A debate on foreign policy initiated as a matter of significant national importance by the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Date: 2025-02-11 12:07
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 167
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 3h 53m
AI Summaries: 167/167 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debate focused on a significant national issue initiated by the Foreign Affairs Committee – a discussion on foreign policy opened by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. The Minister emphasized that the world is feeling the scent of the late 1930s and that the rules-based world order is under attack. Estonian foreign policy must be based on a decisive alignment in defense of our values, which requires a Ukrainian victory, the long-term containment of Russia, and the strengthening of allied relationships. Tsahkna affirmed Estonia’s commitment to Ukraine (0.25% of GDP for military aid) and called on allies to raise NATO defense spending to a minimum of 3% of GDP. Significant attention was also paid to the utilization of frozen Russian assets and resistance to hybrid activities.
During the question-and-answer session and negotiations, a sharp debate arose regarding the direction of U.S. President-elect Trump's foreign policy and Europe’s response. Several members of parliament criticized the Foreign Minister's answers, considering them inadequate and politically motivated attacks, particularly concerning statements by coalition partners (Läänemetsa) and corruption allegations against the Centre Party. The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Marko Mihkelson, affirmed in his presentation that Estonia’s security is guaranteed by a united allied space and stressed that the West has underestimated the threat from Russia and must rapidly increase defense spending. The discussion was at times tense, reflecting both geopolitical anxiety and domestic political uncertainty.
Decisions Made 1
Decisions were not made.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi outlined the procedure and timetable for the national question debate initiated by the Foreign Affairs Committee, including the limits on questions, before he asked the Riigikogu Speaker to invite Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna to address the chamber.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stressed that Estonia stands for democracy and international law, supports Ukraine against Russia's aggression, strengthens cooperation between NATO and EU allies, and increases defense spending, contributes to Ukraine's reconstruction and to international sanctions and asset-freezing measures, in order to achieve a just and lasting peace.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks the Minister of Foreign Affairs, notes that colleagues have many questions, and Urmas Kruuse begins the round of questions.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse notes that although our perception of Russia and our sense of security have been better than those of the average European and rather objective, one must ask whether this perception has changed among allies and whether the illusion of Russia's democratisation still exists, and emphasizes that, against the backdrop of information warfare and brainwashing, the only thing that helps against Russia and its allies is pure power – both military and economic power and the ability to exploit it – because today’s war wounds the international legal order and makes the continuation of democracy in Europe very difficult.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that we are living in a historic moment and must firmly defend the rule of law, international law, and the right to self-determination, because only by driving Putin into a corner, continuing military aid to Ukraine, imposing sanctions, and freezing Russia's assets will lead to a more just and lasting peace.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The deputy chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks Marek Reinaasi to speak.
Marek Reinaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Marek Reinaas emphasized the importance of business diplomacy and asked how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has helped Estonian companies find export markets.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the two main goals of the Estonian Foreign Service are ensuring security and standing up for economic interests, which are promoted by 55 high-level visits, 20 business missions, and strong support for entrepreneurship, by attracting large investments and developing the potential of mineral resources, to bring investments and jobs to Estonia and the headquarters of companies, and he stressed that although the Estonian Foreign Service is small, we have 214 honorary consuls around the world and coverage of 94 countries, inviting entrepreneurs to boldly seek help from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks Igor Taro.
Igor Taro
AI Summary
Igor Taro emphasizes that the Ukraine issue is existentially important for Estonia, and that Ukraine’s harm should be compensated by using Russia’s frozen assets, while also asking how this has actually developed and what the broader perspectives are.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna recalled the Riigikogu debate on the use of Russia’s frozen assets, stating that Estonia acts in line with democracy and Ukraine’s interests and for the sake of creating a precedent, and that the European Union and the G7 have already used the profits earned from Russia’s assets totaling 3 billion euros for Ukraine, and that an aid package of nearly 50 billion dollars has been agreed, but the assets will remain frozen in the long term and there is a legal basis, therefore a united political will is needed for the next step.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi invited Tõnis Lukas onto the stage.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Speaker Tõnis Lukas said that Putin and the Russian people will not change their goals without a clear defeat, noted the societal situation shown by military brainwashing in schools, emphasized how important the people’s trust in the government is in a difficult situation, and praised the increase in defense spending and Ukraine policy, but admitted that trust in the government is low and asked what should be done so that Estonia would have a trustworthy government again.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna compares the current situation with the 1930s, emphasizes the United States' role as a guarantor of global peace, and calls on Estonia to continue a consensus-based foreign and security policy and to strengthen its defense capability, in order to change Putin's aims and, if necessary, to become the Churchill of our time.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, asks Peeter Tali to come.
