The Riigikogu Open House Day will begin with the concert of Nõmme Music School brass group Tärkamine on the balcony of Toompea Castle at 10:40 a.m. After the concert, President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar will welcome the guests.
Guided tours of Toompea Castle will take place throughout the day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., it will be possible to meet the newly elected members of the Riigikogu in the rooms of the parliamentary groups and climb the Tall Hermann Tower. Members of the Riigikogu Eduard Odinets and Anti Poolamets will conduct guided tours.
In the cafeteria chats, Urmas Vaino will interview the new members of the Riigikogu Arvo Aller, Mario Kadastik, Ester Karuse, Tiit Maran, Riina Solman and Kadri Tali about their expectations for their role as members of parliament. Longstanding member of the Riigikogu Jürgen Ligi will also share his experience. Grete Lõbu will chair the discussion “How to make exercise part of lifestyle?”. Members of the Riigikogu Karmen Joller, Tanel Kiik, Evelin Poolamets, Reili Rand, Riina Solman and Hendrik Johannes Terras will participate in the discussion.
The traditional quiz between the teams of the Riigikogu, the schools and the participants of the Youth Song and Dance Celebration will be held in the Conference Hall of the Riigikogu. The teams of the Riigikogu will include members of the Riigikogu Arvo Aller, Andrei Korobeinik, Jevgeni Ossinovski, Marek Reinaas, Riina Solman and Timo Suslov.
To mark the Be Active Year, practical workshops of the Schools in Motion and the Estonian Paralympic Committee will be set up, as well as the activity grounds of the Estonian Health Museum and the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum. Tallinn Central Library with its activity games and Katarina Jee Mobile Library will also be at Toompea.
Young folk musicians from hobby studio Õhin will open the welcoming of the 13th Youth Song and Dance Celebration, to dance together to the summer party. Musical greeting from the Youth Song and Dance Celebration “Holy is the Land” will be performed in the White Hall. Tickets and souvenirs of the Youth Song and Dance Celebration will be available in the lobby of the Riigikogu Building. The Women’s Home Defence will sell the flower pins of the Blue Hepatica Campaign “Let Us Salute!” to support the war veterans.
The first representative body elected by the people in independent Estonia – the Constituent Assembly – convened in Tallinn on 23 April 1919. The Riigikogu commemorates this event with its annual Open House Day that takes place for the 23rd time.
Other members of the Committee are Arvo Aller, Rain Epler, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Tanel Kiik, Katrin Kuusemäe, Hanah Lahe, Maris Lauri, Tiit Maran, Anti Poolamets, Luisa Rõivas, Riina Solman, Aivar Sõerd, Kadri Tali, Hendrik Johannes Terras, and Kristo Enn Vaga. The Committee has a total of 17 members.
The European Union Affairs Committee is a standing committee that has a deciding and coordinating role in the issues relating to the European Union. The Committee gives the mandate for the positions of the Government on proposed European Union legislation and for Estonia’s positions at the meetings of the Council of Ministers of the European Union and the European Council. The positions of the European Union Affairs Committee are binding for the Government, and the Government proceeds from these in the discussions held in Europe.
The Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees call the conviction of Kara-Murza a clear demonstration of misuse of power by Russian authorities and an attempt to silence the political opponents. “The Russian legal system continues to be instrumentalised against advocates for democracy, journalists, and other courageous activists,” they stated in the Joint Statement initiated by Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The Chairs call on all persons responsible for Mr Kara-Murza’s prosecution, detention, and sentencing to be held accountable by imposing targeted sanctions under the EU regulation or “Magnitsky law”. “We consider Mr Kara-Murza’s conviction to be contrary to Russia’s international obligations on human rights, including the right to a fair trial, and call for his immediate and unconditional release without further delay,” they declare.
The Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees made the Statement at the European Security Parliamentary Conference in London. The Statement has been signed by the Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees of the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ireland, Iceland, United Kingdom, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Czechia, and Denmark. The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson signed the statement on behalf of Estonia.
