The Situation at the Narva Border
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, press briefing.
Date: 2024-09-11 15:42
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 12
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 13m
AI Summaries: 12/12 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The fourth question addressed the situation unfolding at the Narva border. The Riigikogu asked Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets how to alleviate the hardship caused to Narva residents and visitors by the long queues and the nightly closure of the border. The debate primarily centered on the operational efficiency of the border crossing points, regulatory measures, and the consequences of Russia's actions on the Estonian border. Furthermore, inquiries were made regarding the possibility of opening the Narva-2 bridge to reduce queues at the main Narva crossing point and facilitate border crossing for individuals holding residence permits. However, the ministers and discussion partners simultaneously explained why opening Narva-2 is not a realistic option at the moment and detailed the steps the state is still considering, including strengthening border surveillance and cooperating with local municipalities.
Decisions Made 1
No specific decisions were made; the discussion was limited to describing the situation and providing an overview of potential mitigation measures. Further steps and decision-making are planned to take place within separate institutions and through sectoral working groups.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was the Minister of the Interior (pid: h0h5_KKsWZc). Due to his official position, he can be designated a minister of the national government (an exclusively political role), and therefore does not fit into the “other” category when using a left/right classification. The Minister’s participation rate was dominant, and the explanations and answers he provided significantly shaped the direction of the discussion.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The fourth question today is addressed to Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets; it is being asked by Riigikogu member Aleksei Jevgrafov, and the topic is the situation at the Narva border.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This address points out that 6–8 hour waiting times are occurring at the Narva–Ivangorod border, and since the border crossing closes at 11 PM, many people—especially bus passengers—are forced to spend the night in Narva without accommodation. A solution for these arriving individuals is therefore being sought from the Minister of the Interior.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
The answer is simple: Estonia responds to every action taken by Russia, and the degree of border openness is determined solely by Russia’s behavior. In the Narva region, the nightly closure of borders and full customs control are necessary because Russia’s decisions and the law violations committed by Narva residents demonstrate that we will not grant Russia any special concessions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers thanks and asks Aleksei Yevgrafov to pose a clarifying question.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Yevgrafov is urging the minister to consider reopening the Narva-2 border crossing point for citizens and those holding residence permits. This measure is intended to reduce the number of border crossers and alleviate the queues at the main Narva border crossing.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
The presentation emphasizes that Estonia advises against traveling to Russia, explaining that the Narva-2 bridge has been closed due to Russian aggression and hybrid attacks. Furthermore, border security needs to be strengthened, and urgent outreach is necessary for the residents of Narva, because Russia is not Estonia's friend.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks [the speaker], invites a follow-up question, and asks Lauri Laats to take the floor.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats said that he fully supports the position of not visiting Russia at the present time, but that the situation for the people waiting at the border must be alleviated through humanitarian efforts and the improvement of living conditions in Narva. He then asked whether the government had spoken with the Narva authorities, if financial agreements had been reached, and whether it was possible to coordinate bus schedules.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets stated that the border issues in Narva and Setomaa must be resolved through cooperation between local governments and the border guard. The border is not currently closed, and panic or fear-mongering will not help. What is important is the security of the people and the well-being of all Estonian residents.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is a call to action, because your time has come.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
He said that they themselves caused most of those problems there.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the Minister and announces that, due to the clarifying and additional questions, he is concluding the discussion of today's fourth question.