Draft law (667 SE) for amending the Atmosphere Protection Act and other laws (partial transposition of amendments to the directive on greenhouse gas emission trading) - second reading
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Date: 2025-09-10 21:41
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 111
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 54m
AI Summaries: 111/111 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
At the session of the next third agenda item, the second reading of the draft law amending the Atmosphere Air Protection Act and other laws (667) initiated by the Government of the Republic was discussed. The draft’s purpose is to partially adopt the European Union’s directive on greenhouse gas emission trading system (ETS), including its amendments, such as the inclusion of maritime transport in the system, the elimination of free allowances of emission units in aviation, and increased funding for the funds. An overview of the draft was given during the first reading in the Riigikogu speaker's chair by Tarmo Tamme, a member of the Environment Committee; the first reading took place on June 18, 2025, and the deadline for amendments was July 4, 2025. The Environment Committee submitted 9 committee-sponsored amendments, and proposals were prepared for the second reading taking these into account. One of the amendments came from Andres Metsoja; the committee worked on two sessions to prepare for the second reading (June 17 and August 25). Shipowners, Viru Keemia Grupp, the Association of Estonian Power Plants and District Heating, and representatives of the Ministry of Climate participated in the discussions; on August 25, the committee formed its position, made procedural decisions, and submitted amendments. The Legal and Analysis Department of the Riigikogu submitted two opinions: on the principle of legitimate expectation and on the proportionality of national law. Generally, the committee's proposals were of a technical nature, and the important legal consideration was the proper adoption of the directives, which entails temporal and quantitative obligations for the member state. There was deliberate discussion as to whether amendment number 8 posed constitutional risks; ultimately, it was decided that this change would not be taken into consideration. The Environment Committee decided to submit the draft for the second reading to the Riigikogu agenda on September 10, 2025, and after the second reading is completed, the agenda for the third reading will be formed on September 17, 2025. Finally, the discussions and procedures led to the conclusion that the proper adoption of European Union legislation is critically important in ensuring legal certainty.
Decisions Made 1
The Isamaa faction and the Conservative People's Party faction's draft proposal to interrupt the second reading of bill 667 was unacceptable to the governing coalition; the vote result was: 13 members of the Riigikogu in favor, 48 against, and no abstentions. Consequently, the proposal to interrupt the second reading remained with the committee, and the second reading of the bill was concluded.
Most Active Speaker
Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa) was one of the most active speakers at the session, primarily raising questions and observations concerning the topics of tax and legitimate expectation, and the retroactive effect. His role was often to direct and steer the discussion in a controlling and critical manner, and to highlight the government’s promised slogans, representing the community from the right-wing spectrum. Notably, his position is right-wing (right-wing factions Isamaa).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The next item on the agenda is the second reading of Draft Bill 667, which aims to partially transpose the amendments to the directive concerning the greenhouse gas emission trading system by amending the Ambient Air Protection Act and other legislation. The presentation will be delivered from the Riigikogu rostrum by Tarmo Tamm, a member of the Environment Committee.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar introduced the third item on the Riigikogu session agenda, which was the second reading of Draft Act 667, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Atmospheric Air Protection Act and other Acts (partial transposition of the directive on the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading system). He then invited Tarmo Tamm, a member of the Environment Committee, to the speaker's podium for the report.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm provided an overview of the proceedings concerning the draft amendment to the Atmospheric Air Protection Act, which brings Estonian law into compliance with EU climate directives by updating the greenhouse gas Emissions Trading System (ETS) and including maritime transport. He also explained that the Environment Committee rejected Andres Metsoja’s amendment proposal because it would contradict European Union law and place Estonian shipping companies at a disadvantage compared to companies in other member states.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This draft bill partially harmonizes Estonian law with EU directives by incorporating the greenhouse gas emissions trading system for maritime transport, phasing out the allocation of free allowances in aviation, and increasing the funding for the modernization and innovation funds. The Environment Committee submitted several technical amendments concerning this bill and continues the discussion in the Riigikogu.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks the presenter and invites Urmas Reinsalu to ask his questions.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu expressed dismay regarding the legality of imposing a retroactive levy, asking Tallink for their opinion, and subsequently demanded the state budget strategy figures to expose the "Münchhausen scheme"—a situation where maritime transport companies are additionally taxed, but that tax is then paid back to them indirectly through state support.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu asked whether the retroactive imposition of the levy violates legitimate expectation, and specifically requested information regarding Tallink: how much it will be taxed under the new maritime transport system and how much of that taxation is planned to be paid back to it indirectly [or: via a backdoor mechanism] as state aid.