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Source: Estonian Defence Forces
The National Defence Committee supports Estonia’s leaving the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention
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Chairman of the National Defence Committee Kalev Stoicescu said that the Committee had supported withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention unanimously. According to him, the Baltic States, Finland and Poland have been discussing since the autumn whether, in addition to other measures that strengthen defence capabilities, the reintroduction of anti-personnel landmines and, consequently, withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention should be considered, and all five countries have now started the legal procedures necessary for withdrawal from the Convention.
“With this, we as countries on NATO’s Eastern flank are sending a clear message that we are ready and able to use all necessary means to defend our territory and our people,” Stoicescu stated. He added that before the withdrawal from the Convention, the members of the National Defence Committee would also meet with representatives of several international organisations.
According to the Bill initiated by the Government, Estonia will withdraw from the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, which entered into force in 1999, and which Estonia acceded to in 2004.
The explanatory memorandum of the Bill points out that since Estonia ratified the Ottawa Convention more than 20 years ago, the security environment in Europe and in the Baltic Sea region has deteriorated significantly and the military threat to NATO member states has increased. At the same time, the Russian Federation is continuing its military aggression against Ukraine and is seriously violating its international obligations, including the standards of international humanitarian law. Russia has not acceded to the Ottawa Convention and is extensively using anti-personnel mines in the war against Ukraine.
According to the explanatory memorandum, withdrawal from the Convention will give the Estonian Defence Forces greater flexibility and freedom to choose the weapons systems and weapon solutions to be used when necessary. Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention will enter into force six months after the date of notification, provided that on the expiry of that period, the withdrawing country is not engaged in an armed conflict.
The National Defence Committee decided to move to include the Bill on Withdrawal from the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (642 SE) in the agenda of the plenary sitting on 22 May, and to conclude the first reading of the Bill. The final vote is planned to take place at the second reading of the Bill.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna gave an overview of the Bill and the activities relating to the withdrawal from the Convention at the sitting of the National Defence Committee.
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: The National Defence Committee supports Estonia’s leaving the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention
Source: Parliament of Estonia
Hussar called on the EU to increase support to and start accession negotiations with Ukraine
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Hussar said at the Conference that Ukraine’s security was Europe’s security, and an independent and sovereign Ukraine as part of the European family was the best guarantee against Russia’s imperialism. “Russia’s recent attacks and actions show no real intention to end the aggression. Our message must be clear: we will not leave Ukraine alone,” he emphasised.
In his speech, Hussar reaffirmed that the future of Ukraine, as well as Moldova, was in the European Union. “Their accession will strengthen Europe’s resilience, security and credibility, and send a strong message against Russia’s aggression The EU accession process is our most powerful tool to give hope to the Ukrainian people,” he said, and underlined that Estonia wanted to move as soon as possible to the next stage – the actual start of negotiations.
According to Hussar, the EU enlargement must remain performance-based, but at the same time, no Member State should hinder the progress of candidate countries if they have done their homework properly.
He pointed out that at the same time as supporting Ukraine, pressure on Russia must be increased. “Europe is facing a difficult decision: whether to use the 200 billion euros of Russia’s central bank’s frozen assets for the benefit of Ukraine, or to return them to Russia as a bonus in a few months’ time. If someone wants to release the frozen assets and return them to Russia, it must be understood that this money will go directly to finance the aggression against Ukraine and a hybrid war against us all,” he said.
Hussar believes that it must be ensured that the assets remain frozen, and that there must be a clear plan on how to use them in the future. He called on EU countries to mobilise their political will and to pay serious attention to this issue.
In response to the leaders of Hungary who support energy trade with Russia, Hussar said that cheap Russian energy drenched in the blood of Ukrainians was not cheap, and was not the solution in standing for European principles.
The Conference of Speakers, held in Budapest, Hungary, will discuss the future of the EU and the challenges facing Europe, as well as the issues relating to regionalism in Europe and safeguarding Europe’s cultural identity.
At the Conference, Hussar will have separate meetings with Walter Rosenkranz, the President of the lower house of the Austrian Parliament, the National Council of Austria, and Martin Bosma, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands, the lower house of the bicameral parliament of the Netherlands. They will discuss cooperation between their countries, further support to Ukraine, increasing pressure on Russia and relations with the United States. Hussar and Bosma will also speak about the forthcoming NATO Summit in the Netherlands.
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Hussar called on the EU to increase support to and start accession negotiations with Ukraine
Source: Parliament of Estonia
Hussar discusses supporting Ukraine and future of Europe with EU Speakers
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At the Conference, the Speakers will speak about the challenges facing Europe and the future of the European Union. President of the National Council of Austria Walter Rosenkranz and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola will be the keynote speakers at the session dedicated to the future of the Union.
Hussar will also speak at the discussion on the future of Europe. He will underline the importance of continuing support to Ukraine, and use of Russia’s frozen assets. He will highlight that the future of Ukraine, as well as Moldova, is in the European Union. At the afternoon session, the Speakers will discuss issues relating to regionalism in Europe, and safeguarding Europe’s cultural identity.
At the Conference in Budapest, Hussar will have separate meetings with Walter Rosenkranz, the President of the lower house of the Austrian Parliament, the National Council of Austria, and Martin Bosma, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands, the lower house of the bicameral parliament of the Netherlands. They will discuss cooperation between their countries, further support to Ukraine, increasing pressure on Russia and relations with the United States. Hussar and Bosma will also speak about the forthcoming NATO Summit in the Netherlands.
