First reading of the draft law on civil crisis and state defense
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Date: 2025-09-10 23:42
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 135
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 22m
AI Summaries: 135/135 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur presented Bill 668, initiated by the Government of the Republic and concerning civil crisis and national defense, to the Riigikogu for its first reading. The bill aims to consolidate the existing National Defense Act, Emergency Situation Act, and Emergency Act into a unified framework to boost Estonia's crisis preparedness and ensure clarity in comprehensive national defense. The Minister stressed that although the bill is voluminous, along with the explanatory memorandum and implementing acts (1,600 pages were cited), the number of sections in the main text will significantly decrease (from 259 to 178). As key changes, Pevkur highlighted the introduction of the umbrella term "crisis situation," the clarification of the roles of local municipalities (KOV) (setting priorities during a crisis), and the establishment of population protection at the legal level for the first time, granting the Rescue Board a coordinating role. During the debate, the issues that generated the most questions among Riigikogu members were the sheer volume of the bill, the funding and readiness of local municipalities, and the government's decision to postpone the obligation to build shelters in new apartment buildings. The EKRE faction proposed rejecting the bill, citing fears of excessive government power when declaring a crisis situation. Mati Raidma, representative of the National Defense Committee, supported the bill's processing, emphasizing its time-critical nature and the necessity of strengthening comprehensive national defense.
Decisions Made 3
The Estonian Conservative People's Party faction's motion to reject Bill 668 during its first reading failed to gain support (7 in favor, 61 against, 0 abstentions).
The first reading of Bill 668 was concluded.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set for October 10th at 4:00 PM.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The seventh item on the agenda was the first reading of Draft Law 668 on Civil Crisis and National Defence, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The report was presented by Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi introduced the first reading of Bill 668—the draft Civil Crisis and National Defence Act initiated by the Government of the Republic—as the seventh item on the agenda, and yielded the floor to Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur for the report.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur presented the draft Civil Crisis and National Defense Act to the Riigikogu. The bill aims to consolidate the existing laws concerning national defense, states of emergency, and emergency situations into a unified framework to enhance Estonia's readiness and ensure clarity in comprehensive national defense. The new Act establishes a common conceptual and management framework (including the definition of a crisis situation), specifies the roles and obligations of local governments, vital service providers, and constitutional institutions (including preparation for military defense), and allows for a more flexible response to crises, all while protecting fundamental rights and reducing bureaucracy.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur presented the draft legislation aimed at consolidating three existing laws into a single crisis management framework. The bill seeks to clarify the definitions of 'crisis situation' and 'crisis tasks,' enhance Estonia's readiness and cooperation, and strengthen the protection of vital services, all while reducing bureaucracy and guaranteeing the protection of constitutional rights.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur is unveiling an extensive draft law on civil crisis and national defense, the aim of which is to consolidate three existing acts (the National Defense Act, the State of Emergency Act, and the Emergency Situation Act) into a single framework. This is intended to ensure clarity, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance Estonia's readiness in a complex security environment, while also defining more precisely the roles of local governments and vital service providers, and elevating population protection to the statutory level.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman thanks the audience and says that there are some questions that Peeter Ernits will now introduce.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits considers the 1,600-page bill presented by the Minister of Defence—whose complexity he compares to Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace"—to be excessively voluminous and difficult to comprehend. He emphasizes that details are vitally important when dealing with legislation, and questions whether anyone, not even artificial intelligence, has been able to adequately grasp the entirety of the document, arguing that both classics and laws must be read in full, not merely summarized.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits expresses concern about whether artificial intelligence can grasp a complex and lengthy text—such as Tolstoy’s "War and Peace"—and emphasizes that when dealing with laws, the entire text must be read as a whole, focusing on precise wording, because short summaries can cause problems.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi expressed his thanks.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur explained that the core part of the proposed Civil Crisis and National Defence Act encompasses approximately 176 sections, which, when combined with the accompanying explanatory memorandums and implementing acts, makes the text quite voluminous. He also thanked the Government Office and the other officials who spearheaded the coordination efforts for this work.