ESTONIA

European Union Affairs Committee: Transporting animals during cold weather must not be prohibited

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

It was pointed out at the sitting of the Committee that amending the regulation would mainly have an impact on our farmers who transport farm animals out of the country. Due to Estonia’s location, the requirements provided for by the regulation have a significant restrictive effect on transporting of animals out of the country, including export.

Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta considers this a very stupid proposal. “This is a kind of misguided and emotional approach, which would have an unfairly large impact on the Estonian livestock farming and food industry and on food prices,” Pakosta said. She noted that the proposal was like an attempt to exclude the Nordic countries from animal transport, as according to the proposal, the transport of animals would be forbidden when the ambient air temperature was below -5°C. “To make the transport of animals dependent on the temperature outside, but not, for example, on the temperature inside the truck, is unacceptable and would put unfair restrictions on Estonian livestock farmers.”

Pakosta added that the proposal would also unnecessarily increase the CO2 footprint. “The notions that trucks should be made much larger because cattle might prefer to lie down during transport instead of standing, or the requirement for dogs to undergo veterinary treatment before a car journey to reduce the stress of car transport, or the requirement that a vet should always stand next to the animals when they are being loaded—examples like these unfortunately suggest that it is not properly thought through at all,” Pakosta pointed out.

Member of the European Union Affairs Committee Arvo Aller commented that if the regulation were to enter into force in its current form, only sheep and horses could be exported from Estonia in the future, and the export ban would also have an indirect impact on the dairy sector, as 28% of cattle exports was made up of calves and heifers sold for rearing in other countries. “If species-specific rest periods are imposed on the transporters and very specific car fleet is required for transport of animals, there will probably be less transporters in the future. In any case, it is a clear risk of marketing restriction,” Aller underlined.

It was also pointed out at the sitting that the regulation on the protection of animals during transport had been in force for nearly 20 years and was considered outdated by the European Commission, animal welfare organisations and European citizens. Estonia supports the general objectives set by the European Union and the creation of common standards, but considers it important that the requirements established are based on the recommendations of scientific evaluation to improve welfare, take into account the geographical specificities of Member States and are proportionate. Estonia supports the adoption of innovative digital solutions to simplify the administration of businesses and to control and improve animal welfare.

The regulation will not cover non-commercial transport of pets, like visits to the vet.

The European Union Affairs Committee decided to approve Estonia’s positions on the draft regulation with amendments, emphasising the importance of evidence-based approach. Estonia does not support initiatives to improve animal welfare that are not based on evidence.

Chief Specialist of Animal Health and Welfare Ulrika Tuppits and Line Manager Kadri Kaugerand from the Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture gave an overview of the initiative and the Government’s positions regarding it at the sitting of the Committee.

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

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

Link uudisele: European Union Affairs Committee: Transporting animals during cold weather must not be prohibited

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu discussed issues relating to the situation in traffic

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Minister of Climate Kristen Michal replied to the interpellation concerning the situation in traffic in Estonia (No. 593), submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Rain Epler, Helle-Moonika Helme and Rene Kokk.

The interpellators wished to know what the ministry’s and minister’s vision was for a plan in case money run out, since road maintenance funds had been reduced in the budget.

Michal said that as a result of the state budget strategy 2024–2027 negotiations, a total of €680.5 million had been channelled into road management. “Compared to the previous road management plan, which was planned from 2023 to 2026, the share of the state budget in the next four-year road management plan is €76 million higher. The share of external funds has decreased, but the total budget for the new period is still 37 million higher. In the meantime, road construction funds to supplement military mobility funding have been added as well,” the minister said.

The principles of organising road management, the methodologies to be used, and the amount of funds allocated for road management per year are set out in the National Road Management Plan 2024–2027 approved by an order of the Government of the Republic. “It is renewed every year in line with the national budget strategy,” explained Michal. In order to improve road safety, the Transport Administration is consistently working to identify and rebuild dangerous sections and junctions.

