An inquiry regarding the hindrance of development in the defence industry (no 783)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
Date: 2025-09-15 18:11
Total Speeches: 125
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 6m
AI Summaries: 125/125 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated an interpellation submitted to Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur regarding the hindering of the development of the defense industry. The inquiry was submitted by several members of the Riigikogu, led by Raimond Kaljulaid. Kaljulaid sharply criticized both the four-month delay in discussing the interpellation and the actions of the Ministry of Defence, highlighting the delay in adopting the implementing acts for the Arms Act (five months past the deadline) and the criticism from the defense industry association concerning the slow planning of the defense industry park. Questions were also raised regarding issues of fund usage and advance payments highlighted in the National Audit Office report, as well as the court ruling concerning the expansion of the Nursipalu training area, emphasizing the question of accountability.
Minister Hanno Pevkur defended the ministry's activities, explaining that the drafting of the implementing acts required the involvement of numerous agencies and experts to ensure the clarity of the regulations. He stressed that the procedure for the national special plan for the defense industry park (one and a half years) was the fastest possible method under the current legal framework, also taking into account the need for an environmental impact assessment. Pevkur denied that the delays had caused economic damage or scared off investments. He confirmed that internal control and auditing have been strengthened following the National Audit Office’s remarks, and three responsible individuals have left their posts. During the debate, Leo Kunnas criticized the development of the Estonian defense industry compared to Latvia and Lithuania, faulting the inability to guarantee purchase guarantees for major investors, which stifles economic growth and wartime production capacity.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made.
Most Active Speaker
Raimond Kaljulaid (left-wing/other) was the most active speaker, introducing the interpellation, repeatedly posing questions, and delivering the closing statement, where he sharply criticized the ministry's actions and its avoidance of responsibility.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that the first item on the agenda will be the interpellation concerning the hindering of the development of the defense industry, which was submitted on May 19th of this year by Riigikogu members Raimond Kaljulaid, Tiit Maran, Reili Rand, Heljo Pikhof, Züleyxa Izmailova, Tanel Kiik, Anti Allas, Helmen Kütt, Lauri Läänemets, and Riina Sikkut. Furthermore, colleague Raimond Kaljulaid will take the rostrum to introduce the interpellation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar opened the session, introducing the agenda, which centered on a series of interpellations, and invited Raimond Kaljulaid to the podium to present the interpellation submitted by the members of the Riigikogu concerning the hindering of defense industry development.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid emphasizes that the current interpellation, along with the delays and problems that have emerged in the defense sector, highlights the weakness of parliamentary oversight and calls upon the government and responsible officials to provide specific explanations and organize a broader discussion on national defense.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid sharply criticizes the weakness of the Riigikogu’s parliamentary oversight and the piled-up problems in the defense sector, accusing the minister of a lengthy delay in adopting the implementing acts of the Arms Act. This delay has held back the development of the defense industry and resulted in a potential loss of investment for Estonia. He lists several "yellow cards" (including shortcomings identified by the National Audit Office and the Nursipalu court case, which points to inadequate preparatory work by the government) and demands the clear identification of those responsible for all these errors and omissions that have surfaced in the security sector.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar expresses his thanks and requests, before the Riigikogu, that Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur answer the interpellation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked [the house] and invited Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur to the Riigikogu rostrum to answer the interpellation.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur thanks the Speaker of the Riigikogu and the members who submitted the interpellation, mentions Raimond’s recommendation for the next interpellation, titled “On the Situation in the State,” and asks if he may now proceed with his answer.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, addressing the Speaker of the Riigikogu and the questioners, criticized the overly broad scope of the introduction to Raimond's interpellation, ironically suggesting that next time they simply pose the question "On the Situation in the Country," and then requested permission to begin his reply.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar addressed the Minister, offering him the floor and requesting that he proceed with answering the interpellation that had been submitted.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar asks the Minister to respond to the interpellation.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur responded to an inquiry concerning the establishment of the defense industry park, stressing that the extended procedural timeline stemmed from the necessity of broadly engaging experts and various agencies to develop clear regulations. He further noted that the chosen national special planning procedure represented the fastest possible route (approximately eighteen months) under the existing legal framework for ratifying the plan, thereby dismissing accusations of causing delays and economic damage, and instead underscoring the project's positive economic contribution.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur said that the planning of the defence industry park was widely consulted with various agencies, and they utilized the fast-track procedure for the national special plan, which, according to him, is the quickest and most economically beneficial method. However, environmental impacts and the special rules applicable during a crisis situation must be considered.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks the audience, invites them to submit questions, and then addresses Züleyxa Izmailova.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar concluded his brief address, thanked the audience, and gave the floor to Züleyxa Izmailova for questions.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova addresses the minister, referencing previous questions, and, based on the observations made by the State Audit Office, requests a clear answer—specifically "yes" or "no"—as to whether any further erroneous advance payments have been identified.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riigikogu member Züleyxa Izmailova, in light of the recent observations made by the State Audit Office, asks whether any further erroneous advance payments have been made, or whether confirmation has been received that they will no longer be made, and requests a yes or no answer.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur announced that the extraordinary inventory is still underway, but it should be completed in the near future, after which precise answers can be provided.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
