First reading of the Draft Act on Accession to the Convention establishing the European Organization for Nuclear Research, the associated Financial Protocol, and the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities (451 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
Date: 2024-06-11 14:37
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 7
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 14m
AI Summaries: 7/7 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu deliberated Bill 451, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning Estonia's accession to the Convention establishing the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and related protocols. The Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Tiit Riisalo, introduced the bill, stressing that full membership is in the interest of the Estonian economy and science, as it removes restrictions that applied while Estonia held associate status. Previously enforced restrictions prevented Estonian companies from participating in large-scale CERN procurements, as the total financial profit was not allowed to exceed the membership fee (approximately 1.45 million euros in 2023). Full membership opens doors for Estonian companies to secure major orders, increases exports, and grants Estonia voting rights in the CERN Council for strategic decision-making. Accession involves obligations, such as a higher membership fee (approximately 2 million euros in 2024) and a one-time contribution (approximately 2.5 million euros) to compensate for infrastructure investments. The Economic Affairs Committee supported the bill unanimously, noting that the number of Estonian companies in the CERN database has steadily grown (currently standing at 62). During the debate, Mario Kadastik (Estonian Reform Party) urged support for the bill, emphasizing the need for the rapid entry into force of full membership so that Estonia can participate in CERN's strategic decision-making, including the election of the new director.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 451 was concluded.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set for June 13th at 9 a.m.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker during the negotiation phase was Mario Kadastik (Estonian Reform Party faction), who represents the right-wing political orientation. He emphasized the strategic importance of full membership for Estonian business and science.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu is commencing the fourth item on the agenda, the content of which is the first reading of the draft Act on Accession to the Convention for the Establishment of the European Organization for Nuclear Research, its associated Financial Protocol, and the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities. The bill is being presented by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Tiit Riisalo.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
The purpose of this draft legislation is to ratify the CERN Convention establishing the Organization, along with the Financial and Immunity Protocol, and to transition Estonia from an associate member to a full member. This change would grant us a vote on the CERN Council, open up opportunities for large-scale procurement, and boost exports, research and development (R&D), and knowledge transfer. However, it would also entail a higher membership fee (approximately 2 million euros per year starting in 2024) and a one-time contribution of about 2.5 million euros, as well as the obligation to participate in at least one core program.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked the listeners and announced that Andres Sutt, a member of the Economic Affairs Committee, would introduce the discussion and decisions of the lead committee.
Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Economic Affairs Committee discussed the bill on joining CERN, made a consensus decision to appoint the speaker as the representative, conclude the first reading, and set the deadline for amendments for June 13th. They also emphasized that membership is in Estonia's interest and is important for Estonian businesses and science—62 companies are already in the CERN procurement database, and participation is likely to grow.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker thanks the presenter for the report, notes that it is so thorough that there are no questions, opens the debate, and invites Mario Kadastik to the rostrum on behalf of the Reform Party faction.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mario Kadastik explains that Estonia's full membership in CERN will eliminate participation restrictions and increase the opportunities and influence of Estonian companies regarding CERN's decisions. The final ratification must be completed to ensure Estonia's participation in CERN's next director selection and future decision-making processes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Thank you all very much. The negotiations have concluded, and the first reading of Bill 451 has been completed, following the proposal put forward by the leading committee. The deadline for submitting amendments is June 13th at 9 AM, and that concludes the fourth item on the agenda.