ESTONIA

Parliamentarians of 19 countries push for the confiscation of €300bn in frozen Russian central bank assets

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The joint statement evokes the expected decision by the G7 leaders (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, and US) at their next meeting on whether — and how — to seize the nearly €300bn in Russian state assets frozen in western countries since February 2022. “As chairs and parliamentarians of our respective parliamentary foreign and European affairs committees, we collectively urge G7 leaders to explore all legal avenues to support Ukraine, starting with the creation of multilateral or bilateral loan facilities backed by the windfall profits generated by the frozen Russian assets,” they write.

However, they see this as only the first step. “The ultimate objective must be to fully confiscate all Russian assets and transfer them to Ukraine, ensuring that this process adheres to international law. Russia’s war of aggression has already done almost €500bn in damage to Ukraine’s infrastructure — and that amount grows daily,” write the parliamentarians, referring to the fact that at least €3bn a month in outside financial assistance is required just to prevent a collapse of Ukraine’s economy. “Against numbers like these, confiscating €3bn in annual windfall profits on Russia’s frozen assets simply is not a sufficient response to the challenge Russia has issued to Ukraine and its friends in the democratic world.”

The parliamentarians say in their joint statement that a multilateral or bilateral loan facility backed by windfall profits generated by the frozen Russian assets is estimated to only provide around €40bn-€50bn to Ukraine. “We see these proposals as a first step — not an alternative — to confiscating the nearly €300bn,” they state.

The parliamentarians affirm the need to step up our assistance to help Ukraine win this war — both for Ukraine’s democratic European future and for our own security. “To do that, we need to be prepared to take big, bold decisions proportionate to the historical significance of our times. Our decision here will set a precedent either way. If we confiscate the entire €300bn in accordance with international law, we affirm the legal right to take countermeasures when a state like Russia grossly violates international law with its aggression,” the statement reads.

They see confiscating the full amount as sending a signal of our resolve to Vladimir Putin and other authoritarians who may seek to attack their neighbours that such aggression has severe financial consequences. “Leading economists who support full confiscation point out that most market impacts were priced in at the time these assets were originally frozen two years ago — and that seizure in response to aggression would be too rare an occurrence to have major currency impacts. To do this, we urge the G7 to dispense with half-measures and to take the only step that will have the required impact — confiscation of all €300bn in frozen Russian central bank assets,” the parliamentarians write.

The joint statement was signed by chairs of committees and members of parliaments from the European Parliament and the parliaments of Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Italy, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States. The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson signed the statement on behalf of Estonia.

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

Link uudisele: Parliamentarians of 19 countries push for the confiscation of €300bn in frozen Russian central bank assets

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Baltic Foreign Affairs Committees meet in Kuressaare

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson describes the cooperation with Latvian and Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Committees as closer than ever, as is testified by numerous joint visits and statements. “If we hope to achieve our goals in foreign and security policy, it is crucial that we continue our close cooperation, harmonise our positions, and plan our further steps together,” he said.

The meeting will focus on supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia, who continues its war of aggression. The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jonatan Vseviov will take part in the discussion on Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the global security situation more broadly. The Ambassador of Sweden to Estonia Ingrid Tersman will participate in the discussion on cooperation within NATO and strengthening European security.

The delegations of Foreign Affairs Committees will take part in a commemoration of victims of the 1941 June deportation in Kudjape cemetery and lay flowers on their memorial. They are also scheduled to visit Baltic Workboats in Nasva.

Other members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu to take part in the meeting with Baltic colleagues are Ester Karuse and Luisa Rõivas.

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

Link uudisele: Baltic Foreign Affairs Committees meet in Kuressaare

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Estonian Defence Forces joined the European Union’s defensive maritime security operation Aspides

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —As of Friday, June 14th, the Estonian Defence Forces is represented in the European Union’s Naval Force Operation Aspides, which purpose is to safeguard maritime security and civilian shipping in the Red Sea from attacks and threats posed by Houthi rebels. Since the end of 2023, the maritime security situation …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Speakers of five countries expect for more decisive actions from pro-Ukrainian coalition

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Speakers confirm that their countries will continue the work on bilateral security cooperation agreements and their implementation, and regard commitments for sustained long term military assistance to Ukraine as a priority. “Comprehensive support to enhance Ukraine’s combat capability in the fight against Russia’s war of aggression, as well as initiatives to ensure the rapid supply of weapons and ammunition to the Ukraine’s armed forces we see as particularly important,” they declare.