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur responded to a question concerning the draft law's volume, explaining that the main body of the act contains only 176 sections, which is a modest number of norms compared to other legislation within the Estonian legal framework. He stressed that the bulkiness is actually caused by the explanatory memorandum and the implementing acts. Furthermore, he confirmed that the draft legislation has undergone technical legislative review and expressed great appreciation for the work done by the Government Office (Riigikantselei) and other institutions concerning coordination and communication with local governments.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur refutes suggestions regarding the excessive volume of the draft legislation, explaining that the main text of the bill contains only 176 sections, which is modest compared to other laws within the Estonian legal framework. He emphasizes that the true bulk comes from the explanatory memorandum and the implementing acts, concluding with thanks to the diligent staff of the Government Office and the Ministry of Justice for the regulatory technical review and coordination work.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi addresses the minister, requesting him to cease the intimidation of members of parliament, which stems from the minister's assertion that the 1,500-page bill is "just a trifle." He also voiced concern regarding future, potentially even more voluminous bills.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi asked the minister not to frighten the members of parliament late in the evening with the remark that the 1,500-page bill was "just a cold," and ironically inquired whether the Riigikogu should expect even more voluminous pieces of legislation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi asks the minister not to frighten the members of parliament at this late hour, noting sarcastically that 1,500 pages is a small amount, and inquires whether even longer draft bills are expected.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur spoke about the number of norms.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi notes that it was intended as humor.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur spoke about the number of norms.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi inquired whether the submission of even more substantial legislative bills is expected in the near future.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks if even thicker ones are coming.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur notes that the legislation currently under discussion is significantly more compact compared to the regulation governing civil procedure, being six times shorter and containing only 176 sections.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur notes that 176 sections is six times smaller than the civil procedure.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speaker emphasizes the significance of the annexes and the explanatory memorandum, apologizes for the brief interjection, and addresses Jaak Aab.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi made a brief remark, stressing the importance of the annexes and explanatory memoranda, and subsequently invited Jaak Aab to the podium.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab emphasizes that even if the draft bill is adopted as law, the work will not be finished, and the HOLPs of state authorities, local governments, and vital service providers must be reviewed. He then asks whether the parties are ready for this, how large the workload is, and when they plan to begin it.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab commends the long-prepared emergency situation bill, which addresses the legal loopholes discovered after the 2018 storm. However, he emphasizes that the real work only begins once the law is adopted, as state authorities, local governments, and vital service providers will have to completely revise all their emergency response plans (HOLPs). Consequently, he is inquiring about the readiness of the involved parties and the sheer magnitude of the workload.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasizes that emergency resolution plans (HOLP) are documents subject to continuous updating. Although the adoption of the new law will require reviewing the responsibilities of local governments and state institutions—specifically regarding the availability of reserves, personnel, and finances—he does not anticipate a significant administrative burden, as life continues and the transitional provisions are already well-established in the implementing acts.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasizes that the emergency resolution plans (HOLP) are constantly being updated, and the adoption of the new law will not result in a significant administrative burden. However, he confirms that the responsibilities of local governments and state institutions (the Rescue Board, the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), and the Defense Forces) concerning reserves, personnel, and finances must be reviewed, noting that the future handling of these plans is clearly set out in the transitional provisions.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur said that the restructuring of HOLP (the Emergency Resolution Plan) is being carried out continuously, and the current emergency resolution plan remains valid until the changes are implemented. Local governments, the Rescue Board, the Police and Border Guard Board, and the Defence Forces must review their reserves, personnel, and finances. However, upon the adoption of the law, the administrative burden should not significantly increase, and life will go on.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Irja Lutsar to take the floor.
Irja Lutsar
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Irja Lutsar voiced concerns about the excessive scope of the legislation and questioned whether separate laws should be in place for military and civil crises.
