ESTONIA

The European Union Affairs Committee thinks adoption of digital euro is necessary, but after thorough preparations

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

At its today’s sitting, the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) discussed Estonia’s positions on the proposals to adopt the digital euro and agreed with the Government that before the adoption of the digital euro, political and legal risks as well as fair division of costs had to be thoroughly analysed.

Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta thinks that the digital euro initiative is necessary and also meets the expectations of young people for a modern payment instrument. She pointed out that in the history of money, the adoption of the digital euro was in the same way a natural change that raised many questions as the transfer from gold coins to metal coins, whose value was guaranteed by means other than the value of material.

“More thorough preparation is essential, but we as the national parliament gave a mandate to proceed with the developing of the digital euro. In the current complicated security situation, the adoption of the digital euro is important for the people of Estonia in preparing for crises. Cash is not safe in every situation and ATMs do not work during power cuts. The digital euro can be transferred from a person’s bank account to the digital euro app on their phone, like storing cash, and it can be used offline, or when there is no internet or card payments in shops are not working,” the Chair of the Committee said.

Pakosta emphasised that in its positions, Estonia pointed out among other things that before the adoption of the digital euro, it was necessary to properly analyse its impact on banks, financial stability and consumer rights. “At present, consumers do not pay for the use of cash, and this must also remain so with digital cash, or the digital euro. Of course, much better security must be ensured than there is today for the use of cash,” she stated.

In the opinion of the member of the Committee Aleksei Jevgrafov, it is important that the digital euro will make people’s life simpler. “It is inconvenient for the consumer that different e-shops require using all kinds of different payment services, from Google Pay to Paypal and Revolut. The digital euro will solve this problem because digital euro account can be used instead of different wallets and the customer will not be asked a service charge for that,” he said. “It is also very welcome that there will be no need to go looking for cash when card payments do not function.”

It was pointed out at the sitting that the introduction of digital cash and the accompanying public infrastructure would contribute to the obligation of the Bank of Estonia to provide an essential service. According to the plan, the use of the new payment instrument will be mandatory for banks and free of charge for consumers. It was also mentioned at the sitting that digital euro payments can be pre-recorded on the phone and that payments of up to 500 or 1000 euro would not be traceable. A limit will be set to large transactions to prevent money laundering and financing of terrorism. A balance will be sought between safety and privacy when setting the rules.

It was also noted at the sitting that it was intended to use the digital euro initially in the euro area countries, but in the longer term it could also be possible to use it outside the European Union, and other currencies could be kept in the digital wallet alongside the euro. The adoption of the digital euro is expected to take place between 2027 and 2030.

Adviser of the Financial Services Policy Department of the Ministry of Finance Kadri Martin and Head of the Payment and Settlement Systems Department of the Bank of Estonia Rainer Olt participated in the discussion of this agenda item.

The European Union Affairs Committee, in line with the opinion of the Finance Committee, decided to approve the Government’s positions on the proposals of the European Commission on single currency, including the proposal on the digital euro.

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: The European Union Affairs Committee thinks adoption of digital euro is necessary, but after thorough preparations

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar and Finnish leaders of state discussed the situation on the border with Russia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar said at the meetings that Estonia and Finland were very good neighbours, partners and allies who cooperate closely in many areas. Hussar underlined that it was necessary to continue active cooperation between the Governments and the Parliaments of both countries, and this was particularly important in the fields of defence and security, considering the tense geopolitical situation.

Hussar specifically emphasised the importance of operational information exchange and cooperation on issues related to the protection of critical underwater infrastructure and the refugee pressure from Russia. “Estonia is carefully monitoring the current developments on the eastern border and we are prepared for a situation where refugee pressure on our border should also increase significantly. We are cooperating closely with Finland in this issue and we are ready to support Finland if necessary,” he said.

Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the possibilities of supporting Ukraine together were also discussed at the meetings. “We must continue to work to bring to justice all those responsible for the crimes committed in Ukraine, including crime of aggression, and to establish for that a special tribunal with maximum international support. Russia must also compensate Ukraine for the damage caused by its actions,” Hussar noted, and pointed out that a Bill creating the possibility to use Russia’s assets frozen under international sanctions to compensate the war damages caused to Ukraine had passed the first reading in the Riigikogu this week.

Hussar also underlined that in order to win the war, Ukraine continued to need every possible support and assistance from us. “The countries of the West must not let their attention be diverted. Among other things, we must continue providing military assistance to Ukraine and support them on their path to the EU and NATO membership,” he said.

Today, Hussar also met with Chairs of parliamentary groups and committees as well as the leaders of the Finland-Estonia parliamentary friendship group. Together with the Speaker of Finnish Parliament, he opened the festive seminar dedicated to the 100th anniversary of teaching the Estonian language and culture in Finland, held at the University of Helsinki. Tonight he attends the reception on the occasion of announcing the programme of the European Capital of Culture 2024 Tartu at the Embassy of Estonia.

Tomorrow, Hussar will attend the cultural festival Martin Markkinat at the Cable Factory culture centre in Helsinki. It is the largest event promoting the Estonian culture in Finland. This year the event, organised by Tuglas Seura, will focus on Tartu and South Estonia, the European Capital of Culture 2024.

The President of the Riigikogu is accompanied on the visit by Chair Anti Poolamets and Deputy Chair Kadri Tali of the Estonia-Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group.

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 and Finnish leaders of state discussed the situation on the border with Russia

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar goes on an official visit to Finland

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

On Friday, Hussar will meet with Speaker of the Parliament of Finland Jussi Halla-aho, Chairs of parliamentary groups and committees as well as the leaders of the Finland-Estonia parliamentary friendship group. Hussar will also have meetings with President of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

On Friday at noon, Hussar and Halla-aho will open a festive seminar dedicated to the 100th anniversary of teaching the Estonian language and culture in Finland. The seminar will be held at the University of Helsinki. The seminar “One Hundred Years Between Finland and Estonia” will be live streamed online from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

On Saturday, Hussar will attend the cultural festival Martin Markkinat at the Cable Factory culture centre in Helsinki. It is the largest event promoting the Estonian culture in Finland. Besides cultural programme, the two-day festival will introduce Estonia as travel destination; handicrafts, design and food will be sold, and discussions on the Estonian society and culture will be held. This year the event, organised by Tuglas Seura, will focus on Tartu and South Estonia, the European Capital of Culture 2024.

The President of the Riigikogu will be accompanied on the visit by Chair Anti Poolamets and Deputy Chair Kadri Tali of the Estonia-Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group.

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

Link uudisele: Hussar goes on an official visit to Finland

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Foreign Affairs Committee calls on the Foreign Ministry not to close two consulates general in the USA

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Today, the Foreign Affairs Committee took the position that in order to ensure adequate diplomatic capacity in the US, it is necessary to continue the work of the consulates general in addition to the embassy in Washington. “The Foreign Affairs Committee finds that the decision to reduce the diplomatic presence in the US is in conflict with the Estonian Foreign Policy Development Plan 2030, which includes among its goals the development of comprehensive and deepened cooperation with the US, making consular services easily accessible to Estonians living abroad and greater involvement of Estonians living abroad in the promotion of the foreign economy in order to ensure the best possible protection of Estonia’s interests abroad. To achieve all these objectives, it is important to have a broad diplomatic presence in the United States, and this task is fulfilled by the Consulates General in New York and San Francisco,” the Committee noted.

The Foreign Affairs Committee took its position after two sittings where the closure of consulates general was discussed. Last week, the Committee heard the justifications of Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna, and this week, the Committee met with the representatives of the Estonian American National Council who presented their proposal for the continuation of the work of the consulates. Representatives of the Estonians living in the United States believe that the closing of consulates would be harmful to Estonia, reducing Estonia’s presence and influence in business, cultural and international diplomacy. They highlighted the relevance of the Consulate General in New York in the continuity of Estonian diplomatic representation and the significance of the Consulate General in San Francisco for the promotion of business diplomacy. They also explained that diplomatic missions had an important role in preserving Estonian identity and culture and promoting Estonia in the US.

