ESTONIA

The Riigikogu passed five Acts which had been declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Riigikogu passed the Act on Amendments to the State Fees Act and Amendments to Other Associated Acts (298 SE), initiated by the Government and declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading. It changes the rates for the state fees for environmental protection permits, and the state fees related to the maritime sector and land transport.

The Act updates the rates of the state fees for the grant of environmental protection permits, and the state fees in the maritime sector, in the land transport sector of the Transport Administration, and for the application for building permits and occupancy permits for similar facilities. The rates for the state fees for the acts of the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority are also increased, and a new state fee for the submission of a forest notification are established. According to the amendments made for the second reading, the rates of the state fees for acts performed under the Hunting Act are also updated and the amount of the fairway dues in the Maritime Safety Act are reduced in 2024. According to the explanatory memorandum, the amendments are necessary because the state fees no longer cover the actual costs relating to them.

The Bill initiated by the Government had passed the first reading in the Riigikogu on 18 October and 406 motions to amend it had been submitted by the deadline. On 23 November, the Government had decided to declare the passing of the Bill a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading and had thereby also taken over the duties of the lead committee. Motions to amend a Bill that has been declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government are not put to a vote.

Rain Epler and Martin Helme from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and unaffiliated Member of the Riigikogu Kalle Grünthal took the floor during the debate. Members of the Riigikogu also participated in the debate already at the sitting this Tuesday. The Minister of Climate Kristen Michal made a report and participated in the debate as representative of the Government.

55 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Act and 27 were against it.

The Act on Amendments to the Environmental Charges Act, the Forest Act and the Industrial Emissions Act (300 SE), initiated by the Government and declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading, raises the rates for the pollution charges in the waste, water and ambient air sectors from 1 July next year. New charge rates are established for the release of pollutants into ambient air, water bodies, groundwater, and soil, as well as for disposal of hazardous waste and oil shale waste.

The Act provides that the environmental charges concerning ambient air, water, hazardous waste and oil shale waste will rise gradually in 2024–2027. The annual increase in the charge rates will be based on the environmental impact and hazardousness of pollutants, and the need to reduce the release of pollutants into the environment. According to the explanatory memorandum, the pollution charge rates have remained unchanged for years and are no longer adequate for pricing the use of the environment.

The maximum rate of the oil shale extraction charge is also increased. The deforestation rights charge is included in the Environmental Charges Act as a new type of charge in order to limit the decrease in the area of forest lands. In addition, the limits for the fishing rights charge are increased.

The amendments made for the second reading provide for the possibility to issue integrated environmental permits with a time limit in the Industrial Emissions Act. Also, 0.35 euro per ton is added to the rates of the charges for disposal of oil shale ash, and gas-decontamination waste, which is generated upon producing cement and contains hazardous substances or solid alkaline gas-decontamination waste. The aim is to direct these funds to Ida-Viru County through the environmental programme to mitigate the damages caused by the oil shale industry, for nature conservation, and to improve the living environment. According to the Minister, the volume of the Ida-Viru County sub-programme in the environmental programme will probably be about 2.3 million euro a year.

The Bill initiated by the Government had passed the first reading in the Riigikogu on 23 October and 202 motions to amend it had been submitted by the deadline. On 23 November, the Government had decided to declare the passing of the Bill a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading and had thereby also taken over the duties of the lead committee. Motions to amend a Bill that has been declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government are not put to a vote.

At the second reading of the Bill, the Minister of Climate Kristen Michal made a report as representative of the Government. Each member of the Riigikogu could ask up to two oral questions of him. Thereafter, the debate began where Kert Kingo, Jaak Valge, Martin Helme, Varro Vooglaid, Alar Laneman, Henn Põlluaas, Evelin Poolamets, Rain Epler, Anti Poolamets, Arvo Aller, Siim Pohlak and Leo Kunnas from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, Aivar Kokk, Andres Metsoja and Mart Maastik from Isamaa Parliamentary Group, Tanel Kiik from the Estonian Centre Party Group and Igor Taro from Estonia 200 Parliamentary Group as well as unaffiliated Members of the Riigikogu Tõnis Mölder and Kalle Grünthal took the floor.

57 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Act and 32 were against it.

The Act on Amendments to the Nature Conservation Act and the Land Register Act (301 SE), initiated by the Government and declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading, eliminates the right of pre-emption that the state has upon transfer of immovables containing natural objects.

