ESTONIA

Hussar: We need to be aware of the burden of responsibility laid on us by the Constitution

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Hussar sees the Act on shaping next year’s state budget as a key piece of legislation for the whole Estonia. “The government’s proposals this year are aimed at steering the budget towards better balance. The people also expect steps to boost the economy; many of these steps will be based on decisions made in this hall, and we, as MPs, will critically assess the goals”. He added that no one wanted the parliament to blankly block all the procedures; instead, what were expected were results, meaningful debates, and considered decisions.

On the topic of the state budget, the President asked the MPs to consider what kind of role models they planned to be and could they tighten their own belts even more. “The imperative need to balance the revenues and expenses of the Republic of Estonia leads us to the question: what is our own contribution to dramatically cutting the costs? And one of the very few options left to us by the law is deciding about the expense allowance. Every sergeant or schoolteacher knows that teaching is successful only when you can lead by example,” he said.

Legal acts that govern our daily lives must be clear

Hussar pointed out that one of the many tasks of the parliament was to ensure that the legal acts governing the life in Estonia were effective and clear. “Several legal acts are in definite need of unbiased review and further elaboration today. Times have simply moved on and legal texts can also fall behind,” he said.

The President of the Riigikogu referred to the President of the Republic Election Act, which needed to be updated to streamline and refine the election process and make it more inclusive for the public. “Another one waiting for its turn is the Political Parties Act, which has remained on the back burner for years; we need to answer the question whether a political party that has been repeatedly convicted of a criminal offence should lose its allocation from the state budget.” Hussar added that we also needed to solve the issue of the citizens of the aggressor state in the war against Ukraine having the right to vote at local elections.

Hussar invited the MPs to discuss amendments to the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, including clarifications on the work of the committees but also the breaks for debate taken before voting. “We should consider giving the chair of the sitting a certain disciplinary power. Not necessarily as extensive as in the European Parliament where the chair can remove a member from the sitting for repeated disruptions, but definitely something stronger than today. No voter has given to any MP the mandate to bring a noise machine to the Riigikogu plenary hall,” he declared.

Everyone must contribute to security

Hussar’s opening speech also touched on Estonia’s security as the corner stone of our independence. Hussar described how the Ukrainian nation was fighting a war of liberation against Russia for the third year running, not fighting for their own freedom alone but standing on the frontline of the democratic free world. He evoked how the parliaments of the free world have played a critical role in this fight. “The same goes for the Riigikogu, which has made nine statements in support of Ukraine and its people during this war, as well as the pioneering decision to hand over Russia’s frozen assets to Ukraine as compensation for war damages,” he remarked.

It goes without saying that Ukraine’s war for freedom compels us to focus on our own national defence. “We are facing the task of ensuring Estonia’s primary defence and victory-oriented strategy. All of us, every member of the Riigikogu, must explain to our allies that the war against Russia cannot be won without turning the fire power against Russia. And it is clear that every one of us must accept that burden and allocate funding to the national defence,“ said the President of the Riigikogu.

Full text of the speech by the President of the Riigikogu

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

Link uudisele: Hussar: We need to be aware of the burden of responsibility laid on us by the Constitution

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Mihkelson discusses impacts of Russia’s war of aggression with EU colleagues

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Conference will discuss issues relating to illegal migration and protection of the external borders of the EU, as well as further support for Ukraine, including the implications of Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian economy and infrastructure.

Priorities of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy of the EU, and the future Europe and the countries wishing to join the EU will also be spoken about at the Conference. Geopolitical and strategic shifts in the world that have been brought about by the war Russia has launched in Ukraine will be discussed at the Conference as a wider topic.

The interparliamentary conference is held within the framework of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which lasts from 1 July until the end of December. The conference is co-organised by the European Parliament.