After discussions, the Committee came to the conclusion that the arguments of cost savings or reorganisation of work do not outweigh the damage to the interests of the Republic of Estonia that would result from the loss of two bases at an important ally. “The Committee also considers it regrettable that the opinions and proposals of the organisations representing Estonians in the United States of America were not taken into account when the decision to close the consulates general was made,” the Foreign Affairs Committee pointed out.

The members of the Committee underlined that Estonia’s diplomatic representation, especially considering the current highly tense situation in Europe and around the world, had a very important role in defending our security interests. “Instead of downsizing, we need extending and strengthening of diplomatic representation so that Estonia’s positions could be consistently explained to our most important allies. Therefore, the funding of diplomacy as the frontline of security policy and deterrence must be guaranteed in the long term,” the Commission said in its position, and made a proposal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to revoke the decision to close the consulates general.

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 calls on the Foreign Ministry not to close two consulates general in the USA

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The 42nd Session of the Baltic Assembly focuses Russia’s war of aggression and civil defence

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The session will begin on Thursday, 23 November, with a ceremony where the Baltic Assembly prizes will be presented. This year, the Baltic Assembly Prize in the Arts was awarded to Estonian artist Peeter Laurits for his outstanding and diverse artistic work and the project ‘Biotoopia’. The Prize in Literature was awarded to Lithuanian translator and poet Antanas A. Jonynas for his collection of sonnets “Naujieji sonetai”. The Prize in Science was awarded to Latvian musicologist Arnolds Laimonis Klotiņš for his monographs on music and creative life in post-war Stalinist Latvia and the Latvian music life in exile in Europe during the same period. The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. at the Concert Hall of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.

On Friday, 24 November, the meeting of the Presidium of the Baltic Assembly and the speakers of the national parliaments of the Baltic States will take place in the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia). After that, at 10 a.m., the 42nd Session of the BA will be opened. At the opening of the Session, the speakers of the parliaments of the Baltic States will deliver speeches. The Session will be chaired by the President of the Baltic Assembly Timo Suslov and Vice-Presidents of the BA Andrius Kupčinskas and Jānis Vucāns.

The Baltic Council, the cooperation assembly of the Governments and the parliaments of the Baltic States, will also meet on Friday. The 29th Baltic Council will be chaired by Chairman of the Co-operation Council of the Baltic Council of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Margus Tsahkna and President of the Baltic Assembly Timo Suslov. Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis and Latvia Krišjānis Kariņš will also deliver speeches.

On Friday at 1 p.m., a press conference will be held in the White Hall of the Riigikogu, where it will be possible to pose questions to the heads of the delegations and foreign ministers of the Baltic States. Immediately before the press conference, the Head of the Estonian delegation to the BA and the Minister of Foreign Affairs will sign the Joint Statement of the Baltic Assembly and the Baltic Council of Ministers.

The BA session will continue in the afternoon, and the impacts of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on economy as well as effective civil defence will be discussed. At the end of the session, the new President of the Baltic Assembly will be elected, and the Resolution and the Final Documents of the 42nd Session of the Baltic Assembly will be signed. After the end of the Session, Estonia will hand over the presidency of the Baltic Assembly and the Baltic Council of Ministers to Lithuania.

The Baltic Assembly (Interparliamentary Assembly of the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Lithuania) is a consultative cooperation organisation of the parliaments of the three Baltic States which discusses issues of mutual interest. In 2023, the presidency of the Baltic Assembly was held by Estonia; in 2024, Lithuania will hold the presidency. The Head of the Estonian delegation to the BA is Timo Suslov the Deputy Head is Enn Eesmaa. The members of the delegation are Arvo Aller, Karmen Joller, Meelis Kiili, Lauri Laats, Priit Lomp, Tiit Maran, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Riina Solman, Margit Sutrop and Peeter Tali.