Peeter Tali
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Tali confirmed that there is a long-term foreign policy plan in Estonia, mentioned the report prepared by former Finnish president Sauli Niinistö on strengthening the European Union's civilian and military readiness and the related white paper on security policy to be drawn up on that basis, pointed out that this is being done by the defense attaché Andrius Kubilius and our own Kaja Kallas, expressed hope that Niinistö would present his recommendations to the Estonian Parliament, and finally asked what those three most important things for Estonia would be.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, briefly expressed thanks.
Peeter Tali
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Tali talks about Niinistö's recommendations and about that white paper.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized that Putin has awakened Europe’s defense capability and the need for joint financing, and the European Union must increase defense spending, develop the defense industry, and broad capabilities (cyber, hybrid, Rail Baltica), in line with the Niinistö report’s guidelines and in response to what is happening in Ukraine.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Margit Sutrop to speak.
Margit Sutrop
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Margit Sutrop asks what the government plans to do to restore the historic ties of friendship with Israel, which have suffered due to the government's contradictory signals in the Israel–Palestine conflict, citing as an example last September’s United Nations General Assembly vote on the Palestine issue.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna confirmed that Estonia–Israel relations remain very good, and Estonia's position is that the best solution to the conflict is a two-state solution. Although the UN vote touched on the International Criminal Court, it was a separate issue, and Estonia's policy has been similar on this.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks Andres Metsoja to take the floor.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
According to Metsoja, the political statement on desynchronization made over the weekend was important, and he focused on the topic of Baltic cooperation, expressed hope for the strengthening of the Rail Baltica project, and asked how Baltic defense cooperation is faring and what other major initiatives there are.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the Baltic states’ shared past and today’s close cooperation in security, the economy, and energy independence from Russia, with the backing of Rail Baltica and NATO regional plans, create a unified and stronger resilience for our states.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is a brief plea to invite Toomas Uibo onto the stage.
Toomas Uibo
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Toomas Uibo asked when the new United States administration would send conflicting signals about Russia's aggression in Ukraine and when Europe would have to cope with the crisis alone; what are Europe's options and what should be done.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, Russia's aggression against Ukraine is a matter of global security, and Europe must take a larger role, increasing defense spending (2% is not enough, regional targets of 5%), offering real deterrence guarantees together with the United States, and finding a long-term path for Ukraine to become a NATO member; but before that Europe itself must take a leading position in maintaining peace, and the Minsk Agreement must not be treated as just a piece of paper — real, effective security guarantees are needed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chair invites Ando Kiviberg to speak.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ando Kiviberg asks whether the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware of the fact that a DOJ task force endowed with special authorities, established in 2022, whose task was to identify the assets of oligarchs who supported Russian aggression and to impose sanctions on them, has this year directed attention to the assets of Mexican drug cartels and what the impact of this change could be for Estonia.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speech discusses the Kremlin's ability to finance the war and asks whether Estonia has tried to draw the attention of the U.S. president's administration to these dangerous influences.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, the United States is ready to impose even tougher sanctions and to enforce them effectively, and cooperation with the European Union in implementing sanctions against the shadow fleet has been very good and will probably continue.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The deputy chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks Lauri Hussari to speak.