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm confirmed that the CO2 tax is not retroactive, arguing that shipping companies, such as Tallink, have long been aware of the requirement and have already collected funds from passengers. He stressed that abandoning the tax would result in fines for Estonia, denial of access to ports, and competition issues with Finland, making the adoption of the draft legislation unavoidable. Furthermore, the tax, which applies to all EU vessels, ensures fair competition, and its financial impact on Estonian companies is estimated at 8 million euros, which is balanced out by existing subsidies.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The report indicates that the CO2 tax must not be introduced retroactively, since Tallink has already collected CO2 levies from passengers for two years. The tax would be uniform for all EU vessels and ensure equal competitive conditions, but its implementation could result in fines and issues with port access. Furthermore, the estimated cost for Estonian ships is approximately 8 million euros.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the previous speaker and calls upon Peeter Ernits.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits highlights the contrast between Tallink's satisfaction and the sharp criticism coming from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Shipowners' Association, who argue that the draft legislation will result in significant costs for businesses and that the proposed relief measures are inadequate. However, he simultaneously notes that this is a directive that must be implemented regardless.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits stated that Tallink is pleased, but the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Shipowners' Association do not share this view and argue that the draft bill has a very significant impact and will incur considerable costs, the mitigation measures are insufficient, and since it is a directive, it must be implemented.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The government has made a balanced decision regarding the compensation of the CO2 tax, meaning it will be possible to avoid the initial CO2 tax over time as vessels become more environmentally friendly, while simultaneously ensuring that the support provided for the crew's wages remains in effect.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm argues that while the pan-European CO2 tax is inevitable, the government's decision to mitigate this measure is both balanced and sensible. This approach incentivizes businesses to make their vessels more environmentally friendly while simultaneously maintaining ongoing support for crew salary payments.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Evelin Poolamets to speak.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This speech voices criticism that the tax and the bill cannot be abandoned and must unconditionally be passed, and asks whether this does not bother the representatives of the ruling party of the sovereign Estonian state.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets thanked the presenter and asked a critical question: Are the representatives of the ruling party of the sovereign Estonian state not concerned by the fact that, according to the presenter, the tax or draft bill in question must necessarily be adopted and abandoning it is impossible?
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He said that EU membership and the rules of the common market don't bother him, provided they apply equally to everyone and we are operating in the same market, because it can improve the environment and it's a sensible plan.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm confirms that he is not bothered by the new tax or obligation resulting from the European Union single market rules, given that Estonia took on these obligations as a sovereign nation. Furthermore, the regulation applies equally to all market participants, while simultaneously cleaning up the environment and being, in his assessment, a relatively reasonable plan.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Urmas Reinsalu to speak.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu corrected Tarmo’s claims regarding the new tax burden, questioning the constitutionality of its retroactive effect, asking why a legal analysis was commissioned, and demanding clarification on the projected growth of the tax liability (which is expected to exceed 10 million euros by 2027) and the time limits of the established support measure.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu corrected the claim made by Tallink's representatives, stressing that the levy is neither retroactive nor unconstitutional. He requested precise answers concerning the timing of the imposition of the burden and the projected tax volume for 2027, which, according to his data, amounts to significantly more than 10 million euros.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The report reveals that Tallink did not submit any amendments, and while the tax might start increasing over time, the diligent work of Estonian officials managed to reduce it instead. Additionally, an exception has been established for ice-class vessels in the form of a tax exemption, which makes operating these ships a bit easier.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm confirmed that Tallink had not submitted any amendment proposals, stressing that thanks to the diligent work of Estonian officials, they had managed instead to reduce the tax and secure an exception for ice-class vessels. This exception offers a certain tax exemption due to the severe climatic conditions, thereby making their operation easier.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar welcomed the delegation of the Oklahoma State House of Representatives, led by Kyle Hilbert, suspended the session to receive them, and announced that the sitting would resume and the next questioner would be Peeter Ernits.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar briefly suspended the session's question-and-answer round to welcome a delegation from the US State of Oklahoma Congress, led by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, who were present on the Riigikogu balcony, and then immediately proceeded with the agenda.