The emergency inventory count is still underway and should be completed shortly, after which we will be able to provide an exact answer.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Tiit Maran to speak.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran asserts that the Tallinn Administrative Court overturned the government's decisions concerning the expansion of the Nursipalu training area because the Planning Act was violated. He stresses that the responsibility for the proper preparation and correct procedure of these decisions rests with the government and the ministry, a matter which also touches upon the local community's lack of willingness to support defense activities.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran criticized the government following the Tallinn Administrative Court’s decision to annul the expansion decisions for the Nursipalu training area, arguing that the decisions had not been properly formalized according to legal requirements. He stressed that instead of pointing fingers, the minister should take responsibility for the correct implementation of these decisions, a factor crucial for maintaining local residents' support for defense activities.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur emphasized that the development of the Nursipalu training area requires a quick solution, and the state must be able to make decisions quickly in response to changing security situations, whether through an expedited procedure or special planning. However, this must be in compliance with the laws, and the court ruling provides input for future steps.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur explained that due to the need for the rapid development of the Nursipalu training area, the government, with the approval of the legislature, implemented an expedited procedure, which, in the event of a security threat, is an essential alternative to special planning processes that can last for years. He also stressed that the ongoing legal dispute provides valuable input for future similar situations and for the potential need to amend the law.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman calls upon Andre Hanimägi to speak.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi is raising criticism regarding the delay in establishing the park, noting that both the Defense Industry Association and the Prime Minister have expressed concern, and asks the minister directly whether Estonia has lost potential foreign investments due to this delay and legislative restrictions.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi is voicing criticism over the delay of the park project, recalling the concerns raised by the Defense Industry Association and the Prime Minister, and questioning whether Estonia’s slow pace or legislative restrictions have caused the loss of investments.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur is analyzing Estonia's position in international investment competition, highlighting the advantages of legal certainty and the non-taxation of reinvested profit, alongside the challenges concerning labor availability. He emphasizes the state's role in creating infrastructure within the defense industry park and is initiating a debate on whether Estonia should consider deviating from the principle of equal treatment in the future to offer special conditions and tax reliefs to major investors, as is done in other countries, even though the current legal framework largely does not permit this.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur stated that Estonia's competitiveness relies on a clear legal environment and the non-taxation of reinvested profits. The state develops the infrastructure for industrial parks, and companies select the best investment locations, but the possibility of direct offers and special provisions is being discussed, all while ensuring equal conditions for all businesses.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls on Peeter Ernits to speak.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits questions the extent to which environmental factors should be considered in the defense industry park, citing Kalev Kuld’s claim that the region is one of the most nature-rich locations where 200 to 300 jobs are expected.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits casts doubt on the minister’s claim about the necessity of considering the environment, asking how much weight nature (referencing Kalevi Kull’s assessment of the natural richness of the defense industry park location) should hold alongside economic interests and the creation of new jobs.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur emphasized that although legislation provides the framework, finding the balance between protecting nature and developing the economy (including national defence needs) in every specific case is extremely complex and a constant political debate, because environmental impact is unavoidable when developing business.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that nature conservation and environmental impacts must fit within the legal framework, taking into account the needs of both the economy and national defense. He added that although the balance between protecting nature and developing enterprise is complex, efforts are being made to ensure these frameworks function cohesively.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar addresses Leo Kunnas and asks him.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Leo Kunnas addressed the chairman of the session and Hanno to ask whether, in principle, the defense industry park is expecting any major international company that manufactures explosives or ammunition.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kunnas asks whether any major international explosives or ammunition manufacturer will come to the defense industry park at all.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that the final offers must be submitted by this evening, and tomorrow we should have them all on the table. Discussions have been ongoing with companies, including participation from international firms and companies operating in the production of large-caliber ammunition.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur announced that discussions have been held with international companies regarding the production of large-caliber ammunition, and final offers must be submitted by tonight so that they can be on the table starting tomorrow.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Martin Helme.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme expresses concern that, following criticism from the State Audit Office, accounting in the defense sector has become vulnerable, increasing the risks of corruption, waste, and conflicts of interest. He asks what measures have been taken or will be taken, and how authorities plan to react if funds disappear into a black hole.