Lauri Hussar
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Lauri Hussar thanked the Chair and the Foreign Minister, praised Estonia’s strategic outlook in its foreign policy and the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in the context of the war in Ukraine, and asked what important role and closer cooperation between the Riigikogu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs parliamentary diplomacy should create or promote in the future.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Estonia's foreign policy is based on a broad mandate given to the Riigikogu by the Estonian people, and parliamentary diplomacy is essential, and the government, the Foreign Ministry, and the Riigikogu can always cooperate more effectively, and all the necessary information and assistance are at the Riigikogu's disposal.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi accepts this thanks and invites Ants Frosch to come forward.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch emphasizes that Baltic Sentry is neither a NATO mission nor an operation, but a surveillance plan that the NATO website does not confirm, and about which Edward Lucas has written.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This speech was an expression of gratitude.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He asks whom to believe – your speechwriter, NATO's website, or Edward Lucas.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
They advise the listeners to believe the foreign minister.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi invited Martin Helmet to speak.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme says that the Estonian Parliament and the government have no mandate, accuses his colleague Läänemetsa of violating allied relations and, in his post, where the U.S. government is compared with Russia and China and Elon Musk's access to government affairs is claimed, and asks how to fix this uproar now.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
They said that they do not comment on social media and focus on the foreign policy of the Republic of Estonia, and they confirmed that Estonia–United States relations are very good.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul recalled that European leaders had previously regretted that they were not listened to; he now invited them to listen and asked what actions would prove that we are stronger as a European Union, and how Germany, France and Italy understand the changed security situation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks Priit Sibul to come on stage.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that, in the view of many allies, Putin cannot be restrained through his economic ties, and he pointed to concrete actions such as Germany's military aid to Ukraine, the 27-country agreement on the use of Russia's frozen assets, and ongoing European and Estonian defense aid at 0.25% of GDP, emphasizing that together Europe has formed an understanding of Russia's threat and that we were right.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal asks whether Russia's attack on Ukraine may be related to NATO's eastward expansion, referring to the 1995 meeting and a Postimees article about biolabs.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi asks that Kalle Grünthal perform.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Putin's main aim is to restore the influence and power of the Soviet Union, not NATO expansion, and that with regard to Ukraine the real objective is the restoration of Soviet-era influence over neighboring countries, including Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, rather than a ceasefire.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chair invited Riina Solman to come forward.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman criticizes the foreign minister's decision regarding the Palestine UN vote and emphasizes the insecurity of the local Jewish community, points to the growth of online influence operations, and asks what concrete measures there are to protect young people and whether extending the voting age to 16 would be considered statesmanlike.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks everyone.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The studies show that they themselves have said that this should not be done.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Estonia strongly believes in bilateral relations, warns of the dangers of the digital world and hybrid attacks, and highlights youth engagement and the extension of voting rights from the age of 16 in all elections.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, invited Varro Vooglaid to speak.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid claims that Estonia's foreign policy is not truly independent, but follows instructions given by external allies, and invites people to provide concrete examples where Estonia has acted differently in the name of its national interests.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Estonia decided to restore its independence despite the objections of many allies, and the blue-black-white flag flying on the Pikk Hermann Tower is our symbol of independence.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, invites Rain Epler to speak.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler notes that U.S.–Baltic relations and the UN's Middle East vote do not show unified support, and in his view the coverage from the current administration and the media often seems one-sided, and he asks whether the U.S. has sent clear messages to the Baltic foreign ministers, while at the same time referring to the criticism of government member Läänemetsa.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanked the audience.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In the speech, it is asked whether the foreign minister and a member of the government are worried when our interior minister behaves toward the greatest ally in this way.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that Estonia and the United States are long-standing, highly reliable and strong partners, where Estonia stands for freedom, keeps its promises, and follows a unified foreign policy.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Andres Sutti to speak.
Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt emphasised that Europe must increase its defence contribution, because it is beneficial to security, the economy and innovation, and with a population of 450 million people and a GDP of 18 trillion, this is both an opportunity and an obligation, and he asked what could be done to make Europe a technology leader, how to obtain funding from European capital markets and how to make Europe the best place for developing and using artificial intelligence, and to ensure that Europe would be strategically independent in no field and always with options.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Margus Tsahkna urges the European Union to wake up: reduce excessive regulation, take more risks and attract private capital, and jointly develop the global economy in order to keep pace with the United States in technology and innovation and reduce dependence on China.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats says that Europe is in a deep sleep and it's time to wake up, invites discussion on the role of the United States and the Foreign Ministry's conclusions, and highlights significant signals from the United States regarding withdrawal from the WHO, withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, and withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council, while also seeking comments on the Danish Conflict.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The deputy chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks Lauri Laats to take the floor.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The deputy chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
They are debating whether to do something with the Gaza River, and they think it's an interesting idea.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stressed that Estonia stands for the international order, defends multilateralism and the role of NATO and EU allies, and carries out an independent national security program, because small states have the right to self-determination and defense.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The government has expressed a desire to discuss at today’s session the written request submitted by 29 members of the Riigikogu for a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Kristen Michal, which is why the Speaker of the Riigikogu added it as the second item on the agenda after the Foreign Affairs Committee’s discussion of a matter of national importance.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme said that Trump's conditionality manifests in both his public statements and his actions, and that he presents new value-based foundations (only two genders – male and female; banning transgender ideology; throwing LGBT policy in the trash) and asked how the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to bring them into line with these conditions, including with regard to the U.S. embassies raising the LGBT flag and participating in LGBT events.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech simply expresses gratitude.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speech raises the question of whether the state should display the rainbow flag and compel its ambassadors to participate in the host country's Pride.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna confirmed that Estonia will not change its position on marriage equality, praised the Riigikogu's historic decision to reduce tensions and to value each person individually, and rejected attempts to restrict freedom of speech or label people by their beliefs, stating that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs upholds personal freedom, values and freedom of speech.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
They point out that in a changing world efficiency is one of the most important yardsticks, and they ask how to measure the effectiveness of foreign policy, not only from Estonia's perspective.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
In the speech, Urve Tiidus was asked to speak.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Estonia's foreign policy is very effective and the yardstick is freedom and economic well-being, and about 0.3% of GDP, i.e., approximately 114 million euros, of the Foreign Service budget has enabled Estonia to be free and integrated with a strong European economy.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, asked Rain Epler to present the second question.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
They expressed a wish and a clear interest that Estonia would have good relations with the United States.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
They understand and apologize.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler expresses concern about Läänemets' recent foreign policy statements and emphasizes that foreign policy is the minister's responsibility, and tomorrow it will be discussed whether such statements make him a suitable member of the Estonian government.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna asserts that successful people may publicly fund a political party, do not share left-wing class hatred, and emphasize a right-wing worldview and the democratic will of the United States.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The deputy chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, asked Igor Tarot.
Igor Taro
AI Summary
Igor Taro expresses his gratitude for the assurance that Estonia's foreign policy is independent and proactive, and emphasizes that international relations are not based on the daily statements of one president, but require a diverse and broader perspective.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna noted that international politics is complex and peace requires balance, and Estonia must adhere to two principles — we are an independent and free people on our own land and we are never alone again — and a democratic state, whose people's will guarantees resistance to any aggression.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
