Shared values with the United States of America
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 5th sitting, information briefing
Date: 2025-02-19 15:49
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 4
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 4m
AI Summaries: 4/4 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The first part of the discussion focused on the question of shared values between Europe and the USA, and the connections between Estonia's foreign policy course and the new US administration. Member of the Riigikogu, Varro Vooglaid, posed a question to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, asking how Estonia intends to demonstrate to the United States that we are moving in a shared values space even with the new administration, and what practical steps are expected to be implemented as a result. The discussion began with a reflection on the speech given by J. D. Vance in Munich and his concern over the endangerment of European values, and the long-term viability of European democracy, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. The main question was: what would be the shared vision, and what specific steps the Estonian government plans to take in cooperation with the USA to confirm this vision.
The second part of the discussion turned to another perspective: the relevance of indices and stricter assessment methods in describing democracy and freedoms, and Estonia’s role as a defender of freedom of speech, press freedom, and other fundamental freedoms. There was discussion on how Estonia views cooperation within NATO and in a rules-based world, and how internal political disagreements should not limit our willingness to work together, especially with democratic partners. The entire discussion points to the need to continue dialogue and draw conclusions that will help Estonia's future decisions and strengthen transatlantic cooperation.
Decisions Made 1
During this information session, no specific political decisions were made. The discussion focused on understanding values, conditions for cooperation, and practical conclusions regarding the U.S. new administration.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (pid ehjpLK1FIak). Her position: other (head of state government). She presented in-depth views on the course of Estonia’s foreign policy and emphasized cooperation in defending NATO and a rules-based world, and a willingness to work with different U.S. administrations.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announces that the ninth question is being considered; Riigikogu member Varro Vooglaid asks Prime Minister Kristen Michal about shared values with the United States.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid pointed out that the new U.S. administration marks a turning point in values, and that the retreat of European democracy, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion is a concern for him, and he stressed that Estonia should in the future reaffirm its belonging to a common value space together with the new U.S. administration, but the indices are not relevant, and attention should be focused on concrete, implementable political actions.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The prime minister stated that freedoms in Estonia are at a high level and must go hand in hand with responsibility, and he pledged strong cooperation with the USA and other democratic partners for the sake of security and a rules-based world, despite internal disagreements.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar closed today’s briefing, noting that there are two minutes for questions and three for answers, and said that the discussion would continue next week, thanked the observers, colleagues, and government members, and invited everyone to the Riigikogu plenary session, which begins at 14:00.