Irja Lutsar
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Irja Lutsar agreed with the previous speakers but highlighted the excessive volume and complexity of the law, especially in a crisis situation. She asked the minister whether separate legislation should be considered for military and civil crises, given that the current text contains numerous provisions necessary only for a military crisis, thus making the law impractical for resolving a civil crisis.
Irja Lutsar
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Irja Lutsar agrees with the previous speakers and expresses concern regarding the sheer volume of the proposed law, questioning whether a member of the Riigikogu can realistically read through it during a crisis. She also raises the question of whether separate legislation should be created for resolving military and civil crises, given that the current text includes provisions that are unnecessary for a civil crisis but absolutely vital for a military crisis, thereby making the overall document overly complex.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasizes that, in light of the lessons learned from the COVID crisis and the experience of the war in Ukraine, a compromise was reached to merge the laws governing national defense and civil crisis management. This merger was pursued because crises are similar in nature, and a unified "general section on crises" ensures that all institutions—including the Defense League and the Police and Border Guard Board—can perform their duties seamlessly both during wartime and in the event of a large-scale civil crisis. He is convinced that this solution will benefit all institutions.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stressed that, drawing on the lessons learned from COVID, we found a sensible compromise in how we manage crises: various agencies must integrate their workflows and make decisions at the national level, because crises follow the same general pattern, and the protection and evacuation of the population constitute a core part of that responsibility.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasizes that the lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis prompted the unification of regulations governing national defense and the resolution of civil crises, creating a general section for crises. This ensures that, based on the inherent similarity of different crises, all institutions—including the Defense League (Kaitseliit)—continue to assist and protect the population in seamless cooperation during both peacetime and wartime, citing the experience of the Ukrainian police as an example.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Vladimir Arhipov to speak.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov welcomes the establishment of the new crisis management legal framework, which assigns clear and necessary responsibilities to local authorities (LAs). However, he emphatically stresses that the state must also guarantee adequate funding and training so that LAs can practically execute these duties, especially given the current shortage of specialists in the fields of civil defense and emergency response.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov emphasizes that local municipalities have a central role and specific tasks during emergencies, but the state must provide them with training and funding, as they lack specialists in crisis management and may not be able to handle the situation.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov welcomes the creation of the new unified legal framework for crisis management, which assigns specific and necessary tasks to local governments (LG). However, he critically points out that the state must also ensure adequate funding and training so that local governments can practically fulfill these obligations, especially considering the current shortage of specialists.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi confined himself to a brief word of thanks.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov raised the question regarding the capacity of local governments to cope with the forthcoming challenge.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur, drawing on his extensive experience in ministerial and local government roles, explained that the new bill grants local municipalities the right, during a crisis, to prioritize essential tasks, such as evacuation and securing vital services. It simultaneously allows them to temporarily suspend less critical activities to ensure focus and operational continuity.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that the Local Government Organization Act does not create new tasks, but during a crisis gives the local government the right to prioritize primary tasks (e.g., evacuation and water and sewage services) and, if necessary, not to carry out other activities, while emphasizing the existence and continued functioning of crisis plans.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, drawing on his extensive ministerial experience, explained that the current bill does not create new tasks for local governments, but rather gives them the clear right, in a crisis situation, to prioritize essential vital services (such as water, sanitation, and evacuation) and temporarily suspend less important obligations (e.g., plowing roads) in order to ensure continuity of operations and maintain focus on crisis management.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu expressed satisfaction that the bill had reached the Riigikogu. He emphasized that it unites civil crisis management and national defense, stressing that support must exist between them in every situation, whether military or non-military. He also added praise for Hanno and referenced the literary comparison of Tolstoy's "War and Peace," noting that the NATO Washington Treaty has only 14 articles and fits onto one and a half A4 pages.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu expressed satisfaction with the bill that reached the Riigikogu, which merges civil crisis management and national defense, emphasizing their mutual support. He also offered a humorous compliment to a colleague and criticized the sheer volume of the draft law, citing the short and effective NATO Washington Treaty as a comparison.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Kalev Stoicescu.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi concluded his address with a brief word of thanks.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu wrapped up his point by acknowledging that everything is, of course, very relative.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur specified that, in order to enhance crisis preparedness, a network will be established between the Rescue Board and local municipalities. The Rescue Board will hire specialists who will provide advice and assistance to these local governments, offering guidance during crisis situations.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
