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.
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.
“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.
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)
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)
The Expert Panel was convened last year. The result of its work is a comprehensive report “The Situation and Perspectives of the Estonian Economy. Report of the Expert Panel on Competitiveness to the Riigikogu” that discusses the future prospects, opportunities and obstacles of the Estonian economy, and outlines forward-looking economic policy recommendations.
Members of the press, You are welcome to attend the press conference where Chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Jaak Aab and members of the Expert Panel on Competitiveness Ülo Kaasik, Priit Vahter, Kadri Männasoo and Uku Varblane will give an overview of the contents of the report and its recommendations.
The press conference will be held today at 12 noon in the Conference Hall of the Riigikogu. The press conference will be webcast live.
The report shows that changes in business models multiply the positive impact of digitalisation, and artificial intelligence also has a great potential in increasing productivity. The report also focuses on energy, highlighting new incentives to invest in Estonia brought about by the green transition, underlining the need to think about energy efficiency when valorising green electricity, and setting out that 60–80% share of renewable energy will ensure the lowest price of electricity. At the same time, Estonia’s productivity is held back by education drop-outs, mismatches between jobs and skills and excessive labour turnover.
The members of the Expert Panel on Competitiveness are Deputy Governor of the Bank of Estonia Ülo Kaasik, Professor of Applied Economics of the University of Tartu Priit Vahter, Tenured Professor of Applied Econometrics at Tallinn University of Technology Kadri Männasoo and Head of Research at the Foresight Centre Uku Varblane. Numerous experts and stakeholders, like other universities and research institutes, representatives of employers and employees as well as public authorities were also involved in the work of the Expert Panel.
The video recording can be viewed later on the YouTube channel of the Riigikogu. Photos can later be found in the Riigikogu photo archive (author: Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu).
The election will take place tomorrow at the PACE plenary sitting and one of the leading candidates for the position is the long-time member of the Estonian delegation to the PACE and honorary member of the PACE Indrek Saar.
The Head of the Estonian delegation Liisa-Ly Pakosta sees this as a historical opportunity because Indrek Saar has reached the final round of voting, which is in itself a very high praise for his committed work in the Council of Europe. “Indrek enjoys the full support of the Estonian government and the Riigikogu delegation. We have all actively sought further support by highlighting Estonia’s efforts in security, digital development, and environmental topics while protecting human rights,” Pakosta stressed. Other candidates running besides Saar are Didier Reynders (Belgium, ALDE) and Alain Berset (Switzerland, SOC).
At its plenary today, the PACE will discuss the challenges faced by democracy in Georgia.
On Wednesday, the Assembly will discuss the legal and human rights aspects of the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and enhancing the sanctions against Russia. The discussion will also touch on fight against erasure of cultural identity —identicide—in war or peace. Thursday will be dedicated to seeking both immediate as well as long-term political solutions to support the people resettled from Ukraine.
The schedule includes a speech by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Estonian delegation to the 3rd part-session of the PACE plenary assembly is made up of its head Liisa-Ly Pakosta and members Eerik-Niiles Kross, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Reili Rand, and Tõnis Lukas.
At the meeting, Hussar noted that the visit was taking place on a special day for Estonia—on the Victory Day. “Strengthening our defence capability is important for us, but it is equally important that we are never alone again. We are members of NATO, and at the Victory Day parade in Narva, the Allies were with us. I believe that the Victory Day celebrations gave the border town the reassurance that every inch of Estonia’s territory is protected,” he said.
Hussar thanked Spain for its great contribution to the strengthening of security in the Baltic region and on NATO’s eastern flank more widely. “Spain’s participation in the Baltic air policing missions is very important for Estonia. We are also grateful for the decision to deploy the NASAMS medium-range air defence system to Estonia again in August. We very much appreciate the contribution and cooperation of our allies and partners. It makes NATO stronger and shows what being an ally and collective defence really mean,” he said.
