ESTONIA

The European Union Affairs Committee: reporting of sustainability information should be voluntary

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

According to Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali, the European Union wants to significantly reduce the administrative burden of companies and has therefore presented in an accelerated procedure a proposal to postpone the sustainability reporting obligation by two years for companies that have not yet submitted their reports, and to make a number of simplifications during these two years to reduce the administrative burden.

“The European Commission really wants to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and that’s the reason for this turbo procedure to suspend sustainability reporting. Estonia’s long term plan is to make sustainability reporting voluntary for all companies,” Tali said. He expressed hope that Estonia would find allies in Europe who support this proposal. “If the obligation is retained despite our efforts, we would prefer to introduce reporting every five years, or as a minimum every three years, instead of the current annual obligation.”

The positions approved by the Committee also state that if these proposals are not supported, Estonia can accept a sustainability reporting obligation for companies with 1000 or more employees and sales revenues of more than EUR 50 million or a balance sheet total of more than EUR 25 million. This would mean a substantial increase in the thresholds compared to the current Directive.

The European Commission’s ambition is to reduce the administrative burden of businesses by at least 25%, and for small and medium-sized enterprises by at least 35%. The Commission’s proposals cover the areas of sustainable financial reporting, sustainability due diligence, EU taxonomy, the carbon cap adjustment mechanism and European investment programmes.

Estonia supports the European Commission’s proposal to postpone the entry into force of the reporting requirements by two years. Under the current directive, around 350 companies in Estonia are subject to sustainability reporting obligations. If the proposal for postponement is approved, the number of reporting companies in Estonia will be reduced by 90%, and in the future about 35 companies will be obliged to report. It was underlined at the sitting of the Committee that reporting must be simplified for all companies.

Representative of the Ministry of Finance said that the Ministry had started drafting a Bill so that, if the amendments were adopted in Europe, it would be possible to transpose the EU law quickly. The positions set out that the Bill has to be submitted by the end of May.

The positions of the Government regarding amendments to the directives on sustainability reporting and sustainability due diligence were presented by Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa Pakosta and Head of Financial Information at the Ministry of Finance Rainer Osanik.

The European Union Affairs Committee decided to approve the positions of the Government, taking also into account the opinions of the Legal Affairs Committee and the Economic Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu.

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: reporting of sustainability information should be voluntary

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Mihkelson discusses security situation and cooperation with USA in Washington

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The main focus at the high-level meetings is on trans-Atlantic security and cooperation with the USA. “Europe is increasing its defence spending, strengthening its independent defence capability, and willingly assuming more responsibility in NATO; but while doing this, we want to maintain our strong allied relations with the USA. A strong US presence in Europe is crucial for trans-Atlantic security,” he said, adding that another aim was to demonstrate European unity in supporting Ukraine.

The parliamentarians of four countries are meeting with members of the US Congress, including the heads of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and of the European subcommittees of both chambers. They will also take part in meetings at the National Security Council and the Department of State, as well as in expert roundtables in leading think tanks.

In addition to Mihkelson, other participants include the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Polish Sejm Paweł Kowal, member of the National Defence and Armed Forces Committee of the French National Assembly Natalia Pouzyreff, and member of the Budestag, former Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Norbert Röttgen.

The visit is organised by the Polish think tank Casimir Pulaski Foundation, which is the organising body of the highly respected Warsaw Security Forum.

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

Link uudisele: Mihkelson discusses security situation and cooperation with USA in Washington

Source: Parliament of Estonia

National parliaments will discuss social development and justice

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Member of the delegation of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Helmen Kütt will address the importance of reducing inequality in her speech, pointing out that this will help to prevent divisions and radicalisation. “Vulnerable groups are often exposed to the influence of unfriendly forces that deliberately use marginalised groups to undermine stability within communities. We see this in Russia’s playbook, and we know that creating instability is only the first step towards their goal. Therefore, it is our duty to minimise the inequalities by offering adequate support to all in need.”