Members of the press are welcome to cover all these events. Please notify us of your wish to participate at maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee.

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

Link uudisele: The 42nd Session of the Baltic Assembly focuses Russia’s war of aggression and civil defence

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Chairs of Baltic Foreign Affairs Committees speak at a panel in Cambridge

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The panel will be hosted by the Centre for Geopolitics at the University of Cambridge and discuss how the relations between the United Kingdom and the Baltic States could develop in order to meet the evolving geopolitical challenges in Europe. The event will start at 17:00 and last around 1.5 hours. Video recording of the panel will be available on the Centre’s website.

Besides Mihkelson, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Saeima (Parliament) of Latvia Rihards Kols and Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Seimas (Parliament) of Lithuania Žygimantas Pavilionis will speak at the panel. Former UK Home Secretary and Co-founder of the Baltic Geopolitics Programme at Cambridge Charles Clarke will chair the panel.

From Cambridge, the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the three Baltic States will go to the Aurora Forum in held Chichester, where the issues relating to economy and security will be discussed with the participation of the representatives of the United Kingdom and the Nordic and Baltic countries. From the Riigikogu, Chairman of the National Defence Committee Kalev Stoicescu and member of the Committee Raimond Kaljulaid will also attend the Forum.

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

Link uudisele: Chairs of Baltic Foreign Affairs Committees speak at a panel in Cambridge

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Bill on amendments to this year’s state budget passed the second reading

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Bill will amend the distribution of expenditure by activities included in programmes and the distribution of funds between expenditure and investments. According to the State Budget Act, the Government may initiate an amendment of the State Budget Act without amending the total amount of funds not later than two months before the end of the budgetary year.

Parliamentary groups and members of the Riigikogu had submitted 88 motions to amend the Bill for its second reading. In addition, the Finance Committee had moved a motion to amend consisting of several amendments and mostly specifying expenditure. The Riigikogu began to review the motions to amend the Bill at Wednesday’s sitting and continued it at Thursday’s sitting last week. 61 of 89 motions to amend were voted on by the end of Thursday’s sitting. The remaining 28 motions to amend were reviewed without voting and taking recesses at today’s sitting.

Motions to amend the Bill on Amendments to the State Budget for 2023 Act (303 SE), initiated by the Government, for the third reading can be submitted until 5.15 p.m. on 15 November.

The Riigikogu heard ministers’ replies to 12 interpellations

The Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets replied to the interpellation concerning the border infrastructure (No. 195), submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Priit Sibul, Andres Metsoja, Aivar Kokk and Helir-Valdor Seeder. According to the Members of the Riigikogu, in the in the current security situation, no cuts in the investments in the development of border infrastructure can be afforded but it is necessary to speed up the construction of a control line. The Members of the Riigikogu asked what was planned to be done to strengthen the surveillance of the border in the Gulf of Finland and on Lake Peipus and in the air, besides land border.

Läänemets said that, according to plans, the construction of the Estonian-Russian land border was expected to be completed by the end of 2025. “The aim is to build border infrastructure consisting of a delay fence and patrol paths on land, as well as various monitoring masts that will be equipped with necessary guarding equipment in order to ensure full situational awareness of what is going on at the border,” the Minister of the Interior said. He pointed out that the Estonian-Russian border stretched 338 kilometres, 135 kilometres of which was south-eastern border (a third of it the River Piusa), 127 kilometres Lake Peipus and 76 kilometres the River Narva.

The 23.5-kilometre border infrastructure section north of Luhamaa border crossing point was already completed last year. According to the Minister, work is ongoing with the second phase, an approximately 40-kilometre section where border infrastructure is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025 but, at the rate it is progressing, it will be completed by the end of 2024. The construction of the delay fence for a 21-kilometre section will also be completed by the end of 2024, and the border infrastructure on the 26-kilometre section for a large part running along the bank of the River Piusa will be completed by the end of 2025. Another land border section is located on a marshy area and works have started there to install mobile guarding devices which will also be implemented during 2025, according to the minister.