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits raised concerns about the unfairness surrounding the compensation for passenger ship labor costs, asking why subsidies are only paid to two out of 14 companies. He contrasted this with the situation involving Estonia's domestic ferries (Saaremaa, Hiiumaa), where the demands of the green future don't seem nearly as critical.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits questions why compensation for the labor costs of passenger vessels is paid to only two of the 14 companies, and why the green future is not considered as important for ferries.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm said that these fall under a different regulation, but this was not addressed by the commission, and he has gathered that this is the case.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm voiced his personal understanding that the institutions in question (apparently Estonian ferries) fall under a different regulatory framework, but he repeatedly stressed that since this matter was not addressed by the commission, it remains only his personal, unconfirmed opinion.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats finds the retroactive demanding of taxes unacceptable and draws attention to a contradictory scheme where, on the one hand, the company (Tallink) has already factored the cost into the ticket prices, but on the other hand, this is compensated by a state subsidy, questioning how such a double mechanism is supposed to be understood.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
I criticize the retroactively imposed tax and the planned compensation accompanying it. I also bring up the example of Tallink, where the costs have already been factored into the price, and I ask how this scheme is supposed to make sense.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Please welcome to the stage, Lauri Laats.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm distinguished the 25 million euro grant intended for reducing the environmental impact of ships from Tallink's wage subsidy, emphasizing that the latter is a beneficial measure for the state, which prevents the shipping company from moving under the flag of another country and thereby causing many times greater damage to the Estonian budget.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He highlights two things: the 25 million euro measure aimed at reducing the environmental impact of ships, which everyone can apply for and which helps make vessels more environmentally friendly, and the Tallink wage subsidy measure, the purpose of which is to keep the ships operating under the Estonian flag. This is because if major shipping companies were to switch their flag to Finnish, the resulting damage to the Estonian budget would be many times greater than eight million euros.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets expressed interest in the mechanism for compensating the CO2 tax, asking whether other European Union countries also use a wage measure to ensure the competitiveness of Estonian shipping companies.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Evelin Poolamets.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The presenter pointed out that the CO2 tax is compensated to businesses through payroll tax relief, and asked whether other European Union countries follow the same practice and how this would impact the competitiveness of our companies.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm noted that although he lacks a clear understanding of how wage policies are compensated in other companies, this solution has proven effective in Finland and is working.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He/She acknowledges that in other companies there is no clear understanding of how compensation is provided using the wage measure, but it works in Finland.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Helle-Moonika Helme onto the stage.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme is challenging Estonia’s national sovereignty, criticizing the inevitable pan-European tax mentioned by the rapporteur, and asserting that if the public had known in advance that EU membership would result in absurd ideological taxes and ridiculous economic burdens, they would not have voted in favor of accession.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He emphasizes that Estonia must be a sovereign state and would not have supported the European Union if he had known that its EU-wide taxes would impose absurd ideological burdens on businesses and individuals.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm confirmed that Estonia is highly sovereign; we joined the European Union as a sovereign state, and our officials participated in the tax negotiations, having had the opportunity to do so. He added that, in this context, our entrepreneurs are no worse off than other EU businesses.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm confirms that Estonia is completely sovereign within the European Union, because the country joined the bloc as a sovereign state and officials were able to contribute to tax negotiations, ensuring that local businesses would not be placed at a disadvantage compared to businesses in other EU member states.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers thanks, noting that Urmas Reinsalu has his hand raised and that the question pertains to the procedure for conducting the session.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu criticized the commission representative for the lack of essential information, as the commission had claimed that no protests regarding the retroactive effect of the draft legislation had been received from businesses, particularly Tallink. However, the speaker possessed information concerning several major protests (including those from Tallink, the Estonian Shipowners' Association, and the Chamber of Commerce), which indicated the potential unconstitutionality of the law. Consequently, he demanded a recess for the session so that the commission could present adequate information to the parliament before the vote.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu requested clarification on the logic behind the bill's second reading, noted the protests by Tallink and other companies regarding the potential unconstitutional effects, and asked for a recess so that the rapporteur could inform Parliament prior to the vote.