At present, the state has a right of pre-emption upon transfer of an immovable located within the boundaries of a shore building exclusion zone, in a protection site of a species in the protected category I or in the limited management zone of a protected natural monument, in a protected area or in a limited-conservation area. In recent years, the state has assessed the application of a right of pre-emption in respect of thousands of purchase and sale transactions but has not used it. According to the explanatory memorandum, the elimination of the right of pre-emption will reduce the workload of administrative bodies in the transfer of immovables containing natural objects and will speed up the conclusion of purchase and sale transactions.

For the purpose of economising, the Act introduces an amendment according to which damage caused by animals will not be compensated if no state budget funds have been earmarked for the compensation of damages caused by animals ranking lower in the priority list of applications. At the same time, the Act increases the threshold for the compensation of the costs incurred to prevent damages caused by animals in order to avoid or prevent damage that might otherwise have to be compensated.

Among other amendments, the Act provides the possibility to choose whether a notice concerning the initiation of the proceedings for placing a natural object under protection is published in a national daily newspaper or in a local newspaper and not in both as provided by current procedure. The Act also eliminates the requirement to ask for a separate permission when persons carrying out state monitoring or research commissioned by the manager of the protected area need to move around in areas that are under movement restrictions in protected areas.

The Bill initiated by the Government had passed the first reading in the Riigikogu on 24 October and 205 motions to amend it had been submitted by the deadline. On 23 November, the Government had decided to declare the passing of the Bill a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading and had thereby also taken over the duties of the lead committee. Motions to amend a Bill that has been declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government are not put to a vote.

At the second reading of the Bill, the Minister of Climate Kristen Michal made a report as representative of the Government. Kert Kingo, Jaak Valge, Martin Helme, Henn Põlluaas, Anti Poolamets, Evelin Poolamets, Arvo Aller, Rain Epler, Alar Laneman, Varro Vooglaid, Leo Kunnas and Siim Pohlak from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, Andres Metsoja from Isamaa Parliamentary Group and Igor Taro from Estonia 200 Parliamentary Group as well as unaffiliated Members of the Riigikogu Tõnis Mölder and Kalle Grünthal and the Minister of Climate Kristen Michal took the floor during the debate.

59 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Act and 32 were against it.

The Act on Amendments to the Salaries of Higher State Servants Act and Other Acts (305 SE), initiated by the Government and declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading, cuts the salary rise of members of the Government, judges, and some other higher state servants in 2024–2028.

The Act limits the pay rise for Prime Minister and ministers, the Prosecutor General, the State Secretary, justices of the Supreme Court, judges of circuit court of appeal, district court and administrative court, the Public Conciliator, and the Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner from 1 April next year to 31 March 2028. Their pay rise will be cut by 50 per cent compared to the provisions of the current Act. Thus, their salary should increase by 5.5 per cent instead of the 11 per cent projected for next spring. According to the amendments, the estimated pay rise would be 3.5 per cent in 2025, 2.8 in 2026, and 2.3 in 2027. According to the Act, the salaries will rise to the former level on 1 April 2028 when the state servants whose pay rise has been limited will have a 17-per cent pay rise.

In addition, the pay rise cut will affect the salaries of secretary generals, prosecutors, assistant judges, and law clerks, as well as chairmen of labour dispute committees, and the chairman and members of the Public Procurement Appeal Committee which are linked to the salaries specified in the Salaries of Higher State Servants Act. According to the Minister of Finance, the amendments will help save 20.4 million euro over five years in the state budget.

According to an amendment made to the Bill for the second reading, the reduction of the salary rate index will not affect the amount of the pension of retiring judges and prosecutors. If a judge or prosecutor retires in the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2028, the salary that they would have received if the salary rate index had not been reduced will be taken as the basis when calculating the amount of their pension.

The Act does not amend the salaries of the members of the Riigikogu, the President of the Republic, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Auditor General, or the Chancellor of Justice, or the Chairman or members of the Supervisory Board of the Bank of Estonia, or the procedure for the indexation of their salaries. According to the explanatory memorandum, the Government had abandoned the cutting of the pay rise for the heads of constitutional institutions in order to refrain from crumbling the constitutional system when drawing up the state budget. The Constitution allows to change the remuneration of members of the Riigikogu only in respect of the next Riigikogu.

The Bill initiated by the Government had passed the first reading in the Riigikogu on 18 October and 200 motions to amend it had been submitted by the deadline. On 23 November, the Government had decided to declare the passing of the Bill a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading and had thereby also taken over the duties of the lead committee. Motions to amend a Bill that has been declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government are not put to a vote.

