First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Submitting a proposal to the Government of the Republic for the procurement of ammunition with a cost of 1.6 billion euros for the years 2025–2028" (540 OE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Date: 2025-01-21 12:02
Total Speeches: 112
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 41m
AI Summaries: 112/112 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The first item on the agenda concerned the Riigikogu’s draft resolution No. 540 from the Isamaa faction: procurement of ammunition worth 1.6 billion euros for the Defence Forces for 2025–2028. The draft was for first reading, and the presenter was Urmas Reinsalu from the Riigikogu speaker's chair. The topic of discussion was the critical shortage of national defence equipment and the needs arising from the threat assessment, to be financed from both the state budget and European Union funds, including the possibility of using structural funds and revenues from pollution trading. Significant disagreements emerged during the debate: the minority faction emphasized the rapid and unextended procurement of supplies and ex-ante financing within the European Union, while the coalition focused on the consistency of financing procedures with EU economic rules and finds that the current budget structure does not support an advanced plan with a funding volume of 1.6 billion euros over a four-year period. Ultimately, the Riigikogu decided to extend the scheduling of the session of January 21, 2025, and voted to reject draft 540, thereby concluding the discussion of this agenda item for this session.
Decisions Made 1
The Riigikogu decided as follows: 1) to extend the sitting until January 21, 2025, until the agenda is exhausted, but no later than 14:00. 2) to terminate and not adopt draft resolution No. 540 OE submitted by the Isamaa faction “Proposal to the Republic of Estonia Government to procure ammunition for €1.6 billion in the years 2025–2028” (submitted for first reading). The result of the vote: 51 in favor, 5 against, 1 abstention. No separate procedural actions were carried out in this section.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker by far was Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa faction), a member of the Riigikogu, and he primarily represented the right-wing political direction. His presentations and remarks conveyed a strong leadership position, and he mainly served as the representative of Isamaa's viewpoints in discussions regarding national defense and fiscal policy. Therefore, his position is “right” (right-wing), and his influence in the national defense sphere is clearly noticeable.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The first item on the agenda is the Isamaa faction's draft Riigikogu decision for the procurement of ammunition worth 1.6 billion euros for the years 2025–2028, the first reading, and the rapporteur is Riigikogu member Urmas Reinsalu.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Isamaa submitted to Parliament a proposal to procure Defence Forces ammunition without delay amounting to €1.6 billion for 2025–2028, fund it with state defence bonds, and seek the use of EU structural funds and revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System as a one-off defence investment, emphasizing, based on the threat assessment, that delays threaten Estonia's security and that the current budget strategy does not cover the need.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair thanks you, notes that you also have questions, and asks Jaanus Karilaid to take the floor.
Jaanus Karilaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaanus Karilaid said that although the bill is only one important detail, there are large gaps in national defense in the areas of drone capability, air defense, shelters, ammunition, and night-vision equipment, and these topics are not discussed, which creates trust problems with the national defense leadership.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu called for an honest dialogue with the government and swift decision-making to procure additional ammunition for the Defence Forces, in order to put an end to dithering and delays and to ensure Estonia’s defense capability in a critical situation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar invited Tõnis Lukas onto the stage.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He asks whether Estonia could raise defense spending from 3.5–5% of GDP, or even up to 5%, to fund allied brigades and other necessary expenditures, taking into account signals from the USA and Europe and domestic political debates.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu emphasizes adherence to the Chief of Defence's advice and risk mitigation in a crisis, rather than the Ministry of Finance's peacetime rhetoric, and asserts that Estonia must increase its defence budget and ammunition stockpile — as Kusti Salm has said, 1.6 billion euros is a critical shortfall — so that the state would be protected at a minimal level and life insurance for future generations would be secured.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech includes thanks and Raimond Kaljulaid's invitation to be the next speaker.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid thanks Mr. Reinsalu and poses a multiple-choice question about how much the volume of defense procurements was three years ago during his tenure as defense minister compared to now — two, five, or ten times smaller.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu said that past deficiencies in defense capability do not absolve today’s responsibility, and we must act immediately in accordance with the recommendations of the state and military leadership to strengthen Estonia’s defense capability, not settle for delayed or reduced funding, and not follow Hamlet-like pessimistic rhetoric.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair asks Anti Poolamets to speak.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets noted that delays in procurements and a shortage of ammunition are evident, and if the European Union and NATO members increase defense spending to about three percent, demand will grow and inventories may not arrive until 2033–2034; therefore one must hurry to be among the first to receive their equipment.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu emphasized that, taking inflation into account, Estonia's defence budget's real purchasing power is significantly smaller, and there is an urgent need to immediately procure long-range ammunition and strengthen the minimal capability, but Isamaa's proposal of 1.6 billion euros over four years did not come up for discussion due to the parliament's rules of procedure.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Karmen Joller to speak.
