First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu ("The Use of the Defence Forces in the Implementation of the Republic of Estonia’s International Obligations in the European Union’s International Military Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES") (482 OE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Date: 2024-11-06 20:45
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 5
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 5m
AI Summaries: 5/5 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda item concerned the first reading of draft resolution 482 presented by the Government to the Riigikogu, regarding the use of the Defence Forces in the European Union's international military operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES. Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur explained that the operation is necessary to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea area, as attacks by Houthi rebels have significantly escalated the security situation. The Minister emphasized that this is a regular request for a parliamentary mandate following the use of an emergency mandate. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES is a Greece-led operation involving a total of 21 EU member states, and Estonia plans to contribute one Defence Forces member, although a mandate is being requested for up to three. The operation’s budget for the current year is approximately 71,000 euros.
The Chairman of the National Defence Committee, Kalev Stoicescu, presented the results of the committee’s discussions, noting that the operation began in February 2024 and its aim is to achieve maritime presence and situational awareness in the Bab el Mandeb and Hormuz Strait areas. He emphasized that the operation is strictly of a defensive nature – military strikes against land-based targets are not organized. The committee made a consensus proposal to conclude the first reading of the draft and the Riigikogu approved the proposal.
Decisions Made 2
Bill 482 has concluded its first reading.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set for November 20th at 10:00 AM.
Most Active Speaker
Kalev Stoicescu, the chairman of the parliamentary defense committee, who thoroughly introduced the discussions that took place in the committee, the objectives of the operation, and the area of activity. (further information)
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker Lauri Hussar will today present to the Riigikogu the agenda item on Government Bill 482 concerning the first reading on the use of the Defence Forces to fulfil Estonia's international obligations in the European Union operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, and asks Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur to act as the rapporteur.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that although an exceptional mandate was used in the draft, Parliament is now asked to adopt the ordinary mandate to continue the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES operation in the Red Sea, whose aim is to ensure freedom of navigation in cooperation with the USA's Prosperity Guardian and the United Kingdom, and with 21 EU member states, where Estonia's contribution is one serviceman (if one has been dispatched, we request three mandates, but we will still send one plan) and the operation's budget is about 71,000 euros.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chair Lauri Hussar thanks the minister, says that there are no questions, and asks Kalev Stoicescul, the chair of the Defence Committee, to present the discussion that took place at the Riigikogu's speaking podium in the Defence Committee.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The Defence Committee discussed Bill 482 for its first reading, confirmed Estonia's willingness to contribute to EUNAVFOR ASPIDES 2025 with up to three service members, and decided to bring the bill onto the Riigikogu's agenda for the 6 November session and set the deadline for submitting amendments at 10:00 on 20 November.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair, Lauri Hussar, thanked the presenter, said that there were no questions, ended the negotiations, and declared the first reading of Draft Bill 482 finished, and set the deadline for submitting amendments at 10:00 on 20 November.