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Hussar discusses supporting Ukraine and future of Europe with EU Speakers
Source: Parliament of Estonia
Pikhof and Sarapuu are observing parliamentary elections in Albania
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“The Albanian parliamentary elections are a historical event because this is the first time the country admits votes by its citizens residing abroad and has made important changes in the election system,” said member of the Estonian delegation to the OSCE PA Heljo Pikhof. “Albania is engaged in accession negotiations with the European Union, which makes these elections an important litmus test for the democratic institutions of the country.”
Member of the delegation Kersti Sarapuu added that the task of the observers was to ensure that the elections respected the law and democratic values. “We place great emphasis on the transparency of the election process and equal treatment, especially as the political climate in the country is highly polarised. We also look at how independently the media is allowed to work and whether the results are reported as they should.”
Nearly 100 parliamentarians from 31 national parliaments will observe the Albanian parliamentary elections within the framework of the OSCE PA election observation mission. The purpose of the mission is to make sure that the elections adhere to the democratic commitments contained in the OSCE’s 1990 Copenhagen Document.
Deploying of election observation missions has been an important part of OSCE’s activities since 1993. The OSCE mission is observing elections in Albania for the tenth time, ever since 1996.
The observers’ preliminary findings and conclusions will be delivered at a press conference on Monday, May 12 at 4 p.m., which is streamed live on the website of the OSCE PA.
For more information, please contact:
Heljo Pikhof +372 511 9637
Kersti Sarapuu +372 503 9113
Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Pikhof and Sarapuu are observing parliamentary elections in Albania
Source: Parliament of Estonia
Riigikogu committees discussed budget sustainability and economic competitiveness with IMF delegation
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The IMF delegation asked for an overview of the state of the economy, the impact of inflation on the competitiveness of businesses, and the impact of trade tariffs and international insecurity on Estonia’s economy. IMF also asked about the financing of defence spending and considerations around increasing tax revenue, but also about reforms for promoting competitiveness, improving investment environment, reducing bureaucracy, and labour policy.
The Chairman of the Finance Committee Annely Akkermann explained that Estonia had overcome three crises in a row and that the economy was showing a modest upturn. The new insecurities are the repercussions of policy changes in the USA, to a lesser extent also of trade tensions, but the strongest impact on Estonia’ budget has come from the need to increase our defence spending to 5 percent of the GDP. A better consolidated EU capital and energy market would give a huge boost to Estonia’s economic development.
The Chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee Marek Reinaas referred to the fact that the IMF has acknowledged the steps taken by the Estonian government over the last few years to improve our budgetary position and turn the economy on a path to growth. It has also recommended giving more attention to developing an innovative and openminded economy and carrying out reforms with a longer perspective—recommendations we can absolutely agree with.
Also present at the meeting were members of the Finance Committee Riina Sikkut and Mart Võrklaev.
The IMF delegation will also meet with the Government, Bank of Estonia, ministries, and state authorities, as well as the leaders and analysts of the Financial Supervision Authority during its visit. There are also meetings scheduled with commercial banks, professional organisations, and representatives of private businesses.
The head of the IMF delegation Vincenzo Guzzo will present the conclusions of the visit at the press conference held in the Bank of Estonia on 19 May.
The International Monetary Fund discusses important economic policy issues with every member state once a year. The outcome of the consultation is a report reflecting the IMF experts’ assessment of Estonia’s economic policy.
Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal,
+372 631 6351, +372 5190 2837
gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Riigikogu committees discussed budget sustainability and economic competitiveness with IMF delegation
Source: Parliament of Estonia
Forum of Defence Committees focusing on strengthening military defence starts in Tallinn
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The forum is organised by the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia). The leaders of Defence Committees will discuss collective defence, the increasing of defence spending, and regional defence cooperation, as well as Russia’s ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine and its implications for the international security architecture. Chairman of the National Defence Committee Kalev Stoicescu underlined that discussing security challenges and strengthening cooperation was particularly important in the current tense security situation.
Lieutenant General Bertrand Toujouse, Commander of French Forces Europe/Commander French LANDCOM, who is on a visit to Estonia, will participate in the forum as a special guest. Brigadier (Ret’d) Robbie Boyd from the United Kingdom will also deliver a report. Undersecretary for Defence Policy of the Ministry of the Defence of Estonia Tuuli Duneton and Undersecretary for Political Affairs of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs of Estonia Martin Roger will give an overview of Estonia’s positions.
The forum will be held in the Conference Hall of the Riigikogu. The key topics of discussion will be the priorities and challenges of defence and security policy in a broader sense, and the steps needed to achieve a militarily stronger Europe as soon as possible. On Friday, the representatives of Defence Committees will visit Ämari Airbase, where one of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing aviation units is located.
Leaders of the National Defence Committees of the parliaments of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and Sweden will participate in the forum. Chair of the National Defence Committee of the Parliament of the Netherlands will attend the forum as an observer. Representatives of Germany and France will also take part in the forum held in Tallinn.
The National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu has held annual working meetings with the National Defence Committees of the Baltic States since 1998. From 2011, the representatives of the National Defence Committees of the of the Nordic Countries, Germany and Poland have also been taking part in these meetings.
Photos (will be added in accordance with the programme; photographer: 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: Forum of Defence Committees focusing on strengthening military defence starts in Tallinn
Source: Parliament of Estonia