At the second reading of the Bill, the Minister of Finance Mart Võrklaev made a report as representative of the Government. Tanel Kiik from the Estonian Centre Party Group, Anti Poolamets, Siim Pohlak, Arvo Aller, Henn Põlluaas, Evelin Poolamets, Varro Vooglaid, Rain Epler, Kert Kingo, Alar Laneman, Martin Helme, Leo Kunnas and Rene Kokk from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and Helir-Valdor Seeder, Riina Solman and Aivar Kokk from Isamaa Parliamentary Group as well as unaffiliated Member of the Riigikogu Kalle Grünthal took the floor during the debate.

59 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Act and 23 were against it.

The Act on Amendments to the State Budget Act (304 SE), initiated by the Government and declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading, changes the rules for the general government balance that are the basis for drafting the state budget. The amendment will bring Estonian national budget rules into conformity with the limits allowed under European Union law and international agreements, and the stricter requirements that have been in place so far will be eliminated. They have proved too restrictive in budget planning particularly during big economic crises and when exiting the crises.

Before the second reading, an amendment was made to the Bill in regard to the conditions of when the medium-term budgetary objective for the lower limit for the structural deficit is allowed to reach one per cent of GDP. The amendment provides that when the public debt to GDP ratio at current prices is below 30 per cent and the long-term sustainability risks of public finances are low, the medium-term budgetary objective for the structural deficit is allowed to reach up to one per cent of GDP at current prices. Thus, the permitted level of public debt is reduced from 60 to 30 per cent and the relevant conditions will remain in place until 31 December 2029.

While initially the Bill had provided that the Stabilisation Reserve Fund would be consolidated with the liquidity reserve in order to save on the interest costs covered from the state budget, this was abandoned with the amendments made for the second reading. At the same time, an amendment was introduced in the Act according to which the objective of the administration of the Stabilisation Reserve Fund in the long-term is to increase the value and maintain sufficient liquidity of the funds of the Stabilisation Reserve Fund.

The Bill initiated by the Government had passed the first reading in the Riigikogu on 18 October and 199 motions to amend it had been submitted by the deadline. On 23 November, the Government had decided to declare the passing of the Bill a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading and had thereby also taken over the duties of the lead committee. Motions to amend a Bill that has been declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government are not put to a vote.

At the second reading of the Bill, the Minister of Finance Mart Võrklaev made a report as representative of the Government. Henn Põlluaas, Varro Vooglaid, Arvo Aller, Anti Poolamets, Siim Pohlak, Evelin Poolamets, Martin Helme, Kert Kingo, Rain Epler, Alar Laneman, Rene Kokk and Leo Kunnas from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and Priit Sibul and Urmas Reinsalu from Isamaa Parliamentary Group took the floor during the debate. Unaffiliated Member of the Riigikogu Kalle Grünthal also participated in the debate.

59 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Act and 29 were against it.

The deliberation of the state budget for 2024 was adjourned

The second reading of the State Budget for 2024 Bill (306 SE), initiated by the Government and declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading, was adjourned due to the end of the working hours of the sitting. According to the Bill, the revenue of the next year’s state budget will amount to 16.8 billion euro and the expenditure will be 17.7 euro. Compared to this year, revenues will grow by 7.7 per cent and expenditure will grow by 4.9 per cent.

Next year, a total of 1.9 billion euro will be directed into the economy as investments and investment subsidies, 1.1 billion euro of which will come from European Union subsidies and 0.82 billion euro from the state budget. The structural deficit in the state budget will remain at 1.2 per cent, and the nominal deficit will be 2.9 per cent of GDP, according to the Bill.

The priorities of the next year’s state budget are the military and comprehensive national defence of Estonia, economic growth together with green reforms and the sustainability of public finances, education, increasing the cyber security capability, and supporting Ukraine.

According to the Bill, in 2024, Estonia’s defence budget will exceed three per cent of GDP for the first time, amounting to 3.2 per cent of GDP, and the state will contribute over 1.3 billion euro to national defence. The agreement to allocate one per cent of GDP to research funding is also kept in the Bill on the state budget. 71,9 million euro has been planned for the transition to Estonian-language education, and nearly 24 million for teachers’ pay rise. An additional 23 million euro will be invested next year to ensure the soundness of the basic national IT infrastructure, and cybersecurity.

The Bill initiated by the Government had passed the first reading in the Riigikogu on 18 October and 745 motions to amend it had been submitted by the deadline. On 23 November, the Government had decided to declare the passing of the Bill a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading and had thereby also taken over the duties of the lead committee. Motions to amend a Bill that has been declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government are not put to a vote.

At the second reading of the Bill, the Minister of Finance Mart Võrklaev made a report as representative of the Government. During the debate, Jaak Aab from the Estonian Centre Party Group and Mart Maastik and Helir-Valdor Seeder from Isamaa Parliamentary Group took the floor. The debate on the Bill will continue at Thursday’s sitting. After the end of the debate, a final vote on the Bill will be held.

