ESTONIA

Hussar to the Foreign Minister of Moldova: You have our firm support

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar welcomed the fact that both the presidential elections and the referendum on accession to the EU in Moldova showed that the people of Moldova had chosen the path of the European Union. He said that he had consistently supported Moldova’s desire to join the European Union as soon as possible at international meetings.

Hussar assured that Moldova’s accession to the EU was also a priority for Estonia. “We are ready to help you in every way on this journey, and to share our accession experience,” Hussar emphasised.

Hussar and Popșoi discussed the international situation and the upcoming parliamentary elections in Moldova, as well as the situation in Transnistria and the fight against the threats from Russia.

Popșoi thanked Estonia for its support in Moldova’s progress towards accession to the European Union and expressed his wish to continue this close cooperation.

Popșoi explained that the parliamentary elections in Moldova on 28 September this year would be crucial for Moldova’s sovereignty and the future of Europe. These elections will determine whether the country will continue its pro-European course or move towards closer relations with Russia. The shaping of the country’s future is influenced by the energy crisis, economic difficulties and Russia’s unprecedented interference.

Since 2000, Estonia has implemented more than 300 development cooperation and humanitarian aid activities in Moldova. The priority areas are support for EU accession and the development of democracy and the rule of law, digital development and cybersecurity, and the development of modern education.

Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali said that Moldova would receive all possible assistance from Estonia in its negotiations with the European Union. At the meeting, he expressed his satisfaction on the significant progress made by Moldova in the EU accession process and confirmed that in parliamentary diplomacy, Estonia stood for EU enlargement. By spring this year, the preliminary analysis of three of the six accession clusters is completed. After last year’s successful constitutional referendum, which confirmed EU membership as a national objective, Moldova has accelerated the accession process. The counter-measures against the Putin regime’s hostile influence and interference in elections were also discussed at length.

Popșoi pointed out that the European Union had strongly supported Moldova in recent years. In May this year, Moldova and the EU signed a historic 1.8 billion euro Growth Plan, which includes grants and soft loans and focuses on increasing financial assistance, improving access to the EU single market and supporting socio-economic and fundamental reforms.

Chair of the Estonia-Moldova Parliamentary Friendship Group Luisa Rõivas, Deputy Chair of the Group Kristo Enn Vaga and member of the Group Vadim Belobrovtsev also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova. 

Photos: (Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal,
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gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

Link uudisele: Hussar to the Foreign Minister of Moldova: You have our firm support

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The European Union Affairs Committee supports specifying the compensations for flight disruptions

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali said that the aim of the amendments to the Regulations on air travel was to ensure clearer and simpler regulation, which seeks to strike a balance between protecting the rights of air passengers and the viability of European airlines. “In addition to the changes to the compensation procedure, there are also other changes that will benefit passengers, such as the possibility to correct the name on the ticket free of charge and the obligation for airports to help stranded passengers,” Tali added.

Estonia supports the proposal that compensation for flight disruption would be EUR 300 for flights of up to 3500 km and EUR 500 for flights of 3500 km or more. This would make it much easier to calculate the compensation. In future, the amount will also not depend on whether the flight is within the European Union or not. If Member States wish to increase the compensation to EUR 600 for flights of more than 3500 km, Estonia is ready to support this as well.

According to the approved positions, Estonia supports the right of air passengers to compensation for delays starting from five hours, regardless of the length of the flight. Estonia does not support the proposal that would give passengers the right to compensation only after a delay of more than five hours. As a compromise, Estonia may support the right to compensation for delay starting from three hours. In all situations of flight disruption, we consider it important that carriers ensure that passengers receive adequate and timely assistance, including the provision of information, the organisation of an alternative flight, catering and, if necessary, accommodation.

The proposal provides for a number of provisions in the interest of the passenger which are not regulated or are restricted under current law. For example, in future it will be possible to correct the name on the ticket free of charge. It is also proposed to provide that, if the first flight is cancelled, the passenger can still use the return flight if they wish. Long delay of flights will be treated as cancellation of flight, and the airline should contact the passenger within three hours and quickly find an alternative flight. It is also proposed to give passengers the right to plan their own flights if the airline does not react quickly enough.