The Riigikogu Open House Day will begin with the concert of Nõmme Music School brass group Tärkamine, performed on the balcony of Toompea Castle. President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar will welcome the guests.
Guided tours of Toompea Castle are held throughout the day, it will be possible to meet the newly elected members of the Riigikogu and climb the Tall Hermann Tower.
In the cafeteria chats, Urmas Vaino will interview the new members of the Riigikogu Arvo Aller, Mario Kadastik, Ester Karus, Tiit Maran, Riina Solman and Kadri Tali about their expectations for their role as members of parliament. Grete Lõbu will chair the discussion “How to make exercise part of lifestyle?”. Members of the Riigikogu Karmen Joller, Tanel Kiik, Evelin Poolamets, Reili Rand, Riina Solman and Hendrik Johannes Terras will participate in the discussion.
The traditional quiz between the teams of the Riigikogu, the schools and the participants of the Youth Song and Dance Celebration will be held in the Conference Hall of the Riigikogu. The teams of the Riigikogu will include members of the Riigikogu Arvo Aller,Andrei Korobeinik,Jevgeni Ossinovski, Marek Reinaas, Riina Solman and Timo Suslov.
Members of the Riigikogu Eduard Odinets and Anti Poolamets will conduct guided tours.
To mark the Be Active Year, practical workshops of the Schools in Motion and the Estonian Paralympic Committee will be set up, as well as the activity areas of the Estonian Health Museum and the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum. Tallinn Central Library with its activity games and Katarina Jee Mobile Library will also be at Toompea.
Young folk musicians from hobby studio Õhin will open the welcoming of the 13th Youth Song and Dance Celebration, to dance together to the summer party. Musical greeting from the Youth Song and Dance Celebration “Holy is the Land” will be performed in the White Hall. Tickets and souvenirs of the Youth Song and Dance Celebration will be available in the lobby of the Riigikogu Building.
The first representative body elected by the people in independent Estonia – the Constituent Assembly – convened in Tallinn on 23 April 1919. The Riigikogu commemorates this event with its annual Open House Day that takes place for the 23rd time.
The Environment Committee: Chairman – Tarmo Tamm and Deputy Chairman – Andres Metsoja. Members of the Committee: Yoko Alender, Mait Klaassen,Hanah Lahe,Tiit Maran, Tõnis Mölder, Pärtel-Peeter Pere and Evelin Poolamets.
The Cultural Affairs Committee: Chair – Heljo Pikhof and Deputy Chairman Tõnis Lukas. Members of the Committee: Vadim Belobrovtsev, Helle-Moonika Helme, Mart Helme, Ester Karuse, Liina Kersna, Signe Kivi, Margit Sutrop, Kadri Tali and Tanel Tein.
The Rural Affairs Committee: Chairman – Urmas Kruuse and Deputy Chairman – Rene Kokk. Members of the Committee: Arvo Aller, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Juku-Kalle Raid, Maido Ruusmann and Andrus Seeme.
The Economic Affairs Committee: Chairman – Priit Lomp and Deputy Chairman – Lauri Laats. Members of the Committee: Rain Epler, Mario Kadastik, Siim Kallas, Erkki Keldo, Mart Maastik, Andres Sutt and Toomas Uibo.
The Constitutional Committee: Chairman – Igor Taro and Deputy Chairman Jaak Valge. Members of the Committee: Anti Allas, Ants Frosch, Andrei Korobeinik, Katrin Kuusemäe, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Pipi-Liis Siemann, Timo Suslov, Urve Tiidus and Aleksandr Tšaplõgin.
The Finance Committee: Chair – Annely Akkermann and Deputy Chairman Jaak Aab. Members of the Committee: Martin Helme, Aivar Kokk, Maris Lauri, Jürgen Ligi, Jevgeni Ossinovski, Siim Pohlak, Marek Reinaas, Kersti Sarapuu, Aivar Sõerd and Hendrik Johannes Terras.