He drew attention to the fact that, according to § 92 of the Building Code, on national roads, the duties of the owner of the road were performed by the Transport Administration. The Building Code lays down specific requirements for the road owner concerning the safe planning, design, construction and condition of the road and the relevant authority to perform regulatory enforcement. “The Transport Administration complies with the requirements of the law in the performance of its duties as a road owner, which is why the Ministry of Climate has not seen any grounds to initiate supervisory control in this matter,” the Minister said.

Michal also replied to the interpellation concerning traffic management on national roads (No. 608). The minister did not have to reply to the interpellation concerning the renovation of Estonian housing stock (No. 592) because no representative of the interpellators was present.

Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo replied to the interpellation concerning ensuring the quality of assistance to victims of violence (No. 428) and the interpellation concerning offering mental health support to domestic violence victims  and their children (No. 489), submitted by members of the Riigikogu.

The Board of the Riigikogu approved Member of the Riigikogu Urve Tiidus as a member of the Environment Committee.

Rain Epler took the floor during the open microphone.

The sitting ended at 4.56 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 discussed issues relating to the situation in traffic

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Chairs of Baltic Foreign Affairs Committees condemn Iran’s attacks against Israel

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees say in their statement that yesterday morning Iran, along with its proxies operating from Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, executed an unprecedented aerial assault on Israel, and point out that these acts constitute a flagrant violation of both international legal standards and the foundational principles of the United Nations Charter, posing a severe threat to global peace and security.

The Chairmen highlight in their statement that the aggressive stance adopted by Iran, bolstered by its longstanding support of terrorism via proxy organizations, firmly positions it as a leading entity in the promotion of regional instability and international terroristic activities. “Despite Iran’s assertions to the contrary, its historical backing of groups engaging in terrorist acts against Israel belies any claims of non-aggression. Such hostilities serve only to further destabilize the Middle East and increase the risks to global safety,” the Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees state.

It is underlined in the statement that the necessity for a unified and immediate response from the international community to these provocations is paramount. “Iran’s actions, part of a broader pattern of aggressive behaviours, highlight its role at the centre of a new axis of evil, alongside Russia. This alliance poses a profound and escalating threat to global security, systematically undermining the sovereignty of nations and the stability of international order,” the statement says.

The Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees call on imposition of substantial sanctions against Iran, coupled with designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. “This action is necessitated by Iran’s persistent endorsement of terrorist activities and its involvement in direct acts of aggression towards sovereign states. The recent assaults bring to light the critical nature of Iran’s strategic capabilities, including its nuclear aspirations, and underscore the necessity for urgent and decisive countermeasures.”

In the statement, the Chairmen reaffirm their dedication to upholding global security and averting further escalations within the Middle Eastern region, and highlight the need for a coordinated and robust reaction from the global community in response to the collaboration between Iran and various factions in perpetuating terror and instability.

The Chairmen of Baltic Foreign Affairs Committees express solidarity with the people of Israel and all those who seek peace and stability in opposition to terrorism and aggression. They also call on democracies around the world to stand tall and strong, united in their resolve to safeguard the principles of freedom, justice, and the rule of law that form the bedrock of our global community.

Text of the Joint Statement in Estonian and in English

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

Link uudisele: Chairs of Baltic Foreign Affairs Committees condemn Iran’s attacks against Israel

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group condemns Iran’s aggression act against Israel

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

On Sunday morning, Iran, together with its assistants operating from Yemen, Syria and Iraq, attacked the territory of the State of Israel with missiles and drones in an unprecedented manner. These attacks represent the most brutal violation of international law and the fundamental principles of the United Nations, threatening both regional security and the norm-based world order as a whole. Iran, with its aggressive policy that supports terrorism, has openly positioned itself as a main factor in regional instability and international terrorism.

We express our unequivocal support to the people and the government of Israel, and to our colleagues in the Knesset, wishing them strength and peace. We reiterate that the State of Israel has the full right and duty to defend itself against any attack. Both the terrorist group Hamas, and the regimes that support and assist it must get the punishment they deserve.

