ESTONIA

Committees of the Riigikogu focus on Estonia’s interests in the next EU budget at public sitting

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta said that the next year it must be unambiguously clear that the financial preparations for the accession of at least Ukraine and Moldova had been agreed upon and made. “The EU budget was also increased for Estonia’s accession, now it is our turn to take it forward for Ukraine and other acceding countries. Setting Estonia’s priorities early will help achieve a larger budget,” Pakosta pointed out.

“Estonia must also be the leader in increasing Europe’s defence capability, where currently at least 600 billion euros are lacking. In both issues, other Member States need to be convinced,” Pakosta said. “In any case, putting off difficult budgetary disputes into indefinite future should be avoided, as this will also reduce the motivation of the Ukrainian soldiers fighting on the front.”

Chair of the Finance Committee Annely Akkermann pointed out that if we approved Estonia’s initial positions on the long-term budget and the future of Cohesion Policy now, we could find countries that are thinking along the same lines, and together influence the long-term budget in the direction that suited us, even before the European Commission presented its budget proposal.

“Together with the budget, it is necessary to speak about the future of Cohesion Policy. Here, we want the continuation of the current rules that avoid a sharp reduction in support provided to a country when the country’s prosperity increases,” Akkermann said. “It is also very important to put an emphasis on cooperation between European countries so that the internal market would work effectively and the competitiveness of the European Union would improve.”

In June next year at the latest, the European Commission will submit a proposal for a new long-term budget of the European Union, including the size of funds and programmes.

Analyst of the European Union Policy Unit Karin Kondor-Tabun and Head of Foreign Funding Unit Triin Tomingas from the Ministry of Finance will give an overview of Estonia’s positions for the negotiations on the long-term budget of the European Union starting in 2028, and in regard to the future of Cohesion Policy.

The public sitting will start at 1.30 p.m. in the Conference Hall of the Riigikogu. It can be followed online on the Riigikogu web page. Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

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

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

Link uudisele: Committees of the Riigikogu focus on Estonia’s interests in the next EU budget at public sitting

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Speakers of seven European countries call on Georgia to continue on the EU path

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Speakers of the Parliaments of the Baltic States, the Czech Republic, France, the Netherlands and Poland stated in the letter sent to Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia Shalva Papuashvili that the law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, adopted by Georgia’s parliament, sought to silence media and civil society organizations that played a vital role in a democratic society and were instrumental in helping Georgia on its path to the EU.

“We urge you to withdraw this law and engage in a meaningful and inclusive dialogue with organized civil society and citizens. We also urge you to respect the fundamental values by upholding the rights of people to assembly and discontinue the use of violence and intimidation against the peaceful demonstrators,” the Speakers said in the letter.

They pointed out that they had been with Georgia every step of its EU integration progress. “We have seen remarkable political transformation and enormous efforts you invested in the reform progress in the previous years. You have led the way and set an example for other aspirants to follow. We have proudly supported you and are committed to continue providing all the necessary assistance you need to continue on this path,” the Speakers said, and underlined that Georgia’s European aspirations and efforts had been rightly recognized by the European Union member states, and that Georgia had been given a clear path to start accession negotiations.

According to the Speakers, recent decisions by Georgia are a matter of concern for them since they run contrary to those values and principles Georgia has committed to be guided by and that are at the core of its European aspirations. “The decision to pursue EU membership is a sovereign choice of Georgia and its people as it was for those of us who joined the EU 20 years ago. That path was neither guaranteed, nor easy. Unwavering commitment and support of friends made it possible,” they said.

In the letter, the Speakers from seven countries expressed hope that Georgia would not waver in its commitment to using the historic window of opportunity to bring Georgia’s people into the common area of peace, and prosperity, but also freedoms, and values. “We believe in Georgia’s European future and are committed to supporting you,” they emphasised.

The President of the Riigikogu added that the joint letter was necessary in order to point out to the leaders of Georgia clearly and unambiguously that they were moving away from the path to Europe. “I very much hope that the Parliament of Georgia will understand this criticism, withdraw the law that is contrary to the European values and continue its efforts towards EU membership,” Hussar said.