Under the proposal, airports with more than five million passengers a year will have to develop contingency plans to ensure that the rights of passengers are protected in the event of mass delays or cancellations, and airports with more than 700 000 passengers will be obliged to make reasonable efforts to ensure the protection of passengers stranded in the airport.

At the sitting of the European Union Affairs Committee, Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis and Director General of the Aviation Department of the Ministry of Climate Taivo Linnamägi gave an overview of the positions of the Government. The Committee decided to approve the Government’s positions in line with the opinions of the Economic Affairs Committee.

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

Link uudisele: The European Union Affairs Committee supports specifying the compensations for flight disruptions

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu heard the report on the developments in the education sector

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Kristina Kallas started her presentation with discussing the increasing role of AI in education, noting that AI is paradigmatically changing the way people learn. “Developing in a race against the artificial mind, in school a person needs to acquire not only knowledge and the skill to apply it, but also the ability to analyse, the ability to assess situations and facts, and the ability to be creative,” Kallas said.

The Minister also addressed the transition to Estonian-language education, underlining that language-based segregation of children has long been a cause of divisions and inequalities in society. Kallas acknowledged the progress made in the City of Narva in the transition to Estonian-language education. “For example, in comparison to 2023, the number of teachers who meet the required level of proficiency in the official language has increased by 20% in Narva. In 2023, just over half of the teachers in Narva, or 58.5%, met the Estonian language proficiency level requirements, while in 2024 the figure in Narva was 81.3%.”

In her presentation, the Minister also gave an overview of the reform of vocational education, which aims to make vocational education a competitive option for basic school graduates. “Unlike in other European countries, in Estonia only 25% of basic school graduates continue their studies at vocational schools. Today, 74.1% of adults have specialised and vocational education, and we have set a target of reaching 80% by 2035 in both the strategy “Estonia 2035” and the Education Sector Development Plan,” Kallas said.

The reform of vocational education focuses on modernising the curricula to make them more responsive to labour market needs and compatible with modern technologies and work processes. The reform will also focus on increasing the share of practical learning so that students gain more real-life experience and skills that are valued on the labour market. “We have also started with reshaping the vocational education network. In autumn 2026, two vocational colleges established on the basis of current state vocational educational institutions will start operating in Tallinn – Tallinn Vocational College of IT, Energy, Technology and Construction, and Tallinn Vocational College of Service and Business. In Rapla County, Rapla County Vocational College will start its activities with campuses in Kehtna and Vana-Vigala,” Kallas said.

The Minister highlighted the importance of adult learning, saying that the higher the level of education was, the better the skills and the economic well-being of people would be. Kallas pointed out that the participation rate of adults in lifelong learning has been growing strongly year by year.

According to the Minister, the strategic goal of the state is to increase the number of people with higher education. “To move towards this goal, we must retain the opportunity to study in Estonian without tuition fees at every level of higher education. Access to higher education will also be supported by the initiated amendments to the Higher Education Act and the Study Allowances and Study Loans Act, which will double the amount of study loan, extend the repayment period, lower the interest rate and remove the obligation to have sureties. We are committed to increasing the share of applied higher education in in the first level, increasing part-time master’s study opportunities and increasing the number of junior researcher places from today’s 300 to 500 by 2035.”

The Minister pointed out that both public and private sector investment in research and development had increased. “In the European Innovation Scoreboard, our goal was to grow into a strong innovator level economy, which we have now achieved. Estonia’s strengths are trademark applications, public-private co-publications and the share of population involved in lifelong learning. The percentage of foreign doctorate students, employment in innovative enterprises and international scientific co-publications have strongly increased,” Kallas said. The Minister also stressed that the Government and the Riigikogu had the task to adopt a new Organisation of Research and Development and Innovation Act, which would for the first time establish a single set of rules for research and development and innovation.

At the end of her presentation, the Minister thanked all the people active in education sector, pointing out that Estonia had a very good education system, teachers with world-class skills, and children with the most creative minds in the world.