The deliberation of 17 other Bills and draft Resolutions will be deferred

The second reading of nine draft Resolutions and the first reading of eight draft Resolutions and Bills will also be deferred due to the end of the working hours of the sitting.

The second reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the International Military Operation Inherent Resolve” (310 OE), the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the Post-Conflict Peacekeeping Operation in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt and Syria” (311 OE), the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Mission in Iraq” (312 OE), the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the UN Peacekeeping Operation in Lebanon” (313 OE), the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the Composition of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Readiness Units” (314 OE), the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the Composition of the United Kingdom’s Joint Expeditionary Force” (315 OE), the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the European Union Training Mission in Mozambique” (316 OE), the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in International Military Operations Led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or its Member State, or the European Union, and in other International Military Operations Led by the United Nations, upon the First Contribution thereto” (317 OE) and the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the European Union Military Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI” (318 OE), submitted by the Government, will be deferred.

The first reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “The Grating of a State Guarantee to the European Investment Bank to Support the Reconstruction of Ukraine” (336 OE), submitted by the Government, the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Appointment of a Member of the Supervisory Board of the Bank of Estonia Who Is a Specialist in the Field” (348 OE), submitted by the Finance Committee, the Bill on Amendments to the Building Code and Other Acts (acceleration of the deployment of renewable energy) (308 SE), initiated by the Government, the Bill on Amendments to the Imprisonment Act, the Penal Code, the Probation Supervision Act and the Code of Enforcement Procedure (updating of the Imprisonment Act and the deployment of digital solutions) (227 SE), initiated by the Government, the Bill on the Ratification of the Amendments to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (226 SE), initiated by the Government, the Bill on Amendments to the Information Society Services Act and the Penal Code (224 SE), initiated by the Government, the Bill on Amendments to the Penal Code (76 SE), initiated by Member of the Riigikogu Varro Vooglaid, and the Bill on Amendments to the Traffic Act (243 SE), initiated by Member of the Riigikogu Mart Maastik, will also be deferred.

The sitting ended when the chair of the sitting declared a recess at 9.30 on Thursday.

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 Riigikogu passed five Acts which had been declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu continued the second reading of the Bill on next year’s state budget

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The State Budget for 2024 Bill (304 SE), initiated by the Government and declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading, sets out the revenue of the next year’s state budget as EUR 16.8 billion and the expenditure as EUR 17.7 billion. Compared to this year, the revenue will grow by 7.7 per cent and the expenditure by 4.9 per cent.

Next year, a total of EUR 1.9 billion will be directed into the economy as investments and investment subsidies, EUR 1.1 billion of which will come from EU subsidies and EUR 0.82 billion from the state budget. The structural deficit in the state budget will remain at 1.2 per cent, and the nominal deficit will be 2.9 per cent of the GDP.

The priorities of the next year’s state budget are military and comprehensive national defence of Estonia, economic growth along with green reforms and sustainable public finances, education, increased cyber security capability, and supporting Ukraine.

According to the Bill, in 2024, Estonia’s defence budget will exceed three per cent of the GDP for the first time, amounting to 3.2 per cent of the GDP, and the state will contribute over EUR 1.3 billion to national defence. The draft state budget also retains the agreement to allocate one per cent of the GDP to research funding. EUR 71.9 million has been planned for the transition to Estonian-language education, and nearly 24 million for teachers’ pay rise. An additional EUR 23 million would be invested next year to ensure the soundness of the basic national IT infrastructure and cyber security.

The Bill initiated by the Government had passed the first reading in the Riigikogu on 18 October and 745 motions to amend it had been submitted by the deadline. On 23 November, the Government had decided to declare the passing of the Bill a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading and had thereby also taken over the duties of the lead committee. Motions to amend a Bill that has been declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government are not put to a vote.

During the debate, which had already started at the Wednesday sitting, Riina Solman, Aivar Kokk, Priit Sibul, Tõnis Lukas, and Andres Metsoja (Isamaa Parliamentary group), Arvo Aller, Rain Epler, Henn Põlluaas, Siim Pohlak, Rene Kokk, Kert Kingo, Anti Poolamets, Helle-Moonika Helme, Jaak Valge, and Varro Vooglaid (Estonian Conservative People’s Party Parliamentary Group), and Tanel Kiik, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, and Aleksei Jevgrafov (Centre Party Parliamentary Group) took the floor. Non-attached members Tõnis Mölder, Kalle Grünthal, and Jaanus Karilaid also took the floor.

