National Heritage Fund and Raw Materials Supply Security Partnership
Session: The 15th Riigikogu, fifth sitting, information briefing.
Date: 2025-03-12 15:44
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 11
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 13m
AI Summaries: 11/11 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
In the Riigikogu information session, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna discussed the creation of a national wealth fund and Estonia's accession to the US-initiated Minerals Security Partnership (MSP). The question was raised by Evelin Poolamets, who wanted to know about developments in this cooperation and the connection between Estonia’s mineral resources, particularly rare earth metals and phosphorite, and the country’s security. Minister Tsahkna emphasized the sensitivity of the topic in relation to the trauma of Soviet-era phosphorite mining, but confirmed that the government is conducting studies, the results of which will be available within a year. He stressed the need for an open and evidence-based debate and highlighted the Norwegian oil fund as an example of how to use accrued wealth wisely and sustainably. Poolamets then posed a clarifying question regarding Tsahkna's assurances that mining would not damage groundwater quality or the living environment of local residents. Following this, Martin Helme raised an additional question, sharply criticizing the government’s foreign policy line, accusing it of corruption and denigrating the Trump administration, and asking what was being done to improve relations. Tsahkna rejected Helme’s accusations as “unfounded lies full of unrestrained abuse,” affirmed that Estonia’s relations with the US are strong, and cited the restored military aid to the Baltic states as an example of the government's successful work.
Decisions Made 1
Decisions were not made.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker announces that Riigikogu member Evelin Poolamets will submit to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna the ninth question on the topic of the National Wealth Fund and the Mineral Resources Security of Supply Partnership.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets asks for a more detailed explanation of what developments have taken place since Estonia joined the US-initiated Critical Minerals Supply Security Partnership in 2024, what the terms of joining were and Estonia's contribution, and how Estonia's mineral resources relate to Estonia's security, compared with Ukraine–US cooperation in the use of rare earth metals and security guarantees.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized that the phosphorite issue must be addressed openly and through fact-based discussion and research, to clarify which values — for example fertilizers and rare earth minerals — can be value-added in Estonia and which technologies could be used to minimize harm to the natural environment, and at the same time discuss questions of national wealth and supply security, taking Norway as an example and participating in the Minerals Supply Security Partnership.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair, Lauri Hussar, thanks and asks Evelin Poolametsa to present a clarifying question.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets asks, in light of the possibility of phosphorite mining, how the government ensures that all homes remain intact and that groundwater is preserved, taking into account the extent of the mining and environmental risks, and whether there are independent analyses or expert opinions that support your position.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna invites the Riigikogu to an open debate on valuing Estonia's mineral resources wisely and in an environmentally sustainable way, and, if necessary, to undertake strategic investments in the rare-earth metals industry based on the principles of a state fund, reducing dependence on China and strengthening Estonia's security without short-term distribution of assets.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker thanked and asked Martin Helme to present a supplementary question.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme notes that we lack a wise and statesmanlike government, and that corruption and the exploitation of mineral resources threaten the country, and he points out that foreign policy and NATO guarantees are in ruins, and asks what steps the government plans to take to improve relations with the United States.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar appeals to the minister with a request.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Estonia communicates with the USA through diplomatic channels, emphasized the importance of allies and the restoration of military aid to the Baltic states in the first phase of the US review, and called to stop mud-slinging and to continue working to strengthen the country's defence and international relations.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked all participants and announced the end of the information hour, and he will not be able to take Mart Helme's procedural question, because at two o'clock the Riigikogu plenary session begins and we will continue with the plenary sitting.