Karmen Joller
AI Summary
The presenter, Karmen Joller, stressed the importance of national defense, confirmed close contact with the Defence Forces, and presented two options: to add 1.6 billion euros or to increase the healthcare budget, noting that this would mean about 260 euros per month for a person earning an average salary for one year.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu said that the state must give a clear directive for financing the 1.6 billion euro defense requirement and reflect this in the country’s budget, and implement it within 48 months, recommending the use of targeted loans, European Union funds, and revenue from emissions trading, while criticizing the Ministry of Defence’s disorder and emphasizing rapid funding that aligns with the priorities.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar asks Mart Maastik to perform.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The landscape expresses criticism: taxes imposed under the name of a security tax should cover a need of 1.6 billion, but the government plans to spend only 0.6 billion over four years and asks why such a large additional burden is needed.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu accuses the Reform Party of creating a tax squeeze and of failing to keep promises, and states that additional money for national defense must be used responsibly, emphasizing that true leadership means making decisions that are socially beneficial and not fulfilling party-political promises.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The prime minister invited Riina Solman to perform.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman notes that she has interacted with servicemen and is a member of the Women’s Home Guard, and on the Kaitseliit’s anniversary she saw on stage a moment of friction between Defence Minister Pevkur and Riho Ühtegi, and asks for clarification about Riho Ühtegi’s resignation, since he communicates with the Defence Forces and the Kaitseliit.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu stressed that the Estonian people, on the basis of a shared consensus on national defense, have decided to contribute to defending the Estonian state, and Parliament must be guided by this, not stand at a fork in the road between following the European Union’s economic governance rules or making decisions according to military advice.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Kristo Enn Vaga to take the floor.
Kristo Enn Vaga
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kristo Enn Vaga said that an extra 1.6 billion in funding for national defense will probably have to be borrowed as a loan and is a one-off cost, and he is considering whether issuing a national defense loan and national defense bonds would be suitable to finance the ammunition procurement without additional interest.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu said that in order to strengthen defense capability a loan must be taken, and the interest rates may be 3–4%, which must be covered and for which an exemption at the European Union level from the budget deficit rule is needed, and these capabilities can be acquired within four years, if necessary using alternatives in the event of delays.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman invited Andres Metsoja to speak.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The speaker emphasized the importance of a broad approach to national defense that encompasses air, land and water and various military domains, and pointed out that renewable energy is important for the security of radars and surveillance equipment, but in Estonia there are problems with the management of these sectors.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu accuses the leadership of inadequate and populist conduct, recalls the plan from the summer of 2023 to procure additional ammunition worth 1.6 billion, and states that the money was not allocated and the decision-making process did not follow the Chief of Defence's advice, and calls for making fact-based, invoice-based decisions and for Isamaa's proposal to be put to a vote in the state budget.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar asked Henn Põlluaas to take the floor.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas stressed that the Defence Forces’ position is that 1.6 billion euros is the absolute minimum for ammunition, which is needed immediately and must not be postponed to 2030, because at the same time we recall the era of the First Republic and Laidoner’s arguments, which led to delayed procurements that brought about the ruin of the Estonian state – therefore we are currently in the same situation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar said that now is really the time to end it.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas asks why Estonia does not act when production capacity is significantly greater than Western capacity, and what is the mental reason behind it.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speaker thanks and asks that Mr. Reinsalu take the floor.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu said that Russia's ability to produce and replenish military equipment and ammunition has increased, and for the country's security it is critical to improve the decision-making and leadership culture and to distinguish between what is important and what is unimportant, because in crisis situations there is no room for delays, and this is not due to malice.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairperson asks Karmen Joller to perform.
Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Karmen Joller emphasizes trust in experts when reading the budget, highlights a shortfall of about one billion in health care and the need to use reserves, and in the future, while discussing health care topics, calls for defending health care as strongly as possible, but still relies on the opinions of experts and scientists.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu said that although the government promises 75 million for the purchase of additional ammunition, that amount is not in the 2025 budget, and conversely, these sums are reduced by 96 million euros, which is why such deterrence does not actually make the country stronger.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar invites Ants Froschi to speak.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
According to Ants Froschi, not everything depends solely on money, and premature removals from office and promotions within personnel policy point to changes in our higher-level security and defence agencies.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
They said that now is your time and urged you to act.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch claims that the resignations are due to nepotism, and asks who is in charge at the moment and to whom the responsibility for the defense sector's personnel policy belongs.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar thanks and asks Mr. Reinsalu.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu criticizes the political accountability of the defence minister and the government, highlights the unexpected resignation of the state secretary and the transparency and trust crisis associated with it, and emphasizes the importance of preserving people’s competencies in times of crisis, saying that our treasure is the people and keeping them safe is the basis of the effectiveness of national defence.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair, Lauri Hussar, made a clarification that in this debating chamber each presenter may be asked one oral question; he made an exception and will accept two registered questions, but will not take any other questions in order to avoid excessive burden.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman thanks the Speaker of the Riigikogu for the supplementary question and refers to topics related to Karmen Joller.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites questions and says that you have one minute.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman asked the Reform Party leaders for a clear answer regarding the needs of national defense, and noted that the party is not participating in the discussion, and only a few Reform Party members remain in the hall.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Isamaa submits to Parliament a proposal to give the government the task of implementing the Chief of Defence Forces' recommendation without delay and to procure combat ammunition worth about 1.6 billion euros to ensure Estonia's minimum defence, offering various funding options, since the state budget strategy does not include such a cost, and the rise in value-added tax reduces the total cost of this purchase over four years by about 90 million euros.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair invited Leo Kunnas to take the floor.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kunnas emphasizes that Poland, Lithuania and Latvia are increasing defense spending, and that the new U.S. president is putting pressure on NATO allies, and that for the next decade about 5 billion euros are needed in addition to fulfilling the armed forces and homeland defense objectives, which reflects the same problem caused by the European Union's stability criteria and raises the question of how they will cope with it and we will not.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu stressed that the European Union should give member states the opportunity to use structural funds to make one-off defense investments, because although money is allocated to Ukraine, the logic of European countries' defense investments has fallen into the background, and in Estonia a 2026–2029 budget with 5% of GDP could secure approximately €2.6 billion in additional investments.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair thanks Jaanus Karilaid and invites him to speak within the framework of the agreed exception.
Jaanus Karilaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaanus Karilaid notes that there is a crisis of political leadership and widespread confusion in the security sector, because the defense capability (attack drones, defense drones, shelters, night-vision equipment, medium-range air defense) is still not ready after a decade of debate, the Reform Party's reduction of the tax burden from the budget by more than three billion over five to six years demonstrates political dogma and confusion, and hundreds of millions have been allocated to the energy sector, but electricity is in short supply and the price is rising.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu said that social consensus and trust in national defense are crucial during a critical period, and criticized the coalition's lack of plans and the slowing of decision-making, emphasized a minimal, clearly planned level of decision-making to defend the state, and pointed out that matters of national defense and the budget are illogical, and that national-defense tax and tax increases must not be intended to meet the needs of national defense, but to finance the Reform Party's tax whip.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Priit Sibul to speak.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul criticized the government, which did not support the bill due to European budget rules, asking whether an exception from the European level had been sought for the rapid procurement of Moona and how the 2029–2031 Moona purchases would be financed, and comparing this with the discussion of a 2.4-billion-euro offshore wind farm support measure, noting that at the same time the state could have money.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu pointed out that offshore wind farms are a long-term priority (2035+), and Estonia should actively initiate the use of European Commission funds to finance national defense needs, while reducing Germany's skepticism and increasing financing opportunities for the defense industry through European Union funds.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar asks Aivar Kokkil to take the floor.