ESTONIA

Hele Everaus becomes a member of the Riigikogu; Kaja Kallas and Mart Võrklaev return to parliament

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

As the Prime Minister of the previous Government Kaja Kallas and Minister of Finance Mart Võrklaev were released from their duties as members of the Government, their mandates as members of the Riigikogu will be restored from Wednesday. In connection with that, the mandates of Members of the Riigikogu Irina Talviste and Urve Tiidus will end. The Board of the Riigikogu decided that, since Raimond Tamm who became a member of the Riigikogu resigned before taking an oath of office, substitute member Hele Everaus would become a member of the Riigikogu from Wednesday.

Yesterday the Board decided that, from Tuesday, substitute members Irina Talviste and Raimond Tamm would become members of the Riigikogu, as would Ando Kiviberg and Madis Timpson, because the mandates of Yoko Alender, Erkki Keldo, Jürgen Ligi and Liisa Pakosta as members of the Riigikogu were suspended due to their appointment as members of the new Government.

Ando Kiviberg and Madis Timpson took their oaths of office at today’s extraordinary session. The Board of the Riigikogu registered Ando Kiviberg as a member of Estonia 200 Parliamentary Group and Madis Timpson as a member of the Reform Party Group. In addition, the Board registered Õnne Pillak as the Chairman of the Reform Party Group and Mihkel Lees and Liina Kersna as Deputy Chairmen.

The Board also approved changes to the membership of three committees of the Riigikogu. Kristina Šmigun-Vähi will leave the Social Affairs Committee and become a member of the Economic Affairs Committee. Madis Timpson will become a member of the Social Affairs Committee and Maris Lauri will become a member of the Security Authorities Surveillance Select Committee.

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

Link uudisele: Hele Everaus becomes a member of the Riigikogu; Kaja Kallas and Mart Võrklaev return to parliament

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Riigikogu will convene for extraordinary sessions on 22 July and 23 July

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

An extraordinary session on 22 July at 11 a.m. The agenda includes authorisation of the candidate for Prime Minister Kristen Michal to form a Government of the Republic.

An extraordinary session on 23 July at 10 a.m. (in case the candidate for Prime Minister Kristen Michal is authorised by the Riigikogu to form the Government of the Republic and the President of the Republic appoints the Government to office).

The agenda for the session includes the oath of office of the Government of the Republic.

As regards the working schedule of the extraordinary sessions, the Board of the Riigikogu proposes to work without a recess until all items on the agenda have been deliberated.

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

 

Link uudisele: Riigikogu will convene for extraordinary sessions on 22 July and 23 July

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu resumed the deliberation of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act and elected two Vice-Presidents

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Riigikogu decided not to pass again without amendments the  Motor Vehicle Tax Act (364 UA) which the President of the Republic had refused to promulgate. The Act was initiated by the Government and was passed on 12 June. It is intended to establish a motor vehicle tax which will consist of a component to be paid every year by motor vehicle owners on vehicles registered in the motor register and a component formed by the motor vehicle registration fee which will have to be paid upon the registration of passenger cars and vans in the motor register. The purpose of the motor vehicle tax will be to direct people to make more environmentally friendly choices when acquiring new vehicles and to support the use of old cars until the end of their useful life.

President Alar Karis refused to promulgate the Act on 25 June on account of its provisions violating the principle of equal treatment. He noted that although, under the Act, motor vehicles belonging to natural persons which had been specially  converted or adapted for the transport of disabled people or for use by disabled people were not subject to motor vehicle tax and no registration fee had to be paid for such vehicles, neither of the exemptions extended to people who had a mobility impairment that did not necessitate  conversion or adaptation of the vehicle. The President saw it necessary to discuss the Act again and to bring it into conformity with the Constitution.

During the debate, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, Vadim Belobrovtsev and Lauri Laats from the Centre Party Group, Martin Helme, Rain Epler and Rene Kokk from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and Aivar Kokk from Isamaa Parliamentary Group took the floor. Non-attached Members of the Riigikogu Kalle Grünthal and Henn Põlluaas also made speeches.

No member of the Riigikogu supported the passing of the Act again without amendments and 93 voted against it. As the Riigikogu did not pass the Act again without amendments, the deadline for submission of motions to amend the Act was set, which is 4 p.m. on 19 July, and the further proceedings on it will continue pursuant to the general procedure.

