Third reading of the draft law amending the Defence Organisation Act and the Economic Zone Act (Strengthening Maritime Security) (565 SE)
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Date: 2025-04-09 20:29
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 19m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda for the third reading includes draft law no. 565, amending the Defence Forces Order Act and the Economic Zone Act (strengthening maritime security), initiated by the Government of the Republic of Estonia. The draft law’s purpose is to modernize the legal environment so that the Defence Forces have additional law enforcement and military rights applicable for the protection of vital national defense objects and infrastructure, and for ensuring maritime security. The focus of the reviews was the need to strengthen capabilities and legality, while emphasizing that the improvement does not completely eliminate the danger, but provides the state with better tools to reduce it and keep the risk under control. The discussion also highlighted the importance of international law and cooperation with allies, the possibility of expanding the adjacent zone area, and strengthening navigation results in the Gulf of Finland, if possible in accordance with the political and legal framework. The drafting and discussion of the draft law reflected a broad consensus effort to maintain a safe and functional maritime space and Estonia's long-term security bedrock. The second part of the discussion concerned funding and preparedness issues, emphasizing the need to coordinate the implementation of the law and increase the Navy's capabilities as needed and in cooperation with allies.
Decisions Made 1
Bill 565 has finally been passed and approved as a law to increase power and strengthen maritime security. The final vote result: 62 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstentions.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa), who represented the right-wing political line. He delivered several significant speeches and stated clearly the naturalness and necessity of strengthening the capabilities of the defense forces and the maritime region, and the need to continue developing legislation and security policies in cooperation with allies.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He announces the opening of the fourth item on the agenda and opens negotiations on the third reading of Bill 565, which concerns amendments to the laws on the organization of the Defence Forces and the economic zone in order to strengthen maritime security, on behalf of the Estonian Reform Party faction, Meelis Kiili.
Meelis Kiili
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Meelis Kiili said that the bill updates the Defence Forces' organisation and the Economic Zone Act in order to reduce the threat arising from the adversary's intentions and capabilities and to better protect vital facilities, but he emphasised that although it will increase our capabilities, the threat remains and we must think ahead and contribute to international legislation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman thanks wholeheartedly and announces that Urmas Reinsalu represents on behalf of the Isamaa faction.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Isamaa representative Urmas Reinsalu said that they would vote for the law, but stressed that it is not sufficient and that the strategic objective requires the development of international law in close cooperation with allies and Finland, the expansion of the contiguous zone and the economic zone, and effective control of the Gulf of Finland, because the Russian naval fleet has become a reality and the pace of solutions is insufficient.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience and informs that Raimond Kaljulaid represents the Social Democratic Party faction and submits a request.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid said that the draft is the first step in national defense, stressed the critical importance of the Navy for Estonia's security and the need for sufficient funding and training to meet the Chief of Defence's recommendations and NATO objectives, and noted that current readiness and resources are insufficient and that the government must make them realistically available.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The deputy speaker thanks and gives the floor to Peeter Tali on behalf of the Eesti 200 faction.
Peeter Tali
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Tali said that the accelerated bill is an important first step in strengthening the Estonian Navy's capabilities and the legal basis of national defense, and that we must continue with updating the following laws and the foundations of security policy in order to cope with both conventional war and hybrid pressure.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi informed about the termination of negotiations, confirmed the steering committee's proposal to hold a final vote on Draft Bill 565, the content of which concerns amending the Defence Forces Organization Act and the Economic Zone Act in order to strengthen maritime security, and asked to take a position and vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Bill 565 was enacted into law; 62 members of the Riigikogu voted in favor, none voted against, and 0 abstained.