The Estonian Rescue Board plans to hire crisis specialists who will guide local governments, thereby creating a network where local authorities (KOVs) can seek advice and assistance.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Henn Põlluaas to speak.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas asks for clarification on whether the European Stability Mechanism compensates Estonia for the expenditures it has made if Estonia contributes to the ESM, and notes that Estonia's crisis does not threaten the entire European Union.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas is asking the minister for clarification regarding the operation of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), specifically asking whether the mechanism intervenes and compensates Estonia for expenditures incurred even if the country's financial crisis does not threaten the entire Eurozone, considering Estonia's substantial contributions and obligations, and whether this mechanism is indeed the one that was referenced during the discussion of the draft law.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Pevkur specified that the European Single Resolution Board must monitor financial crises and intervene when necessary, but stressed that this does not concern the European Stability Mechanism. Furthermore, domestically, the government must be able to resolve financial crises in cooperation with the Bank of Estonia and the Financial Supervision Authority.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur clarified that the issue in question concerns the role of the European Single Resolution Board in the daily monitoring and intervention of financial crises, rather than the European Stability Mechanism. He simultaneously stressed the necessity for the government's domestic crisis resolution capabilities, which have been discussed with the Bank of Estonia and the Financial Supervision Authority.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi announces that Vladimir Arhipov will ask the second question.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov expresses concern that vital services in an emergency situation are not the responsibility of local municipalities, and that the state allocates very little money (about 3 million for all Estonian local governments combined) to cover the supervision of three or four municipalities by just one official. This is because the law does not stipulate financial resources for local governments, and he calls on the state to allocate more money to them.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov, citing his extensive experience in local government, sharply criticizes the state's insufficient funding and support for emergency response, stressing that local authorities are left virtually alone when it comes to guaranteeing critical services and require significantly greater resources for this, as current allocations are clearly inadequate.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur confirms that, although he doesn't have the exact figures, the revenue base of local governments has grown faster than the state budget, they have been given new taxation opportunities, and he does not see that the law currently under discussion would impose any new obligations on local governments.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur said that the revenue base and budgets of local governments have grown faster than the state budget, and although they have been given the opportunity to impose taxes, he does not see that this law would give local governments a new task.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Jaak Aab is invited to speak.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab stresses that plans must be drawn up for local governments and that HOLPs need to be updated by the deadline set for risk analyses and crisis plans. He also asks why the mandatory requirement for shelters in new buildings was delayed, given the current geopolitical security situation.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab confirmed that institutions with permanent crisis responsibilities, including local governments, must update their risk analyses and crisis plans by the end of 2027. However, his main concern and question was why, considering the current security and political situation, the obligation to establish shelters in new buildings was postponed—an obligation that had been stipulated with an earlier deadline in the initial version of the draft bill.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab highlighted that institutions with permanent crisis management responsibilities, including local municipalities, have until the end of 2027 to align their crisis plans (HOLPs) with new risk analyses. He noted that preparedness is uneven but improving. However, the main question is why the requirement to establish shelters in new buildings—a requirement that was scheduled for an earlier date in the initial draft—was postponed, especially considering the current geopolitical security situation.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur explains that the requirement for local governments to have crisis plans has actually been a valid requirement since the amendments to the Emergency Situation Act, and following the law's entry into force, one unified and shorter crisis plan will be drawn up. A compromise was made regarding shelters during the drafting process in order to achieve a practical result and avoid writing meaningless norms.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized that the requirement for local governments (LGs) to draw up crisis plans is not new and that LGs' capacity has improved. Therefore, the new law simplifies the process by allowing them to compile just one comprehensive crisis plan instead of several separate continuity plans. Regarding shelters, however, a compromise was reached to avoid setting meaningless deadlines and to give local authorities time to achieve tangible results.