NordenBladet —Members of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Eerik-Niiles Kross, Indrek Saar and Raivo Tamm participate in the Summer Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg this week. Key items on the agenda include strengthening the decision-making processes, and the issue of Russia’s credentials and voting right.
Member of the Estonian delegation Eerik-Niiles Kross said that, at its Summer Session, PACE focused on a possible amendment of the decision-making processes of the Assembly relating to the credentials and votings of the delegations of member states. “The key item on the agenda is essentially the restoration of the voting right of Russia. Developments that would totally eliminate the possibility to restrict the voting rights of delegations would significantly weaken the authority of PACE, would give an extremely negative signal to the defenders of human rights around the globe and would absurdly be a real prize for Russia,” Kross added.
The topics on the agenda of the PACE Summer Session also include Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination and the rule of law in Malta, combating of violence against women and achieving gender equality, ending of violence against children, and the statement by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children.
The Assembly will also discuss the situation in Syria, post-monitoring dialogue with Bulgaria, the murder of Boris Nemtsov, and the budget of PACE.
PACE will also elect a new Secretary General.
Pace is the oldest international parliamentary assembly in Europe that held its opening session on 10 August 1949. The task of the Council of Europe is to protect the fundamental values of its member states: human rights, the principle of the rule of law, and democracy.
NordenBladet —Members of the European Union Affairs Committee (EUAC) are taking part in the Plenary Meeting of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) in Bucharest, the capital of Romania.
The Chairman of the EUAC Anneli Ott said that it was important for Estonia that the trade relations between the European Union and the USA remained free of stress and that strong trade partners would cooperate in reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO). “For a small country like Estonia, clear global trade rules are very important. The e-trade rules of the Organization are in dire need of updating and our digital state does everything in its power to support smoother internet trade, so that small businesses would also be able to break into the global market with their products,” Ott said.
The Deputy Chairman of the EUAC Riina Sikkut highlighted the European Commission proposal to increase the scientific research and innovation framework programme Horizon Europe to 100 billion euros during the new budgetary period. She pointed out that Estonian researchers have so far been highly successful in participating in the Horizon framework programme. “Our researchers have found that lively international scientific cooperation is one of the guarantors of viability. This improves the quality and visibility of our research institutions, while transnational cooperation generates new ideas and improves information exchange in different fields of research,” Sikkut added.
The COSAC agenda includes the perspectives on international trade relations within the Community and future relations with the United Kingdom, the European Education Area as a driver for common market, innovation based economy, and the role of the national parliaments in supporting the “new economy”. The Prime Minister of Romania will report on the results of the European presidency.
The Plenary Meeting of the COSAC is taking place in Vienna on 24–25 June. Other participants from Estonia are Tarmo Kruusimäe, Anti Poolamets and Urve Tiidus.
NordenBladet —The Chairman of the Security Authorities Surveillance Committee Alar Laneman is taking part in the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum, which focuses on the fight against terrorism.
The Chairman of the Select Committee expects the forum to examine the situation in anti-terrorist activities. “We will discuss the current situation in the fight against terrorism around the world, and ways to support countries in combating terrorism,” the Chairman said.
Laneman said that the parliamentarians would also discuss anti-terrorist strategy. “It is important for countries to exchange experiences and engage in closer cooperation both in preventing and combating terrorism,” he said.
The Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum will take place for the 14th time. The purpose of the forum is to raise awareness on the fight against terrorism. The forum gives parliamentarians across the world an opportunity to learn from the experiences of countries in combating terrorism and funding for terrorism, as well as a place to discuss important security topics more broadly.
NordenBladet —The European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) decided to invite Minister of Finance Mart Helme to give explanations to the Committee about the meeting of the Eurogroup in inclusive format, where the positions of the Minister on reforming the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) did not correspond to the mandate received from the European Union Affairs Committee.
“So far, the European Union Affairs Committee has proceeded from the position approved by the Government that the decisions regarding the ESM are made as it is written down in the existing treaty – unanimously, as a general principle. Only in emergency, when the stability of the whole euro area is threatened and the decision is time-critical, qualified majority voting is used,” Chair of the Committee Anneli Ott said. She added that the assessment of crisis situation was based on the analyses of the European Commission and the European Central Bank.