According to the joint declaration, the Speakers appreciate the prospect of establishing a NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre in Poland so that Ukraine can share its experience in combating Russia`s war of aggression. They also recognize that the war effort is more effective without setting limitations to our support. “We reiterate that Ukraine has the right to defend itself according to the international law, and that also includes striking legitimate military targets in Russian territory. Ukraine must be able to hit back the attacks that come from Russia or the occupied territories of Ukraine,” the Speakers say in the joint declaration.

The Speakers welcome the readiness of some countries to join an international coalition and send their instructors to Ukraine, at a time suitable for them, to train Ukraine’s military. “[We] recognize that a significant escalation of the situation, which will pose a threat to Ukrainian statehood, will require more decisive actions from the pro-Ukrainian coalition.” they say.

The Speakers believe that a condition for ensuring sustainable peace in Europe is to secure Ukraine’s place in Euro-Atlantic structures, and expect that the NATO Summit in Washington in July will contribute to defining irreversible Ukraine’s path to membership. They also point out that Ukraine’s accession negotiations with the European Union are a strategic objective for Ukraine and the EU, and therefore, the First intergovernmental conference to open accession talks with Ukraine must be held no later than June. “Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania support Ukraine and are ready to share the experience of 20 years of their membership in the European Union,” the joint declaration underlines.

The Speakers also declare continued intensive cooperation between their nations to counter the pressing and pervasive threat of Russia’s neo-imperialist policies. “[We] firmly believe that our collective strength – Poles, Estonians, Latvians, Lithuanians, Ukrainians – is the key to confronting the Russia’s threat and ensuring regional security,” they say.

Besides Hussar, the joint declaration was also signed by Daiga Mieriņa from the Parliament of Latvia, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen from the Parliament of Lithuania, Szymon Hołownia from the Parliament of Poland, and Ruslan Stefanchuk from the Parliament of Ukraine.

The Speakers made the joint declaration after their two-day meeting in Białystok, where supporting Ukraine, strengthening the security of Europe and joint resistance to Russia’s intensifying hybrid and cyber attacks was discussed. Regional security was addressed at the meeting also in a wider sense, by discussing the cooperation between local governments, cross-border projects, science and culture cooperation and youth exchange. The Speakers of parliaments also met with local young people, with whom they exchanged ideas about the security situation in Europe and possible further developments.

The text of the joint declaration by the Speakers in English and in Estonian.

Riigikogu Press Service

Link uudisele: Speakers of five countries expect for more decisive actions from pro-Ukrainian coalition

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Bill on supplementary budget passed the first reading in the Riigikogu

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Bill on supplementary budget passed the first reading

The aim of the Bill on the Supplementary Budget for 2024 (456 SE), initiated by the Government, is to ensure the financial stability and sustainability of the country.

Minister of Finance Mart Võrklaev explained that, on 8 December 2023, the Riigikogu had adopted the state budget for 2024, which had a revenue volume of approximately 16.7 billion euro and an expenditure volume of 17.7 billion euro, and an investment and investment subsidies budget of approximately 1.9 billion euro.

“According to last year’s summer economic forecast, on the basis of which the Government prepared the 2024 budget, Estonia’s public finances were in a difficult situation. The main problems stemmed from a long-term budget deficit and rapid expenditure growth outpacing revenue growth. The deficit was exacerbated by soaring interest costs,” the minister admitted.

According to Võrklaev, the state budget for 2024 has been adopted in such a way that it contains decisions in the order of 500 million euro to improve the budget and put it on a sustainable path. This follows savings decisions totalling around 850 million euro over the period 2024–2027. This includes both last year’s ministerial savings and making allowances for families with many children more affordable for the state.