The Riigikogu elected two Vice-Presidents at an extraordinary election

After the renewed deliberation of the Act, the Riigikogu elected Vice-Presidents at an extraordinary election. The election of the Vice-Presidents was held because the former Second Vice-President Jüri Ratas became a member of the European Parliament.

Chairman of the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group Martin Helme nominated Arvo Aller as a candidate for a Vice-President, Chairman of the Reform Party Group Erkki Keldo nominated Toomas Kivimägi and Chairman of Isamaa Parliamentary Group Helir-Valdor Seeder nominated Urmas Reinsalu.

In a secret ballot, Aller gained 20 votes, Kivimägi 58 and Reinsalu 17. Thus, Toomas Kivimägi was elected as the First Vice-President of the Riigikogu and Arvo Aller was elected as the Second Vice-President. In total, 96 members of the Riigikogu took part in the secret ballot. One ballot paper was invalid.

At the beginning of the sitting, Member of the Riigikogu Vladimir Arhipov took the oath of office before the Riigikogu.

The sitting ended at 1.39 p.m.

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

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

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

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu resumed the deliberation of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act and elected two Vice-Presidents

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Estonia recommends strengthening EU tobacco and nicotine products regulations

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Estonia considers it necessary to have a unified approach across the European Union, because in this way, not only Estonia, but the whole Europe will be healthier.

“This is already a question of survival—Estonians, especially the young people, hold the “black” first place in the world in e-cigarette consumption, our consumption is also growing very rapidly and we have an unprecedented number of different products registered for sale. We are very concerned about the health of the Estonians and the damage to the environment. If we act domestically, we will not be completely successful because goods move freely within the European Union. Unfortunately, we can also see the results of the tobacco lobby in Estonia, and there is a lot of misleading information and ignorance. It was especially positive today to hear young people’s representatives say that they expect more decisiveness from politicians in restricting nicotine,” Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta explained.

Estonia recommends the European Commission to establish lists of flavourings allowed throughout Europe and set upper limits for nicotine content, ban internet sales and introduce standard packaging to reduce attractiveness. It is also recommended to extend smoke-free areas and ban the marketing of single-use e-cigarettes.

“We support EU-level regulations, but we also want to see much more prevention and information activities at national level. This is necessary, so that the life and health of people, including our close ones, would be protected. In Isamaa’s opinion, it is necessary to channel more money into the promotion of healthy lifestyles, in order to introduce them in society more widely, but especially among the young people,” member of the European Union Affairs Committee Riina Solman said.

According to the survey of health behaviour among the adult population, in 2020, regular e-cigarette users formed 3.8% of the adult population in Estonia, but in 2022, this percentage had already risen to 10.4%.

A worrying trend is the increase among young women, where the number of daily cigarette users had risen to 11.5% in just a few years. The number of nicotine pouch users has also increased among the younger age group, where a total of 20% of men aged 16–24 were regular users in 2022.

Estonia’s positions regarding the updating of the legal acts of the European Union on tobacco and nicotine products were discussed at the public sitting of the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu. Representatives of the Ministry of Social Affairs, WHO Country Office in Estonia, National Institute for Health Development, Tartu University Hospital, Estonian Medical Association, Estonian Junior Doctors Association, Estonian Respiratory Society, Health Promotion Union of Estonia, Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, University of Tartu, Estonian Association of Youth Workers, Estonian School Students Councils Union, OÜ Eesti Elektroonikaromu, Youth Environmental Council and NPO Eesti Elektri- ja Elektroonikaseadmete Ringlus participated in the public sitting. Video recording of the public debate can be viewed on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

For more information, please contact: Liisa Pakosta, +372 502 6191

Maiki Vaikla
+372 631 6456, +372 5666 9508
maiki.vaikla@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Estonia recommends strengthening EU tobacco and nicotine products regulations

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The European Union Affairs Committee considers harsher rules on vapes and nicotine pouches

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

In the opinion of the Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta, Estonia’s main concern is its global record in the consumption of e-cigarettes. “Besides that, the growth trend in consumption has also been very rapid in Estonia, otherwise we would not hold this black record in the world, and the number of products containing nicotine that are registered for sale here is by far the highest in Europe. In this situation, we will hear what are the specific points of concern for both experts and the representatives of young people. I encourage everyone to listen and to think, because the health and environmental damages caused by nicotine are among the most easily preventable damages,” Pakosta pointed out.