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi asks Peeter Ernits to present his second question.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits criticizes the excessively large labyrinth of paragraphs and institutions and asks where exactly the experiences of Finland and Ukraine are most evident on the ground, and whether what was said in the Legal Affairs Committee is true.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits acknowledges the complexity and labyrinthine nature of the legislation and demands an explanation from the minister regarding which specific parts actually utilized the previously mentioned Finnish and Ukrainian experiences, thereby casting doubt on the veracity of the information discussed in the legal committee.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur highlighted Finland’s long-term model for crisis tasks, where responsibility is divided among local governments, essential services, and government agencies, and emphasized the need to learn from the experience of the war in Ukraine in the context of civilian crises.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasizes that the best lessons learned are being shared in parliament, drawn from two sources: wartime experiences in Ukraine and Finland's long-term successful model for resolving civil crises, which focuses on distributing crisis tasks between local governments and essential service providers.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
We now call Lauri Läänemets to the stage.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets criticizes the minister for failing to answer the previous question and demands an explanation for the government's decision to postpone the mandatory construction of shelters in new apartment buildings, while requiring them immediately for industrial buildings. He deems this prioritization illogical, given that the former are places where people reside overnight.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets is criticizing the minister for giving a vague answer regarding the construction of shelters and is demanding clarification on the government's decision, which grants a two-year extension for building shelters in new apartment buildings compared to industrial facilities, questioning why urgency is considered less important for residential buildings, where people actually spend the night.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets is criticizing the government's decision which mandates that all new buildings must include a shelter, but grants apartment blocks a two-year extension. He questions why, given that attacks occur at night, shelters in apartment buildings are being prioritized for later construction.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur responded to Lauri, stressing the necessity of finding a sensible compromise between the available budgetary resources and the high expectations. He pointed to the poor condition of the Riigikogu shelter as an example of why not everything can be fixed immediately, and noted that critics always have the right to submit amendments if the chosen pace and solutions are unsatisfactory.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized that a reasonable balance must be found between existing resources and managing expectations, and noted that compromise is necessary and that members of the Riigikogu have the right to submit amendment proposals.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Leo Kunnas to the stage.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The committee unanimously approved the proposed amendment to the Emergency Situation Act, which aims to establish a single, faster deadline for everyone. This proposal now moves to the floor for a vote and will be harmonized later. The issue you raised has been addressed, although it has not yet been put to a vote in the plenary session.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Leo Kunnas clarified the debate, announcing that the committee had just addressed an amendment to the Emergency Situation Act and had approved by consensus a proposal to establish a uniform, faster deadline for everyone, confirming that the issue raised by the minister has thus been resolved, although it has not yet reached a vote in the plenary hall.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Finally, the Emergency Situation Act and the Civil Crisis and National Defence Act must converge. They will be legally consolidated, and all deadlines will be reviewed concurrently.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stressed that the Emergency Situation Act and the Civil Crisis and National Defense Act must be consolidated from a legal-technical standpoint, a process during which all associated deadlines will also be jointly reviewed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi asked Lauri Läänemets to pose the second question.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets asks why the government made an exception by not requiring the rapid construction of shelters for apartment buildings, unlike the obligation imposed on industrial buildings. He further requests an explanation regarding the motives behind the government's deliberations, citing the positions of Kristen Michal and Leo Kunnas.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets is demanding an explanation from the minister as to why the government granted an exemption from the mandate to build shelters in new apartment buildings, while this obligation remains in force for industrial buildings. He considers this illogical and suspects that the decision is motivated by the financial interests of developers rather than ensuring public safety, and he criticizes the responses he has received as being evasive and failing to address the core issue.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur responded to Lauri, confirming his awareness of the issue at hand—the impact of the new obligation on apartment prices for young families. He stressed that, according to market rules, this cost will inevitably be factored into the construction price, and recommended submitting a concrete amendment proposal for changing the deadlines instead of merely offering criticism.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur confirmed that he understands the issue, emphasizing that the government thoroughly discussed the impact of the new obligation on young families and apartment prices—which, according to market rules, will inevitably be factored into the construction cost—and called upon his opponent to submit an official amendment proposal if he wishes to change the established deadline.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