The National Defence Committee: Chairman – Kalev Stoicescu and Deputy Chairman Leo Kunnas. Members of the Committee: Enn Eesmaa, Raimond Kaljulaid, Meelis Kiili, Ants Laaneots, Alar Laneman, Priit Sibul, Peeter Tali and Kristo Enn Vaga.
The Social Affairs Committee: Chair – Õnne Pillak and Deputy Chair Riina Solman. Members of the Committee: Kalle Grünthal, Andre Hanimägi, Karmen Joller, Tanel Kiik, Helmen Kütt, Irja Lutsar, Eero Merilind and Kristina Šmigun-Vähi.
The Foreign Affairs Committee: Chairman – Marko Mihkelson and Deputy Chairman – Henn Põlluaas. Members of the Committee: Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski, Eerik-Niiles Kross, Johanna-Maria Lehtme, Anti Poolamets, Reili Rand, Urmas Reinsalu and Luisa Rõivas.
The Legal Affairs Committee: Chairman – Eduard Odinets and Deputy Chair – Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart. Members of the Committee: Anti Haugas, Jaanus Karilaid, Kert Kingo, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, Mati Raidma, Valdo Randpere, Vilja Toomast and Varro Vooglaid.
Members of the Riigikogu Mait Klaassen, Katrin Kuusemäe, Hanah Lahe, Priit Lomp, Eduard Odinets, Õnne Pillak, Juku-Kalle Raid, Mati Raidma, Reili Rand, Valdo Randpere, Tanel Tein and Urve Tiidus took their oaths of office. They are substitute members for Kaja Kallas, Kristina Kallas, Madis Kallas, Kalle Laanet, Lauri Läänemets, Kristen Michal, Hanno Pevkur, Heidy Purga, Signe Riisalo, Riina Sikkut, Margus Tsahkna and Mart Võrklaev who became ministers.
After the sitting, the members of the new Riigikogu continued to form parliamentary friendship groups and associations.
Photos(Author: Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)
The video recording of the sitting will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel. (Please note that the recording will be uploaded with a delay.)
Parliamentary friendship groups help the members of the Riigikogu communicate with other national parliaments, implement foreign policy, and promote Estonia around the world.
Members of Support Groups
Health Promotion Support Group: Chair – Kristina Šmigun-Vähi. Members of the Group: Pärtel-Peeter Pere, Timo Suslov, Kristo Enn Vaga, Vilja Toomast, Margit Sutrop, Aivar Sõerd, Karmen Joller, Toomas Kivimägi, Eero Merilind, Signe Kivi, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Riina Solman, Tõnis Lukas, Mart Maastik, Aivar Kokk, Helmen Kütt, Helle-Moonika Helme, Hendrik Terras, Jüri Ratas, Ester Karuse, Liisa Pakosta, Tanel Kiik, Luisa Rõivas.
Islands Support Group: Chairman – Mart Maastik. Members of the Group: Tõnis Lukas, Andres Metsoja, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Jaanus Karilaid, Annely Akkerman, Madis Kallas, Kalle Laanet, Kalev Stoicescu, Helle-Moonika Helme, Jaak Valge, Andres Sutt.
Volleyball Support Group: Chairman – Aleksei Jevgrafov. Members of the Group: Tanel Kiik, Vadim Belobrovtsev, Lauri Laats, Enn Eesmaa, Anti Haugas.
Health Care Organisation and Financing Support Group: Chair – Eero Merilind, Deputy Chair – Õnne Pillak. Members of the Group: Tanel Kiik, Irja Lutsar, Jaak Aab, Priit Sibul, Martin Helme, Margit Sutrop, Vilja Toomast, Karmen Joller, Aivar Sõerd, Annely Akkermann.
Members of Parliamentary Friendship Groups
Estonia-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group: Chair – Maris Lauri. Members of the Group: Annely Akkermann, Yoko Alender, Mart Maastik, Margit Sutrop, Andres Sutt, Aivar Sõerd.