Kütt will speak at the General Debate, where topics such as eradicating poverty, promoting decent work, fostering social inclusion, and increasing the participation of marginalized groups in decision-making will be covered. The representatives of Estonia will also participate in the IPU Forum of Women Parliamentarians that celebrates its 40th anniversary, and in the work of the Twelve Plus Group, which is made up of the European countries, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Estonia also chairs the Finno-Ugric cooperation group.

All the statutory bodies of the IPU will convene at the Assembly, including the IPU Governing Council, the Standing Committees, the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, the Committee on Middle East Questions, the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, the Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Task Force on the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine. The Assembly will feature workshops on climate action, parliamentary diplomacy, and social norms impacting women’s health.

The Standing Committees will present reports on their work to the Assembly. The plenary assembly will adopt the resolutions of two standing committees: the resolution of the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security on the role of parliaments in advancing a two-state solution in Palestine, and the resolution of the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development on parliamentary strategies to mitigate the long-lasting impact of conflicts, including armed conflicts, on sustainable development. 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 Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will hold its 150th Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 5 to 9 April. Estonia is represented at the Assembly by Vice-Presidents of the Estonian Inter-Parliamentary Union Group Helle-Moonika Helme and Helmen Kütt.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is the oldest and largest global organisation of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 and has 181 member states from the entire world. Belize is about to join the IPU as its 182nd member state. 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 will discuss social development and justice

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar participated in the commemoration of the third anniversary of Bucha massacre in Ukraine

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar recalled that three years ago, the photos of the town of Bucha that had been liberated from Russian invaders had shocked the whole world. “The Bucha massacre has become a symbol of the horrors of Russian aggression – a place where the greatest crime against humanity of the 21st century was committed,” he said.

On 31 March 2022, when Ukrainian forces liberated the small town of Bucha on the outskirts of Kyiv, dozens of bodies of civilians tortured and killed by Russian invaders and mass graves with hundreds of victims were discovered. Hussar recalled that in April of that year, the Parliament of Estonia had been one of the first to declare the actions of the armed forces of the Russian Federation in the military aggression against Ukraine as a genocide against the Ukrainian people.

Hussar emphasised that Russia must be held accountable for the crime of aggression and war crimes committed in Ukraine, and that the next important step had to be initiating the process of establishing a special tribunal for the crime of aggression in the Council of Europe. He also pointed out that Russia must compensate the damages it had caused to Ukraine.

Hussar said that the last year Estonia had been the first country in Europe to pass the Act that enabled the use of the assets of persons in Russia that are frozen under international sanctions to compensate Ukraine for war damages. He noted that there were more than EUR 200 billion worth of frozen Russian assets in the European Union, which should now be used to help Ukraine.

“Putin’s objectives have not changed – he wants all of Ukraine, he wants to create a buffer zone behind Russia’s borders and ultimately he is trying to tear down the European security architecture. The outcome of this war is existential for Europe. Both Ukraine and Europe need a comprehensive, just and lasting peace that is based on international law, territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Hussar underlined.

The commemoration ceremony was attended by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and the Speakers of the Parliaments of many European countries.

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 participated in the commemoration of the third anniversary of Bucha massacre in Ukraine

Source: Parliament of Estonia

European Speakers demand holding Russia to account in a Joint Statement

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Speakers declared that they stood in solidarity with Ukrainian people and honoured the memory of every victim of the atrocities committed by Russian troops in Bucha and other cities and villages across Ukraine. “We stress that there is no justification for Russia’s actions on the European continent, which constitutes the crime of aggression,” they say.

The Speakers emphasized that accountability for Russia’s actions in Ukraine was essential. They expressed their full support to the efforts of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in investigating war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine. They noted the arrest warrants issued by the Pre-Trial Chamber of International Criminal Court for Russian high-ranking officials, and appealed to ICC States Parties to cooperate in good faith with the ICC. The Speakers also called for the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine. “Such measures are essential to ensuring accountability and deterring future attempts to commit similar crimes,” they pointed out.