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, who is presumably presiding over the session, stressed that he lacks specific information regarding the bill's proceedings and cannot intervene in the process. He directed the questions to the representatives of the factions and the committee so that they could be clarified during the ongoing debate and negotiations.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar stated that he does not have information concerning the handling of the specific draft legislation. He added that the material received on this matter must be clarified during the debate and negotiations, with the help of representatives from the factions and the committee, to determine precisely what the issue entails. Since the presiding officer cannot intervene in the process, these questions must be formulated very clearly by the participants themselves during the discussion.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats expressed his thanks, noted factual errors, awaited responses regarding Urmas Reinsalu’s procedural questions, and inquired whether moving our vessels out from under the flag and the EU, and registering them in third countries, implies that the requirements stipulated in the directive do not apply.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats demanded that the commission's representative answer the procedural questions raised by Urmas Reinsalu and correct the factual errors. He then posed a specific question regarding the application of the directive to vessels that are transferred from under the Estonian and European Union flags for registration in third countries, asking whether the requirements of the directive would no longer apply to them in such a case.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm explained that regardless of whether the commission discussed the topic in detail, an unavoidable tax obligation applies to ships upon arrival in the European Union and when moving between ports, which must be paid already at the first port of destination.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He confirmed that the levy will apply, and the vessel must pay it both upon arriving at the first EU port and when traveling between EU ports, depending on its origin, and there is no way to avoid it.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk is criticizing the ministry's negotiations and the taxation applied to biogas and gas-powered vessels. He also highlights the risks associated with investments and the potential for retroactive payments, which, in turn, could make the entire green plan meaningless.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called upon Aivar Kokk to speak.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk calls out the rapporteur for unanswered letters and sharply criticizes the poor negotiation skills of ministry officials, which has created a situation where major investments by Tallink and local municipalities into gas and biogas transport threaten to become futile due to political blunders and retroactive taxation.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He said that he does not see a connection with this bill, and it was not discussed in the commission. The legal analysis confirmed that there is no retroactive effect, and people had been aware for a long time, making and selling tickets based on calculations that are not valid.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm distanced himself from the question raised from the floor and the references to letters concerning the deadline for amendments to the draft bill, emphasizing that, according to the legal analysis, retroactivity is not a problem, as the parties involved had been aware of the tax for a long time and had already factored it into the ticket prices.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers his thanks and briefly notes that, as far as he knows, Tarmo has already provided an answer to the relevant question regarding the correspondence.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar said he understood that Tarmo had replied to those letters.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm gives a short affirmative answer: "Yeah."
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar remarks that the discussion is straying significantly from the format, and asks Tarmo if he would like to clarify his question or move on.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar noted that the discussion format had become too diffuse, and asked Tarmo whether he wished to clarify the topic further or if they should move on with the conversation.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm concluded that since all questions have been answered, it is time to move on with the discussion.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm states that we can proceed.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar addresses Henn Põlluaas and asks him to continue.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas expressed his astonishment that the draft bill contained no calculations showing the total cost to the taxpayer, as well as the cost to individuals, of compensations and ticket prices in the shipping and maritime sector, and he demanded those figures.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas expresses bewilderment that the draft bill concerning shipping compensations and ticket price increases does not include any calculation showing what the final cost will be for taxpayers and passengers, and demands the publication of the relevant figures.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm responded briefly, saying that the topic in question certainly hasn't been discussed in their commission.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm said that it wasn't discussed in our commission.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the rapporteur, notes that there are no questions, and before opening the discussion, he asks Peeter Ernits to raise his hand.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the presenter, closed the round of questions, and was just about to open the discussions when he noticed that Peeter Ernits had his hand raised.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits expresses his indignation that the commission's representative presented only a partial picture of the situation during the second reading, ignoring known concerns. He then asks how the presiding officer can simply stand by and allow this, adding that the incompetence of the officials is obvious, given that even the fundamental nature of the document under discussion (whether it is a directive or a regulation) remains unclear.