ESTONIA

Rein Raud is the winner of the Baltic Assembly Prize in Literature

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

The Plague Train was published in 2023. It is a fast paced and cinematic story centering around medical officer Jakob Sarapik who is sent to Manchuria to deal with the consequences of an outbreak of plague and who later works in Tallinn Central Prison. The Head of the Estonian delegation to the Baltic Assembly Timo Suslov expressed his happiness over the fact that Raud, who had also been nominated for the Prize last year for his previous novel, managed to bring it home this year. “The last Estonian winner of the BA Prize in Literature Kai Aareleid has said that there were few writers that compared to Rein Raud in the Estonian literature post-Jaan Kross. Not many have a similarly masterly grasp of character building, storyline construction, or a language rich in metaphors – not to mention the erudition that underlies each sentence. It is a pleasure to introduce Latvians and Lithuanians to his world,” Suslov said.

The Baltic Assembly Prize in the Arts was awarded to the Latvian film director Dāvis Sīmanis whose movie Maria’s Silence depicts pivotal events in Baltic history and was well received at Berlinale 2024. The Prize in Science was given to the Lithuanian researcher Limas Kupčinskas for his outstanding scientific research into the digestive system and liver diseases and innovations in treatment.

Estonia nominated painter Kristi Kongi for the BA Prize in Arts and renominated the Professor of Media Studies of the University of Tartu Andra Siibak for the Prize in Science for her research work on opportunities and risks linked to the introduction of new digital technologies, which she has been studying for the past five years.

The Baltic Assembly Prize consists of a monetary prize, a certificate, and a statuette, which are presented every year at the Baltic Assembly session. This year, the Prize Awarding Ceremony will take place during the 43rd Session of the Baltic Assembly, on 18 October in Vilnius, Lithuania. The Jury consisted of artists and experts from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia (photo by Baltic Assembly): Vano Allsalu, Karl Martin Sinijärv, Ragne Kõuts Klemm, Donata Mitaitė, Ramutė Rachlevičiūtė, Valdemaras Razumas, Ieva Kolmane, Edīte Tišheizere, and Valdis Muktupāvels.

The Baltic Assembly has been awarding the Prizes in literature, the arts and science since 1994. The aim of the prizes is to promote the development of these fields in the Baltic States.

Riigikogu Press Service
Maris Meiessaar
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Link uudisele: Rein Raud is the winner of the Baltic Assembly Prize in Literature

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Spanish air defence unit supports the protection of Estonian airspace with a NASAMS air defence system

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —A Spanish air defence unit, equipped with the NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) medium-range air defense system, has arrived to Estonia to contribute to NATO’s efforts to secure the alliance’s eastern flank and protect strategic objects under the command of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe. „The presence of the …

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Vice-President of the Riigikogu discussed online elections and energy security with his Norwegian counterpart

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Kivimägi gave his Norwegian counterpart an overview of Estonia’s online elections and pointed out that more than half of the votes in Estonia were cast online, and therefore more young people participated in elections. He also admitted that voter turnout could always be higher. The Vice-President of the Riigikogu noted that Estonia was happy to share its experience in holding online elections with other countries.

Speaking of energy and the potential of renewable energy, Kivimägi said that the time of producing electricity from oil shale had come to an end, but the price of electricity in Estonia was unfortunately still considerably higher than in Finland and Scandinavia. “Energy in Estonia is often two times more expensive than in Finland, which also means that Estonian businesses are in a worse competitive situation in comparison to the companies in Finland and the Nordic Countries,” he said, and explained that another underwater interconnector cable between Estonia and Finland would be needed to balance the price. “Unfortunately, the construction of such a connection will take many years,” Kivimägi said, and added that Estonia was using biofuels and developing wind energy, and that soon the power grid of the Baltic States would be desynchronised from Russia’s grid. “Energy security is very important for us,” he said.

The situation of the state budgets of Estonia and Norway, changes in the taxation system, events in the European Capitals of Culture Tartu and Bodø in 2024, and the technical aspects of parliamentary work were also discussed at the meeting.