According to the Speakers, the barbaric actions of Russia on the territory of Ukraine have led to the suffering and deaths of thousands of civilians, the deportation of thousands of Ukrainian children and the destruction of their homes and cities. “We call for a significant increase in humanitarian and military aid for Ukraine. Supporting Ukraine’s struggle must be recognized as a moral obligation for every nation, as well as for the European Union and NATO, until peace and security in Ukraine and Europe are fully restored,” they said in the Joint Statement.

The Speakers called on the authorities of EU Member States and NATO, and all nations that share the principles of freedom, human rights and the rule of law, to impose the strongest possible sanctions and measures that would force Russia to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. They also welcomed the efforts of all nations, in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, to use Russia’s frozen assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine and compensating for the damage caused by the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The Speakers underlined that despite Russia’s ongoing illegal, unprovoked and unjustified full-scale military invasion, Ukraine had proved that it was a reliable partner. “We reaffirm our support for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration and sovereign right to determine its future and to participate in alliances of its choosing, free from external pressure or coercion. Russia can have no veto on European political and security architecture,” they said in their Joint Statement.

The Joint Statement was signed by the Speakers and the Heads of delegations of the Parliaments of Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the European Parliament. The Speakers participated in the commemoration ceremony held today to mark the third anniversary of the Bucha massacre and the summit that followed it, at the invitation of Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk.

Text of the Joint Statement in Estonian and in English

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: European Speakers demand holding Russia to account in a Joint Statement

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Mihkelson is on a joint visit of Nordic and Baltic Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees to Moldova

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Mihkelson describes the joint visit as a confirmation of the dedication of Nordic and Baltic countries to give strong support to Moldova and its path towards becoming a Member State of the EU. Topics of the meetings include the foreign and security policy situation in light of Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine, but also Moldova’s challenges and opportunities for support in becoming an EU Member State. Moldova became the candidate country of the Union in 2022, and accession negotiations were opened last summer.

The Chairs are meeting the President of Moldova Maia Sandu, Vice-Presidents of the Parliament Doina Ghermani and Vlad Batrîncea, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Policy and European Integration Ina Coșeru, and representatives of several other committees in Chișinău. The Chairs are also scheduled to meet representatives of civil society organisations. They also plan to visit the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, where they will meet members of the regional People’s Assembly and the Mayor of Comrat Serghei Anastasov.

Chairs from the Foreign Affairs Committees of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland are taking part in the visit.

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

Link uudisele: Mihkelson is on a joint visit of Nordic and Baltic Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees to Moldova

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Chairman of the National Defence Committee starts with meetings at the US Congress

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Stoicescu said that he wished to discuss both the state of transatlantic relations and supporting Ukraine at his meetings with members of the Congress and representatives of the administration and think tanks. “It is important to speak with our allies and to convince them that Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine must end with a just and lasting peace, and in no other way,” he underlined.

US-Baltic security cooperation and the increasing of defence spending in NATO countries will be discussed at the meetings. Attacks on underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and other threats from Russia will also be spoken about. “Russia is a long-term threat and it is a reality we have to deal with,” Stoicescu said.

In Washington, Stoicescu will meet with several members of the House of Representatives, and participate in a round table discussion with the think tank the Atlantic Council in the Congress. He also plans to meet with Principal Director for Europe and NATO Policy Alton Buland in Pentagon.

The Chairman of the National Defence Committee will also attend the Baltic Advocacy Days organised by the Joint Baltic American National Committee, including a round table at the think tank the Hudson Institute within the framework of the event.

At the end of the week, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson will also travel to Washington. He will participate in a visit organised by the Polish think tank the Casimir Pulaski Foundation together with MPs from France, Germany and Poland.

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

Link uudisele: Chairman of the National Defence Committee starts with meetings at the US Congress

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu practiced decision-making during crisis

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The tabletop exercise focused mainly on the continuation of the Riigikogu’s work in times of crisis, the urgent amendment of the state budget and the declaration of a state of emergency and a state of war.

According to President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar, the Board of the Riigikogu has approved a resilience plan that will ensure the effective functioning of the Parliament and the performance of its constitutional duties even in the event of a crisis. “The simulation of different situations and enhancing cooperation between key institutions is vital from the perspective of ensuring the functioning of Estonian democracy and the effectiveness of governance,” he said.