Liina Kersna from the Reform Party Parliamentary Group, Anti Poolamets from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, Vadim Belobrovtsev from the Centre Party Group, Anti Allas from the Social Democratic Party Group, Peeter Tali from Estonia 200 Parliamentary Group and Tõnis Lukas from Isamaa Parliamentary Group took the floor during the debate

A meeting to form the Healthy and Local School Meal Support Group on the initiative of Reili Rand will be held after the sitting.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Video recording of the sitting will be available on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

Riigikogu Press Service
Maiki Vaikla
+372 631 6456, +372 5666 9508
maiki.vaikla@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu heard the report on the developments in the education sector

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu concluded the first reading of two Bills

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Bill on Amendments to the Courts Act and Amendments to Other Associated Acts (enhancing court administration) (632 SE), initiated by the Government, will reform the administrative organisation of  the courts of first and second instance so that it would be clearer, more efficient, and  autonomous.                  

At present, the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs, the Council for the Administration of Courts, chief judges, directors of court and, to a certain extent, the Supreme Court are engaged in court administration. Such dispersed responsibility fragments the system and makes it difficult to manage.

According to the Bill, most of the court administration tasks will be transferred from the ministry to the courts themselves. To organise the administration and development of courts, a Council for the Administration and Development of Courts will be set up, following the restructuring of the current Council for the Administration of Courts. While the current body is more advisory and coordinating, the Council for the Administration and Development of Courts will be the highest decision-making body in court administration. It will guide the development of courts and organize administrative decisions at a strategic level. Thus, judges’ decision-making power over both support services and the direction of development of the courts will increase significantly.

A Court Administration Service will also be established which will provide day-to-day support services to the courts, such as translation, archiving, and financial and asset management. The Court Administration Service will take over the current tasks performed in court administration in the ministry, and by directors of court. The service will be headed by a director appointed for a term of five years whose activities will be monitored by the Council for the Administration and Development of Courts.

During the debate, Varro Vooglaid took the floor on behalf of the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group. Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa Pakosta also took part in the debate.

The Bill on Amendments to the Preschool Education Act and the Act on Amendments to the Republic of Estonia Education Act and Amendments to Other Associated Acts (establishment of an obligation to study) (644 SE),  initiated by the Rural Affairs Committee, will provide for the abandonment of the licence obligation for childcare facilities where catering is provided and for operators who provide the catering service for childcare facilities which was due to come into force on 1 September.

Since 2021, childcare service providers engaged in catering have not had the obligation to apply for an activity licence from the Agriculture and Food Board, but on 1 September, the Act on Amendments to the Preschool Education Act and Other Associated Acts is  entering into force, according to which the obligation to apply for a licence for childcare facilities would be reintroduced.

The Rural Affairs Committee took the view that, since such childcare facilities and operators providing catering services to them already have the obligation to notify the Agriculture and Food Board of their economic activities, including the provision of catering for children, a separate licence application process would lead to an excessive administrative burden for both the  facilities providing the childcare service, and the Agriculture and Food Board which processes the licences.

A draft Resolution was rejected

The Riigikogu rejected the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Holding a referendum on the issue of generating power from oil shale” (581 OE), submitted by the Estonian Centre Party Group. It was intended to put the question “Should Estonia abandon the use of oil shale in energy by 2040?” to a referendum on 1 August 2025.

During the debate, Evelin Poolamets took the floor on behalf of the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and Lauri Laats on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party Group.

The lead committee moved to reject the draft Resolution. 41 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 20 voted against. Thus, the draft Resolution was dropped from the legislative proceedings.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Video recording of the sitting 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 concluded the first reading of two Bills

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu discussed problems related to care reform

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Minister of Social Affairs Karmen Joller replied to the interpellation concerning  care reform (No. 719), submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Lauri Laats, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Vladimir Arhipov and Vadim Belobrovtsev.

The interpellators referred to the fact that the state set as the goal of the care reform that a care home place should be available for a person for an average pension. The conclusions of an audit by the National Audit Office indicate that the goal is becoming increasingly unrealistic and that the funding of the care home service should be changed.

The interpellators wanted to know what measures the ministry had planned to prevent the uncontrolled increase in care home service prices which would undermine the achievement of the goal of the reform.