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

Link uudisele: Mihkelson discusses impacts of Russia’s war of aggression with EU colleagues

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Jüri Jaanson becomes a member of the Riigikogu

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Board of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) decided that after the resignation of Member of the Riigikogu Siim Kallas, and the resignation of his substitute member Irina Talviste, substitute member Jüri Jaanson would assume the membership of the Riigikogu on 8 September.

Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal
+372 631 6351, +372 5190 2837
gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

Link uudisele: Jüri Jaanson becomes a member of the Riigikogu

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar spoke of the enlargement of the European Union and security with the President of Albania

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

At the meeting, Hussar said that Estonia and Albania were like-minded countries and had excellent cooperation, but it could be tightened even more. President of the Riigikogu confirmed that Estonia was one of the major supporters of the enlargement of the European Union because Estonia could see how much its accession to the EU and NATO had helped it. “We are happy to offer our support and to share our 20-year experience. We know how much work it took to accede to the European Union and to be a member in the first years.”

Security and support to Ukraine was also in focus at the meeting. The parties admitted that countries needed to cooperate and to support Ukraine unwaveringly so that Russia’s war would end in Ukraine’s victory. “We must convince our partners and do everything in our power to support Ukraine. This is necessary not just for Ukraine but for us as well,” Hussar said. The President of Albania pointed out that supporting Ukraine was not alms but an investment in Europe’s security.

The situation in the Western Balkans was also discussed at the meeting. Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson also participated in the meeting, besides Hussar.

This morning, the President of Albania also met with the President of Estonia Alar Karis and laid flowers at the Memorial to the Victims of Communism at Maarjamäe in Tallinn. During his visit, he will also meet with Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur and Mayor of Tallinn Jevgeni Ossinovski. The President will also visit the Estonian e-Governance Academy and the cyber security training centre CR14.

Tomorrow, the Albanian head of state and his wife Armanda Begaj will be in Tartu where they will meet with Mayor Urmas Klaas and visit Tartu University Hospital, the Baltic Defence College, and Tartu Art Museum.

Photos (Author: Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

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

Link uudisele: Hussar spoke of the enlargement of the European Union and security with the President of Albania

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Estonian Division artillery battalion, together with the US HIMARS contingent, visited the Finnish counterpart

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —Last week, Estonian, Finnish and US Artillerymen met at the Satakunta Artillery Regiment in Niinisalo, Finland, to discuss near future and long term cooperation possibilities. “As our firing ranges increase, we may find ourselves in a situation where we have to share targets with our northern neighbours if necessary. Therefore, …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Hussar is taking part in the GLOBSEC Forum in Prague

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Forum will last from Friday to Sunday, including discussions on the security situation in Europe, results of NATO Summit and European Parliament elections, support for Ukraine, US presidential elections, situation in the Middle East, EU enlargement, energy security, and innovation. The 19th Forum emphasises the increasing importance of Central and Eastern Europe in ensuring global stability.

Tonight, Hussar will take part in a panel discussion on the main stage about the state of democracy in Europe. Hussar will be joined in the panel by the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Markéta Pekarová Adamová, the Marshal of the Sejm of Poland Szymon Hołownia, and the Speaker of the Romanian Senate Nicolae Ciucă. Hussar will also have a meeting with the Czech Speaker to discuss cooperation between the two countries as well as continued support to Ukraine.

GLOBSEC is a think tank based in Bratislava, Slovakia; its 2024 Forum will bring together around 1,500 participants from 70 countries. These include major public opinion leaders in European foreign and security policy: heads of state, entrepreneurs, as well as representatives of international organisations, think tanks, and academia.

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

Link uudisele: Hussar is taking part in the GLOBSEC Forum in Prague

Source: Parliament of Estonia

President of the Riigikogu: We need to do our utmost to secure international order

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The President of the Riigikogu evoked the fact that once upon a time Estonia and other Eastern and Central European nations had fallen victims to the murderous deal between Stalin and Hitler, and that without the criminal Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact the tragic deportations would never have happened. Standing at the cenotaph to victims of communism, Hussar said that seeing the name of an ancestor who had been butchered by the red terror carved in the black marble served to alleviate and relieve the grief.