In the opinion of State Secretary Keit Kasemets, national defence and resolving of crises must not get stuck in unclear processes, and potential obstacles and challenges must be discussed and addressed in advance. “In a crisis, every minute counts, and cooperation between the Government and the Riigikogu is of key importance. Such discussions will help increase the clarity of roles and expectations about who exactly does what in a crisis,” he said.

The Board of the Riigikogu, the Chairs of the Finance Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee and the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu and representatives of parliamentary groups, as well as the Office of the President, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of the Interior participated in the exercise. The exercise was conducted by the National Security and Defence Coordination Unit of the Government Office and led by the President of the Riigikogu.

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

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu practiced decision-making during crisis

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

99 members of the Riigikogu took part in the secret ballot. 51 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of Lauri Hussar, and 42 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of Helir-Valdor Seeder. There were six invalid ballot papers.

Lauri Hussar was elected as the President of the Riigikogu. He thanked the members of the Riigikogu for trusting him.

Martin Helme nominated Arvo Aller as a candidate for a Vice-President, Õnne Pillak nominated Toomas Kivimägi and Lauri Läänemets nominated Tanel Kiik.

97 members of the Riigikogu took part in the secret ballot. 52 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of Toomas Kivimägi, 25 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of Arvo Aller and 19 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of Tanel Kiik. One ballot paper was invalid. Thus, Toomas Kivimägi was elected as the First Vice-President of the Riigikogu, and Arvo Aller was elected as the Second Vice-President.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Photos will be uploaded with a delay. Author: Erik Peinar Chancellery of the Riigikogu

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 Arvo Aller were elected as the Vice-Presidents

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu passed constitutional amendment restricting the right to vote

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Riigikogu supported the motion of the Constitutional Committee of the Riigikogu to amend the Constitution as a matter of urgency. Amending the Constitution as a matter of urgency was supported by 92 members of the Riigikogu, and 7 were against. The decision on the on the manner of amending the Constitution required a four-fifths majority of the Riigikogu, which meant that at least four times as many members of the Riigikogu attending the sitting had to vote in favour than against it.

At the final vote, 93 members of the Riigikogu submitted the passing of the Bill on Amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE), initiated by 61 Members of the Riigikogu. Seven members voted against it. A two-thirds majority of the votes of the members of the Riigikogu, that is, at least 68 votes, were needed for the Bill to amend the Constitution to be passed.

Initially the Bill provided that Estonian citizens and stateless residents as well as citizens of the European Union and NATO countries would be allowed to participate in municipal council elections. As a resolution of the plenary, a motion to amend submitted by 55 members of the Riigikogu was included the Act today, according to which the right to vote in local elections will be revoked for third-country nationals residing in Estonia and, from the next elections after the coming elections, stateless persons will also not be allowed to vote in local elections.

Stateless persons will be allowed to vote at this year’s local elections. The presenters of this proposal said that it would give stateless persons sufficient time to apply for Estonian citizenship if they so wish, and to participate in the next local elections as Estonian citizens. The amendment also excluded the right to vote of the citizens of NATO countries.

Citizens of Estonia and the European Union and stateless residents will be allowed to participate in municipal council elections this year, and from the next elections onwards, only the citizens of Estonia and the EU will be able to participate in local elections.

The second motion to amend, which was submitted by 26 members of the Riigikogu, failed to receive necessary support in the plenary assembly. According to this amendment, the right to vote would have been revoked for both the third-country nationals residing in Estonia and for stateless persons starting from the local elections taking place in October this year.

Under the current law, in addition to Estonian and EU citizens, the right to participate in local elections extends also to aliens who reside in Estonia on the basis of a long-term residence permit or the permanent right of residence, who have attained 16 years of age by the election day and whose permanent place of residence is located in the corresponding rural municipality or city.

Next municipal council elections in Estonia will take place on 19 October this year.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Voting results

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

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

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu passed constitutional amendment restricting the right to vote

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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