With the leadership transition imminent, he says briefly that the foreign minister is in good shape, and then he invites Mart Maastik to speak.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik asked what Estonia's foreign policy contribution is to influence the European Union leaders' self-destructive green shift, and warned that if this continues it will inevitably lead to collapse, is unsustainable, and follows only mystical climate targets, harming competitiveness and not even helping to increase defense spending.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stressed that Estonia must take into account its energy policy and economy as well as global changes, and find solutions that would ensure both economic development and the fulfillment of climate goals, value the resources of rare earth metals and the value-added processing of mineral resources, and bring larger strategic investments to the country, but all decisions must be based on the interests of the Estonian people and the state, not merely in the name of other objectives.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is a short opening prayer inviting Lauri Laats to speak.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats criticizes the minister and Estonia 200, accuses Johanna Maria Lehtmet of criminal acts, and recalls that she cried, emphasizing that before throwing arrows at someone one should also look at the internal problems of one's own party, and in foreign policy asks what conclusions should be drawn in light of the withdrawal from major American organizations, and whether, on that basis, a political plan should be drafted that would be based on your words and thoughts about Europe’s weakness.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The content of the speech was merely one question.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats raises the question of whether US interests come first.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that the opposition party, which has been convicted three times in criminal court, labels others as criminals and should look in the mirror, since they themselves represent a recidivist party.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller announces a debate on foreign policy and asks Andrei Korobeinik to take the floor.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The focus of the speech is foreign policy, and the foreign minister is asked whether Estonia considers the current Georgian government legitimate.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that these elections were not legitimate due to proven violations, and that the last legitimate president is the one who is currently being forced to resign, therefore, in order for Georgia to move forward, new elections must be held.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The deputy chairman Arvo Aller informed that there were 10 seconds left in the question round, he could not take the next question, and he thanked the minister for the presentation.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna thanks everyone from the bottom of his heart.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chair Arvo Aller thanked the presenter for the presentation and announced that we would proceed with the foreign policy discussion, but before that he asked Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to present a procedural question.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart criticized the foreign minister's address for his aggressive approach toward Riigikogu members and the accusations, and referred to the party's alleged frauds in the context of seats obtained with the help of Ukrainian donations, asking how appropriate that response was.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller noted that this was a foreign-policy discussion, and the minister answered the question about Georgia as was expected from a foreign-policy standpoint; afterwards, Andrei Korobeinik raised a procedural question.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In the presentation, the foreign minister's lengthy response and his claim that Centre Party MPs are representatives of criminals are criticized, which raises the question of whether labeling voters, including designating 2,000 Estonian residents as criminals, is democratically appropriate.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Today's discussion focused on foreign policy, with Georgia and Ukraine topics and, in particular, U.S. foreign policy being the main ones, and the minister presented the government's positions as well as, of course, Eesti 200's positions.
Peeter Tali
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Tali describes the situation as Orwellian and calls for a return to the foreign policy debate, in order to listen to Mihkelson and discuss corruption issues during a period of distrust.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller then said that we should proceed to the foreign policy discussion, while noting that Andrei Korobeinik wishes to clarify this and has posed a question to the chair of the meeting.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrei Korobeinik said that Peeter Tali's no-confidence initiative is welcome and his effort is important, but he asked whether the negotiations are taking place and whether we are really going to vote no confidence in the minister together, as a good colleague asked.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller said that the foreign policy debate would continue, and that the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee would deliver a presentation, after which negotiations would take place following the presentation and the questions; Kalle Grünthal asked the chair of the meeting a question.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal condemns the rude and insulting language spoken about a member of the Riigikogu by Foreign Minister Tsahkna, and asks whether a Riigikogu member may pursue legal action for such inappropriate remarks, since the minister's immunity does not apply, and wishes to know the board's position.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller announced that after the minister's speech they should return to the foreign policy debate, noting that everything is traceable from the transcript and that MPs should behave accordingly, and finally Vadim Belobrovtsev posed the last question to the chair of the session.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He asked procedurally whether the debate in the chamber could continue after the allotted time had ended, if the foreign minister and the MPs were all in agreement with it.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller said that when raising an important issue a time limit and a framework were set at that time, and opinions could still be expressed during the negotiations, after which we would move on to the Foreign Affairs Committee's briefing, which will be prepared by the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Marko Mihkelson.
Marko Mihkelson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Marko Mihkelson emphasizes that the core of Estonia's foreign policy is "never again alone," through which we must strengthen unity with allies, active international cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy, to help contribute to lasting peace in Europe, above all Ukraine's victory, and at the same time increase Estonia's defense capability and its resolve to stand up for its interests.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman thanks the presenter, announces the Q&A round, and invites Priit Sibul to perform.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul thanks Marko and notes that authoritarian states are becoming increasingly similar, and cracks are appearing in a freer world, and asks how much closer cooperation with neighboring countries has become, especially the Baltic Sea region's foreign and security policy cooperation after the full-scale war began in Ukraine, including the Nordic-Baltic states' joint visit to Moldova.