Estonia-India Parliamentary Friendship Group: Chairman – Affairs Urmas Reinsalu, Deputy Chairman – Anti Poolamets. Members of the Group: Yoko Alender, Ants Frosch, Toomas Kivimägi, Aivar Kokk, Tõnis Lukas, Mart Maastik, Andres Metsoja, Evelin Poolamets, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Riina Solman, Margit Sutrop, Andres Sutt, Aivar Sõerd.
The 15th Riigikogu has formed 31 parliamentary friendship groups and 32 support groups.
The Government includes Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas, Minister of Justice Kalle Laanet, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Climate Kristen Michal, Minister of Culture Heidy Purga, Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology Tiit Riisalo, Minister of Finance Mart Võrklaev, Minister of Regional Affairs Madis Kallas, Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets, Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo, Minister of Health Riina Sikkut and Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna.
Photos (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.)
Parliamentary friendship groups help the members of the Riigikogu communicate with other national parliaments, implement foreign policy, and promote Estonia around the world. Today, one more parliamentary friendship group was added to the parliamentary friendship group formed in the 15th Riigikogu.
Members of Support Groups
Estonia-Taiwan Support Group: Chairman – Kristo Enn Vaga. Members of the Group: Eerik-Niiles Kross, Vilja Toomast, Kalle Laanet, Jürgen Ligi, Pipi-Liis Siemann, Karmen Joller, Toomas Uibo, Tõnis Lukas, Andrus Seeme, Timo Suslov, Jaak Valge, Tanel Kiik, Raimond Kaljulaid, Mario Kadastik, Meelis Kiili, Anti Poolamets.
Cyclists Support Group: Chairman – Kristo Enn Vaga. Members of the Group: Pärtel-Peeter Pere, Yoko Alender, Annely Akkermann, Anti Haugas, Margit Sutrop, Luisa Rõivas, Eero Merilind, Kristina Šmigun-Vähi, Raimond Kaljulaid.
Nordic Countries Support Group: Chairman – Pärtel-Peeter Pere. Members of the Group: Toomas Kivimägi, Vilja Toomast, Hendrik Johannes Terras, Tarmo Tamm, Yoko Alender, Kristo Enn Vaga, Anti Haugas, Eerik-Niiles Kross, Liisa Pakosta, Tõnis Lukas, Margit Sutrop, Irja Lutsar, Kristina Šmigun-Vähi, Aivar Kokk, Urmas Reinsalu, Andre Hanimägi, Tanel Kiik, Henn Põlluaas.
Rail Baltic Support Group: Chairman – on Andres Metsoja, Deputy Chairman – Peeter Tali. Members of the Group: Andrei Korobeinik, Enn Eesmaa, Toomas Kivimägi, Jaanus Karilaid, Maido Ruusmann, Signe Kivi, Eerik-Niiles Kross, Andrus Seeme, Jüri Ratas, Vilja Toomast, Johanna-Maria Lehtmets, Tanel Kiik, Mario Kadastik, Yoko Alender, Kadri Tali, Annely Akkermann, Lauri Laats.
Women’s Union of the Riigikogu: Chair – Maris Lauri; members – Annely Akkermann, Liisa Pakosta, Vilja Toomast, Liina Kersna, Yoko Alender, Karmen Joller, Pipi-Liis Siemann, Kersti Sarapuu, Kadri Tali, Helmen Kütt, Ester Karuse, Riina Solman.
Nuclear Energy Support Group: Chairman – Mario Kadastik. Members of the Group: Maris Lauri, Meelis Kiili, Margit Sutrop, Jürgen Ligi, Rain Epler, Andrei Korobeinik, Kristo Enn Vaga, Riina Solman, Hendrik Johannes Terras, Andrus Seeme, Luisa Rõivas, Andres Metsoja, Henn Põlluaas, Lauri Laats.
East-Viru Support Group: Chair – Maris Lauri, Deputy Chairs – Aleksei Jevgrafov and Arvo Aller. Members of the Group: Meelis Kiili, Tarmo Tamm, Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski, Evelin Poolamets, Pärtel-Peeter Pere, Tanel Kiik, Lauri Laats, Riina Solman.