Text of the joint letter in Estonian and in English

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

Link uudisele: The Speakers of seven European countries call on Georgia to continue on the EU path

Source: Parliament of Estonia

NATO PA discusses Washinton Summit and supporting Ukraine at Spring Session

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Before the Plenary Sitting of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, discussions will be held in the committees of the Assembly on Saturday and Sunday. Kaljulaid is a member of the Defence and Security Committee and Mihkelson is a member of the Political Committee.

On Monday, the Assembly will come together for the Spring Session held in NATO’s 75th anniversary year. Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg and Kerstin Lundgren, Speaker of the Parliament of Sweden that joined NATO in March, will speak at the plenary sitting. Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umerov will deliver an online address.

The debates at the plenary sitting will focus on two topics: first, the priorities of the NATO Summit to be held in Washington in July will be discussed, and then immediate and long-term support to Ukraine until it has won the war launched by Russia. Among other issues, both the strengthening of NATO’s coordinating role in assisting Ukraine and the implementation of NATO’s defence plans and commitments relating to defence spending will be addressed at the sitting. The NATO PA also plans to adopt a declaration on both topics of discussion at the sitting.

Head of the Estonian delegation Kaljulaid will also participate in the meeting of Nordic and Baltic heads of delegations, and the visit of the Defence and Security Committee to Novo Selo Training Area.

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

Link uudisele: NATO PA discusses Washinton Summit and supporting Ukraine at Spring Session

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Estonia–Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group: Application of the International Criminal Court for arrest warrant for leaders of the State of Israel is regrettable

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

We express our indignation about the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue a similar warrant of arrest against Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defence of Israel Yoav Gallant, as against the leaders of Hamas. 

With this, the ICC Chief Prosecutor is placing the democratically elected members of the Government of Israel on the same level as the leaders of an Islamist terrorist organisation.

Israel is a state governed by the rule of law, where an independent judicial system is in place. Alleged war crimes, including those committed by the Israel Defence Forces, are investigated and the perpetrators prosecuted. Hamas is a terrorist organisation whose main aim is to destroy the democratic State of Israel. 

ICC arrest warrants call into question the impartiality and competence of the International Criminal Court. They make it more complicated to resolve the conflict, release the hostages and achieve a lasting ceasefire. 

The credibility of the ICC is in Estonia’s national interests, especially in the current times, and undermining it is worrying and regrettable.

We reaffirm our continued support for the State of Israel and its right to self-defence.

We call on the governments of Estonia and Estonia’s allies not to recognise ICC arrest warrants against the leaders of the State of Israel.

The Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) is composed of Chairman Eerik-Niiles Kross and members Yoko Alender, Vadim Belobrovtsev, Meelis Kiili, Andrei Korobeinik, Lauri Laats, Jürgen Ligi, Riina Solman, Aivar Sõerd, Peeter Tali, Vilja Toomast and Kristo Enn Vaga.

For more information, please contact:
Eerik-Niiles Kross
chairman of Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group
eerik-niiles.kross@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Estonia–Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group: Application of the International Criminal Court for arrest warrant for leaders of the State of Israel is regrettable

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Largest annual military exercise Spring Storm 2024 comes to an end

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —Today marked the end of the Estonian Defence Forces’ largest annual exercise, Spring Storm, which took place from May 6 to 17. Nearly 14,000 conscripts, reservists, active-duty personnel, members of the Estonian Defence League, and allied soldiers participated in the exercise. After the exercise, units will gather initial feedback from …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Hussar at the meeting with his Czech counterpart: Russia must pay for the damage caused by aggression

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Both Speakers stated that the cooperation between Estonia and Czechia was excellent, we could rely on one another and we had very similar history and values. They acknowledged at the meeting that Europe was facing many challenges, especially relating to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

“Ukraine needs our support, both in the form of words and in the form of ammunition,” Hussar emphasised. The Estonian and Czech Speakers stressed the need to continue supporting Ukraine and to give Ukrainians what they need to win the war. They also found that it was necessary to support Ukraine on the road to joining the European Union and NATO. They also highlighted the importance of keeping unity in Europe.