Marko Mihkelson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Marko Mihkelson emphasizes that at all times we must have reliable allies by our side and behind us, and therefore it is extremely important to have Nordic-Baltic cooperation, Finnish and Swedish NATO membership, lasting aid to Ukraine, and the importance of investments needed to strengthen the defense of the Baltic Sea and to ensure unified deterrence against the threat from Russia.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-chairman Arvo Aller invited Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski to speak.
Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
They raised the question that not all European Union member states acknowledge the risks of Russia's aggression or contribute sufficiently to defense, and asked for mechanisms that would guarantee all member states' real defense readiness to the extent of the agreed percentage, and what the negative consequences would be if these obligations are not fulfilled.
Marko Mihkelson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Marko Mihkelson emphasizes that Estonia is among the decision-makers and, by example, demonstrates how important it is to strengthen defense capability, defense readiness, and the defense industry, and that Europe and its allies must act quickly and consistently to deter Russia's aggression and to secure lasting peace for Ukraine by ensuring the necessary security guarantees and a victory narrative.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The deputy chairman, Arvo Aller, turns to Urmas Kruuse and presents him with a request.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse states that the West has underestimated the ability of authoritarian states to keep their populations under control and to spend money on aggression, and emphasizes that although defense spending has at times been higher and allies cannot quickly increase it, supporting Ukraine is currently the cheapest way to stand up to aggression, and he asks why this was not done as quickly as expected.
Marko Mihkelson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In the lecture, parallels with the year 1938 are drawn and it is emphasized that concessions made in the name of peace to Russia may lead to catastrophe; the impact of Pearl Harbor is recalled, and it is affirmed that the threat from Russia exists and action must be taken before a new Pearl Harbor occurs.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-chairman Arvo Aller asks Maria Jufereva-Skuratovskit to come and speak.
Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
I would like to highlight that the failure to remember history leads to a situation in which our fate is decided without our involvement, and since the same pattern has occurred in Ukraine, we must ask whether we can be sure that it will not repeat and that the will of our people will be taken into account in shaping the future.
Marko Mihkelson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Marko Mihkelson stressed that Estonia must never be alone, but must remain within the framework of the European Union and NATO, and use both defense and diplomatic means so that our positions are heard and taken into account, especially in the context of the Ukraine issue and international security.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller asks Aleksei Jevgrafovit to take the floor.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The presentation discusses President Trump's interest in turning Greenland into a part of the United States, emphasizes the importance of the Danish alliance, and asks for Estonia's position on this issue.
Marko Mihkelson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
They stressed that our security depends on a stable and reliable allied space, that Nordic-Baltic cooperation and Denmark are as important as the USA, and that we must avoid rifts against the backdrop of greater international tensions, engage in direct dialogue with the U.S. Congress, and clearly support our allies in Europe.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller turned to Tanel Kiik and said: 'Please!'
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik asks how much pressure or consensus there currently is for inviting Ukraine to join NATO, and how optimistic the presenter is about the prospects.
Marko Mihkelson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Marko Mihkelson said that solutions have not yet come close, and the organization of European security after the war remains a matter of fundamental questions, but for Ukraine there is a clear priority: to obtain a stable security guarantee, and the best solution is NATO membership under Article 5, not the development of Ukraine's nuclear forces, because the Budapest Memorandum's lesson shows that agreements on paper do not guarantee security.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The negotiations can now begin, because the 30-minute question-and-answer round has ended, and Kalev Stoicescu is the first to represent the Eesti 200 faction.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In order for Estonia's foreign policy to be based on the constitution and democracy, it commits itself to defending its independence and sovereignty through active membership in the European Union and NATO and close regional cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, while continuing to provide support to Ukraine and avoiding the threat of the aggressor's peace agreements.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-chairman Arvo Aller asked for three more minutes.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu notes that a new reality has emerged in the Baltic Sea due to Russia's policy, and Estonia must stand together with its European allies, strengthen transatlantic relations, and be ready to defend itself, if necessary also withdraw from the Ottawa Convention.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The deputy chairman Arvo Aller thanks and, on behalf of the Reform Party faction, invites Eerik‑Niiles Kross to speak.