Photos (Erik Peinar)

Riigikogu Press Service
Maris Meiessaar
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maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

 

Link uudisele: Vice-President of the Riigikogu discussed online elections and energy security with his Norwegian counterpart

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Next year’s European Interparliamentary Space Conference will be in Estonia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Head of the Estonian delegation Mario Kadastik said that therefore the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) would host the delegations from the EISC member states, the European Space Agency and the European Space Policy Institute over the next year.

According to Mario Kadastik, it is planned to hold a space workshop in spring 2025, and the Plenary Session in autumn. Kadastik said at the Plenary Session today, “Today’s discussion on defence and security in space has been an excellent introduction to the upcoming Estonian Presidency. Next year, we intend to focus even more on the common ground of security and space sector and increase the involvement of politicians in these debates.”

The European Interparliamentary Space Conference (EISC) was established in 1999. National parliaments of the Member States of the European Union and/or of the European Space Agency that have created a parliamentary body dealing with space affairs are eligible for full membership.

The aim of the EISC is to offer the national parliaments of Europe an opportunity to exchange information, discuss issues and make analyses in the space policy sector. The resolutions adopted at the meetings of the EISC are not binding for national parliaments, but the organisation helps define the role of the legislators of European countries in dealing with space issues.

Currently the EISC has 14 full members, including Finland that became a member at today’s session. The official languages of the EISC are English, French and German.

The chairmanship of the EISC rotates, and one country holds it for one year. The task of the presidency is to organise a workshop dealing with space issues from a practical perspective, and the plenary session, where a resolution on relevant issues of the year is passed.

In 2017, Estonia held the Presidency of the EISC. The aim of Estonia’s Presidency is to launch a discussion on how to use entrepreneurship in the space sector, and how to deal with the legislation regulating these issues.

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Link uudisele: Next year’s European Interparliamentary Space Conference will be in Estonia

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu discussed draft Resolutions relating to diplomatic foreign missions

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to transfer the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem” (325 OE),  initiated by the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, was intended to express support to Israel and to transfer the Estonian embassy to Jerusalem.

The Riigikogu did not support adoption of the Resolution. 14 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing it and there were no votes against and no abstentions. The support of at least 51 members of the Riigikogu was needed to pass the Resolution. The draft Resolution was dropped from the legislative proceedings.

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Making a proposal to the Government of the Republic to revoke the decision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on closing down the Consulate General of the Republic of Estonia in New York“ (328 OE), initiated by the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, was intended to make a proposal to the Government to revoke the decision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on closing down the Consulate General of the Republic of Estonia in New York.

The Riigikogu did not support adoption of the Resolution. 13 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing it and there were no votes against and no abstentions. The support of at least 51 members of the Riigikogu was needed to pass the Resolution. The draft Resolution was dropped from the legislative proceedings.

During the open microphone, Kalle Grünthal, Mart Helme, Rain Epler and Hele Everaus took the floor.

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
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gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

 

 

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu discussed draft Resolutions relating to diplomatic foreign missions

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The European Union Affairs Committee supports customs duties on electric cars from China

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

In summer, the European Commission imposed provisional countervailing duties on subsidised electric cars from China. Within four months from the provisional decision, Member States have to decide whether to impose a definitive countervailing duty.

Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali said that a study conducted by the European Commission had proved that China subsidised its electric car manufacturers, which was clearly unfair competition on the European car market. “The European Union needs to mitigate the risk to its automotive industry and its economy in a wider context, and that is why it is fair to impose a countervailing duty on the electric cars imported from China. Tariffs create an opportunity for our European manufacturers to compete with Chinese electric cars in Europe,” Tali added. “We must not accept market distortions silently, because if we do that, we will remain under the economic pressure from communist China also in other sectors.”

According to the Transport Administration, 12,944 passenger cars have been bought in Estonia during the first eight months of 2024. Of these, the electric vehicles form 6.4 per cent, or 878 vehicles, and the electric vehicles from China account for 15.6 per cent of electric vehicles, or 137 vehicles, which is one per cent of all passenger cars purchased.

If the European Commission imposes a definitive countervailing duty, its size will depend on the manufacturer, and will range between 7 and 35 per cent. The United States and Canada have also imposed tariffs on electric cars from China.