Võrklaev noted that this year’s spring economic forecast, published on 3 April, was more pessimistic than the previous one. The economic recovery has been slower and so tax revenues have been lower. “If the state receives less revenue, it will have to make additional efforts to rein in spending as well. To this end, the Government decided to make a negative supplementary budget for 2024,” the minister said.

Reducing the state budget deficit is a preparatory step for drafting next year’s national budget where it will have to be ensured that up to 80% of the austerity measures will be of a permanent nature and meet the target of reducing budget deficit in future years. In order to bring the general government deficit below 3% of GDP this year and to comply with European Union budgetary rules, it has been decided to bring government revenue and expenditure closer together by 183 million euro, with a budgetary impact of 173 million euro.

Including the supplementary budget measures, this year the general government deficit will reach 1.19 billion euro, or 3% of GDP. The negative supplementary budget includes 115 million euro in savings measures and 68 million euro in revenue measures. All ministries and agencies, as well as public foundations, will contribute to savings, saving mainly on their operational and management costs. The amount of savings for ministries will be in the order of 63 million euro.

Võrklaev said that the Government did not plan to cancel major investments, but the state of the budget would be affected by the postponement of some investments. The agreement is that investments should be put in place as soon as possible. “We have set a target that 70% of investments and investment subsidies will have to be committed by August this year in order to implement the investment budget to the maximum extent by the end of the year. The task of the supplementary budget has been to take an honest look at which investments can be delivered this year and which ones cannot,” the minister said.

The negative supplementary budget will not reduce funding for national defence which is the highest priority sector. However, the Ministry of Defence, in solidarity with others, is finding ways to save on labour and management costs. The funds released will be channelled into improving defence capabilities.

In the area of government of the Ministry of the Interior, the saving will come at the expense of one-off costs in the order of 3 million euro. This time, the budget savings measures do not concern the foundations of museums, theatres or concert organisations, or legal persons governed by public law. Hospitals have been given a guideline to improve their budgetary position by reducing operating costs to the extent of 1%. The level of research and development and innovation expenditure will be reduced to 1% of GDP, taking into account the revised GDP forecast, while maintaining the agreed target.

To increase revenue, we have decided to increase the amount of dividends from the State Forest Management Centre and Elering Ltd. In addition, the reserve of the Government of the Republic, both unallocated and earmarked, will be reduced.

The aim of the supplementary budget is to ensure the country’s financial stability and allow the Government to respond flexibly to different situations and needs that may arise during the year. “A negative supplementary budget is one of the necessary steps to achieve this goal,” Võrklaev said.

The Chairman of the Finance Committee Annely Akkermann gave an overview of the discussion that had taken place in the Committee.

During the debate, Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa), Priit Lomp (Social Democratic Party), Andrei Korobeinik (Centre Party), Maris Lauri (Reform Party) and Kert Kingo (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) took the floor.

The Estonian Centre Party Group moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. The motion was not supported because 15 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour, 50 were against and there was one abstention. The first reading of the Bill was concluded and the deadline for submission of motions to amend was set for 4 p.m. on 12 June.

The Riigikogu heard replies to three interpellations

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas replied to the interpellations submitted by members of the Riigikogu concerning the increase of the pioneer capability of the war-time Defence Forces in light of the experience of the present stage of the Russian-Ukrainian war  (No. 607), Ukraine’s accession to the European Union (No. 613) and the non-taxation of the extraordinary profits of banks (No. 615).

At the beginning of the sitting of the Riigikogu, the justice of the Supreme Court Oliver Kask took his oath of office.

Urve Tiidus took the floor during the open microphone.

The sitting ended at 5.27 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
Gunnar Paal
+372 631 6351, +372 5190 2837
gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

Link uudisele: The Bill on supplementary budget passed the first reading in the Riigikogu

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu adopted Statement on crisis of democracy in Georgia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

57 members of the Riigikogu supported and 13 voted against the adopting of the Statement of the Riigikogu “On the Crisis of Democracy in Georgia” (449 AE), submitted by 44 members of the Riigikogu.

In the Statement, the Riigikogu points out that despite widespread protests, calls from the EU and Georgia’s allies and a veto by the President of Georgia, on 28 May the Parliament of Georgia, with the votes of the ruling party Georgian Dream, passed the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, which is inspired by the Russian Federation’s so-called Foreign Agents Law that the Putin regime uses to repress civil society, the media and political opposition.