“The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact has been condemned by both the European Parliament and the United States Congress, but I would like to also give credit to those who risked their lives on the Moscow side of the iron curtain to convey information on the national continuity of Estonia under the conditions of occupation,” Hussar said. “This was a constant struggle that eventually united us with the Latvians and Lithuanians —who shared our fate— into the Baltic Way, which was unprecedented in its time and where hundreds of thousands of people demanded an end to the injustice. Ultimately, this took us to our destination.”

Talking about Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Hussar said that the Ukrainian nation and armed forces were exerting themselves to defend their independence and sovereignty. “We need to do our utmost to secure democracy and international order, and Ukraine must win and liberate all its territories,” he stressed. “Our determination can help Ukraine gain the victory. This in turn would create a window of opportunities for the birth of democracy in Russia.”

The Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa Pakosta, British Ambassador Ross Allen, and representatives of the Estonian Institute of Historical Memory and the Estonian Association of Illegally Repressed Persons MEMENTO also spoke at the ceremony in the garden of the Memorial. The programme included a performance by singer Mari Jürjens and a memorial prayer.

The President of the Riigikogu laid a wreath in memory of the victims of totalitarian regimes on behalf of the Estonian nation.

Speech by the President of the Riigikogu (in Estonian)
Photos (Author: Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Video message by the Speakers of Baltic parliaments

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

Link uudisele: President of the Riigikogu: We need to do our utmost to secure international order

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The speakers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania send their greetings on the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Lauri Hussar
The President of the Riigikogu

The Baltic Way is the pre-eminent landmark in the cooperation between Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It is a mark that defines our values and our aspirations. The Baltic Way also spelled out the importance of restoring the independence of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen
The Speaker of the Seimas

The experience of the Baltic Way  is particularly relevant today, as the empire from which we once broke free is threatening to invade our lives again. The potential threats cannot be ignored, we must assess them realistically and prepare accordingly. It is once again important to join hands and to stand as a living, impregnable wall that no aggressor can overcome. As long as we stand together, as we did back then on the Baltic Way, we are invincible.

Daiga Mieriņa
The Speaker of the Saeima

Thirty-five years ago, two million people joined hands to form a human chain stretching from Toompea Castle in Estonia, along the Freedom Monument in Riga, to the Gediminas Tower in Vilnius. We, the Baltic States, succeeded in regaining our freedom. However, freedom is never simply given; it must be secured and protected.

Link uudisele: The speakers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania send their greetings on the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar is meeting his Nordic and Baltic colleagues in Latvia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Speakers talk about offering the broadest possible support to Ukraine, including in the accession process to the European Union. In light of the ongoing Russian aggression, the Speakers discuss imposing and strengthening sanctions, enhancing defence and deterrence in the Nordic and Baltic region, and handling cyberattacks. All this is viewed from the perspective of the role of parliaments in carrying out these actions.

The Speakers also explore the opportunities and challenges posed by AI in parliamentary work and in international security, as well as developing cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic parliaments both within the region and with other countries.

On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way, the Speakers will take part in the flower laying ceremony at the Freedom monument in Riga on Friday.

Nordic-Baltic cooperation, or NB8, has been bringing Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania around the same table since 1992. The first meeting of the NB8 Speakers took place in 1997 in Karlskrona, Sweden.

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

Link uudisele: Hussar is meeting his Nordic and Baltic colleagues in Latvia

Source: Parliament of Estonia

A new rotation of instructors from the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League began training Ukrainians in the United Kingdom.

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —This week, the fourth rotation of instructors from the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League, who will support the training of Ukrainian Armed Forces in the United Kingdom, started as part of the Interflex training mission. “Ukraine’s permanent training support in the form of Interflex in cooperation with …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

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