The debate will continue at the additional sitting of the Riigikogu, which starts at 11 a.m. on Friday. After the end of the debate, the Bill will be put to a final vote.

Deliberation of 22 Bills was deferred

Due to the end of the working hours, the second reading of nine drafts and the first reading of 13 drafts was deferred from the agenda of Thursday’s sitting.

The second reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the International Military Operation Inherent Resolve” (310 OE), the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the Post-Conflict Peacekeeping Operation in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt and Syria” (311 OE), the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Mission in Iraq” (312 OE), the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the UN Peacekeeping Operation in Lebanon” (313 OE), the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the Composition of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Readiness Units” (314 OE), the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the Composition of the United Kingdom’s Joint Expeditionary Force” (315 OE), the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the European Union Training Mission in Mozambique” (316 OE), the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in International Military Operations Led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or its Member State, or the European Union, and in other International Military Operations Led by the United Nations, upon the First Contribution thereto” (317 OE) and the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the European Union Military Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI” (318 OE), submitted by the Government, was deferred.

The first reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “The Grating of a State Guarantee to the European Investment Bank to Support the Reconstruction of Ukraine” (336 OE), submitted by the Government, the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Appointment of a Member of the Supervisory Board of the Bank of Estonia Who Is a Specialist in the Field” (348 OE), submitted by the Finance Committee, the Bill on Amendments to the Building Code and Other Acts (acceleration of the deployment of renewable energy) (308 SE),  initiated by the Government, the Bill on Amendments to the Imprisonment Act, the Penal Code, the Probation Supervision Act and the Code of Enforcement Procedure (updating of the Imprisonment Act and the deployment of digital solutions) (227 SE), initiated by the Government, the Bill on the Ratification of the Amendments to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (226 SE), initiated by the Government, the Bill on Amendments to the Information Society Services Act and the Penal Code (224 SE), initiated by the Government, was also deferred.

Also deferred was the first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Penal Code (76 SE), initiated by Member of the Riigikogu Varro Vooglaid, the Bill on Amendments to the Traffic Act (243 SE), initiated by Member of the Riigikogu Mart Maastik, the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Formation of the Riigikogu committee of investigation to investigate the facts relating to the influencing of elections by the Liberal Citizen Foundation” (251 OE), initiated by Isamaa Parliamentary Group, the Bill on Amendments to the Penal Code (85 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Anti Poolamets, Helle-Moonika Helme, and Varro Vooglaid, the Bill on Amendments to the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Duty Act (80 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Evelin Poolamets, Arvo Aller, and Martin Helme, the Bill on Amendments to the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Duty Act (84 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Henn Põlluaas and Anti Poolamets, and the Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (83 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Kert Kingo and Rene Kokk.

Motions to change the working hours of the sitting were not supported

Around 10.30, the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group moved to shorten the Thursday sitting and conclude it at 11.15 a.m., but the motion was not supported by the plenary assembly. 28 members of the Riigikogu supported shortening the sitting and 53 were against it.

Around 11.40 a.m., the Isamaa Parliamentary Group and the Reform Party Parliamentary Group moved to extend the Thursday sitting until 2 p.m., but this motion also failed to garner the support of the Riigikogu. 54 members of the Riigikogu supported extending the working time and 31 voted against it. It would have required a two thirds majority vote to change the working schedule of the Riigikogu.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

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

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu continued the second reading of the Bill on next year’s state budget

Source: Parliament of Estonia

European Union Affairs Committee: the principle of the rule of law must not fade out of focus in the EU

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Committee decided that Estonia would support starting accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and advocate for speeding up the preparatory steps in the European Commission. Estonia is ready to support giving a candidate status to Georgia if the country carries out the necessary reforms and aligns itself with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, particularly the sanctions directed against Russia. Estonia is ready to support opening accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina if the country meets the required criteria in a satisfactory manner. The Committee decided to expand on these positions and recognise Kosovo’s efforts to de-escalate the situation in the northern part of the country and the voluntary alignment of the country with the anti-Russia sanctions of the European Union.

The Chairman of the EUAC Liisa Pakosta referred to the warning of the Committee not to let one of the corner stones of accession – the principle of the rule of law – fade out of focus in the European Union. “Yearly legal analyses should take into account the functioning of the Member States as well as that of the European Union itself. For the candidate countries as well, the principle of the rule of law should genuinely be a value that unites us all. It is crucial to keep the Union itself from crossing the line with its legislations, i.e. from regulating things that are better regulated at the national level. Red tape must be kept in check to allow the business sector to develop in a competitive way,” Pakosta emphasised.