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
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Link uudisele: The European Union Affairs Committee supports customs duties on electric cars from China

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Mihkelson attends meeting of Nordic and Baltic Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees in Iceland

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

At the meeting in Reykjavik, Mihkelson will make an introductory report to the Chairs of committees at the discussion on the situation in Ukraine and continuing support to the country in its fight against Russia, which is waging a war of aggression. Situation in the Middle East and the Sahel region of Africa, as well as security in the Arctic region will also be discussed at the meeting.

In the afternoon, the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees will participate in a public debate at Reykjavik University. Together with students and lecturers, the views of the Nordic Countries and the Baltic States will be discussed on issues such as support for Ukraine, pressure from Russia on the borders, Sweden’s and Finland’s accession to NATO, and ensuring the security of the region in a wider context.

The meeting, which is held in NB8 format, brings together the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

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Karin Kangro
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Link uudisele: Mihkelson attends meeting of Nordic and Baltic Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees in Iceland

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Bills to increase child allowance and school meal subsidy were dropped from the proceedings of the Riigikogu

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The Bill on Amendments to the Family Benefits Act (388 SE), initiated by the Centre Party Group, provides for raising the child allowance for the first and each subsequent child of the family to 150 euro per month to improve the livelihood of families with children. At present, the child allowance is 80 euro per month for the first and second child of the family and 100 euro per month for the third and each subsequent child.

During the debate, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin from the Centre Party Group and Riina Solman from Isamaa Parliamentary Group took the floor.

The Social Affairs Committee moved to reject the Bill.

43 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the rejection of the Bill and 10 were against. As a result of the voting, the Bill 388 SE was dropped from the proceedings of the Riigikogu.

The Bill on Amendments to the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act and the Vocational Educational Institutions Act (404 SE), initiated by the Centre Party Group, did not pass the first reading either. It is intended to provide for a minimum rate for school meal subsidy and to determine the minimum cost of daily school meal at two euro per student. The national school meal subsidy has been one euro per student since 2018.

During the debate, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart from the Centre Party Group took the floor.

The Cultural Affairs Committee moved to reject the Bill.

36 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the rejection of the Bill and seven were against. As a result of the voting, the Bill 404 SE was dropped from the proceedings of the Riigikogu.

The Riigikogu passed a Resolution

At the sitting, the plenary adopted the Resolution of the Riigikogu “Amendment of the Resolution of the Riigikogu “Formation of the Estonian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe”” (491 OE) which amends the membership of the Estonian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Liisa Pakosta who became the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs is excluded from the delegation and Kadri Tali is appointed as the new head of the delegation.

In addition, with the Resolution, the current alternate members Reili Rand and Ants Frosch are excluded from the delegation and Hanah Lahe and Martin Helme are appointed as new alternate members. Aleksei Jevgrafov and Eerik-Niiles Kross continues as members of the delegation and Tõnis Lukas continues as a substitute member. Amendments were made in consideration of the motions of parliamentary groups.

The PACE Delegation represents Estonia and protects the interests of the country in the Council of Europe which aims to promote democracy and to protect human rights and the principles of the rule of law in Europe.

63 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the Resolution, and there was one abstention. The draft Resolution 491 OE was passed as a Resolution 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
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Link uudisele: Bills to increase child allowance and school meal subsidy were dropped from the proceedings of the Riigikogu

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Chairs of Baltic and Polish European Affairs Committees: LNG imports from Russia undermine EU unity

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

“By continuing to purchase LNG from Russia, the EU maintains its dependency on a country that uses energy as a hybrid weapon and a tool of manipulation; this undermines EU unity and diminishes public trust,” the Chairs of EU affairs committees underline, and point out that that every euro paid to Russia for energy helps finance its war against Ukraine and poses a direct threat to the EU.

According to the Chairs, imports from Russia should be halted through strong political will. They note that existing LNG terminals and the terminals that will be built should fulfil their initial purpose: diversifying gas import routes and enabling the EU to stop importing gas from Russia, not the other way around. “These capacities must not become a backdoor for Russian gas entering Europe,” the Chairs of Committees emphasise.

The signatories call on the European Commission, the European Parliament, national parliaments, and the governments of the EU Member States to act urgently to meet the goal set by the European Commission and enforce the deadline of 1 January 2027 for the cessation of imports of gas from Russia.

