Inquiry Regarding Via Baltica (No. 234)
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session
Date: 2024-10-07 18:46
Total Speeches: 37
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 46m
AI Summaries: 37/37 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Topic 1 – The Content and Significance of the Inquiry Regarding Via Baltica: The inquiry presented by members of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), Helle-Moonika Helme, Kert Kingo, and Mart Helme, regarding Via Baltica addressed road construction as a transport corridor connecting Estonia to the European Union's internal market and which is of critical importance for regional and economic development. The central critique of the inquiry concerned the infrastructure portion seemingly left as a "poor child," raising questions about the priorities, effectiveness, and transparency of funding. This agenda item highlighted concerns about whether Estonia's domestic infrastructure and cohesion fund resources are being used wisely and whether the further development of Via Baltica is balanced compared to the intentions for Rail Baltic.
Topic 2 – The Minister of Infrastructure’s Responses and Concrete Progress: Following a presentation discussing progress and financing, the Minister of Infrastructure, Vladimir Svet, delivered a summary overview of ongoing works and budgetary policy. He highlighted specific sections and their estimated completion times: the Pärnu-Uulu 2+2 section – estimated completion in 2025, cost approximately 35 million euros; work on the Sauga–Pärnu section continues and Lumine will be completed in 2025; the Libatse–Nurme 2+2 section, approximately 22 km long – completion in 2027, cost approximately 96 million euros; the Päädeva–Konuvere section – construction work will begin next year, a 2+2 road, estimated cost approximately 100 million euros; in all these sections, it was emphasized that the construction of Via Baltica is not stalled and that European Union funds (85% of the Rail Baltic budget) and 40 million euros received from the military mobility fund are significant sources of funding. The Minister confirmed that the government is trying to maintain focus on the project’s entire length and emphasized that Rail Baltic financing will not affect existing funding sources and that various funding models operate within the Union; in addition, environmental and climate impacts and regional benefit and safety factors were discussed, emphasizing the need for cooperation and the involvement of local stakeholders.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made. An overview of the situation was given during the discussion between spokespersons, and the minister provided answers, but ultimately it was noted that the procedure will continue and the next step is the budget proceedings and confirmation of sections in accordance with decisions related to the state budget.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker for this agenda item was Helle-Moonika Helme (EKRE), who, through a question and a legally and emotionally strong critique, highlighted concerns about the allocation of funds. Her role was primarily focused on directing the debate and maintaining control, consolidating questions regarding funding, progress, and priorities. Position: far-right (right-wing).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Riigikogu agenda item concerns the interpellation regarding Via Baltica, which was submitted on May 13, 2023, by Riigikogu members Helle-Moonika Helme, Kert Kingo, and Mart Helme, and for which Helle-Moonika Helme is the designated presenter.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The report emphasizes the crucial role of Via Baltica in the Estonian economy, regional cooperation, and strategic positioning, while criticizing the funding of Rail Baltic and calling for investments to be redirected toward developing the existing road network.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the rapporteur and announces that before inviting Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet, a question will be raised concerning the procedure for conducting the session, and he calls upon Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The interpellations were submitted in May 2023, over a year ago. In the interim, the climate minister became the prime minister, and the speaker inquired why these haven't made it onto the agenda yet, and how many other interpellations of this age are still pending.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that out of 569 interpellations, the two oldest still remain unanswered, and once those interpellations are answered, the responses to all questions submitted to the Riigikogu last year will also have been provided. He then invited Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet to answer those interpellations.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Before the Riigikogu, Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet confirmed that the construction of Via Baltica is not stalled, but is progressing in 2+2 sections (e.g., Pärnu–Uulu, Libatse–Nurme, Päädeva–Konuvere) according to plan. It is being financed primarily by the European Union Cohesion Fund and the military mobility fund, in cooperation with Latvia and Lithuania and with the involvement of local stakeholders. Furthermore, the parallel financing of Rail Baltic helps meet environmental and economic goals.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the minister, states that he has questions, and invites Vladimir Arhipov to take the floor.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov asks whether Estonian ministers have cooperated jointly with Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland and lobbied for European funds so that they could have a unified message across Europe for achieving the goals of Via Baltica and Rail Baltica.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet stated that his daily work involves communicating with the Latvian and Lithuanian transport ministers. Latvia has confirmed its interest in the main route of Rail Baltic, and in December, we plan to meet with the transport ministers of our region and the European Commission’s new Transport Commissioner to jointly protect the interests of Estonia and the other Baltic states during the next EU funding period.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman expresses his thanks and announces that Martin Helme will speak next.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme emphasizes that Estonia committed in 2013 to building the Via Baltica as a four-lane highway by 2030, but approximately 57 kilometers remain unfinished, and there is either a lack of funds or only promises. He then asks when this section will be completed and with what resources.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet stated that road funding occurs during annual budget negotiations, and although plans and strategies can be drawn up, the financing is secured every year as a result of successful negotiations. Furthermore, thanks to government cooperation, the necessary funds for the 13.2-kilometer Päädeva-Konuvere section have been found, and the proposal has been submitted to the Riigikogu (Parliament). For the next year, the subsequent funding for the Tallinn–Tartu sections and Via Baltica must be assessed, for which nearly 100 million has already been secured.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the audience and announces that Rain Epler is next.