Member of the Committee Rain Epler highlighted the consensual resolve of the Committee to make sure that Estonia’s positions fully reflect the need for the European Union and its institutions to respect the principles of the rule of law. “We keep increasingly seeing how the European Commission attempts to extend the scope of its powers, and in the European Union Affairs Committee we have repeatedly expressed our opposition to this. We cannot allow the European Union to federalise furtively, so to speak, without having received a mandate for this purpose from the citizens and Member States,” Epler explained.

The Committee also strongly supports conducting a thorough analysis of the impact that the EU enlargement would have on Estonia. It was also pointed out at the sitting that the purpose of the EU enlargement policy was to create conditions where the countries preparing for the accession become economically stronger so that their accession would also result in a bigger and economically stronger European Union.

The next steps in EU enlargement will be discussed next week in Brussels at the European Council.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna and Director General of the European Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Siiri Königsberg were also present while the Committee discussed the enlargement related items on its agenda.

The European Union Affairs Committee adopted the government positions on the European Commission 2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy in its amended form.

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: the principle of the rule of law must not fade out of focus in the EU

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Kaljulaid: If Europe does not increase its defence spending, the future of NATO is unclear

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Kaljulaid said that several representatives of the US had referred to the long-standing position of the presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his criticism of the European allies in particular. “The fact that up to now, not all NATO countries have been able to ensure the defence spending level of two per cent of GDP is a serious challenge. All the more so since NATO countries have provided Ukraine with a significant amount of military equipment and ammunition – and replacing it is a difficult task. Russia has been more successful than the West in launching military industry. Europe, including Estonia, must take these warnings about the future of NATO with deadly seriousness,” he underlined.

Kaljulaid said that the failure to fulfil previous funding agreements allowed to call into question the commitments of the US to the Allies, up to the commitments under NATO’s Article Five. “It is very easy for the US politicians, who are more sceptical about the alliance commitments taken in the past, to point to the low defence spending of the European allies and ask why the US should defend the allies who do not honour agreements and promises,” Kaljulaid explained.

Member of the Estonian delegation to the NATO PA Jüri Ratas also emphasised that it was important to contribute at least two per cent of GDP to defence spending, and admitted that many countries were still not doing this. He also highlighted the need to act together and even more strongly, so that Russia would not even think of attacking any NATO country in the future, and noted that supporting Ukraine must continue without allowing the war fatigue to set in.

At the NATO PA Transatlantic Forum, which takes place from Monday to Wednesday in the US, policymakers and foreign and defence policy experts discuss transatlantic relations and the strengthening of cooperation, both in the aftermath of the Vilnius Summit and in preparation for the Washington Summit that will be held next year.

The war in Ukraine that has been launched by Russia, including the impact of sanctions against Russia on the country’s economy, and the wider effect of the war on Russia, are also spoken about at the Forum. Discussions focus on support for Ukraine, including military assistance to the country, and support for Ukraine’s economy and post-war reconstruction. Minister of Defence of Sweden Pål Jonson will participate in the discussions on Sweden’s future role in the Alliance. The Forum will also discuss the developments in the Middle East and Asia.

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

Link uudisele: Kaljulaid: If Europe does not increase its defence spending, the future of NATO is unclear

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu deliberated a Bill declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Bill will update the rates of the state fees for the grant of environmental protection permits, and the state fees in the maritime sector, in the land transport sector of the Transport Administration, and for the application for building permits and occupancy permits for similar facilities. The rates for the state fees for the acts of the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority will also be increased, and a new state fee for the submission of a forest notification will be established. According to the amendments made for the second reading, the rates of the state fees for acts performed under the Hunting Act will also be updated and the amount of the fairway dues in the Maritime Safety Act will be reduced in 2024. According to the explanatory memorandum, the amendments are necessary because the state fees no longer cover the actual costs relating to them.

The Bill initiated by the Government had passed the first reading in the Riigikogu on 18 October and 406 motions to amend it had been submitted by the deadline. On 23 November, the Government had decided to declare the passing of the Bill a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading and had thereby also taken over the duties of the lead committee. Motions to amend a Bill that has been declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government are not put to a vote.

Kersti Sarapuu from the Estonian Centre Party Group and Kert Kingo, Siim Pohlak, Arvo Aller, Alar Laneman, Jaak Valge, Henn Põlluaas, Rain Epler, Evelin Poolamets, Aivar Kokk, Leo Kunnas, Varro Vooglaid, Ants Frosch and Anti Poolamets from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group took part in the debate.

Due to the end of the working hours of the sitting, the debate will continue at tomorrow’s plenary sitting.