According to the Statement, the EU, the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe as well as the Georgian civil society have declared the law to be contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights and the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as it violates the principles of the rule of law, legality and proportionality, as well as non-discrimination.

The Riigikogu condemns the activities of the Government and the parliamentary majority of Georgia in passing the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence and abandoning the European values, and calls on the Parliament and Government of Georgia to immediately repeal the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence.

The Riigikogu also calls on the Government of Georgia to stop using violence against demonstrators, civil society and opposition politicians, to carry out legal investigations in regard of the authorities and individuals who have used violence against peaceful protesters, to uphold its promise to promote the rule of law and protect human rights, and to implement the reforms that are demanded by the overwhelming majority of the citizens of Georgia and are a precondition for the accession to the EU.

The Statement underlines that as long as the Government and Parliament of Georgia have not started to resolve the democratic crisis in a way that respects the rule of law and civil rights, have not returned to the reform and democratisation programme agreed upon with the EU, and have not repealed the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, the Riigikogu considers it necessary for Estonia to block in the Council of the European Union all further processes relating to Georgia’s accession in the EU, freeze development cooperation with Georgia’s state agencies and use the funds released to support Georgian civil society.

The Riigikogu also considers it necessary to propose to the Council of the European Union to impose sanctions, including an entry ban into the European Union, on Bidzina Ivanishvili, members of the Government of Georgia, the leaders of the Parliament of Georgia and the leadership and Parliamentary Group of the Georgian Dream party. If this proposal is not supported, the Riigikogu wants Estonia to impose sanctions of the Government of the Republic, including an entry ban into the Republic of Estonia, against these persons.

The Parliament of Estonia also wants that Estonia proposes to the Council of the European Union to impose sanctions on the representatives of the power structures and law enforcement agencies of Georgia who have been involved in the violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations of the citizens of Georgia and the repressing of Georgia’s opposition and civil society. If this proposal is not supported, the Riigikogu wants Estonia to impose sanctions of the Government of the Republic against these persons.

The Riigikogu also considers it necessary that Estonia supports in the Council of the European Union the freezing of the visa-free regime between Georgia and the European Union until the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence is repealed. “The Riigikogu expresses its respect to the brave Georgian people who stand for Georgia’s democratic and pro-European future,” the Statement says.

Statement in English

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
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Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu adopted Statement on crisis of democracy in Georgia

Source: Parliament of Estonia

General Randy A. George, the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army paid a visit to Estonia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —On Sunday, 9th of June, General Randy A. George, U.S. Army Chief of Staff paid a quick visit to Estonia to meet with the Deputy Commander of the Defence Forces of Estonia as well as U.S. soldiers serving here. Bilateral cooperation between the two Allies and development of military capabilities …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Hussar is discussing support for Ukraine and enhanced security in Europe with speakers of four countries

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The main focus will be on the continued support for Ukraine, and the role of the Baltic states, Poland, and Ukraine in strengthening European security. The Marshal of the Sejm of Poland Szymon Hołownia will deliver the opening address, and the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk will outline the current state of Russia’s war of aggression and the crucial needs of Ukraine. Another topic of the meeting is the common response to Russia’s increasingly intensifying hybrid and cyber attacks in the Euro-Atlantic region.

The Speakers will discuss regional security from a broader perspective as well, touching on issues of economy, energy, and infrastructure. Further items on the agenda concern cooperation between local governments and ongoing cross-border projects as well as cooperation in research and culture, and youth exchanges.

In addition to Hussar, Hołownia, and Stefanchuk, the Speaker of the Latvian Saeima Daiga Mieriņa and the Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen will also attend the meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Speakers plan to adopt a Joint Statement.