Speaking of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, Hussar pointed out that developments in Ukraine were important not only for Ukraine but for the whole democratic world. “Ukraine is fighting for all of us, and we must continue to support them in every way, including providing military aid,” he said, adding that Estonia expected that the decisions on strong support for Ukraine would be taken at the NATO Summit in Washington in July, where the continued strengthening of defence and deterrence posture and the increasing of defence spending would be discussed as matters of importance.
Chairman of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu Kalev Stoicescu also participated in the meeting of the President of the Riigikogu and the King of Spain.
Today, the King of Spain, together with President of Estonia Alar Karis, also visited the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship-aircraft carrier Juan Carlos I of the Spanish Navy, which has arrived in the Port of Tallinn. From Estonia, the King will proceed to Lithuania and Latvia.
Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)
The Expert Panel was convened last year. The result of its work is a comprehensive report “The Situation and Perspectives of the Estonian Economy. Report of the Expert Panel on Competitiveness to the Riigikogu” that discusses the future prospects, opportunities and obstacles of the Estonian economy, and outlines forward-looking economic policy recommendations.
Members of the press,
You are welcome to attend the press conference where Chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Jaak Aab and members of the Expert Panel on Competitiveness Ülo Kaasik, Priit Vahter, Kadri Männasoo and Uku Varblane will give an overview of the contents of the report and its recommendations.
The press conference will be held on Tuesday, 25 June, at 12 noon in the Conference Hall of the Riigikogu. The press conference will be public, and it will be webcast live.
The report shows that changes in business models multiply the positive impact of digitalisation, and artificial intelligence also has a great potential in increasing productivity. The report also focuses on energy, highlighting new incentives to invest in Estonia brought about by the green transition, underlining the need to think about energy efficiency when valorising green electricity, and setting out that 60–80% share of renewable energy will ensure the lowest price of electricity. At the same time, Estonia’s productivity is held back by education drop-outs, mismatches between jobs and skills and excessive labour turnover.
The members of the Expert Panel on Competitiveness are Deputy Governor of the Bank of Estonia Ülo Kaasik, Professor of Applied Economics of the University of Tartu Priit Vahter, Tenured Professor of Applied Econometrics at Tallinn University of Technology Kadri Männasoo and Head of Research at the Foresight Centre Uku Varblane. Numerous experts and stakeholders, like other universities and research institutes, representatives of employers and employees as well as public authorities were also involved in the work of the Expert Panel.
Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta explained that it was important for Estonia that the opportunities for students to study at the universities of the United Kingdom would improve, tuition fees would decrease, and a possibility for health insurance at favourable conditions would be created.
“The European Union is valuable for Estonia because, for one thing, we as a small nation can benefit from the advantages of studying in the UK universities similarly to large nations. The UK first started negotiations for young people to study on favourable conditions with larger nations, but the EU considered that discriminatory against smaller Member States. Estonia welcomes the European Union’s decision to hold negotiations on study conditions in such a way that smaller nations are also at the table as equals from the start,” Pakosta said.
The Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee noted that while more than 600 Estonian students were studying in the United Kingdom, currently there were as few as a dozen UK students in Estonia. “Therefore, it is important to also promote the studying opportunities our higher education institutions offer to international students,” she added. “We also need to ensure that Estonian students who are studying in the UK, or wish to do so, would be offered better financial conditions. Tuition fees at a large number of UK higher education institutions have multiplied for our young people, reaching to more than £40,000 per academic year.”
The explanatory memorandum points out that the agreement will make it possible to achieve uniform rules for mobility in Schengen area for young people of 18-30 years of age, contributing to the creation of a clearer and better legal space. The agreement would give young people in Estonia the same opportunities to study, work or do a traineeship in the UK as UK nationals in Estonia or other EU countries.
Advisers of the Ministry of the Interior Katarina Budrik and Harry Kattai gave an overview of the Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations for an agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on youth mobility, and outlined the positions presented by the Government.
The European Union Affairs Committee decided by consensus to support the positions presented by the Government, considering the opinion of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu.
For more information, please contact: Liisa Pakosta, phone +372 502 6191