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asks what funds have been found and whether the road budget will decrease. He also poses a question regarding the completion of the Via Baltica Tallinn–Pärnu section by 2030, and what the consequences would be if it is not completed, including whether the money would have to be repaid or if fines would be incurred.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet stated that the priority is to rapidly complete the funded sections, secure an additional approximately 60 million euros for the Päädeva-Konuvere section next year, and raise another 100 million in investments over the following three years, including the bypass of the Saatse Boot. The issue of road completion by 2030, however, will be discussed later, as these investments preserve jobs and develop the economy and infrastructure.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers his thanks and turns to Helle-Moonika Helme with a request.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme asserts that the financing of Rail Baltic in Estonia will not yield the promised results and amounts to money laundering, as it involves funds from both the European Union and the Estonian taxpayer.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet confirmed that Rail Baltica is being constructed to establish better connections and faster train services, and that all information regarding the use of funds and procurements is public and verifiable. Furthermore, if anyone suspects money laundering or corruption, they should contact the police or file a complaint.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls Arvo Aller.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller stated that in the case of Rail Baltic, the section between Pärnu and Riga remains incomplete and funding is scarce, noting that 57 kilometers have yet to be built, and asking whether Estonia is considering involving the private sector in road construction, citing the Latvian experience.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet confirms that he is once again being accused of actions he hasn't committed, and he emphasizes that he is working toward the construction of the railway all the way to the Latvian border. He is cooperating with his Latvian counterparts to ensure the Pärnu section progresses faster, aiming for the Tallinn–Pärnu train journey to take less than an hour, perhaps even under 50 minutes, which will save many Estonian people time, money, and improve their health. Furthermore, he explains that Via Baltica requires approximately 100 million euros to build the next segment, noting that they are considering private sector involvement and consulting with their Latvian colleagues.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman turns to Ants Frosch and asks him.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch raises the question of why Estonia's ambition regarding Via Baltica and Rail Baltica is not the same as that of Poland and Lithuania, and when the four-lane highway to Warsaw will be completed without any complications.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet stated that he currently has no concrete plan for exactly how and when to complete the Via Baltica project or finish all road construction by 2030. He noted that he has only been in office for two and a half months, and decisions regarding subsequent steps and financing must be made during next year's budget process, taking into account the impact of the energy crisis, the COVID-19 crisis, and Russia’s war, alongside prioritizing defense needs. However, he expressed confidence that the Via Baltica will be completed gradually, perhaps by 2030.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks [the previous speaker/the assembly] and invites Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to take the floor.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He stressed that corruption occurs where large sums of money and major procurements are involved, and asked what the ministry was doing to prevent corruption risks associated with Rail Baltica, Via Baltica, and other large-scale projects.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Vladimir Svet stated that transparent public procurements—including the Rail Baltic alliance procurement—will be used for the construction of infrastructure objects to control costs and ensure competition. Furthermore, internal audits will be conducted, and the Prosecutor General is focusing attention on these major projects. He added that the Estonian rule of law is capable of preventing corruption, and we are open to making additional efforts if required.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests that Anti Poolamets be given the floor.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets emphasized that both Via Baltica and Rail Baltica depend on Latvia, but the Latvian section is in poor condition, and without close inter-state cooperation, the projects might end up being limited solely to the Tallinn–Ikla connection.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Vladimir Svet confirmed that the main route of Rail Baltic runs through Kaunas (not Vilnius), and emphasized that the ministers of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia are committed to its construction, with each country being responsible for its own sections of the route.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Evelin Poolamets to speak.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets presented a critical address to the minister, demanding specific deadlines for the completion of the Rail Baltic railway segment that stretches to the Pärnu–Latvian border. She also warned that without a clear plan, the project would appear to be nothing more than empty rhetoric.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
The government plans to complete Estonia’s largest single infrastructure project—the railway sections between Tallinn and Pärnu, and Pärnu and the Latvian border—by 2030. Following an alliance procurement process that will result in two contracting authorities, the government intends to confirm the deadline by signing contracts and ensure the contractors have the capacity to finish the work, despite anticipating various unforeseen events and risks throughout the process.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker thanks Rain Epler and explains that during the time allotted for interpellations, every member of the Riigikogu may ask one oral question. He states that he cannot accept the current question, but colleague Kalle Grünthal is permitted to ask it.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal claims that the Rail Baltic project is not intended for transporting people from Tallinn to Berlin, but rather for the removal of Estonian minerals and raw materials, which is why there is significant European Union funding interest in obtaining rare earth metals, phosphorite, and other minerals. He then asks the minister whether he is aware of these leaked documents.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet said that there is currently a lot of available space in Estonian ports, and therefore it is difficult to imagine anyone wanting to finance an alternative route with such a large sum of money. He added that the Rail Baltic project is long-term, but current options for exporting also exist, such as the Tallinn–Pärnu highway and our ports.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the minister, announces that there are no questions, opens and closes the debate, and concludes the consideration of today's second agenda item.