Iran’s act of aggression against the State of Israel must receive a united and swift response from the State of Israel and its allies. Iran’s irresponsible aggressive action, which is a part of wider aggressive pattern of behaviour by autocratic states, poses a direct and escalating threat to world security, endangers national sovereignty and global stability. We believe it is particularly important to impose a robust and massive sanctions regime against Iran’s missile and drone industry, replacing the sanctions regime that expired in October 2023, and to suspend and reverse Iran’s nuclear programme while it is still possible.

We also express our concern about the deepening allied relations and military cooperation between Iran and the Russian Federation in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The same missiles and drones that today were used to attack Israel are being used every day against the towns and villages of Ukraine.

We believe that the only way to prevent autocratic threats and barbaric attacks in the future is a strong coordinated response by the democratic world against Iran, the terrorist groups it sponsors and its allies that commit aggression. The security of all democracies and the whole existing world order are in danger.

The Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group consists 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: The Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group condemns Iran’s aggression act against Israel

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Issues relating to support to families with many children were discussed in the Riigikogu

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo replied to the interpellation concerning the need to support families with many children  (No. 339), submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Varro Vooglaid and Anti Poolamets.

The interpellators pointed out that supporting families with many children helped alleviate demographic challenges such as low birth rate and ageing population. If the state wishes to ensure a sufficient population size and a sustainable demographic balance, it is important to support families who wish and are able to raise more than two children.

Riisalo explained that having a child was a deeply personal decision for a family to make. Deeply personal decisions are of course linked to both economic livelihood and the availability and quality of public services but clearly also to sense of security.

“At the same time, we also know that the amount of family allowance is not what directly affects birth rate and that after family allowance increases by a certain amount, we can count on a certain number of children to be born,” Riisalo said.

“I am convinced that large families do need a greater contribution from the state and the role of the state is of major importance in supporting their livelihood. However, the question is always to what extent and at whose expense we can provide these supports,” the minister admitted. She referred to the current situation where social protection spending had increased by one per cent, education spending by one per cent and national defence spending as a ratio of GDP had increased as well. “The costs we are incurring at the expense of taxpayers’ money are growing in time but, due to an economic downturn, tax receipt has not been what we might have wished,” Riisalo noted. She explained that, according to the forecast published in the previous week, regrettably we would not be able to enjoy economic growth that year. The hope is that next year will be easier and it will be possible to contribute more to the development of social services and benefits as well.

“Of course, families living in poverty and poverty risk cause concern. A social survey carried out in 2016–2023 reveals that there is a greater poverty risk in families with fewer maintenance providers, that is, one and not two adult people who work. Thus, single parent families are most affected by relative poverty. 34.8% of them experience it. “Therefore, it is also important in family policy to make decisions that would support those at the highest risk of poverty. Compared to 2022, allowances for families with many children have increased by 150 euro in families with three to six children and by 250 euro in families with seven or more children. If we add to this the increase in the benefit for the first and second child, this increase is even higher. At the same time the single parent’s child allowance increased to 80 euro and this is also the resource they have to manage with,” the minister said.

Riisalo also replied to the interpellation concerning incitement of hatred against families with children (No. 612).

Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna replied to the interpellation concerning an interference with the internal affairs of Hungary (No. 570).

Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas replied to interpellations concerning uniform Estonian school (No. 544), the promises of a pay rise given to teachers (No. 580), school reform (No. 611), and curriculum subjects relating to human sexuality, and the rights of parents in that connection (No. 616).

Rain Epler took the floor during the open microphone.

The sitting ended at 8.20 p.m.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian) 

Video recordings of the sittings of the Riigikogu can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/riigikogu.

(Please note that the recording will be uploaded with a delay.)

Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal, +372 631 6351, +372 5190 2837
gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

Link uudisele: Issues relating to support to families with many children were discussed in the Riigikogu

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Members of Estonian and Finnish Foreign Affairs Committees discussed impacts of Russia’s war of aggression

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

In the opinion of Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson, the allies have not done enough to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia, which is continuing its war of aggression. He said that when the members of his committee visited Ukraine at the end of March, they had seen that although there was a shortage of ammunition and weapons on the front, the Ukrainians’ will to defend remained high. “The Ukrainians will fight to the end because they understand what will happen to their children and families if they don’t,” he stated.

The deputies recalled the words of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy that if the United States stopped supporting Ukraine, Ukraine would lose the war. “As allies, we have not done everything possible to support Ukraine. We need to do much more,” Mihkelson underlined, and added that if Russia was not stopped in Ukraine, they would continue to destroy the European security architecture.

“At the moment, we have a unique opportunity to show Russia where its borders are by contributing to helping Ukraine win the war, getting the Ukrainian flag fly again in Crimea and Sevastopol, and integrating Ukraine into both NATO and the European Union,” Mihkelson said.

At today’s meeting, members of the Foreign Affairs Committees of Estonian and Finnish parliaments also spoke about potential future developments in Russia and Belarus, the situation in the Middle East and China’s strategic aims. Finland’s accession to NATO and its presidency of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2025 were also discussed.

Besides Chairman Mihkelson, Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Henn Põlluaas and members of the Committee Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski, Ester Karuse, Eerik-Niiles Kross and Luisa Rõivas also participated in the meeting.

The Foreign Affairs Committees of the Riigikogu and the Eduskunta have cooperated regularly for many years and held annual working meetings. The next meeting of the committees will take place in Helsinki, Finland.

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: Members of Estonian and Finnish Foreign Affairs Committees discussed impacts of Russia’s war of aggression

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Estonian and US soldiers trained offensive and defensive operations during a joint live-fire exercise

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —The conscripts of the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the Estonian Division and the allied units from United States Army took part in joint live fire exercise organized and lead by third year cadets of the Estonian Military Academy at the Nursipalu training ground. “The exercise was multi-layered, where in addition to …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees sent a joint statement to the Parliament of Georgia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees point out in the joint statement that although the parliamentary majority leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party promised to withdraw the so-called law on foreign agents from the parliamentary deliberations last spring, they now have announced the reintroduction of the draft law. This was done regardless of the overwhelming protests of the Georgian people.

The FAC Chairs express deep concern about the content of the draft law, which in their opinion resembles Putin’s Russia. “[The law] is designed to stigmatize and weaken Georgia’s vibrant pro-European civil society and NGO sector, while it is widely known as Georgia’s greatest asset and hope and has a reputation of being one of the most transparent in the world in terms of budget and funding,” the Chairs say in their joint statement.

The FAC Chairs underline that reintroduction of this law severely undermines Georgia’s hard-won European perspective and candidate status, because creating and maintaining the enabling environment for civil society organisations and media freedom is at the core of democracy and crucial for the success of Georgia’s European integration.

According to the Chairs, introduction of the draft legislation is a hostile move towards Georgian people’s European aspirations and their future. They also recall that Georgia was granted the EU candidate status on the understanding that it will implement the 12 steps outlined by the European Commission, to advance towards the opening of accession negotiations and that up to now Georgia has only implemented 3 of those recommendations.

“We urge the ruling Georgian Dream party to withdraw it from parliamentary deliberations, as we continue to support the European aspirations of the Georgian people and expect that Georgia upholds its commitment to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and human rights,” the statement says. “We sincerely hope that the Georgian government will once again demonstrate its maturity and determination to integrate into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions, guided by the values of Western liberal democracy. The future of the Georgian people is at stake.”

The joint statement is signed by the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and the United Kingdom. The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson signed the statement on behalf of Estonia.

