Inquiry regarding Ukraine's Accession to the European Union (No. 613)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Date: 2024-06-10 19:41
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 25
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 21m
AI Summaries: 25/25 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The first part addressed Riigikogu Interpellation No. 613 concerning Ukraine's accession to the European Union, which was submitted on February 19, 2024, by a gathered group of Riigikogu members: Martin Helme, Siim Pohlak, Jaak Valge, Ants Frosch, Varro Vooglaid, Alar Laneman, Kert Kingo, Arvo Aller, Leo Kunnas, Rene Kokk, and Henn Põlluaas. The goal of the interpellation was to receive clarification on how the risks and obligations would be managed should Ukraine move towards EU membership while controlling only a portion of its territory. Background: In December 2023, the European Council decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine; Ukraine is a large state both in terms of area and population, and is simultaneously under war, which affects its democracy, economy, and corruption control. The submitted questions emphasized both potential benefits and risks, and sought to mitigate negative impacts both financially and socially (including agriculture, labor force, demography, and the frequency/stability of the Union budget). The second part focused on the starting points highlighted by the government and EU relationship provisions: territorial integrity, the scope of enlargement, budgetary positions, the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) and direct payments, conditions for the free movement of labor, and demographic impacts. The entire discussion raised the question of whether and how Estonia’s economic and demographic situation would change if Ukraine joins the EU.
Decisions Made 1
No formal binding decision was made. The response given to the inquiry focused on the positions of both the government and the wider European Union for the stakeholder, and stated that the conditions for initiating negotiations and their impact are still unclear. Discussion continues, and decisions will be determined in the future according to developments and the outcome of the negotiations.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Martin Helme (EKRE), who presented the inquiry and repeatedly referred to its background, addressing the topics through strong personal and political criticism; his position is right-wing (right).
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas informed the Riigikogu that the next item on the agenda is Interpellation No. 613, submitted on February 19, 2024, by Martin Helme, concerning Ukraine's accession to the European Union. The interpellation will be answered by Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In February, Martin Helme submitted an interpellation emphasizing that Ukraine’s accession to the European Union will have wide-ranging consequences, and the risks must be mapped out and mitigated. This includes addressing issues such as territorial control, changes to the budget and membership contributions, European subsidies, agriculture, demography, and restrictions on the free movement of labor.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas called Prime Minister Kaja Kallas to the Riigikogu rostrum to respond to interpellation No. 613.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas confirmed that Estonia recognizes Ukraine's territorial integrity and hopes for Ukraine's accession to the European Union. However, she emphasized that the budgetary and sector-specific impacts resulting from enlargement depend on the timing and specific conditions. She added that factors such as membership contributions, CAP direct payments, agriculture, and demographics must be considered, and that the concrete figures will only emerge during the negotiation process.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
In the address directed to the esteemed Prime Minister, it is stated that he has questions, and it is requested that these be put to Martin Helme.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme stated that this is a very significant and weighty decision for which the government has failed to produce any calculations or forecasts. He noted that the government is unable to assess whether the decision is beneficial or detrimental to Estonia or the European Union, pointed to the impact of Ukrainian dumping goods and the importance of demography, and then asked what the basis was for their decision to support this accession if they have absolutely no idea what the outcomes will be.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that Estonia is only talking about starting accession negotiations with Ukraine, not supporting immediate membership, because it is a long road. Furthermore, Ukraine needs hope and the opportunity to participate in the rebuilding of its country, and after the war, many Ukrainians want to return and contribute.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets criticized Kaja Kallas and the spreading of rumors, recalled the Russia transit scandal, and, in light of Lavly Perling's statement, asked whether relief measures or adjustments to the conditions for EU accession have been considered for Ukraine.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas calls upon Anti Poolamets.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that she was quoting published newspaper material, not gossip, and that she does not support any concessions for Ukraine—all required conditions must be met 100%, including the elimination of corruption and the implementation of rule of law principles.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called upon Jaak Valge to speak.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge emphasizes that Ukraine is facing a demographic and economic crisis, and if we wish to act positively towards Ukraine, it is not possible to deny it the free movement of labor. Furthermore, he questions whether Ukraine's accession to the European Union is important at all.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The presentation discusses whether or not to cooperate with Ukraine, and it is also possible to provide support.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that Estonia’s standard of living has significantly increased since joining (from 36% → 48% → to over 80% of the European Union average), and the effect of convergence will also extend to Ukraine. However, she emphasized that the initial decision must be whether to start negotiations at all. Although she supported commencing the talks, it will become clear in the future where these negotiations lead and what their terms will be, as there are many decision points along the way.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller asks whether the government held discussions in December before the European Council summit and whether consent was given for Ukraine's accession, because although Estonia supported the start of negotiations, the exact cost of this is unknown.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is a brief announcement calling Arvo Aller to the stage.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
These debates took place not only within the government but also in the Riigikogu's European Union Affairs Committee, which subsequently gave the government a mandate to present these positions at the European Council.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid emphasizes that regarding Ukraine's accession to the European Union, any decision must be made based on clear conditions and an impact analysis, taking into account the underlying issue of corruption. He then asks what conditions would need to be met for him to say yes or no.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Varro Vooglaid has been invited to speak.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kallas emphasized that Ukraine has been presented with specific conditions that they must meet, and there will be no exceptions or concessions made for their accession to the European Union—the same principle applies to Ukraine as it does to all other membership candidates.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invited Rene Kokk to speak.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that corruption must be dealt with seriously, noting that a historical window of opportunity is opening for Ukraine. Consequently, there must be absolute zero tolerance towards corruption, because this is taxpayers' money being spent on rebuilding the country. She added that although Ukraine has a strong desire to get rid of corruption, it truly requires significant effort.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
There are no further questions; thank you very much, Honourable Prime Minister; we have opened and closed the negotiations, and the consideration of the fourth item on the agenda is concluded.