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits criticizes the commission's representative for failing to provide an adequate overview of the letters and concerns, noting that the chairman is calmly watching this happen. He then asks what legal act this is—a directive or a regulation—and whether the officials should be allowed to remain in their positions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, who presumably chaired the session, confirmed that the committee's rapporteur had provided a substantive overview of the position taken on the draft bill, but had omitted the issue of drafting correspondence, subsequently giving the floor to Urmas Reinsalu to pose questions regarding the procedure for conducting the sitting.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar stated that the committee's rapporteur provided an overview of the discussions held and the position adopted by the committee concerning the specific draft legislation, and substantively answered the question that had been raised; he added that, as the chair of the session, formulating the letters is difficult to word, and he then called Urmas Reinsalu and proceeded to ask questions regarding the procedure for conducting the sitting.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu expressed concern over legal voluntarism and the constitutionality of the law, noting that the committee has not clearly discussed the letters of protest, and requesting to find out during the second reading which letters and protests have been received regarding this unconstitutional piece of legislation.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu is accusing the commission of providing false information regarding Tallink’s protests against the retroactive effect of the law. He notes that the response he was given turned out to be false, despite the fact that several letters protesting against legal nihilism and legal voluntarism had been received. He sharply criticizes the adoption of intentionally unconstitutional laws and demands an exhaustive answer detailing which letters and protests concerning the law’s unconstitutionality have been received before the proposed amendments are put to a vote.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, acting as the presiding officer of the sitting, stressed his limited mandate, explaining that he was unable to intervene in the committee's work or the presentation, given that the committee itself had appointed the representative for its views, and then gave the floor to Henn Põlluaas to ask a procedural question.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman explained that he cannot intervene in the committee’s work or the report, and since the committee has appointed its own representative who speaks for its views, his hands are tied.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas stressed that the draft bill introduced for discussion in this chamber is deficient because an impact analysis is lacking, its potential costs and budgetary requirements are unknown, and the topic hasn't even been discussed in the committee.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas voiced sharp indignation, questioning how it is possible to debate a draft bill that lacks the legally mandated impact analysis. He stressed that without this integral component, the true cost or budgetary implications of the bill remain unknown, rendering the consideration of such deficient material entirely unjustifiable.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar said that all questions should have been addressed to the committee's rapporteur, that it was very difficult for him to answer as the presiding officer of the session, and he asked Evelin Poolamets to submit a question regarding the procedure for conducting the session.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, acting as the presiding officer of the session, drew a colleague's attention to the fact that substantive questions should be addressed to the committee's rapporteur, not to him, as it would be difficult for him to answer them in his capacity as chair. He then gave the floor to Evelin Poolamets to ask a question concerning the procedure for conducting the session.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He notes that apparently not all documents have reached the commission, nothing is known about the protest letters, and the information is incomplete, which makes it difficult for the Riigikogu to make a decision.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets draws attention to a precedent where not all documents—such as the letters of protest mentioned by Urmas Reinsalu—have reached the commission's representative. Consequently, the information is incomplete, making it extremely difficult for the Riigikogu to make an informed decision in this situation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar clarified that the impact analysis was, incidentally, included in the explanatory memorandum for the first reading. He informed the body that Tarmo Tamm currently did not wish to take the floor, opened the debate, and confirmed the right to speak for all Riigikogu members, including the committee rapporteur, mentioning that we are holding the second reading. He then invited Evelin Poolamets to the podium on behalf of the EKRE faction.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar clarified the procedural aspects, confirming that the law's impact assessment was included in the explanatory memorandum of the first reading. He directed all requests to speak to the ensuing debate and subsequently opened the second reading debate, inviting EKRE faction representative Evelin Poolamets to the podium first.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets deems the directive in question, imported from Brussels, to be a harmful ideological experiment and a "green racket," arguing that it burdens Estonian citizens and businesses with more expensive energy and bureaucracy, reduces competitiveness, and threatens sovereignty. For this reason, acting on behalf of the EKRE faction, she proposes that the second reading of the bill be immediately suspended in order to put a stop to the European Union's insane experiments.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