When speaking of guarding the sea border and airspace, Läänemets said that the vessels of the Police and Border Guard Board and maritime surveillance positions had been transferred to the Defence Forces whose responsibility covered the guarding of both the sea border and airspace. According to the minister, Lake Peipus was covered by alarm guarding to the full extent and no major development works were being planned there in the coming years but border guarding on the River Narva was being reinforced.

The Minister of the Interior also replied to the interpellations concerning the impact of the green transition on the area of administration of the Ministry of the Interior (No. 230), the impact of inflation on the area of administration of the Ministry of the Interior (No. 313) and the rise in VAT (No. 130 and No. 112).

The Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas replied to the interpellations concerning the closing down of schools in rural areas (No. 108), preservation of small schools (No. 291), the integral impact of the tax package (No. 229 and No. 139), the rise in VAT (No. 119), the impact of the green transition on the area of administration of the ministry managed by the minister (No. 142) and the concept of a uniform Estonian school (No. 275).

The sitting ended at 9.26 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
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592, +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Bill on amendments to this year’s state budget passed the second reading

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu wants the EU to move forward with developing defence industry

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta underlined that in the new security situation, the European Union had to free the defence industry from unreasonable bureaucratic restrictions and considerably increase real defence capability.

“In my speech in Brussels at the discussion of the security in Europe in the 21st century, I also pointed out that the EU should not regard defence industry as something bad, almost like porn industry. Besides that, it is crucial that when regulating artificial intelligence, the artificial intelligence for defence purposes is not regulated. Otherwise, we will be in a situation where our sons and daughters may be killed on the battlefield because we regulated AI and our adversary did not,” Pakosta noted.

Deputy Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski said that the deadline for approving the EU budget for 2024 was approaching.

“It is important for Estonia that funds from the budget are allocated to provide comprehensive assistance to Ukraine and to deal with the consequences of the war of aggression against Ukraine concerning the economic, social and humanitarian impact,” Jufereva-Skuratovski said. She also emphasised the need to increase Europe’s strategic autonomy, and noted that to ensure energy security, reserve capacities were needed, therefore Estonia, for example, must retain the possibility to use oil shale.

Head of the European Commission Representation in Estonia Vivian Loonela gave the Committee an overview of the 2024 Work Programme of the European Commission. It was also discussed when Estonia’s positions at the meeting of the EU General Affairs Council were spoken about. It was highlighted that Estonia considered it important to continue comprehensive supporting of Ukraine and to hold Russia to account. The EU budget was under discussion in connection with the adoption of Estonia’s positions for the meeting of the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council.

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: The Riigikogu wants the EU to move forward with developing defence industry

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar to Prime Minister of Latvia: Better transport connections bring Estonia and Latvia closer to each other

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar pointed out that, on the one hand, Estonia and Latvia had excellent defence cooperation, both as neighbouring countries with a common history and as NATO allies, and on the other hand, transport connections between the two countries were being restored. “Not so long ago, I expressed my delight that Latvia has decided to build a new road bridge on the Via Baltica in Salacgriva, which will speed up traffic between Pärnu and Riga. Today we can talk about the next milestone, which is a direct train between Tartu and Riga. We must also do our best to ensure that Rail Baltic will be completed on schedule by 2030 – it is the project of the century that will connect us with the rest of Europe,” he said.

Hussar noted that the relations between Estonia and Latvia were excellent in all areas and we were mutually examples for one another, for example Latvia set an example for Estonia in the transition to education in national language. “Estonia, in its turn, can confirm that the introduction of gender-neutral marriage was painful at first, but once it was introduced, this issue no longer divides society. In this sense, there is a constructive competition between us, we have many common plans and we are eagerly looking forward to their implementation,” he said.

Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Siliņa assumed office on 15 September, and this visit was her first official visit to Estonia.

