NordenBladet —From December 2 to 8, Allied Air Forces will conduct training flights in Estonian airspace with fighter jets and transport aircrafts as part of Exercise Pikne, including low-altitude flights. The training flights will take place in designated training areas. The flights will primarily take place in Northeastern Estonia between 8:00 …
Source: Estonian Defence Forces
NordenBladet —On Monday, December 2, a two-week-long multinational military exercise Pikne (“lightning”) kicks off in Estonia, bringing increased Allied presence and activities on the sea, in the air and on land to North-East Estonia. Exercise Pikne is part of NATO Vigilance Activity Brilliant Eagle, focusing on Allied rapid deployability and interoperability in the Baltic Sea region. “The aim of the exercise, led by the Estonian Division, …
Source: Estonian Defence Forces
NordenBladet —
“Estonia supports Moldova’s accession to the European Union and we are always ready to share our experience and support Moldova politically, economically and in the issues of security. The enlargement of the European Union is now more important than ever,” Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali said. “At the meetings with the parliamentarians and representatives of the Government of Moldova today we will also focus on new opportunities for cooperation.”
Security situation will also be one of the key issues discussed at the meetings. “One of the main efforts of the hostile influence activities of Putin’s regime has been turning the presidential elections and the EU accession referendum in Moldova towards the outcome the Kremlin wanted, which failed. This is why Moldova’s experience in dealing with Russia’s influence activities is very valuable for us,” Tali said.
Today the delegation will be in Chișinău to have meetings with President of the Parliament of Moldova Igor Grosu, and Chair Ina Coșeru and Deputy Chair Ion Groza of the Committee for Foreign Policy and European Integration, as well as with Chairman of the Moldova-Estonia parliamentary friendship group Andrian Cheptonar and members of the parliamentary friendship group.
The members of the European Union Affairs Committee are also planning to meet with Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Dumitru Alaiba, State Secretary for European Integration Rodica Crudu, and Head of Bureau for Reintegration Policies Alin Gvidiani.
Tomorrow, the delegation will meet with Ambassador of the European Union in Moldova Jānis Mažeiks.
The delegation of the European Union Affairs Committee consists of Chairman of the Committee Peeter Tali and members of the Committee Katrin Kuusemäe, Maido Ruusmann, Luisa Rõivas and Tarmo Tamm.
Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: The European Union Affairs Committee visits Moldova
Source: Parliament of Estonia
NordenBladet —
Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali pointed out that both Tallinn and Tartu were very good examples of the impact of the title, and culture as an economic sector. “Thanks to the title of the Capital of Culture, Tallinn opened up to the sea in 2011 with the creation of the Culture Kilometre. Many of the initiatives that have been launched in Tartu as part of the European Capital of Culture programme are planned to be continued after the end of this year, so the benefits will be long-lasting there as well.”
“Capitals of Culture get a lot of attention, the title brings visibility and tourists to the cities and their surrounding areas, but there is more. Through the European Union’s Capital of Culture action, culture can be developed as an economic sector,” Tali said. “Of course, for us, it is also important for us to preserve cultural identity, promote cultural history and create wider networks.”
The positions approved by the European Union Affairs Committee state that Estonia considers it important to continue with the Capital of Culture action, but it is also necessary to ensure the conditions that would allow the municipalities and cities of small countries to compete for the title. Estonia also believes that it is important to involve cultural experts who are familiar with the circumstances of the candidate country in the election process of the Capital of Culture. Estonia also thinks that the European Capital of Culture prize should be larger in order to raise the quality of the initiative.
The positions of the Government on the public consultation for the 2024 interim evaluation of the European Capitals of Culture action were presented by Minister of Culture Heidy Purga and Adviser on European Union Affairs at the Ministry of Culture Kadri Jauram. The European Union Affairs Committee decided by consensus to support the positions presented by the Government, taking into account the opinion of the Cultural Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu.
The aim of the consultation is, among other things, to provide input for the selection of the European Capitals of Culture after 2033. By today, the title of the European Capital of Culture has been awarded to more than 60 cities.
Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: The Riigikogu supports continuation of the European Capitals of Culture action
Source: Parliament of Estonia
NordenBladet —
Kaljulaid said that the Assembly was convening at a critical moment for Ukraine and Europe. “We want to discuss further steps that NATO countries can take to support Ukraine and ensure security in Europe with our colleagues from parliaments of NATO countries. We also hope to garner support for the proposal to increase NATO ambitions on defence spending,” he said, adding that two percent of the GDP was no longer enough to deter Russia. “We definitely intend to explain how forcing an unfair peace on Ukraine is not a solution that would ensure security and trust in Europe in the long run.”
Before the Plenary Sitting, discussions will be held in the committees of the Assembly on Saturday and Sunday. Kaljulaid is a member of the Defence and Security Committee, Mihkelson is a member of the Political Committee, and Reinsalu is a member of the Committee on Democracy and Security.