Joller explained that the aim of the care reform was to reduce the share of people’s costs in the financing of the 24-hour general care service. She referred to the fact that the cost per person for general care services had been 81% in 2022 and 51% in 2024. This is an important financial relief for the elderly and their families. “Before the reform, a person had to pay up to 100% of the care home fee, but now it is divided between the local government and the recipient of the service,” the minister noted. She added that the average pension, which is EUR 817, now covers a large part of the care home fee which makes access to the service a realistic option even for people on lower incomes. “This was also shown by the fact that we now have around 1,000 more people in the care home service than we had before the care reform, which means that the service has become more affordable for people,” Joller noted.

According to Joller, it is obvious that the general rise in prices in society is also affecting the cost base of care homes, and understandably the rise in the price of care home fees can cause concern among people. “The Ministry is aware of this concern, and we have taken several steps to ensure that price increases do not spiral out of control,” the minister said. She explained that the Social Insurance Board was developing a monitoring methodology for pricing and guidance materials for the verification of the transparency and justification of the price of the service. The Ministry supports local governments in price negotiations by providing analytical support and tools so that they can ask service providers substantive questions about price formation. “We use recommended pricing models to ensure that prices are not simply market-based but are based on the actual cost of the service,” Joller noted.

Joller explained that the care reform had been launched in July 2023. “It is not possible at this stage to assess the full impact of the reform on the basis of one year’s data. Before any further measures or changes can be decided, we will conduct an impact analysis of the reform, which will be completed by the end of next year,” the minister justified. According to her, this analysis will reveal what the biggest bottlenecks are, and then they will be able to assess whether and what changes will be needed. “The final result of the analysis will present specific proposals, including based on the practice of European Union member states, on how to ensure, with limited resources, a larger volume and higher quality of services supporting living at home, in order to prevent the worsening of the need for care and institutional care, as well as how to reduce the care burden on family members and support family members’ remaining in working life,” the minister said.

Joller also replied to the interpellation concerning livelihood policy (No. 736).

Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna replied to the interpellation concerning  the notification of NATO member states in connection with the elimination of the right to vote in local elections in Estonia (No. 744).

Minister of the Interior Igor Taro replied to the interpellations concerning the shooting range in Võru  (No. 737), the population register (No. 754) and potential amendments to the Weapons Act (No. 755).

The renewed deliberation of the Act on Amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act (570 UA) Act which the President of the Republic had refused to promulgate was included in the agenda for Wednesday’s sitting of this working week of the Riigikogu.

Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart and Riina Solman took the floor during the open microphone.

The sitting ended at 8.12 p.m.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Video recordings of the sittings of the Riigikogu can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/riigikogu.
(Please note that the recording will be uploaded with a delay.)

Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal,
+372 631 6351, +372 5190 2837
gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu discussed problems related to care reform

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Training Phase in Exercise Hedgehog 2025 Began in Northeast Estonia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

The National Defence Committee supports Estonia’s leaving the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Chairman of the National Defence Committee Kalev Stoicescu said that the Committee had supported withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention unanimously. According to him, the Baltic States, Finland and Poland have been discussing since the autumn whether, in addition to other measures that strengthen defence capabilities, the reintroduction of anti-personnel landmines and, consequently, withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention should be considered, and all five countries have now started the legal procedures necessary for withdrawal from the Convention.

“With this, we as countries on NATO’s Eastern flank are sending a clear message that we are ready and able to use all necessary means to defend our territory and our people,” Stoicescu stated. He added that before the withdrawal from the Convention, the members of the National Defence Committee would also meet with representatives of several international organisations.

According to the Bill initiated by the Government, Estonia will withdraw from the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, which entered into force in 1999, and which Estonia acceded to in 2004.

The explanatory memorandum of the Bill points out that since Estonia ratified the Ottawa Convention more than 20 years ago, the security environment in Europe and in the Baltic Sea region has deteriorated significantly and the military threat to NATO member states has increased. At the same time, the Russian Federation is continuing its military aggression against Ukraine and is seriously violating its international obligations, including the standards of international humanitarian law. Russia has not acceded to the Ottawa Convention and is extensively using anti-personnel mines in the war against Ukraine.

According to the explanatory memorandum, withdrawal from the Convention will give the Estonian Defence Forces greater flexibility and freedom to choose the weapons systems and weapon solutions to be used when necessary. Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention will enter into force six months after the date of notification, provided that on the expiry of that period, the withdrawing country is not engaged in an armed conflict.

