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

A Bill amending the Food Act passed the first reading in the Riigikogu

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Bill will repeal the provision delegating authority regarding the procedure for regulating state supervision of contaminants in food of animal origin because this is regulated by European Union Regulations. Provision is made for the possibility to outsource the service of an accredited laboratory if the laboratory is located in another Member State of the European Union or in a country that is a contracting party to the European Economic Area (EEA).

In addition, application for an authorisation concerning the treatment of foodstuffs with ionising radiation will be specified which will concern one establishment in Estonia. In the European Union it is possible to treat foodstuffs with ionising radiation to a very limited extent. Only dried aromatic herbs and spices and vegetable seasonings are treated in order to reduce the number of pathogenic micro-organisms and to extend the shelf-life of products.

A draft Resolution was dropped from the proceedings

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to abandon the establishment of a car tax and to withdraw the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill from the proceedings of the Riigikogu” (374 OE), submitted by Isamaa Parliamentary Group, was intended to make a proposal to abandon the establishment of a car tax and to withdraw the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill from the proceedings of the Riigikogu.

During the debate, Rene Kokk from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart from the Estonian Centre Party Group and Andres Metsoja from Isamaa Parliamentary Group took the floor.

At the final vote, 28 members of the Riigikogu supported the draft Resolution. A majority of the votes of the membership of the Riigikogu, that is, at least 51 votes in favour, would have been needed for the Resolution to be passed.

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: A Bill amending the Food Act passed the first reading in the Riigikogu

Source: Parliament of Estonia

President of the Riigikogu at the meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine: We are together in this fight

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

“Estonia is and will be a supporter of Ukraine. We will do our best to support Ukraine because we are together in this fight – the fight for freedom, democracy and a free world,” Hussar said. The President of the Riigikogu assured the Prime Minister of Ukraine that Estonia was ready to make its best efforts to help Ukraine and to do its utmost so that Ukraine could win the war.

Hussar acknowledged Ukraine for the progress it had made on its path to the European Union. “We very much hope that you can start with the accession negotiations as soon as during the Belgian Presidency,” he said, and added that Estonia was ready to share its experience and knowledge with Ukraine in every way.

Using of Russia’s frozen assets was also discussed at the meeting. Hussar pointed out that the Riigikogu was deliberating a Bill that would allow that. Both Hussar and the Ukrainian Prime Minister agreed that when the first step in that direction had been taken, there was hope that other countries would also eventually follow. The Prime Minister of Ukraine said that Russia has caused damage amounting to at least 486 billion dollars.

The situation on the front, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace process, sanctions against Russia, military assistance to Ukraine, accession to NATO and the children stolen from Ukraine were also spoken about. At least 20,000 children have been taken from Ukraine to Russia and Belarus, and it is very difficult to find them and bring them back home. Shmyhal thanked Estonia for all its support and help.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson, Chairman of the National Defence Committee Kalev Stoicescu, Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta, Chairman of the Estonia-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group Eerik-Niiles Kross and Deputy Chairmen of the Parliamentary Friendship Group Urmas Reinsalu and Tanel Kiik also participated in the meeting.

Before the meeting, Shmyhal signed the Riigikogu guest book and posed for an official photo with the members of the Riigikogu.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine will also meet with President of the Republic Alar Karis and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. He will visit the Memorial to the Victims of Communism at Maarjamäe and give a speech at Tallinn University of Technology

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: President of the Riigikogu at the meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine: We are together in this fight

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Mihkelson from the Ukrainian front: They are also fighting for us

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson said that for the last three days, they had been in the Ukrainian frontline zone. “Together with volunteers, we have met with several brigades, commanders and fighters to better understand what is happening on the Ukrainian front at the moment and to give them a clear message that they are not fighting alone, they are also fighting for us.”

In Kyiv, the Estonian delegation met with the representatives of the Committee on Foreign Policy of the Verkhovna Rada and the Ukraine-Estonia Parliamentary Friendship Group, as well as with General Director of the Government Office for the Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Oleksandr Ilkov and Deputy Chairman of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence of the Verkhovna Rada Yehor Cherniev.

From Thursday, the Foreign Affairs Committee was in the frontline zone, where it joined 1Team1Fight volunteers for three days to help them deliver aid to frontline units and to get information about the situation in the region of Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut and Avdiivka. The delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee also presented the 12th Brigade with an observation drone.

Besides the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee included Deputy Chairman of the Committee Henn Põlluaas and members of the Committee Eerik-Niiles Kross and Luisa Rõivas.

Photo: The delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee presented the 12th Brigade with an observation drone. Photo: Chancellery of the Riigikogu

Riigikogu Press Service
Maris Meiessaar
+372 631 6353, +372 5558 3993
maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

 

Link uudisele: Mihkelson from the Ukrainian front: They are also fighting for us

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar opened Estonia’s first honorary consulate in Ukraine

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar pointed out that opening a honorary consulate showed that Estonia wished to strengthen and deepen the relations between the two countries. “At the meetings with the President of Ukraine, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada and the Prime Minister of Ukraine in Kyiv yesterday, I reaffirmed Estonia’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the fight against Russia that is continuing war of aggression. We will continue to support Ukraine in every way until Ukraine’s victory,” he said.