The communication stresses that the decision to cease energy imports from Russia must be a long-term commitment. “We must remain steadfast in strengthening our security and resilience by seeking solutions that align with EU values,” it says.

The Chairs of the EU affairs committees call on continuing diplomatic efforts to strengthen relationships with reliable energy suppliers from other regions such as Central Asia, the Middle East, the US, and Norway in order to ensure a stable and diversified energy supply, preventing the EU from replacing its dependency on Russian energy with reliance on other unstable suppliers.

Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Peeter Tali signed the communication on behalf of Estonia. The Chairs of the European Union Affairs Committees of the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland met at the beginning of this week in Vilnius, Lithuania, where they focused on joint priorities, like protection of external borders, and energy security.

Text of the joint communication

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
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Link uudisele: Chairs of Baltic and Polish European Affairs Committees: LNG imports from Russia undermine EU unity

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The Riigikogu heard the annual report of the Chancellor of Justice

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise said in her report that, in the past year, the office of the Chancellor of Justice had met a large number of officials and elected representatives who were doing their job exactly as it should be done: with dedication, dignity, and     awareness of their power and responsibility. However, according to her, it must be admitted that the work of officials on the “front line” is becoming increasingly difficult.

“I am talking about the officials with whom you come into direct contact: those who have to issue building permits, environmental permits, go to crime scenes, and so on. We have noticed that, with every major cutback and redundancy – and we have them almost every other year –, their lines get thinner and their work stress increases. At the same time, all kinds of development planning, outcome measurement, and all kinds of replacement activities take up a huge amount of work hours and money,” she noted.

According to Madise, the former are often much more demanding functions requiring much more competence than the functions of the officials burdened with replacement activities on the so-called “higher side” and with higher pay. “And it is precisely what is going on on the ‘front line’ that determines how people feel about our country, our Estonia,” she said.

Madise pointed out that perhaps it was high time to do away with everything in public institutions that was not directly necessary to serve the people. “Indeed, to limit ourselves to clear, comprehensible, and well-thought-out provisions in the laws, honest impact analysis in the explanatory memorandum, and, where possible, do away with metrics, reports, and development plans. The point is that they create neither a sense of justice nor a sense of security,” she said.

The Chancellor of Justice stressed that the task of all officials must be to serve the people and to solve their problems, so that it would be easy to raise children in Estonia and it would be possible to grow old with dignity, to have a job of your liking, to engage in business, to build a home and to manage land and forests. “This is key. Measurements, planning, all the rest is secondary. If you have the money and the time, why not. But I have come to understand – and our work shows this – that there is no money and no time,” Madise said in her report.

The overview by the Chancellor of Justice’s discusses the work of the Chancellor’s office from 1 September last year to 31 August this year, covering a wide range of topics from taxation, banking, surveillance and environmental protection to the rights of children and young people, the situation of disabled people, social welfare, and inspection visits.

During the debate, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart from the Centre Party Group, Hendrik Johannes Terras from Estonia 200 Parliamentary Group, Eduard Odinets from the Social Democratic Party Group, Maris Lauri from the Reform Party Group and Martin Helme from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Parliamentary Group took the floor. Jaanus Karilaid took the floor on behalf of Isamaa Parliamentary Group.

A Bill passed the first reading

The Bill on Amendments to the Medicinal Products Act and the Health Services Organisation Act (458 SE), initiated by the Social Affairs Committee, passed the first reading in the Riigikogu. Its aim is to transfer the establishment, management, renewal, and deployment of the national health reserve from the Health Board to regional hospitals with public participation.

The amendment will allow to disperse the location of stocks and to reduce or avoid the cost arising due to expiring of medicines and equipment when they are rotated. Locating the stocks at regional hospitals will also make it easier for them to be deployed, as it is expected that the hospitals that will be holding the stocks under the proposed amendments will also have the highest workload in a crisis. The explanatory memorandum points out that regional hospitals are staffed with specialists with the necessary experience to manage stocks.

Photos (Author: Erik Peinar / Chancellery 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 heard the annual report of the Chancellor of Justice

Source: Parliament of Estonia

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