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

Link uudisele: Hussar is discussing support for Ukraine and enhanced security in Europe with speakers of four countries

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar discussed supporting Ukraine and cooperation in NATO in Norway

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The meetings in the Parliament of Norway focused on further assistance to Ukraine, and it was considered especially important that as many countries as possible ensured providing long-term support to Ukraine. Hussar acknowledged Norway for recently concluding the bilateral security agreement and said that Estonia was also planning to conclude a similar agreement. “With this political agreement, we confirm the continuation of Estonia’s long-term and comprehensive support to Ukraine, which will include military assistance to Ukraine amounting to at least 0.25 per cent of GDP over the next four years,” he said.

Speaking of holding Russia accountable for war crimes, Hussar mentioned the Act passed by the Riigikogu in the middle of May that allowed to use the assets of persons in Russia, which had been frozen under international sanctions, for compensating the war damages caused to Ukraine. He called on other allies to move on with the creation of a relevant legal regulation. Besides Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, joint response to Russia’s hybrid attacks was also discussed at the meetings.

Preparations for the NATO Summit that will be held in Washington in July, including increasing national defence spending and strengthening defence capabilities, were also spoken about at the meetings. Good bilateral relations were acknowledged, and the need to further develop the cooperation between the Nordic Countries and the Baltic States was recognised.

Today, Hussar also visited the University of Oslo and the headquarters of Orkla Group, and in the evening he met with the Estonians living in Norway at the Embassy of Estonia. Tomorrow, he will travel to Bodø with First Vice President of the Storting Svein Harberg. Bodø is located north of the Arctic Circle, and this year bears the title of the European Capital of Culture along with Bad Ischl and Tartu.

In Bodø, the Hussar will meet with Mayor Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen and Deputy Chair of the County Government Marianne Dobak Kvensjø, and open the exhibition of the most beautiful Estonian books in Stormen Library. He will also visit the Norwegian Joint Headquarters to get an overview of the security situation in Northern Europe and the Arctic Region and the development plans of the Norwegian Armed Forces, and go to the Norwegian Aviation Museum and Nordland Cultural Centre.

The President of the Riigikogu is accompanied on the visit by Vice-President of the Riigikogu, Chairman of the Estonia-Norway Parliamentary Friendship Group Toomas Kivimägi and member of the Parliamentary Friendship Group Kristina Šmigun-Vähi.

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 supporting Ukraine and cooperation in NATO in Norway

Source: Parliament of Estonia

President of the Riigikogu opened exhibition of the most beautiful Estonian books in Bodø

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar thinks that the exhibition highlights the excellent cooperation between Estonia and Norway in the field of culture. “Numerous joint events organised during the year of the European Capital of Culture, from high-level concerts and shows to exhibitions, are an example of the vibrant cultural cooperation between our countries. Through these projects, we celebrate the friendship between our two countries, together with European values and cultural traditions,” he said at the opening of the exhibition.

The exhibition that was opened at Stormen Library shows books that were published last year by Estonian publishers, and are designed and illustrated by Estonian artists or graphic designers and printed in Estonia. The 25 most beautiful books in Estonia were selected in a competition that has been held since 1998.

In Bodø, which is located north of the Arctic Circle, and this year bears the title of the European Capital of Culture along with Bad Ischl and Tartu, the President of the Riigikogu met with Mayor Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen and Deputy Chair of the County Government Marianne Dobak Kvensjø. In the afternoon, he will visit the Norwegian Joint Headquarters to get an overview of the security situation in Northern Europe and the Arctic Region and the development plans of the Norwegian Armed Forces, and also go to the Norwegian Aviation Museum and Nordland Cultural Centre. First Vice President of the Storting Svein Harberg also participates in the visit.

Yesterday, Hussar was in Oslo and met with King of Norway Harald V, President of the Storting Masud Gharahkhani and members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Storting to discuss the supporting of Ukraine, countering Russia’s aggression and preparations for the oncoming NATO Summit in Washington. Hussar also visited the University of Oslo and the headquarters of Orkla Group, and met with the representatives of the Estonian community in Norway.

The President of the Riigikogu is accompanied on the visit by Vice-President of the Riigikogu, Chairman of the Estonia-Norway Parliamentary Friendship Group Toomas Kivimägi and member of the Parliamentary Friendship Group Kristina Šmigun-Vähi.

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: President of the Riigikogu opened exhibition of the most beautiful Estonian books in Bodø

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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