Hussar recalled that Estonia was one of the first countries that started the reconstruction of Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale invasion. In Zhytomyr Oblast, Estonia has built a kindergarten in the city of Ovruch, financed the reconstruction of the destroyed bridge in Malyn and will start building family houses for Ukrainian children orphaned in the war with Olena Zelenska Foundation. “With our activities, we want to also show the allies that the reconstruction of Ukraine is not only necessary, but possible as well,” Hussar said.

According to him, the aim of the reconstruction programme is to help build up prosperous Ukraine and Zhytomyr region, where Estonian and Ukrainian companies, universities and people can freely cooperate. “The Honorary Consul will be a key person in establishing contacts and developing relations between Estonia and Zhytomyr and, if necessary, in assisting Estonian citizens with consular matters,” said the President of the Riigikogu, wishing the Honorary Consul of Estonia Mykola Sychenko success and strength.

Before the opening of the Honorary Consulate, Hussar had a meeting with Governor of Zhytomyr Oblast Vitaliy Bunechko.

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: Hussar opened Estonia’s first honorary consulate in Ukraine

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar in Kyiv: Ukraine’s future is in the EU and NATO

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar stated that Ukraine was defending the democratic values of the whole of Europe and the West. At the meetings with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, he confirmed Estonia’s continued solidarity and strong support for Ukraine and said that Estonia would stand with Ukraine until victory.

Hussar assured that Estonia, together with other democratic countries, would continue to provide military, political and economic support to Ukraine. He pointed out that over the next four years, Estonia planned to provide Ukraine with military aid amounting to around 0.25% of its GDP, or more than 100 million euros per year. “We are also actively calling on our partners and allies to increase defence assistance to Ukraine,” he said.

Hussar underlined that Russia’s war criminals must be held accountable for the crimes committed in Ukraine, and that those responsible for the crime of aggression must be brought before an international special tribunal. “Russia must answer for its actions and compensate the damages caused to Ukraine. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is not an issue between Russia and Ukraine, nor is it only a European concern, it is a problem for the entire international community,” he said, and added that Estonia would continue proceedings on the Bill allowing the use of Russia’s frozen assets and would support the imposition of new sanctions on Russia until the last Russian soldier had left Ukraine.

Hussar assured at the meetings that Estonia would continue providing strong support to Ukraine on its way to the European Union and NATO. According to him, the EU’s decision to start accession negotiations with Ukraine had been historic. “We will do all we can to ensure that the process moves forward and that there are no delays in the next steps. However, we expect a clear signal from the NATO Summit in Washington that Ukraine’s path to the Alliance is irreversible and firm,” he said.

Hussar was accompanied at the meetings in Kyiv by Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson and members of the Foreign Affairs Committee Henn Põlluaas and Eerik-Niiles Kross.

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: Hussar in Kyiv: Ukraine’s future is in the EU and NATO

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar: Russia must be answer for crimes and destruction in Ukraine

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar said at the meetings with Marshal of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia and Marshal of the Senate Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska that Estonia considered Poland its very close ally. “Our common aim is to continue helping Ukraine in the fight against Russia that is waging a war of aggression. We have to do everything to help Ukraine win the war,” he noted, and pointed out that Estonia had committed itself to providing Ukraine with military aid amounting to at least 0.25 per cent of GDP in the coming years.

Hussar also underlined that Russia must be held accountable for the crimes and destruction it has committed in Ukraine. “The perpetrators of the crime of aggression must be brought before an international special tribunal, and Russia’s frozen assets must be used to compensate the war damages in Ukraine,” he said, welcoming the fact that, like Estonia, Poland is also developing a plan to use Russia’s frozen assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

During the meetings, the leaders of parliaments also discussed the security situation in the region, the importance of increasing defence spending, and both bilateral cooperation and cooperation within NATO. Hussar recalled that March would mark the 25th anniversary of Poland’s and the 20th anniversary of Estonia’s accession to NATO, and the Baltic Sea had now become NATO’s internal sea. “Sweden’s accession to NATO strengthens the security of the whole region and provides new opportunities for cooperation. NATO is and will be the cornerstone of our security,” he said.

Hussar also visited the memorial to the victims of communism in Warsaw and laid a wreath in memory of the victims of the 1949 March deportation. 75 years ago today, the Soviet occupation powers deported more than 20,000 people from Estonia to Siberia.

The President of the Riigikogu was accompanied on the visit by Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson and members of the Foreign Affairs Committee Henn Põlluaas and Eerik-Niiles Kross.

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: Hussar: Russia must be answer for crimes and destruction in Ukraine

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Members of the European Union Affairs Committee are meeting their colleagues in Brussels with a message on the importance of continued support for Ukraine

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

“Ukraine must be supported with weapons, funds, and humanitarian aid, as well as with help in joining the European Union,” Chairman of the EUAC Liisa Pakosta emphasised. “This said, the Union must also strengthen its defence industry and cooperate with Ukraine. The goal is to help Ukraine win the war and to strengthen the defence capabilities of the Union.”