Eerik-Niiles Kross
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Eerik-Niiles Kross says that he will take three more minutes.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller requests three more minutes.
Eerik-Niiles Kross
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Kross notes that the optimism of 1994 has partly come to fruition, but in these volatile times Estonia and Europe still need to define their own interests and actively shape a new world order in cooperation with the USA and the West, holding fast to the values of freedom, democracy and responsibility.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speech calls on listeners to act, saying directly: "Your time has come."
Eerik-Niiles Kross
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In the speech, it is said that Estonia plays a far more significant role than before.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller thanks and gives the floor to Raimond Kaljulaid on behalf of the party.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid asked the esteemed chair of the meeting for three additional minutes.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-chairman Arvo Aller asks for three more minutes.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid emphasizes that the success of the 1990s stemmed from a strong Foreign Ministry, cross-party cooperation, and support from the Nordic countries, and that Estonia must stand firmly with Ukraine and find a just peace, which means the liberation of occupied territories, compensation for damages, and a strong guarantee of NATO security, not a cynical compromise.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party faction, thanks and forwards Lauri Laatsi's plea for three additional minutes.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats strongly criticizes the foreign minister and the government's foreign policy, referring to the weak leadership in Europe and Estonia, and emphasizing the importance of the influence of the United States, green policy, and competitiveness, as well as swift attention to and a clear response to issues concerning China and Greenland.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The message says that your time has come, and it's time to act.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He notes that no opinion is formed about it.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller thanked, and on behalf of the Isamaa faction Urmas Reinsalu requested additional time, asking for three more minutes.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu expresses deep respect for the Ukrainian people and its soldiers and affirms Estonia's full support for Ukraine and its prospects of becoming a NATO member, emphasizes the genocidal nature of the Russian regime and the need not to return to the previous logic of engagement, and highlights that European security requires a clear, decisive, and consensus-based approach, the increased flexibility of energy security and defense investments, and concrete steps for allies, including the United States, to strengthen Ukraine and Europe's resilience.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller said that your time has come.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu emphasizes the need to reform the EDF system and believes that it is reasonable to engage persuasively with their proposals that concern our vital questions.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller thanked.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu said that the Isamaa faction wants to empower the government with authority over all energy-security-related proposals.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller thanked and, on behalf of the EKRE faction, gave the floor to Anti Poolamets.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets thanked the esteemed director and asked for three minutes of extra time.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
They ask that the discussion continue for three more minutes.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets emphasizes that Estonia must be vigilant as a small state, keep its allies and engage with states—not with political parties—and follow a value-based, effective foreign policy that focuses on aid to Ukraine and on criticism of the relations between the United States and Georgia, while at the same time demanding that the hate speech law be thrown into the trash and LGBT pride flags be replaced with the Estonian flag.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Now the members of the Riigikogu will have the floor, and Vadim Belobrovtsev is asked to come forward to speak.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev notes that although interest in foreign policy was high and the topics of US–allied relations were relevant, the foreign minister answered inadequately, and a large part of the discussion focused on Ukraine and Russia, which shows his insecurity and the need to devote more time to addressing the relations between the Middle East, Georgia, and the United States.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
They asked for three more minutes.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev noted that although the main topic was important, on several occasions inadequate answers were given, the bickering between coalition parties was embarrassing, and on the issues of the Middle East and Georgia there was no concrete position, and the conduct of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not meet expectations, although Marko Mihkelson answered the questions well.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller stated that Ants Froschi's name was not mentioned, delivered a prepared three-to-four-minute speech to Rain Epler, and stressed that the session would end at two o'clock, but Rain Epler proposed continuing tomorrow, which could not be done, and action had to be taken hastily.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticizes liberals' duplicity in foreign policy, emphasizes the need for NATO alliance relations and an independent defense, and condemns the interior minister's attacking rhetoric toward the U.S. administration as a threat to the allies' trust.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Our foreign policy discussion for today has concluded and the session is over.