Two Bills declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government were deferred to the next sitting

Due to the end of the working hours of the sitting, the second reading of two Bills declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government will also continue at tomorrow’s plenary sitting.

The Bill on Amendments to the Environmental Charges Act, the Forest Act and the Industrial Emissions Act (300 SE), initiated by the Government and declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading, will raise the rates for the pollution charges in the waste, water and ambient air sectors from 1 July next year. New charge rates will be established for the release of pollutants into ambient air, water bodies, groundwater, and soil, as well as for disposal of hazardous waste and oil shale waste.

The Bill on Amendments to the Nature Conservation Act and the Land Register Act (301 SE), initiated by the Government and declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading, will eliminate the right of pre-emption that the state has upon transfer of immovables containing natural objects. Under the current Act, the state has a right of pre-emption upon transfer of an immovable located within the boundaries of a shore building exclusion zone, in a protection site of a species in the protected category I or in the limited management zone of a protected natural monument, in a protected area or in a limited-conservation area.

The sitting ended at 2.01 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
Eleen Lindmaa
+372 631 6456, +372 5551 4433
eleen.lindmaa@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu deliberated a Bill declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Mihkelson in the USA: Support to Ukraine must continue until its victory

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Mihkelson said that Estonia, like Latvia and Lithuania, was one of the most active supporters of Ukraine who also contributed significantly to its own defence. “At the meetings, we reaffirm our commitment to keeping and developing good relations with the US, to continuing to fulfil our Alliance commitments and to further supporting Ukraine. Among other things, we call for using of Russia’s seized assets to support Ukraine,” he said, and added that Ukraine needed support until it had won the war.

Today, Mihkelson will speak at an event in support of the Baltic States, Ukraine and Israel, which will be attended by US Senators and members of the House of Representatives, as well as experts on US foreign and defence policy, and representatives of embassies, the State Department, think tanks and interest groups.

Today, Mihkelson and Kols have also planned to meet with members of the House of Representatives Chip Roy and Don Bacon, and the representatives of Meridian International Center. Yesterday, they had meetings at the Department of State, the American Jewish Committee and several think tanks. The Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees of the Estonian and Latvian parliaments also met with former US Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker. All meetings focused on countering the narrative of war fatigue and shaping a clear victory strategy for Ukraine.

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

Link uudisele: Mihkelson in the USA: Support to Ukraine must continue until its victory

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu passed two Acts which had been declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Act on Amendments to the Earth’s Crust Act (296 SE), initiated by the Government and declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading, provides for an eight-year transition period for the fees for the grant of use of an immovable in state ownership for the extraction of mineral resources. During the transition period, the fee for the grant of use of an immovable in state ownership for extraction will increase by up to 50 per cent every year compared to the current fee until new fee rates that are in line with the taxable values obtained as a result of the mass valuation of land in 2022 will be reached.

The purpose of the amendments is to enable producers to gradually adapt to the increased fees for the use of land, including to alleviate the price pressure on consumers. The annual fee rate for the grant of use of an immovable in state ownership for extraction is three per cent of the assessed value of land.

The Bill initiated by the Government had passed the first reading in the Riigikogu on 19 October and 201 motions to amend it had been submitted by the deadline. On 16 November, the Government had decided to declare the passing of the Bill a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading and thereby had also taken over the duties of the lead committee. Motions to amend a Bill that has been declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government are not put to a vote.

The Riigikogu had begun the second reading of the Bill at its previous regular sitting when the Minister of Climate Kristen Michal had made a report as representative of the Government. At today’s sitting, the deliberation of the Bill continued with a questions and answers session that had been adjourned on 23 November due to the end of the working hours. Thereafter Arvo Aller, Rene Kokk, Evelyn Poolamets and Siim Pohlak from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, Andres Metsoja from Isamaa Parliamentary Group, Tanel Kiik from the Estonian Centre Party Group and the Minister of Climate Kristen Michal took part in the debate.

51 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Act and 31 were against.

The Act on Amendments to the Traffic Act and the Road Transport Act (302 SE), initiated by the Government and declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading, amends the rates for the road user charge for trucks. The rate of the charge depends on the gross laden weight, the EURO-emission class and the number of axles of the lorry and its trailer.

According to the amendments, the daily road user charge rate which is currently 9–12 euro will remain between 4 and 400 euro. The annual road user charge rate will increase from the current 500–1,300 euro to 200–2,000 euro. When road user charges are differentiated, higher road user charges will be paid for more polluting and heavier vehicles than for less polluting vehicles. In addition, the rates of fines will be changed for persons who allow others to drive or drive themselves trucks or lorries without paying the road user charge or when the road user charge has been paid at a lower rate than required.