The government discussed the impact of young families on apartment and construction prices, set a realistic deadline, and committed to changing the deadline and discussing corresponding amendment proposals if necessary.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi gives the floor to Arvo Aller.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller highlights the contradiction between the government’s promise to reduce bureaucracy and the proposed law, which amends a whopping 98 pieces of legislation, and asks directly how many laws are actually being repealed by it.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller said that this law amends 98 existing laws, and the goal is to reduce bureaucracy, and he asks how many laws are being repealed by it.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur announced that three major pieces of legislation – the Emergency Situation Act, the State of Emergency Act, and the National Defence Act – will be abolished and replaced by a single act. Furthermore, the total number of regulations will drop from approximately 280 to 176. The remaining implementing provisions will modify existing laws, totaling 98.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur is providing an overview of an extensive legislative consolidation, during which three voluminous acts—the Emergency Situation Act, the State of Emergency Act, and the National Defence Act—will be repealed and replaced by a single new law. This move reduces the number of provisions in the core text from 280 to 176, although the implementing provisions affect 98 other statutes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked the minister and confirmed that Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur had appeared before them, and they were honored, even though this could not be confirmed in the segment that was broadcast on AK.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur for his address, confirming the minister's identity, but humorously left open the question of whether the minister had also appeared on Aktuaalne Kaamera beforehand.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur wrapped up his presentation with an enthusiastic shout—"Telemagic!"—and briefly offered his thanks.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
The speech contained only the phrase "Telemaagia!".
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Esteemed colleagues will be able to hear the positions of the steering committee, which will be presented by Mati Raidma, a member of the National Defence Committee.
Mati Raidma
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The National Defence Committee presented and supported the long-awaited draft act on civil crisis and national defence, which consolidates 98 existing acts, establishes the concepts of crisis situation, crisis task, and population protection, and enhances the crisis preparedness of national defence through cooperation between local governments and other agencies. The committee also decided to conclude the first reading and grant an extended deadline for submitting amendments until October 10.
Mati Raidma
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mati Raidma, representing the National Defence Committee, strongly advocated for the long-awaited and comprehensive draft Civil Crisis and National Defence Act, which merges three existing laws, establishes a unified concept of a crisis situation, and systematizes the state's readiness and population protection. He emphasized that this is an essential step for enhancing the state's crisis resilience and developing comprehensive national defence, and proposed concluding the first reading while setting a longer deadline for submitting amendments.
Mati Raidma
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mati Raidma presents the position of the National Defence Committee regarding the draft law on civil crisis and national defence, which consolidates three existing acts, thereby creating a unified legal space and conceptual framework (including "crisis situation" and "population protection") for systematizing the state's crisis preparedness and the management of special regimes (state of emergency, state of war). Emphasizing the critical importance of the draft law for comprehensive national defence and its complexity (98 laws are being amended), the committee proposes concluding the first reading and setting a longer deadline for submitting proposals for amendments, namely October 10th.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience, notes that there is at least one question, and invites Riina Sikkut to speak.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked those present and gave the floor to Riina Sikkut to begin the round of questions, noting that she had at least one question.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut criticizes the approach that attempts to optimize crisis preparedness and investment in emergencies based purely on an Excel spreadsheet, stressing that readiness must be guaranteed even when facing irregular needs. She also questions the government on whether it is appropriate that new apartment buildings are not subject to the requirement to construct shelters, arguing that young families also need protection.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut emphasizes the importance of preparedness and crisis measures, raising the question of whether shelters should be made mandatory for new apartment buildings as well, taking into account the needs of young families and the consensus achieved in the National Defence Committee.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut criticizes the government's approach, which assumes that crisis preparedness can be optimized using an Excel spreadsheet, emphasizing that unpredictable situations require expensive investments in readiness. She asks directly whether the lack of a requirement to build shelters in new apartment buildings is justified, highlighting that young families also need protection and want to survive.