Chairman of the Estonia-Latvia Parliamentary Friendship Group Peeter Tali also attended the meeting.

Photos (Erik Peinar / 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: Hussar to Prime Minister of Latvia: Better transport connections bring Estonia and Latvia closer to each other

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu passed an Act promoting the fight against VAT fraud in cross-border e-commerce

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Act on Amendments to the Value Added Tax Act and the Taxation Act (225 SE), initiated by the Government, will improve the fight against VAT fraud in cross-border e-commerce.

The Act establishes an obligation for payment service providers to store the data regarding the payees of cross-border payments and to transmit them to the tax authority quarterly if the total number of payments per payee exceeds 25 payments in a quarter. Tax authorities will transmit the data to the European Union’s central electronic system of payment information.

The Act is connected with a European Union directive that Members States will have to transpose and implement from next year.

During the debate, Martin Helme (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), Liisa Pakosta (Estonia 200) and Annely Akkermann (Reform Party) took the floor.

71 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Act and 14 voted against.

The Riigikogu appointed new members to the Supervisory Board of the Bank of Estonia

With the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Appointment of Members of the Supervisory Board of the Bank of Estonia Who Are Specialists in the Field” (333 OE), submitted by the Finance Committee, experts in the field Krista Jaakson, Karin Jõeveer and Ivi Proos were appointed as new members of the Supervisory Board of the Bank of Estonia in connection with the expiry of the mandate of Ivi Proos, Enn Listra and Rein Minka.

The Supervisory Board of the Bank of Estonia is the oversight body of the Bank of Estonia which consists of a Chairman, representatives of the parliamentary groups of the Riigikogu and specialists in the field. The Supervisory Board of the Bank of Estonia is formed based on the principle that each parliamentary group of the Riigikogu nominates one of its members and the Chairman of the Board nominates four specialists in the field.

During the debate, Henn Põlluaas (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) took the floor.

68 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Resolution and 14 voted against, and there was one abstention.

Two draft Resolutions passed the first reading

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), submitted by the Government. It will enable to contribute with up to 110 servicemen to the US-led international military operation Inherent Resolve in 2024.

Mart Helme (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) took the floor during the debate.

The Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group moved to reject the draft Resolution at the first reading, but the motion was not supported. 2 members of the Riigikogu supported rejection and 75 voted against.

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 Mission in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt and Syria” (311 OE), submitted by the Government, will enable to contribute with up to three servicemen to the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operation in the Middle East in 2024.

During the debate, Ants Frosch (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) and Kristo Enn Vaga (Reform Party) took the floor.

The Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group moved to reject the draft Resolution at the first reading, but the motion was not supported. 2 members of the Riigikogu supported rejection and 63 voted against.

The first reading of a draft Resolution was adjourned

The first 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 North Atlantic Treaty Organization Mission in Iraq” (312 OE), submitted by the Government, which will enable to contribute with up to three servicemen in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization mission in Iraq in 2024, will continue at the plenary sitting beginning at 2 p.m. tomorrow.

The first reading of seven drafts was deferred to the agenda for the next sitting

Due to the end of the working hours of the sitting, the first reading of seven drafts was also deferred to tomorrow’s plenary sitting. They are 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), submitted by the Government, 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), submitted by the Government, 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), submitted by the Government, 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), submitted by the Government, 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), submitted by the Government, 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, and the Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (337 SE), initiated by the Finance Committee.

After the sitting, it was planned to form the Estonia-Africa Parliamentary Friendship Group on the initiative of Hanah Lahe, the Estonia-Iceland Parliamentary Friendship Group on the initiative of Pärtel-Peeter Pere, and the support group to promote the building of an annex to the Estonian National Opera on the initiative of Enn Eesmaa, Helle-Moonika Helme, Mart Helme, Siim Kallas, Liina Kersna, Signe Kivi, Heljo Pikhof and Kadri Tali.

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 passed an Act promoting the fight against VAT fraud in cross-border e-commerce

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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