The NATO PA will convene for its 70th annual session on Monday; its agenda includes the election of the President and the adoption of five resolutions. The resolutions concern futureproofing the Alliance and supporting Ukraine until its victory, enhancing NATO’s integrated air and missile defence, stopping conflict-related sexual violence, boosting technological development, and responsible application of AI for military purposes.
The members of the Estonian delegation will use the opportunity of the Annual Session in Montréal to have separate meetings with the Israeli and US delegations.
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Estonian delegation attends the NATO PA Annual Session in Canada
Source: Parliament of Estonia
NordenBladet —
Hussar said that the Riigikogu had had very close and fruitful cooperation with the Seimas in many areas, and he hoped that this would continue. “It is crucial for us to persuade not only our European but also transatlantic allies to continue supporting Ukraine in the war of aggression launched by Russia, so that Ukraine would have the necessary assistance to seize the initiative in the war. We must do all we can to support Ukraine to the victorious end of the war, and this is where the cooperation between the Baltic States is of critical importance,” he said.
Hussar pointed out that the importance of parliamentary diplomacy had grown considerably since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression. “As representatives of the people, we have a big role in strengthening relations between countries, in finding new ways to help Ukraine, and in standing for tightening of sanctions and ending all cooperation with Russia,” he added.
Hussar and Skvernelis also discussed the current situation of the Rail Baltic project and stressed the importance of completing the construction of the railway. According to Hussar, this is an essential infrastructure project, and the parliaments of the Baltic States must also work together to ensure that the rail connection is completed sooner rather than later.
At the video meeting, the Speakers also spoke of future cooperation plans, defence spending and investments, and the need to continue supporting the Eastern Partnership countries.
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Hussar emphasised the importance of Baltic cooperation in supporting Ukraine
Source: Parliament of Estonia
NordenBladet —
“A free and democratic Belarus has a place in Europe,” said Hussar, adding that supporting a democratic Belarus was helped by Tsikhanouskaya’s clear pro-European vision. Hussar noted that the representatives of democratic Belarus must work together abroad, and it was important to support them in this.
At the meeting, the situation in Ukraine was also discussed. It was highlighted that today one thousand days had passed since the beginning of the war. Hussar underlined that it was necessary to continue supporting Ukraine so that the country would win the war. Tsikhanouskaya pointed out that Ukraine’s victory was also very important for Belarus, as the fates of Ukraine and Belarus were intertwined.
Other issues discussed included depriving the citizens of aggressor states of the right to vote in Estonia, the pseudo-elections to be held in Belarus in two months, the situation of political prisoners, as well as the wish of Belarusian democratic forces to organise online voting following the example of Estonia, so that both Belarusians living abroad and Belarusians living in Belarus could participate in the elections.
Today Tsikhanouskaya will also meet with Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson and Chairman of the Democratic Belarus Support Group of the Riigikogu Urmas Reinsalu.
Photos of the meetings (Merje Meisalu / 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: President of the Riigikogu: Estonia supports the aspirations of Belarusian democratic forces
Source: Parliament of Estonia
NordenBladet —
Chairman of the National Defence Committee Kalev Stoicescu said that the National Security Concept of Estonia was to be updated the next year. The National Defence Committee has to contribute to this process and present its recommendations, and that is the purpose of the report. He added that the updating of the National Security Concept was essential in the rapidly changing security environment.
The Committee appointed Meelis Kiili the rapporteur. According to him, the legislation and other fundamental documents shaping the security of the state will be reviewed during the drafting of the report, and their effectiveness in the changing security environment will be analysed and assessed. It is also planned to map the key issues relating to comprehensive national defence, and national preparedness.
The National Defence Committee decided that the report must be submitted to the Committee by the end of the Spring Session at the latest.
According to the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, a committee of the Riigikogu may prepare a report for the purpose of analysing an issue that belongs to its area of authority or for oversight purposes. The committee appoints from among its members a rapporteur who is responsible for the drafting of the report and ensuring that the report will be ready by the time set by the committee. The draft report will be submitted to the committee for approval.
The purpose of the report is to draw conclusions, and present proposals or make recommendations to the Riigikogu, a committee of the Riigikogu, or the Government. The report will be published on the Riigikogu web page. According to the law, a committee may make a proposal to the Board of the Riigikogu to discuss the report as a matter of significant national importance in the plenary assembly.
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 drafts a report on Estonia’s preparedness to prevent and counter security threats
Source: Parliament of Estonia
NordenBladet —
The Bill on Partial Repeal of the Act on Amendments to the Land Tax (489 SE), initiated by Isamaa Parliamentary Group, provided that the Act on Amendments to the Land Tax Act, passed in the Riigikogu on 19 June this year, should be repealed in the part that it has not entered into force and that large-scale increases in land tax and the elimination of the tax exemption on the land under homes should be precluded in the future.