The National Defence Committee decided to move to include the Bill on Withdrawal from the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (642 SE) in the agenda of the plenary sitting on 22 May, and to conclude the first reading of the Bill. The final vote is planned to take place at the second reading of the Bill.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna gave an overview of the Bill and the activities relating to the withdrawal from the Convention at the sitting of the National Defence Committee.

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

Link uudisele: The National Defence Committee supports Estonia’s leaving the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar called on the EU to increase support to and start accession negotiations with Ukraine

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Hussar said at the Conference that Ukraine’s security was Europe’s security, and an independent and sovereign Ukraine as part of the European family was the best guarantee against Russia’s imperialism. “Russia’s recent attacks and actions show no real intention to end the aggression. Our message must be clear: we will not leave Ukraine alone,” he emphasised.

In his speech, Hussar reaffirmed that the future of Ukraine, as well as Moldova, was in the European Union. “Their accession will strengthen Europe’s resilience, security and credibility, and send a strong message against Russia’s aggression The EU accession process is our most powerful tool to give hope to the Ukrainian people,” he said, and underlined that Estonia wanted to move as soon as possible to the next stage – the actual start of negotiations.

According to Hussar, the EU enlargement must remain performance-based, but at the same time, no Member State should hinder the progress of candidate countries if they have done their homework properly.

He pointed out that at the same time as supporting Ukraine, pressure on Russia must be increased. “Europe is facing a difficult decision: whether to use the 200 billion euros of Russia’s central bank’s frozen assets for the benefit of Ukraine, or to return them to Russia as a bonus in a few months’ time. If someone wants to release the frozen assets and return them to Russia, it must be understood that this money will go directly to finance the aggression against Ukraine and a hybrid war against us all,” he said.

Hussar believes that it must be ensured that the assets remain frozen, and that there must be a clear plan on how to use them in the future. He called on EU countries to mobilise their political will and to pay serious attention to this issue.

In response to the leaders of Hungary who support energy trade with Russia, Hussar said that cheap Russian energy drenched in the blood of Ukrainians was not cheap, and was not the solution in standing for European principles.

The Conference of Speakers, held in Budapest, Hungary, will discuss the future of the EU and the challenges facing Europe, as well as the issues relating to regionalism in Europe and safeguarding Europe’s cultural identity.

At the Conference, Hussar will have separate meetings with Walter Rosenkranz, the President of the lower house of the Austrian Parliament, the National Council of Austria, and Martin Bosma, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands, the lower house of the bicameral parliament of the Netherlands. They will discuss cooperation between their countries, further support to Ukraine, increasing pressure on Russia and relations with the United States. Hussar and Bosma will also speak about the forthcoming NATO Summit in the Netherlands.

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

Link uudisele: Hussar called on the EU to increase support to and start accession negotiations with Ukraine

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Hussar discusses supporting Ukraine and future of Europe with EU Speakers

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

At the Conference, the Speakers will speak about the challenges facing Europe and the future of the European Union. President of the National Council of Austria Walter Rosenkranz and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola will be the keynote speakers at the session dedicated to the future of the Union.

Hussar will also speak at the discussion on the future of Europe. He will underline the importance of continuing support to Ukraine, and use of Russia’s frozen assets. He will highlight that the future of Ukraine, as well as Moldova, is in the European Union. At the afternoon session, the Speakers will discuss issues relating to regionalism in Europe, and safeguarding Europe’s cultural identity.

At the Conference in Budapest, Hussar will have separate meetings with Walter Rosenkranz, the President of the lower house of the Austrian Parliament, the National Council of Austria, and Martin Bosma, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands, the lower house of the bicameral parliament of the Netherlands. They will discuss cooperation between their countries, further support to Ukraine, increasing pressure on Russia and relations with the United States. Hussar and Bosma will also speak about the forthcoming NATO Summit in the Netherlands.

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

Link uudisele: Hussar discusses supporting Ukraine and future of Europe with EU Speakers

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Allies Deployed Additional Units to Estonia by Helicopters from Latvia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

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