Mati Raidma
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mati Raidma confirms that the corresponding issue was resolved yesterday in the committee. There, with the participation of experts, a consensus decision was reached to change the common deadline in the draft bill to 2026. He stressed that the proposal will proceed to the main hall for further debate, but the current position is now established.
Mati Raidma
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Commission decided to amend the date of the draft proposal and set 2026 as the unified date, involving experts; the debate will continue during the plenary session, and the current status is consensual.
Mati Raidma
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mati Raidma announces that the answer to the question was already found yesterday in the committee, where, with the help of experts, a consensus was reached to change the deadline for the draft bill to 2026. However, he emphasizes that although the current status is established, the debate continues in the parliament's main hall.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi offered his thanks, stated that there were no questions, opened the debate, and on behalf of the EKRE faction requested the floor of the Riigikogu so that Arvo Aller could deliver a speech.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller stated that EKRE does not support the advancement of this bill because the new crisis situation framework replaces the emergency and crisis resolution plans of local governments, grants the government extensive rights to impose restrictions and detentions, and limits the role of the Riigikogu (Parliament) merely to approval. For this reason, he wishes to reject it at the first reading.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller, representing the EKRE faction, sharply criticizes the 1,600-page bill, arguing that it renders the previous crisis preparedness work of local municipalities useless and grants the Government of the Republic, through the new term "crisis situation," unlimited authority to restrict the movement and property of citizens, thereby bypassing the control of the Riigikogu. Consequently, a proposal is being made to reject the bill during its first reading.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller, representing the EKRE faction, proposes rejecting the extensive crisis regulation bill during its first reading, because it renders the previous work of local municipalities void and grants the Government of the Republic, via the new term "crisis situation," unlimited authority, based on a mere order, to restrict the movement of people and implement coercive measures, thereby circumventing the constitutional oversight of the Riigikogu.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu represents the Eesti 200 faction and submits a request.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu emphasizes the vital role played by the first reading of Draft Law 668 on Civil Crisis and National Defence in the actual establishment of comprehensive national defence. By creating a unified legal framework for all contributors, the bill eliminates the "silo effect" between ministries and agencies during crisis management, thereby ensuring the effective pooling of resources and strengthening urgent civil protection measures against the backdrop of the aggression threat from the eastern neighbor.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu considers the adoption of the Draft Law on Civil Crisis and National Defense to be a critically important step in the practical implementation of comprehensive national defense, as it establishes a unified legal framework that integrates all civil and military resources. This integration is necessary to ensure coordinated action, synergy, and the elimination of the "silo effect" in any crisis or wartime situation. He simultaneously stressed the urgency of strengthening civil protection due to the threat posed by the eastern neighbor.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
According to Kalev Stoicescu, the first reading of Bill 668 lays the groundwork for a truly unified national defense and crisis management structure. It eliminates the effects of silo mentality, establishes a common framework for planning, training, and operations, and accelerates the development of civil protection and crisis readiness.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi asks for three extra minutes.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu emphasized that the Law on Civil Crises and National Defense establishes a unified crisis management framework where the state, local governments, the private sector, and citizens share responsibility and, together with allies, assist one another in crisis situations when necessary, all to ensure Estonia's security and readiness against all threats, and he requested support for the draft legislation.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu considers the Civil Crises and National Defence Act a very necessary and bold step in strengthening comprehensive national defence. It achieves this by establishing a unified crisis management framework that distributes responsibility among the state, local governments, the private sector, and residents, while emphasizing the self-sufficiency of individuals and their readiness to assist even strangers. This is intended to ensure Estonia’s best possible defence against any threat, be it military aggression, an epidemic, or a hybrid attack.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu is asking for support for the draft bill on civil crisis and national defense, emphasizing its importance in establishing a comprehensive national defense framework that connects all levels—from the state to local governments, the private sector, and residents—and defines the roles of all parties. This is intended to ensure Estonia's best possible defense against any serious crisis or threat, whether it be military aggression or an epidemic.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He thanks the assembly and, on behalf of the Reform Party faction, requests the Riigikogu rostrum for his colleague, Mihkel Lees.