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Discussing the cost of the high-earner tax relief totaling 1.6 billion euros over three years, it is asked whether this is sufficient to strengthen Estonia's defense capability and to serve as a first counterstrike, and it is noted that there will likely not be enough from this fund to purchase long-range missiles, and one must speak seriously with the United States so that Congress would authorize buying a larger quantity of long-range missiles.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu criticizes the government's plan to procure missiles, arguing that the rough price estimate and VAT calculation and the logic based on market conditions do not align, and stresses that in the name of defense capability the intention and funding must be clearly stated, and the missile purchase should be carried out immediately in accordance with NATO plans.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar invited Varro Vooglaid onto the stage.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid pointed out that in discussions about national defense slogans dominate, and there are no concrete analyses or intentions showing what, how much, from whom to buy and with what, in order to achieve a high-quality development of Estonia's defense capability, and he also highlighted that 1.6 billion euros do not cover everything, and after that we still have inadequate tanks, fighters, and long- and medium-range air defense systems, asking how this will change national defense.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
According to Urmas Reinsalu, the most critical and primary capability requirement for Estonia is long-range strike capabilities, by which one can damage a certain percentage of the enemy's forces and thereby deter and prevent the temporary occupation of Estonia's territory.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
There are no further questions; here Kalev Stoicescu, the chairman of the National Defence Committee, presents the discussion that took place in the National Defence Committee at the Riigikogu's speaking podium.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The National Defence Committee discussed draft 540 OE and noted that its adoption requires an absolute majority of the Riigikogu's membership; by consensus it decided to include the draft under discussion on the agenda of the January 21 session, to appoint me as the rapporteur of the draft in the leading committee, and to note that the draft requires an absolute majority of the Riigikogu for adoption as a decision, but later a procedural decision was made not to support the draft (4 in favour, 6 against, 1 abstention), citing the need to take into account broader defence capability and the budgetary impact.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar informs the presenter that he has at least one question, and asks Urmas Reinsalu to present it.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu asked how much is planned to be spent additionally on the purchase of combat ammunition according to the 2025–2028 state budget strategy, and how Lithuania interprets the compatibility of a 5% increase in defense spending from 2026 with the European Union's Regulation on Economic Governance, while noting that implementing the Isamaa proposal in four years instead of seven years is impossible under that regulation.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu said that the questions do not relate to the content of the draft and that he does not state the numbers verbally, but sends them in writing to the Ministry of Defence. The Lithuanian decisions have not been confirmed, and although a 5–6% increase in defence spending has been stated, the needs and funding must be considered first, and only then should the exact percentages be discussed.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar invites Kristo Enn Vaga to speak.
Kristo Enn Vaga
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In the speech, it is asked whether the chairman of the National Defence Committee has received from Reinsalu the line of reasoning that underpinned the draft, and the Chief of Defence Forces' documented military advice.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu said that it has not yet been transmitted, but he hopes that it will be transmitted.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman invited Priit Sibul to speak.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul asks how much of the 2025–2028 budget is planned for the purchase of 1.6 billion additional rounds of ammunition, broken down by year, recalls what was said in the committee about the need to increase defense spending in light of the NATO summit, did not understand the funding sources, and finally asks how to defend the country if increasing defense spending is unlikely to be feasible.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu said that the question was very similar to Urmas Reinsalu's question, and he would not reveal his position at the moment while serving as the committee rapporteur, asking the listeners to wait until my speech comes.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker, Lauri Hussar, thanked the presenter, said there were no more questions, opened the negotiations, and asked his fellow Riigikogu member Raimond Kaljulaid to speak from the rostrum on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid asks the chair for three additional minutes and emphasizes that the topic is important.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked for three minutes of extra time.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid thanked the Social Democrats for bringing the discussion to the floor, emphasizing that national defense expenditures and the securing of ammunition stockpiles and the 3% of GDP target are important, and reminded of the past and responsibility, but although the draft's aim is correct, he cannot agree with its contents and called for constructive swift solutions.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chair thanked the presenter and invited Anti Poolamets from the Estonian Conservative People's Party faction to speak next.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets asks for three more minutes.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller requests three more minutes.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets emphasizes that although the national defense program is generally moving in the right direction, we must put an end to delays and the existing mistakes and direct the limited resources strongly toward national defense, not in favor of the green transition or other economic projects, because historical examples and the current situation show that rapid and effective readiness to counter drones, for the navy and for stockpiles, is essential.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Reform Party faction proposed extending the meeting until the agenda is exhausted, but no later than 14:00, and asked colleagues to take a stance and vote.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The proposal received 51 votes in favour, 5 against and 1 abstention; the session was extended and we will proceed with negotiations. Kalev Stoicescu represents the Eesti 200 faction.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu begins by thanking the chair and his colleagues and introduces Draft Bill 540, under which a proposal in the amount of 1.6 billion euros is presented to the Government of the Republic.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is a short expression of courtesy in which the presenter is respected and thanks are expressed.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
