RMK term contracts
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-11-06 14:54
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 18
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 14m
AI Summaries: 18/18 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The discussion of RMK duration contracts within the context of the Riigikogu highlighted concerns regarding the transparency of the contracts, the mechanisms for price formation, and the role of the ministry. Reports from the National Audit Office showed that RMK had sold timber in processes that lacked transparency or were less transparent, and pricing may have been up to 30% lower than average, raising questions about the protection of broader public and state interests. The discussions were also prompted by the fact that contract terms agreed behind closed doors and limited involvement created doubts about independence and oversight, and raised questions about the ministry’s awareness and extent of control over RMK's activities.
Minister Yoko Alender responded that a clear and unambiguous approach to the sale of state assets is necessary, and that the creation of a strengthened procedure is being considered to clearly reflect timber processing and sales area regulations in legislation. She noted that the ongoing RMK process is documented and reviewed, and outlined plans to: publicize the content of duration contracts, consider an external audit and a state aid analysis, and if state aid is identified, to contact the European Commission. In addition, the balance between nature values and forestry, and the acceleration of renewable energy development through the use of state land resources, including the potential arising from the REPowerEU framework and the role of local government planning, were discussed.
Decisions Made 3
Order an external audit regarding the pricing and transparency of RMK's duration contracts and to prepare an action plan for rectifying any shortcomings found and for publicizing the results.
If the analysis indicates state aid, contact the European Commission and, if necessary, request a recovery of state aid from RMK; plan to strengthen relevant legislation and supervisory mechanisms.
To submit candidates for members of the RMK (State Forest Management Centre) supervisory board to the Riigikogu (Parliament) and, in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Finance, to develop clearer guidelines for the board's operations, as well as to conduct additional anti-corruption training and to consistently monitor documented and transparent sales transaction processes.
Most Active Speaker
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart (member of the Riigikogu) was the most active speaker; position: other. She primarily posed clarifying questions regarding the transparency of RMK’s duration contracts and the ministry’s awareness, drawing attention to potential damages and the protection of the state’s interests.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Riigikogu submits its fifth question to the Minister of Climate, Yoko Alender, regarding RMK's long-term contracts. The question was posed by Riigikogu member Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart stressed in the special committee that, according to the State Audit Office, RMK sold timber under secret contracts for up to 30% cheaper, and the terms of the contracts were decided behind closed doors by only a few people, of which the ministry said it was unaware, raising questions about potential state damage.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair thanks and turns to Mrs. Climate Minister with a request.
Kliimaminister Yoko Alender
AI Summary
Sale of state property must be unambiguous, and the mechanisms for concluding contracts and for price formation must be clearly defined. In RMK, open, documented and legally reviewed processes are applied that promote on-site value-adding of timber and investments in Estonia, and trainings on these operations, automated checks, and compliance with the State Audit Office's recommendations are carried out.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair thanks and asks Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvarti for a clarifying question.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The report expresses criticism of RMK’s lack of transparency, of the deficiencies in the pricing methodology and in the long-term and secret contracts; it notes the absence of a conflict-of-interest declaration and asks why the ministry does not bother to arrange an independent audit, but instead hands it over to RMK.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech emphasizes that now is your time to take action.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speaker stresses that they themselves can write the terms down, and the role of the ministry is mentioned.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech emphasizes that it's your time.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The main message of the speech is that state assets must be managed with prudent stewardship, and that the owner has the obligation and responsibility to ensure their proper and careful use.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the audience.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
If necessary, he will also carry out the corresponding check himself.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech is an expression of gratitude and a petition to the minister.
Kliimaminister Yoko Alender
AI Summary
The minister proposed submitting candidates for RMK council members and organized an external audit to clarify the suspicion of state aid; if the analysis confirms state aid, it is possible to turn to the European Commission and RMK can reclaim these sums from the state, and the outcome is expected on November 12.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair thanks, presents the following supplementary question, and invites Andres Metsoja to answer.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja raised concerns about RMK's sustainable cash flows, emphasizing the need to separate nature conservation from forestry management and to find solutions for the state's special plans and the organization of resource realization, because the current changes and involvement in tender processes may cause uncertainty.
Kliimaminister Yoko Alender
AI Summary
According to the presentation, the commissioned analysis will be published, the RMK's role in nature conservation and sustainable forestry will be emphasized, and with REPowerEU funds the development of renewable energy planned on state-owned lands will be pursued, together with the involvement of local municipalities in planning, with the aim of reaching over 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Thank you — the handling of the fifth question has been concluded.