Business and Cultural Organisations Cooperation Support Group: Chair – Kadri Tali. Members of the Group: Pärtel- Peeter Pere, Marek Reinaas, Tarmo Tamm, Tõnis Lukas, Yoko Alender, Kristina Šmigun-Vähi, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Toomas Kivimägi, Siim Kallas, Andres Sutt, Aivar Sõerd.
Families and Demography Support Group: Chair – Riina Solman, Deputy Chair Jaak Valge. Members of the Group: Helir-Valdor Seeder, Urmas Reinsalu, Mart Maastik, Rene Kokk, Arvo Aller, Ester Karuse, Priit Sibul, Martin Helme, Tõnis Lukas, Ants Frosch, Rain Epler, Andre Hanimägi.
Natural Shrines Support Group: Chairman – Tõnis Lukas. Members of the Group: Riina Solman, Anti Poolamets, Meelis Kiili, Pipi-Liis Siemann, Anti Allas, Eerik-Niiles Kross, Tõnis Mölder, Liisa Pakosta, Tiit Maran.
National Culture Support Group: Chairman – Tõnis Lukas. Members of the Group: Riina Solman, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Andres Metsoja, Liisa Pakosta, Pärtel-Peeter Pere, Eerik-Niiles Kross, Irja Lutsar, Luisa Rõivas, Anti Poolamets, Igor Taro, Jaak Valge, Kadri Tali, Margit Sutrop, Signe Kivi, Pipi-Liis Siemann.
Pärnu County Support Group: Chairman – Andrei Korobeinik, Deputy Chairmen – Toomas Kivimägi and Andres Metsoja. Members of the Group: Enn Eesmaa, Mart Helme, Ester Karuse, Kadri Tali, Peeter Tali, Alar Laneman.
Space Sector Support Group: Chairman – Andrei Korobeinik, members – Timo Suslov, Toomas Uibo, Mario Kadastik.
Football Support Group: Chairman – Erkki Keldo, Deputy Chairman Tõnis Mölder. Members of the Group: Jaanus Karilaid, Andre Hanimägi, Kersti Sarapuu, Vadim Belobrovtsev, Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski, Lauri Laats, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Tõnis Lukas.
Local Governments and Regional Policy Support Group: Chair – Aivar Kokk, Deputy Chairs Jaak Aab and Helmen Kütt. Members of the Group: Mart Maastik, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Riina Solman, Andres Metsoja, Urmas Reinsalu, Rene Kokk, Kersti Sarapuu, Andrei Korobeinik, Jaanus Karilaid, Maido Ruusmann, Siim Pohlak, Pipi-Liis Siemann, Evelin Poolamets, Rain Epler, Arvo Aller, Ants Frosch, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Ester Karuse.
Motor and Technical Sports Support Group: Chair – Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Deputy Chair – Andrus Seeme. Members of the Group: Andre Hanimägi, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Ester Karuse, Andrus Seeme, Maido Ruusmann.
Mulgimaa Support Group: Chairman – Helir-Valdor Seeder, Deputy Chairman – Maido Ruusmann. Members of the Group: Jürgen Ligi, Kersti Sarapuu, Jaak Aab, Helmen Kütt, Jüri Ratas, Andre Hanimägi.
South-East Estonia Support Group: Chair – Andrus Seeme, Deputy Chair – Ester Karuse. Members of the Group: Anti Haugas, Maido Ruusmann, Kristina Šmigun-Vähi, Andres Sutt, Liina Kersna, Vilja Toomast, Eerik-Niiles Kross, Anti Allas, Igor Taro, Ants Frosch, Andre Hanimägi, Jaanus Karilaid, Jaak Aab, Tanel Kiik, Rain Epler, Aivar Sõerd.
Mental Health Support Group: Chair – Vilja Toomast, Deputy Chair – Tanel Kiik. Members of the Group: Pipi-Liis Siemann, Liina Kersna, Yoko Alender, Irja Lutsar, Andre Hanimägi, Kristina Šmigun-Vähi, Liisa Pakosta, Andres Metsoja, Karmen Joller, Hendrik Johannes Terras.