Mihkel Lees
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The new draft bill establishes a unified crisis preparedness framework, under which actions during crises will follow a clear chain of command, and every institution and community knows its role. The roles of local governments will be defined and standardized, and civil defense will finally receive a clear legal framework. The state will compensate for the costs associated with fulfilling crisis duties, and restrictions on constitutional rights are well-considered and linked to protective guarantees, which increases trust and enables faster response and stronger protection in both civil and national defense.
Mihkel Lees
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mihkel Lees emphasizes that the rapidly changing security situation demands clear and unified crisis preparedness from the state. This is why they are supporting the long-awaited bill, which creates a comprehensive system by unifying previously fragmented rules, clarifying the crisis responsibilities of local governments and institutions, and, for the first time, legalizing civil protection, thereby ensuring better response capabilities and stronger defense.
Mihkel Lees
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mihkel Lees stresses that the new crisis regulation bill has been eagerly awaited, as it replaces the current fragmented legislation with a comprehensive and clear system. This system establishes a unified framework for crisis preparedness, clearly defines the crisis responsibilities of state institutions and local governments, and, for the first time in Estonian history, formalizes population protection, thereby ensuring better readiness and a faster response.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi expresses his thanks and, on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party Faction, requests that the Riigikogu podium be yielded to his good colleague, Vladimir Arhipov.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov emphasizes that the unified law, which resulted from the revision of crisis legislation, establishes a comprehensive framework for managing emergency situations and assigns clear roles to the state, local governments, businesses, and residents. However, its implementation must ensure adequate resources and proportionality, as well as restrictions on fundamental rights that are limited both temporally and substantively, and the discussion must continue to clarify the practical impacts of the draft legislation.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov deems it necessary to create a new legal framework for crisis regulation that would consolidate three previously separate laws. This framework is intended to ensure Estonia's unified and clear response in the face of growing threats, although he simultaneously highlights several areas of concern. Specifically, he stresses that the state must guarantee sufficient resources for local governments and businesses to carry out new crisis tasks. Furthermore, the government's powers to restrict fundamental rights during a crisis must remain proportional and temporally limited, requiring additional discussion regarding the practical impact of the draft legislation.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov considers the creation of a new legal framework for crisis regulation, which merges three existing laws, to be essential for ensuring Estonia’s unified security and establishing clear roles for all parties in the event of unforeseen threats. However, he simultaneously raises critical questions concerning the lack of resources for local authorities to fulfill new obligations, the disproportionate costs placed upon the private sector, and the extensive rights granted to the government to restrict fundamental rights during a crisis, demanding further discussion to guarantee the bill’s realism, feasibility, and fairness.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced the termination of negotiations and said that the steering committee's proposal is to conclude the first reading of Bill 668. However, the EKRE faction submitted a proposal to reject Bill 668 during the first reading, and we will vote on it after the call to the chamber.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller put to a vote the EKRE faction's proposal to reject the government-initiated Draft Act 668 on Civil Crisis and National Defence during its first reading.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The proposal was not supported (7 in favour, 61 against, 0 abstentions); the first reading of Bill 668 has concluded, the deadline for submitting amendments is 4:00 PM on October 10th of this year, and we have completed the seventh item on the agenda.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller announces that the Riigikogu rejected the submitted proposal, concluded the first reading of Draft Act 668, and set the deadline for submitting amendments as 4:00 PM on October 10th of the current year, simultaneously noting the completion of the seventh item on the agenda.