The using of Russia’s frozen assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine was also discussed. “Russia must pay for the damage it has caused by aggression. If they do not do it themselves, we will have to force them to do it,” Hussar said, and added that on Wednesday, the Riigikogu had passed an Act on Russia’s frozen assets.

The situation in the Middle East, the EU’s enlargement policy in general, the elections of the European Parliament and cyber and energy security were also spoken about at the meeting. Both Speakers expressed satisfaction that as an excellent example of the economic cooperation between Estonia and Czechia, the new electric trains for Estonia had been ordered from the Czech Republic.

Chairman of the Estonia-Czech Republic Parliamentary Friendship Group Aivar Sõerd and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson also participated in the meeting, and Ambassador of Estonia to Czechia Gita Kalmet and Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Estonia David Král.

Tomorrow, the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic will have a meeting with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and speak at the Lennart Meri Conference.

Photos (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 at the meeting with his Czech counterpart: Russia must pay for the damage caused by aggression

Source: Parliament of Estonia

OSCE Arms Control representatives visit Spring Storm exercise

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —May 17 marks the end of the international arms control visit in Estonia, which runs from May 12 to 17. During this period, 39 observers from 22 countries, representing the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), will visit military units and equipment, and observe the Spring Storm exercise. …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Spring Storm exercise focused on aiding civilians and combat casualties

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —Yesterday, during the Spring Storm exercise, a medical drill was held in Tali, Pärnu County, where the functioning of the medical chain in emergency conditions was practiced, drawing on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. “Units of the Estonian Defence League defend areas near their homes, and these units …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees: Passage of ‘foreign agent’ law in Georgia undermines democracy

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

“Despite repeated expressions of concern from friends and allies, the Georgian parliament has taken an alarming and repressive step that undermines democracy and contradicts its stated goal of Western integration,” the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees said in the Joint Statement. According to them, it is a parliament’s role to reflect the will of its people, and Georgians have unequivocally rejected this Kremlin-inspired law as incompatible with their identity, European values, and democratic principles. “Simply put, this so-called ‘foreign agent’ law mirrors the policies of Vladimir Putin, who continues to illegally occupy 20 percent of Georgia’s territory.”

The Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees pointed out that respected Georgian organizations such as Transparency International (TI Georgia), the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), and the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), were playing pivotal roles in Georgia’s path towards Euro-Atlantic integration. “This law flies in the face of such worthy efforts and serves as a direct assault on civil society and independent media – elements fundamental to any democracy. The United States and Europe will continue to support them as their leadership and vision for Georgia exemplify true patriotism, in stark contrast to the 84 members of Parliament who aligned themselves with Russia in yesterday’s vote,” they said.

The Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees underlined that they would never abandon the Georgian people who had bravely displayed their steadfast commitment to democratic values through peaceful resistance. “Nor will we hesitate to hold accountable those responsible for enacting this Russian-style law and for the brutal targeting of nonviolent demonstrators, including by Bidzina Ivanishvili and his cronies. To the Georgian people, we declare: You are not alone,” they added.

The Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees of the parliaments of Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the European Parliament have joined the Joint Statement. Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) 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: Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees: Passage of ‘foreign agent’ law in Georgia undermines democracy

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Mihkelson: resolution of conflicts requires close international cooperation

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Mihkelson and Edelstein discussed issues related to both the Middle East region and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. They consider the impact of these conflicts to be global and think that their resolution requires broader international cooperation.

Mihkelson also spoke of the Statement unanimously adopted by the Riigikogu that condemned Hamas terrorist attacks and the war started by Hamas against Israel.

In this Statement, the Riigikogu expressed its condolences to the State of Israel, its people, and the families of the victims of the terrorist attack, and acknowledged the efforts made to free the hostages, as a result of which it had been possible to release part of the hostages. The Parliament also affirmed that the State of Israel had the right and the duty to defend itself until the end of the Hamas terrorist attacks, the release of all hostages and the capture of the planners and perpetrators of the 7 October massacre, so that terror against Israel and its people would not happen again.

Edelstein thanked for the invitation to visit Estonia and attend the Lennart Meri Conference.

Besides visiting the Riigikogu, Edelstein will have meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna and Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur during his stay in Tallinn.

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: Mihkelson: resolution of conflicts requires close international cooperation

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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