Forest Brothers Tradition and Forest Brothers’ Families Support Group: Chairman – Eerik-Niiles Kross, Deputy Chairman – Leo Kunnas. Members of the Group: Peeter Tali, Igor Taro, Henn Põlluaas, Ants Laaneots, Anti Haugas, Andrus Seeme, Kristo Enn Vaga, Tõnis Lukas, Urmas Reinsalu, Ants Frosch.
Forestry Support Group: Chairman – Andres Metsoja, Deputy Chairman – Tõnis Mölder. Members of the Group: Aivar Kokk, Mart Maastik, Urmas Reinsalu, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Riina Solman, Anti Poolamets, Rain Epler, Rene Kokk, Andrus Seeme, Raimond Kaljulaid, Kristo Enn Vaga, Ester Karuse, Kersti Sarapuu, Tarmo Tamm, Arvo Aller, Evelin Poolamets, Pipi-Liis Siemann.
Estonian Diaspora Support Group: Chair – Riina Solman, Deputy Chair – Peeter Tali. Members of the Group: Urmas Reinsalu, Mart Maastik, Maris Lauri, Tõnis Lukas, Ants Frosch, Eerik-Niiles Kross, Tanel Kiik, Jaanus Karilaid, Andre Hanimägi, Raimond Kaljulaid.
Basketball Support Group: Chairman – Vadim Belobrovtsev, Deputy Chairman – Tõnis Mölder. Members of the Group: Aleksei Jevgrafov, Ester Karuse, Jaak Aab, Jüri Ratas, Lauri Laats, Timo Suslov, Hendrik Terras, Irja Lutsar, Arvo Aller.
Estonian Defence Industry Support Group: Chairman – Raimond Kaljulaid, Deputy Chairman – Peeter Tali. Members of the Group: Ants Laaneots, Kalev Stoicescu, Kristo Enn Vaga, Andre Hanimägi, Henn Põlluaas.
E-Commerce Support Group: Chairman – Raimond Kaljulaid, members – Kristo Enn Vaga and Marek Reinaas.
Transit Support Group: Chairman – Aivar Kokk. Members of the Group: Mart Maastik, Anti Poolamets, Evelin Poolamets.
Järva County and Viljandi County Support Group: Chair – Jaak Aab, Deputy Chair – Pipi-Liis Siemann. Members of the Group: Jaanus Karilaid, Enn Eesmaa, Kersti Sarapuu, Ester Karuse, Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski, Tanel Kiik, Tõnis Mölder, Anastassia Kovalenko Kõlvart, Lauri Laats, Pipi-Liis Siemann, Helir-Valdor Seeder.
Repressed Persons and Freedom Struggle Support Group: Chair – Urmas Reinsalu, Deputy Chairs – Tanel kiik and Johanna Lehtme. Members of the Group: Andres Metsoja, Aivar Kokk, Riina Solman, Mart Maastik, Leo Kunnas, Jaak Aab, Jüri Ratas, Peeter Tali, Eerin-Niiles Kross, Aivar Sõerd.
Members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group
Estonia-Korea Parliamentary Friendship Group: Chair – Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Deputy Chair Vadim Belobrovtsev. Members of the Group: Aleksei Jevgrafov, Tanel Kiik, Aivar Kokk, Andrei Korobeinik, Lauri Laats, Pipi-Liis Siemann, Aivar Sõerd.
The 15th Riigikogu has formed 29 parliamentary friendship groups and 28 support groups.
NordenBladet —This week, more than 70 United States Marines arrived in Estonia for a nearly four-month operation. “This deployment is a fantastic opportunity for the Marines and Sailors from Task Force 61/2’s Mobile Reconnaissance Company (MRC) to train alongside our Estonian Allies, ” said Capt. Brandon Klewicki, MRC Company Commander. “Integrating …