not have diplomatic representation, or it is very, very small,” Mihkelson said. According to him, one of the critical issues is relating to Iran.
The main topics discussed by the UN Security Council are threats to international peace and security, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, arms control and disarmament, and human rights. Estonia wishes to bring issues relating to cyber security to the attention of the Security Council.
Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Paul Teesalu told the Foreign Affairs Committee about the work of the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2020–2021. He thanked the members of the Riigikogu who had contributed to the campaign and introduced Estonia’s positions.
Teesalu said that the Presidency of the UN Security Council rotated monthly in alphabetical order, which means that Estonia would hold the Presidency of the 15-member Council in both years.
Besides discussions, the main output of the UN Security Council are resolutions. In 2018, the Security Council adopted 54 resolutions and issued 21 presidential statements.
NordenBladet —At today’s sitting, the Riigikogu approved the agenda for the working week, according to which 12 issues will be discussed. At Tuesday’s sitting, member of the Riigikogu Siim Valmar Kiisler, justice of the Supreme Court Kaupo Paal and justice of the Supreme Court Kai Kullerkupp will take their oaths of office.
Thereafter, the proposal of the Chancellor of Justice to bring the Code of Misdemeanour Procedure into conformity with the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia will be discussed. The Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise will make a report.
The Bill on Amendments to the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Duty Act (30 SE) will be at the second reading, and the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Appointment of Members of the Supervisory Board of the Guarantee Fund” (32 OE) will be at the first reading.
At the sitting on Wednesday, the Bill on Amendments to the Waste Act, the Act on Amendments to the Waste Act, and the Act on Amendments to the Waste Act and Other Associated Acts (15 SE) will be at the third reading. The Bill on the Acceptance of the Protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty on the Accession of the Republic of North Macedonia (26 SE) will be at the second reading. Four drafts will be at the first reading. They are the following: the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Formation of the Estonian Delegation to the Interparliamentary Assembly of the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Lithuania” (34 OE); the Bill on Amendments to the Securities Market Act and Other Acts (28 SE); the Bill on Amendments to the Taxation Act, the Courts Act and the Liquid Fuel Act (29 SE), and the Bill on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Government of the United Arab Emirates for Air Services between and beyond their respective Territories (27 SE).
The agenda also includes a report by Kadri Simson, candidate for the European Commission.
The Bill on Amendments to the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Duty Act (30 SE) is scheduled for the third reading at Thursday’s sitting in case the second reading will have been concluded.
The Bill on the Denunciation of the European Convention on Spectator Violence and Misbehaviour at Sports Events and in particular at Football Matches (25 SE) will be at the second reading.
NordenBladet —The Bill on Amendments to the Waste Act, the Act on Amendments to the Waste Act, and the Act on Amendments to the Waste Act and Other Associated Acts, initiated by the Government, which will bring the Waste Act into conformity with European Union law, passed the second reading at today’s plenary sitting of the Riigikogu.
The Bill (15 SE) will amend the Act on the basis of the relevant European Union directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Based on the directive, the Waste Act will be amended by introducing the term “waste electrical and electronic equipment”, and the terms “medical device” and “in vitro diagnostic medical device” will be specified.
The Bill will amend the provisions of the Waste Act on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. It will also amend the provisions concerning the placing on the market thereof which are connected with the hazardous substances used in equipment.
In the European Economic Area, it is prohibited to place on the market electrical and electronic equipment and its components containing lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, cadmium and, starting from 22 July 2019, also certain phthalates.
The Bill will specify the definition of components of electrical and electronic equipment which also covers cables and spare parts for its repair, its reuse, updating of its functionalities or upgrading of its capacity.
The committee made three technical motions to amend the Bill, and moved to include the Bill in the agenda for the sitting of the Riigikogu on 12 June for the third reading.
NordenBladet —At today’s plenary sitting, the Riigikogu formed the Estonian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski is the head of the delegation.
Eerik-Niiles Kross and Jaak Madison are members of the delegation, and Indrek Saar and Raivo Tamm are substitute members.
The explanatory memorandum to the Resolution notes that, according to Article 26 of the statute of the organisation, Estonia as a full member of the Council of Europe has the right to form a three-member delegation to the parliamentary assembly.
The number of the delegation members is proportional to the size of the population. Estonia also has the right to appoint up to three substitute members as necessary.
The membership of the delegation is such as to ensure equitable representation of the various political forces, and women and men, in the Riigikogu.
The substitute members of the delegation are entitled to participate in all sittings of the plenary and committees of the Assembly.
The Estonian delegation has three votes at votings.
Plenary session of the PACE meets four times a year – in January, April, June and September.
The most important documents are legally binding agreements and conventions, and recommendations to the governments of member countries in basic issues of society.
English and French are the official working languages of the Assembly.
82 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the Resolution of the Riigikogu “Formation of the Estonian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe” (16 OE), submitted by the Foreign Affairs Committee.