Text of the Joint Statement in Estonian and in English

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

Link uudisele: Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees sent a joint statement to the Parliament of Georgia

Source: Parliament of Estonia

European Union Affairs Committee: Smuggling of migrants across the EU borders must be prevented

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta pointed out that migrant smuggling had become a weapon, which was also used by Russia. “It is necessary to respond to sending migrants to Europe, and to update the minimum penal standards related to this,” she said. “Illegal border crossings of migrants have already increased rapidly by a fifth, and it is estimated that criminals earn 6 billion euros a year from smuggling people into Europe. By now, not just the Mediterranean countries are in trouble, but our region too, because of the migrants sent here from Russia and Belarus,” Pakosta explained.

Pakosta underlined that strengthening Europol was important also in order to fight against violations of the sanctions imposed against Russia. “We unanimously gave Europol permission to deal with this new issue as well. At the same time Member States must retain the right to define their penal policy themselves,” the Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee added. Pakosta said that the limitation periods set out in the directive were incompatible with our Penal Code, and we also stood for greater freedom of speech in regard to inciting migrant smuggling. “According to the current wording, it could also be possible to punish those who ask that refugees were accepted in another country for humanitarian reasons. This causes a conflict with freedom of speech, so the directive needs further work.”

Deputy Chairman of the Committee Enn Eesmaa also admitted that it was necessary to make a clear distinction between a third country urging refugees to cross the border to another country to cause disturbances, and asking to accept those in need. “It is critical to draw this clear line between criminal activities and freedom of speech, and to ensure that those who act for humanitarian reasons are not punished,” Eesmaa said.

The European Union Affairs Committee also discussed the proposal for a regulation on reinforcing Europol’s resources to strengthen fight against migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings. The aim of the proposal is having a closer cooperation between countries to catch cross-border networks and to prevent their activities across the EU. It was pointed out that the number of cases of migrant smuggling had increased, but if more networks were caught and the illegal money was seized, it would help reduce crime.

The European Union Affairs Committee decided to approve Estonia’s positions on both proposals. As regards the proposal on preventing and countering unauthorised entry into the Union, the Committee approved the positions with amendment, as Estonia understands the objectives of the proposal but finds that it is necessary to amend the directive.

The proposal on preventing unauthorised entry into the Union was presented by Adviser at the Department of Criminal Law and Procedure of the Criminal Policy Division of the Ministry of Justice Markko Künnapu. Adviser of the Ministry of the Interior Liina Pello gave an overview of the proposal on reinforcing Europol.

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: European Union Affairs Committee: Smuggling of migrants across the EU borders must be prevented

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Lauri Hussar was elected as the President of the Riigikogu, and Toomas Kivimägi and Jüri Ratas were elected as the Vice-Presidents

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

97 members of the Riigikogu took part in the secret ballot. 64 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of Lauri Hussar, 28 voted against and there were five invalid ballot papers.

After the election, Hussar thanked the members of the Riigikogu for their trust in him.

Member of the Riigikogu Martin Helme nominated Arvo Aller as a candidate for a Vice-President, Member of the Riigikogu Erkki Keldo nominated Toomas Kivimägi and Member of the Riigikogu Urmas Reinsalu nominated Jüri Ratas.

97 members of the Riigikogu took part in the secret ballot. 48 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of Toomas Kivimägi, 27 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of Jüri Ratas and 21 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of Arvo Aller. One ballot paper was invalid. Thus, Toomas Kivimägi was elected as the First Vice-President of the Riigikogu, and Jüri Ratas was elected as the Second Vice-President. 

After today’s sitting, Estonia – Mongolia Parliamentary Friendship Group was formed. 

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Photos (Author: Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu)
Please note: the photos will be uploaded with a delay.

Video recordings of the sittings of the Riigikogu can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/riigikogu.
(Please note that the recording will be uploaded with a delay)

Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal, +372 631 6351, +372 5190 2837
gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

Link uudisele: Lauri Hussar was elected as the President of the Riigikogu, and Toomas Kivimägi and Jüri Ratas were elected as the Vice-Presidents

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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