EKRE faction representative Evelin Poolamets claims that the draft bill imported from Brussels is an ideological experiment that is not environmental policy, but rather increases bureaucracy, raises energy prices and the cost of goods, thereby diminishing the Estonian economy and sovereignty. She proposes halting the bill at the second reading so that the people and businesses of Estonia do not have to suffer under Brussels bureaucracy.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called his colleague Tarmo Tamm to the Parliament's rostrum.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the previous speaker and handed the floor over to his colleague Tarmo Tamm, requesting him to step up to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm refuted Urmas Reinsalu’s claims regarding the receipt of letters, clarifying that the commission had not received any correspondence, but rather that previous letters sent to the government had been taken into account during the drafting of the new bill. He then called upon the Riigikogu to support this beneficial legislation, which simplifies matters for shipping companies and helps clean up the environment.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tarmo Tamm states that Urmas Reinsalu has confused the issue, noting that not a single letter has been sent to the commission or the Riigikogu (Parliament). He clarifies that the letters being discussed were previously sent to the Government, and their content has been taken into account under the new plan. He then calls for support of the law, arguing that it will simplify life for shipping companies and make the environment cleaner.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offered thanks for the important clarification regarding the sending of correspondence and the recipients, expressed hope that Riigikogu members would read documents more carefully going forward, and subsequently gave the floor to Aivar Koka to continue the negotiations.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked for the important clarification, noting that the addressees of the letters are now clearer, and hopes that the Riigikogu members read these letters and check the addressees, and that negotiations will continue.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk, citing the bulkiness of Draft Law 667 on the Protection of Ambient Air and the fact that numerous proposals from various parties (including the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Tallink) were left unaddressed by the Economic Affairs Committee, sharply criticizes the government's inability to protect Estonian businesses from the tax burden resulting from CO2 policy and directives—a burden that has already raised prices for the end consumer—and therefore, the Isamaa faction proposes interrupting the second reading of the draft law.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk stresses that the bill is too extensive and requires thorough discussion of all parties' proposals. He points out the impact of CO2 negotiations and consumer prices, and states that Isamaa wants to terminate Bill 667 during the second reading.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offered his thanks, noted that the speech had run almost a minute over time, and announced that he was moving on, calling Peeter Ernits to the podium.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, who chaired the session, thanked the previous speaker, noting ironically that adherence to the time limit had once again been minimal, and then gave the floor to Peeter Ernits at the Riigikogu podium.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits criticized the review of the draft Civil Protection and National Defence Act, comparing it to the novel "War and Peace." He highlighted the additional greenhouse gas costs incurred by the shipping sector and the fear of violating the fundamental rights and legitimate expectations of entrepreneurs, and accused the commission's representative of providing insufficient information.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits has sharply criticized the draft bill that introduces a greenhouse gas levy on ship tickets. He highlighted the specific sums passengers will be required to pay and refuted the commission’s assertions that the situation is stable and that Tallink is satisfied. Ernits referred to the shipping company’s written objections, which argue the bill violates entrepreneurial freedom and constitutes unequal treatment compared to the aviation sector, describing the proposed compensations as merely transferring money from one pocket to another.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks whether additional time is wanted.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits says that it only lasts a couple of minutes, no more.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced three minutes of extra time.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits is harshly critical of the document sent by officials, which he believes is a total mess because it confuses fundamental EU concepts like Directive and Regulation. He argues that this incompetent "novella" is merely an appetizer to a massive set of issues that raises more questions than answers.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits criticized the terminology in European Union documents (directive vs. regulation), calling it confusing. He mentioned that this was merely an appetizer for the upcoming "War and Peace," praised Hanno Pevkur's work, and added that the novella wasn't very good and actually raised more questions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar closed the debate on the second reading of Draft Law 667, which amends the Atmospheric Air Protection Act. He then reviewed ten amendments, nine of which were supported by the leading committee, and subsequently put to a vote the identical proposal from the Isamaa and Conservative People's Party of Estonia factions to suspend the second reading of the bill.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar declared the discussions closed, announced the review of ten amendment proposals, and called for a vote on suspending the second reading of Bill 667 due to the identical proposals submitted by the Isamaa and EKRE factions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted on the proposal with 13 in favor, 48 against, and no abstentions; the proposal failed to gain support, and the second reading of Bill 667 is concluded.