According to the positions discussed in the National Defence Committee, Draft Bill 540 is premature and focuses only on the 1.6 billion euro ammunition procurement, but national defence must encompass broader funding for non-military capabilities, monitor the development of NATO deliberations, and be prepared to increase defence spending as needed and to use all means for self-defense, including discussions on the Ottawa Convention and on landmines.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller requests an additional three minutes.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Unfortunately the Ukrainians did not manage to break through it, therefore the defense line must be as strong as possible and mined in a variety of ways, and the Eesti 200 faction does not support the draft, citing the Isamaa draft from 2022 that the National Defence Committee supported at the time, but Isamaa withdrew it when the coalition was formed.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Thanks to the presenter, and next up is Priit Sibul, speaking on behalf of the Isamaa faction.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
They thank the esteemed chair of the meeting and request additional time.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller asked for three more minutes.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul stressed that national defense needs real funding and concrete capabilities, not just rhetoric, recalled the needs raised by two defense chiefs, and stated that, in the case of an additional 1.6 billion need, these criteria must be brought into line with funding and the country's independence must be guaranteed, taking into account the development of the defense industry park and the expectations of the NATO summit.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Thank you. Anti Poolamets raised his hand and asked a question about the procedures for conducting the session.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets said that he would be happy to listen to the speakers, but Mr. Randpere is excited and wants more money for national defense, and the auditorium's audibility during the presentations should be much better.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller said that the remark is completely appropriate, invited members of the Riigikogu to listen to the presenter, and then gave the floor to Kristo Enn Vaga on behalf of the Reform Party faction.
Kristo Enn Vaga
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kristo Enn Vaga criticizes the draft bill and Reinsalu's style, emphasizing that although 1.6 billion has been added to national defense and longer contracts are allowed, the plan for rapid procurement and financing has not been properly thought through, because ATACMS' initial delivery times are 2028–2029 and the export license for PrSM will come only in 2029, while compared with the 2021 defense budget the ammunition order has significantly increased and the development of national defense is rising to higher ranks within NATO.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller requests that three minutes be added to the discussion time.
Kristo Enn Vaga
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kristo Enn Vaga stated that Estonia is at the forefront and national defense is a priority, which is evidenced by defense spending of over 3.3% of GDP in the coming years (3.7% next year), and although he emphasizes a broader discussion and further input, the initial task of this draft bill has already been fulfilled by last year's state budget strategy.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is a note of thanks, and on behalf of the faction, Urmas Reinsalu is asked to deliver a reply speech.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu said that although people talk about big numbers and Isamaa's seven-year ambition, there are no intentions given the concrete problems and no data on additional costs for 2025–2028, and chaos reigned in the leadership of national defence.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
That was simply a thank you.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Reinsalu said previously that this was the reason why no decision was made regarding the 1.6 billion.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The main message of the speech is that your time has come.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
So far there has not been a decision of such magnitude made in the state budget document; this is our concern.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-chairman Arvo Aller asks that the speech be kept to two minutes, and thanks the audience.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Mart Helme represents the EKRE faction and delivers a rebuttal speech.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme called on the party to jointly decide in the name of Estonia's independence and sustainability, and to support the Isamaa initiative, in order to avoid mutual accusations and to work for the continuation of Estonia.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The deputy speaker Arvo Aller ends the negotiations, notes that in order for the draft resolution to be adopted an absolute majority of the Riigikogu's membership is required, and puts to a vote the draft Riigikogu resolution submitted by the Isamaa faction, entitled “Proposal to the Government of the Republic to procure ammunition costing 1.6 billion euros for the years 2025–2028,” draft resolution 540.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
There were 20 Riigikogu members in favor, 0 against, 0 abstentions; draft bill 540 has been rejected; we have completed today’s first item on the agenda.