The Bill initiated by the Government had passed the first reading in the Riigikogu on 19 October and 209 motions to amend it had been submitted by the deadline. On 16 November, the Government had decided to declare the passing of the Bill a matter of confidence in the Government before the second reading and had thereby also taken over the duties of the lead committee. Motions to amend a Bill that has been declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government are not put to a vote.

After the report by representative of the Government and the questions and answers session a debate was held where Mart Maastik from Isamaa Parliamentary Group, Lauri Laats from the Estonian Centre Party Parliamentary Group, Kert Kingo, Evelin Poolamets, Siim Pohlak and Arvo Aller from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and the Minister of Climate Kristen Michal took the floor.

51 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Act and 33 were against.

The Minister of Regional Affairs Madis Kallas replied to the interpellations concerning regional policy (No. 294), the ensuring of food independence (No. 127) and cormorants (No. 276).

On the motion of interpellators, the interpellation concerning the integral impact of the tax package (No. 297) was removed from the agenda for the sitting.

The interpellations concerning the integral impact of the tax package (No. 301)  and the rise in VAT (No. 323) were not discussed due to the absence of interpellators.

The sitting ended at 8.07 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 passed two Acts which had been declared to be a matter of confidence in the Government

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Baltic Generals met with their eFP Counterparts in Tallinn

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —On November 30, 2023 Commanders of Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian Land Forces components and Commanders and representatives of the three NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroups Framework Nations, Germany, United Kingdom and Canada met in Tallinn. Estonia and HQ CABRIT, the UK-led Headquarters in Tallinn which oversees all UK eFP deployments were …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

The Foreign Affairs Committee is on a working visit to Greece

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson said that as partners in the European Union and allies in NATO, Estonia and Greece shared the same values and had the same concerns in regard to the security situation in Europe and dealing with migration pressure on the borders.

Mihkelson said that the Foreign Affairs Committee wanted to get an overview of the developments in the relations between Estonia and Greece and of the situation on the border – while the migration pressure on the land border of Greece has been stable since spring, a strong increase has taken place on the sea. According to him, there will also be discussions on the necessary steps to lead Russia, which is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, to a strategic defeat and to help Ukraine win the war. The cooperation between Estonia and Greece, including the opportunities for closer economic, defence and digital cooperation, will be spoken about as well.

During the two-day visit, the members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu will meet with Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on National Defence and Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Parliament Dora Bakoyannis, 1st Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs of the Hellenic Parliament Ioannis Plakiotakis, Minister of Migration and Asylum Dimitris Kairidis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexandra Papadopoulou and Director-General of the National Intelligence Service Themistoklis Demiris.

The delegation will also have meetings with Head of Frontex Liaison Office for Greece and Cyprus at Frontex Grigorios Apostolou, Director General of the think tank Eliamep Maria Gavouneli and representatives of the Hellenic Coast Guard.

The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee is accompanied on the visit by Deputy Chairman of the Committee Henn Põlluaas and members of the Committee Anti Poolamets and Luisa Rõivas. It is the first official visit of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the composition of the Riigikogu that took office in April.

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

Link uudisele: The Foreign Affairs Committee is on a working visit to Greece

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Mihkelson speaks at Berlin Foreign Policy Forum

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Mihkelson will speak at the panel discussion starting at 3 p.m. Other participants will include French Secretary of State for European Affairs Laurence Boone, Chair of the Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze from the parliament of Ukraine, and Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office Anna Lührmann.

Mihkelson has seen the influence of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland grow as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. “In addition to direct aid to Ukraine, we have shaped Europe’s perception of both Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine as well as more broadly about how to protect the security of our region and make it possible to ensure lasting peace in Europe,” he said.

He emphasised that Russia constituted an existential threat for the whole Europe, which was only set to increase in the near future. “The only way to avoid catastrophic consequences for the security of the whole Europe is to help Ukraine to victory and to lead Russia to a strategic defeat,” Mihkelson said, adding that we needed to continue supporting Ukraine to that end. “We need to work constantly to increase sanctions and raise the price of aggression for Russia with other restrictive measures. It is also important to support Ukraine on the way to the EU and NATO membership, but what Ukraine needs the most right now are weapons, ammunition, and any kind of assistance that would help them to gain a victory on the battlefield,” he said.

The day-long Berlin Foreign Policy Forum, where representatives of governments and experts of foreign policy discuss international situation and changes taking place in German foreign and economic policy, can be followed online throughout the day. The Forum is organised by the Körber Foundation together with the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.

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

Link uudisele: Mihkelson speaks at Berlin Foreign Policy Forum

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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