Member of the Committee Hanah Lahe will also deliver a speech on gender equality and pay gap, highlighting the inadequate representation of women and young people in politics. “The approaching European Parliament elections offer an opportunity to the representatives of all the Member States and political parties to emphasise the importance of gender equality, closing the pay gap, combating gender-based violence, and increasing the participation of young people and women in politics,” Lahe says in her speech.

Members of national parliaments present at the Plenary Meeting will also discuss outlooks for EU strategic development and future; open strategic autonomy, competitiveness, and performance; and democracy and rule of law.

Pakosta is also taking part in a visit organised by the European Commission for opinion leaders in Brussels, which includes a range of meetings. The focus of the discussions is on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, Europe’s defence industry, rule of law in the European Union, elections in Europe, digital Europe, and budgetary principles of the European Union.

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: Members of the European Union Affairs Committee are meeting their colleagues in Brussels with a message on the importance of continued support for Ukraine

Source: Parliament of Estonia

National parliaments focus on parliamentary diplomacy in achieving peace and understanding

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

“There are many military conflicts around the world and tensions are rising in several places. Through communication between representatives of countries, it may be possible to prevent something, to find a solution to some conflicts – either by deterring and punishing the aggressors or by seeking mediators. It should be remembered that a good contact established at human level may open some doors or keep a fight from breaking out,” Head of the delegation of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Maris Lauri says in her speech.

At the Assembly, all the statutory bodies of the IPU will meet, including the Governing Council, the Standing Committees, the Committee on Human Rights and Democracy, and the Committee on Middle East Questions, as well as the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, and the Forum of Young Parliamentarians. The representatives of Estonia participate in the work of Twelve Plus Group that is made up of European countries, and Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

The plenary of the Assembly will adopt a resolution on the emergency item as well as the resolutions of two standing committees. The resolution of the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security will address the social and humanitarian impact of autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence, and the resolution of the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade will focus on partnerships for climate action in promoting access to affordable green energy, and ensuring innovation, responsibility and equity. The Assembly will also adopt the outcome document of the General Debate.

Hundreds of MPs from parliaments across the world will attend the Assembly. The Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 23 to 27 March 2024. Estonia is represented at the Assembly by President of the Estonian Interparliamentary Union Group Maris Lauri and Vice-Presidents Helle-Moonika Helme, Helmen Kütt and Peeter Tali, as well as Deputy Head of the Estonian delegation to the Baltic Assembly Enn Eesmaa. Vice-President of the Riigikogu Toomas Kivimägi will participate in the work of the high-level segment of the Assembly.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is the oldest and largest global organisation of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 and has 180 member states from the entire world. Estonia was a member of the Union between 1921–1940, and restored its membership after regaining its independence in 1991.

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

Link uudisele: National parliaments focus on parliamentary diplomacy in achieving peace and understanding

Source: Parliament of Estonia

NATO PA Standing Committee meets at the Riigikogu

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Head of the Estonian Delegation to the NATO PA Raimond Kaljulaid said that the direct dialogue between the representatives of the parliaments of the NATO countries was the great value of the Assembly, and the various meetings of the Assembly provided a good opportunity for this. “Naturally, we wish to explain to our colleagues Estonia’s positions and vision regarding helping Ukraine and strengthening collective defence,” he added.

The meeting of the NATO PA Standing Committee will begin with a welcome address by President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar in the Riigikogu Session Hall on Saturday afternoon. On Saturday, the Committee, chaired by NATO PA President Michal Szczerba, will discuss the declarations on the Washington Summit, which will be held at the beginning of July, and on further support to Ukraine. The discussions will continue at the Assembly’s Spring Session in May. For the first time, the delegation of Sweden, which joined NATO at the beginning of March, will participate in the meeting of the Assembly as a full member.

On Sunday at 9, Prime Minister of Estonia Kaja Kallas will speak at the Session Hall of the Riigikogu. She will also reply to the questions of the participants of the meeting. The Prime Minister’s address and question time are public and will be live streamed online in English. Members of the press can watch the public part of the sitting of the Committee, which will last around 45 minutes, on the Press Gallery of the Riigikogu. The video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

On Sunday, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk will deliver a video address and Head of the Ukrainian delegation Yehor Cherniev will make a speech at the sitting of the NATO PA Standing Committee.

Head of the Estonian delegation to the NATO PA Kaljulaid, members of the delegation Marko Mihkelson and Meelis Kiili as well as Chairman of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu Kalev Stoicescu and Deputy Chairman of the National Defence Committee Leo Kunnas will have a separate meeting with the Ukrainian delegation on Sunday.

Before the sitting, the members of the Standing Committee will visit the Miinisadam Naval Base, where they will meet with Commander of the Estonian Navy Commodore Jüri Saska.

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: NATO PA Standing Committee meets at the Riigikogu

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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