Deputy Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Riina Sikkut pointed out that abandoning of the unanimity requirement had not been discussed at the meeting of finance ministers last week. “The protective measure of the Single Resolution Fund of the Banking Union, which will be established and the limits of which will be decided unanimously, was discussed. Payments from it are made by a majority vote only in emergency, when the speed of decision-making is decisive. Such decisions can be made only within the framework that has been unanimously established earlier,” Sikkut said.
At its sitting on 10 June, the European Union Affairs Committee supported the positions regarding the ESM reform that had been agreed upon at the sitting of the Government on 22 November 2018. Pursuant to § 1524 of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, the European Union Affairs Committee, acting in the name of the Riigikogu, has the right to take a position, and the Government is obligated to adhere to it. If the Government fails to do so, it must at the earliest opportunity explain its reasons to the European Union Affairs Committee.
Today, the European Union Affairs Committee again discussed the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) reform in connection with Estonia’s positions at the coming Euro Summit. Prime Minister Jüri Ratas gave the Committee an overview of Estonia’s positions, and said that Estonia has supported finding a balanced solution in the decision process of ESM loans. In the opinion of the Prime Minister, it should be possible to make the decisions regarding the granting of loans to the Single Resolution Fund in cases of emergency, in a big crisis, sufficiently fast, but taking into account the competences arising from the constitutions of Member States. The European Union Affairs Committee supported the positions of the Government.
NordenBladet —President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Henn Põlluaas and President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović acknowledged at their meeting today that Estonia and Croatia were close by their common values and world view, and stood for the rules-based world order.
“The relations between our two countries are excellent,” Põlluaas said. “Although we are not neighbours, our histories have a lot in common, and we have common values that we share.”
Future of the European Union, the work of the European Parliament, which was elected in spring, and the formation of the new European Commission were spoken about at the meeting. The relations between the Balkan countries were also discussed.
Põlluaas pointed out at the meeting that tourism played an important role in the relations between Estonia and Croatia. “Already now, Croatia is a well-known destination country for the Estonian tourists, and we would be very happy to welcome more Croatian tourists in Estonia,” Põlluaas said.
Põlluaas thanked Croatia for their support at the UN Security Council voting, and praised the excellent cooperation of the two countries in the European Union and NATO. He expressed hope that Croatia would join the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence located in Estonia before the end of this year.
The President of Croatia gave an overview of the plans of her country for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will take place in the first half of 2020, and said that Croatia would like to learn from Estonia’s experience. Croatia’s priorities include the development of economy and the challenges to education, and also the security of the European Union.
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Enn Eesmaa also participated in the meeting. He pointed out that Estonia supported further enlargement of the European Union and the open doors policy. In his opinion, the European Union will not be ready before all Balkan countries that wish to accede are members of the Union.
NordenBladet —At the meeting of President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Henn Põlluaas and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Pekka Haavisto, the internal political situation in both countries after parliamentary elections, and the issues relating to the formation of coalitions and the government starting its work were spoken about.
Põlluaas gave an overview of the work of the Estonian Parliament during its first months, and highlighted some decisions that had been adopted, including the Act on the reduction of alcohol excise duty, which would have an impact on the Estonian economy both from the north and from the south.
Haavisto welcomed the election of Estonia as the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and considered it an achievement. Põlluaas and Haavisto agreed that it would provide Estonia an opportunity to make itself known around the world. “It will give us a possibility to take part in solving important international problems,” Põlluaas emphasised.
Current problems of the European Union that relate to Brexit and the disagreements of some countries in several key issues were also touched upon at the meeting. It was also admitted that in spite of the differences of opinion, the EU continued to function and tried to solve its problems through negotiations. The new composition of the recently elected European Parliament and the new nominees for the European Commission both from Estonia and Finland were also spoken about at the meeting. Discussion of the topics relating to the European Union was relevant for Finland’s coming Presidency of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Enn Eesmaa, who participated in the meeting, underlined the excellent relations between the two countries. This is attested by the regular meetings of parliamentary committees and parliamentary groups.
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.