“Usually we work with the draft legislation prepared in the European Union, but now we are ourselves making a proposal to the European Commission on behalf of Estonia to initiate a new draft and harmonise restrictions throughout the European Union,” Pakosta said.

The purpose of the public debate held on Friday is to get information on the points of concern relating to the novel tobacco products sector with the help of experts. After that, the members of the Riigikogu will formulate their assessment regarding Estonia’s positions on the European Union legislation on tobacco and nicotine products, prepared by the Ministry of Social Affairs. This is Estonia’s proposal to the European Commission to harmonise requirements for all products containing nicotine, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. The aim is to reduce health and environmental damages in the EU.

Minister of Health Riina Sikkut, Liaison Officer of the World Health Organization in Estonia Kristina Köhler, Head of Dugs and Addictions Department of the National Institute for Health Development Anneli Sammel, Head of the Children and Youth Unit of the National Institute for Health Development Tiia Pertel, Senior Doctor and Lecturer at Tartu University Hospital Kristjan Pomm, representative of the Estonian Junior Doctors Association Patrick Pihelgas, representative of the Estonian Medical Association Neeme Tõnisson, member of Youth Environmental Council Brigitta Taling, CEO of WeeRec OÜ Hans Talgre, police service cadet at the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences Taavi-Toomas Leemets and Research Fellow in Health Policy at the University of Tartu Mariliis Põld will present reports at the sitting.

The public debate will take place on Friday, 12 July at 9 a.m. in the Conference Hall of the Riigikogu, and it will be live streamed online. Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

For more information, please contact: Liisa Pakosta, + 372 502 6191

Riigikogu Press Service
Maiki Vaikla
+372 631 6456, +372 5666 9508
maiki.vaikla@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The European Union Affairs Committee considers harsher rules on vapes and nicotine pouches

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Riigikogu will convene for an extraordinary session on 15 July

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The agenda includes the renewed deliberation of the  Motor Vehicle Tax Act (364 UA), which the President of the Republic has refused to proclaim, and an extraordinary election of the Vice-Presidents of the Riigikogu.

As regards the working schedule of the extraordinary session, the Board of the Riigikogu proposes to work without a recess until all items on the agenda have been deliberated.

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

Link uudisele: Riigikogu will convene for an extraordinary session on 15 July

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar attends NATO Parliamentary Summit in Washington

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

According to Hussar, Estonia’s priority is to achieve strong support for Ukraine. “It is necessary to create a NATO support mechanism to coordinate providing military aid and training to Ukraine. It is also important to underline that military aid is long-term and Ukraine can count on it. Coordinated and predictable military aid will create the preconditions for Ukraine’s victory and NATO membership,” Hussar said.

“The greatest threat to NATO from all strategic directions is Russia. It is important to agree with our allies how we plan to contain Russia’s aggressive actions in the long term and how we will respond to Russia’s robust hybrid activities,” Hussar said. “We must also continue with increasing the cost of aggression for Russia. We have to do all we can to help Ukraine to victory and to restore peace in Europe.”

“The discussions will also focus on strengthening defence capability and increasing defence spending. NATO’s new defence plans provide for the development of new capabilities and the acquisition of ammunition. As the new targets also require a higher contribution, it is necessary that as many allies as possible bring their defence spending to at least 2.5% of GDP. In the future, 2.5% should be the target level for all NATO member countries, and raising of the target level should be discussed already at the next summit in the Netherlands,” Hussar emphasised.

In Washington, Hussar will meet with President of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal José Pedro Aguiar-Branco and President of the Congress of Deputies of Spain Francina Armengol Socias.

Lauri Hussar is accompanied on the visit by Head of the Estonian delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Raimond Kaljulaid.

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

Link uudisele: Hussar attends NATO Parliamentary Summit in Washington

Source: Parliament of Estonia

OSCE PA Annual Session focuses on supporting Ukraine

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

“Russia has committed serious violations of international law. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly defends democratic values and supports a free and rules-based world order. Ukraine is a part of the OSCE family and we will not leave them behind. We continue to be ready to support Ukraine in every way and to stand for our common values,” Raidma said.