Rain Epler (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) took the floor during the debate.
The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 35 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 12 were against. The Bill was dropped from the legislative proceedings.
The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Formation of the Riigikogu committee of investigation to investigate the facts relating to the Rail Baltic project” (460 OE), submitted by the Estonian Centre Party Group, provided for the formation of a Riigikogu committee of investigation with the task of checking if the project complied with the Rail Baltic Agreement ratified by the Riigikogu in 2017, ascertaining the total budget and funding options for the project as well as making a proposal to the Riigikogu and the Government on how to proceed with the project if necessary.
The lead committee moved to reject the draft Resolution at the first reading. 48 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 22 were against. The draft Resolution was dropped from the legislative proceedings.
The Bill on Amendments to the Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act (453 SE), initiated by the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, was intended to amend the Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act by adding a provision that would make Easter Monday a public holiday and a day of rest and would give an additional day of rest when the national day or a public holiday falls on a weekend.
During the debate, Riina Solman (Isamaa), Vladimir Belobrovtsev (Centre Party) and Arvo Aller (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) took the floor.
The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 43 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 24 were against. The Bill was dropped from the legislative proceedings.
The Bill on Amendments to the Termination of Pregnancy and Sterilisation Act (459 SE), initiated by Member of the Riigikogu Varro Vooglaid, was intended to include in the Act a provision that would prohibit state funding of elective termination of pregnancy.
During the debate, Irja Lutsar took the floor on behalf of Estonia 200 Parliamentary Group, Züleyxa Izmailova on behalf of the Social Democratic Party Parliamentary Group, Priit Sibul on behalf of Isamaa Parliamentary Group and Helle-Moonika Helme on behalf of the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Parliamentary Group.
The lead committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 35 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 16 were against. The Bill was dropped from the legislative proceedings.
The replying to the interpellations concerning the impact of tax amendments on the state budget (No. 648) and a planned change in excise duty (No. 651) was excluded from the agenda on the motion of interpellators. Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi was to reply.
Rain Epler took the floor during the open microphone.
The sitting ended at 9.03 p.m.
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 Riigikogu did not support amendment of the Land Tax Act
Source: Parliament of Estonia
NordenBladet —
The Bill on Amendments to the Government of the Republic Act and Amendments to Other Associated Acts (reorganisation of the Land Board into the Land and Spatial Planning Board) (457 SE), initiated by the Government, is intended to consolidate the structural units engaged in land and spatial planning in various agencies into a single entity. The Land and Spatial Planning Board will provide help with issues relating to services regarding land, planning, construction as well as architecture.
The explanatory memorandum states that the Bill will resolve the issue of the fragmentation of activities in the spatial sector and the lack of a central implementation unit which has persisted for years. The knowledge, competence and data concerning the living environment and the land and spatial sector will be consolidated in one place which will create an opportunity make better spatial decisions, to use resources better and to save costs. More professional spatial creation will help adapt to climate change, reduce forced commuting, prevent segregation, preserve the environment and improve people’s mental and physical health.
Besides the current tasks of the Land Board, the following will be consolidated to the Land and Spatial Planning Board: the activities of the e-Construction platform from the Construction and Living Environment Department of the Ministry of Climate ; implementation tasks in spatial planning from the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture ; land improvement sector tasks from the Agriculture and Food Board; services relating to the maintenance of unimproved state real estate, land consolidation and land improvement provided to the Ministry of Climate from the Ministry of Finance; as well as tasks in the area of activity of strategic space creation.
According to the Bill, the Land and Spatial Planning Board will start operating on 1 January 2025.
Mart Maastik and Andres Metsoja from Isamaa Parliamentary Group, Arvo Aller from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and Igor Taro from Estonia 200 Parliamentary Group and unaffiliated Member of the Riigikogu Kalle Grünthal took the floor during the debate.
The Bill on Amendments to the Identity Documents Act and Amendments to Other Associated Acts (497 SE), initiated by the Government, passed the first reading. It will transpose the directive aimed at enhancing cooperation in consular protection for European Union citizens in the third countries in which the Member State is not represented.
The Bill will transpose the conditions and procedure for issuing the emergency travel document to unrepresented EU citizens in third countries. It is a single-journey document, allowing the bearer to return home in the event that their documents have been lost, stolen or destroyed during travel. In addition, the EU Emergency Travel Document will be issued to Estonian citizens and aliens who reside in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit and who hold an alien’s passport, a temporary travel document or a travel document for a refugee or who are received by the country on the basis of a treaty. The new travel document will be replacing the current certificate of return and permit of return in such cases.
Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)
Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.
Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: The Bill on the establishment of the Land and Spatial Planning Board passed the second reading in the Riigikogu
Source: Parliament of Estonia