Member of the General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions of the OSCE PA Heljo Pikhof highlighted the importance of condemning the deportation of Ukrainian children. “Human rights violations against children must be condemned, and these children must be immediately released and allowed to return home. Russia must be brought to justice for all the crimes against humanity it has committed,” she emphasised.

The OSCE PA continues its steadfast support for Ukraine, and its Annual Session, held in in Bucharest, Romania, from Saturday to Wednesday, focuses on continued political support for Ukraine. The OSCE PA is also increasing its attention on the Middle East crisis, and is involving the representatives of Israel and Mediterranean countries in the work of the Assembly. For the first time, an OSCE plenary session will focus entirely on the Middle East.

The agenda of the Annual Session also covers security challenges related to artificial intelligence, disinformation and propaganda, climate change and water scarcity, countering the proliferation of synthetic opioids, antisemitism, corruption, migration, human trafficking and environmental protection in armed conflicts.

The aim of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is to increase the involvement of its participating states in resolving European political and security issues, to enhance civilian control over military affairs and to strengthen the responsibility and influence of members of parliament.

The Annual Session is streamed on the OSCE PA YouTube channel and the web page of the Assembly. 

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

Link uudisele: OSCE PA Annual Session focuses on supporting Ukraine

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar to Armenian Foreign Minister: Armenia is a priority country for Estonia’s development cooperation

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar said at the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia that Estonia was continuing the supporting of Armenia’s democracy and aspirations to accede to the European Union.

Hussar assured that Estonia’s bilateral relations with Armenia were excellent, and recalled the successful and meaningful visit of his Armenian counterpart to Estonia in March. “Since last year, Armenia is again a priority country for Estonia’s development cooperation. We have focused on supporting education and democracy,” Hussar said.

Estonia and Armenia have had successful joint activities in IT, space technology, education and culture.

Mirzoyan also expressed satisfaction with bilateral cooperation. “We have historic sympathy between our two counties,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia said. According to him, it is important that Estonia supports Armenia’s aspirations to become a member of the European Union, to be a part of the democratic world.

The situation in the South Caucasus and the factors influencing the situation there were also discussed at the meeting. Hussar underlined that Estonia considered it important to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in the region.

Hussar and Mirzoyan also spoke of Russia’s war in Ukraine and discussed the changed security situation in the world. Hussar emphasised that Ukraine’s victory and Russia’s continued international isolation were of key importance to ensuring feeling of security in relations between countries.

Chairman of the Estonia-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group Mati Raidma also participated in the meeting.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

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

 

Link uudisele: Hussar to Armenian Foreign Minister: Armenia is a priority country for Estonia’s development cooperation

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar discussed economic relations and cooperation in education with President of Singapore

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar said at the meeting that Estonia and Singapore had much in common, as they both were small and efficient countries with open economies. “Estonia learnt from you when we started building our country 30 years ago, and now we have reached a level we can be proud of,” he stated.

Hussar pointed out that the two countries were also united by a high level of education. “According to PISA tests, Estonia and Singapore are both leading countries in basic education. Good education is the foundation of future development and also provides the basis for future economic growth,” Hussar said. He also acknowledged the strong economic ties between the two countries and underlined that Estonia would like to develop the relations and cooperation further, especially in the digital sector.

Speaking of Russia’s full-scale war, which has lasted nearly 2.5 years, Hussar said he was concerned about the developments in Ukraine. “We have to help Ukraine in every way and as much as we can, so that Russia would be defeated in this war it has itself started. Otherwise, it will have a much wider impact – not only in Ukraine, but also in the rest of the world,” he said, and thanked Singapore for supporting Ukraine and imposing sanctions against Russia. It was also emphasised at the meeting that Russia must be held accountable for the crimes and destruction it had committed in Ukraine.

Topics relating to education, as well as the global security situation, the impact of Russian propaganda and the developments in China were also discussed in depth at the meeting. Besides Hussar, member of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Andres Sutt and member of the Cultural Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Kadri Tali participated in the meeting.

The President of Singapore, who is on an official visit to Estonia, has already had meetings with President Alar Karis, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and representatives of Estonian start-up companies. Today he will also meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna. The President of Singapore is on the visit together with his wife Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery 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 discussed economic relations and cooperation in education with President of Singapore

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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