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme emphasized the problems with defense sector accounting, which had been utterly slammed by the National Audit Office, as well as the direct transition of high-ranking defense officials (such as the Herems, Palms, and Salms) into the state defense industry, seeing in this a massive threat of corruption, waste, and conflict of interest. He demanded an answer regarding what specific steps have been taken to prevent these risks from materializing and how they will react if money vanishes into a black hole.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Pevkur confirms that the increased defense funding raises risks and competition. Consequently, he has established an internal security and internal control department and enhanced internal auditing, focusing specifically on the utilization and transparency of these funds. He stresses, however, that while corruption cannot be entirely eliminated, the best possible procedures are being implemented to safeguard national defense finances.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stressed that while the growing national defense budget also increases the risks of corruption and competition in procurements, a Security and Internal Control Department has been established to mitigate these risks and ensure transparency. Furthermore, the internal audit function has been strengthened with a new head and an additional auditor, and significant focus has been placed on establishing clear procedures to eliminate the threat of corruption and guarantee the appropriate use of taxpayer funds.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is a brief request to invite Anti Allas to speak.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas stated that the Nursipalu administrative court's decision is once again causing considerable confusion among local residents, and asked whether the planning process could be restarted so that subsequent stages might reach a conclusion more quickly. He also stressed the necessity of reaching an agreement with the ministry officials, arguing that the impression of 'anti-state activity' was unwarranted, given that the administrative court had arrived at the same conclusion.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas draws attention to the confusion caused by the Nursipalu administrative court decision and recommends restarting the planning process to achieve a faster outcome. He simultaneously emphasizes the need to reconcile local residents with the ministry, as they were baselessly accused of anti-state activities—an incorrectness which the court has now confirmed. He is awaiting an apology or clarification of the situation from the ministry.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that the expansion of Nursipalu is necessary and must be carried out quickly for the defense of both ourselves and our allies. He added that even though the court decisions have not yet taken effect and the situation remains the same as before, the plan will continue, and if necessary, the data gathered during the proceedings will be used when making subsequent decisions.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur continues to affirm the urgent necessity of expanding the Nursipalu training area for both Estonian and allied forces, emphasizing that despite the ongoing litigation, the administrative court's decision has not entered into force. Therefore, work will continue on the current basis while awaiting the district court's ruling and planning to utilize the data collected during the proceedings in the future as well.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid is criticizing the minister for creating new problems in the field of national defense procurements, citing the lowering of language requirements for the head of the Centre for Defence Investments (RKIK) from the justified C1 level to B2. He emphasizes that B2-level language proficiency is insufficient for conducting complex international contracts and nuanced negotiations with US and UK companies, which is essential for this position.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is a short request to Raimond Kaljulaid.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid stated that the minister is lowering the language requirements for candidates applying to lead the State Centre for Defence Investments from C1 to B2, which, in his opinion, will prevent them from being able to understand complex contracts and international transactions.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that they are seeking a strong top executive to head the State Centre for Defence Investments, and the center of competence will organize the selection of the best candidates to ensure taxpayer money is utilized as effectively as possible for strengthening defense capabilities.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur acknowledges the informal nature of the inquiry and the procedural questions, but he is focusing on the search for the new head of the State Centre for Defence Investments (RKIK). He confirms that the Center of Excellence for Top Executives, which operates under the State Chancellery and was presented with 16 candidates, will be able to find a strong and competent top executive. This new leader will be capable of getting the large organization running so that taxpayer money is utilized with maximum efficiency for the country’s defense capability.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar clarified the procedure for conducting the session, emphasizing that the Chair would only respond to procedural questions concerning the conduct of the session, and subsequently granted the floor to Lauri Läänemets.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman emphasizes that the presiding officer will only answer questions concerning the procedure for conducting the session.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets posed a question to the parliament regarding whether the Central Criminal Police or the Security Police had initiated any proceedings concerning public procurements within the domain of the Ministry of Defence, and whether information inquiries had been made or interviews conducted with individuals summoned from the Ministry of Defence.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets requests the minister to clearly confirm before Parliament, due to difficulties arising from the National Audit Office report, whether the Central Criminal Police or the Security Police have initiated any proceedings, made information inquiries, or summoned Ministry employees for an interview in connection with the Ministry of Defence's public procurements.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that the Central Criminal Police and the Security Police Board are not required to inform the minister about proceedings related to defense procurements, and even if proceedings are underway, they are not obligated to disclose this information, although the details may eventually reach the public.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur confirmed that although the Central Criminal Police and the Security Police Board have not informed him about any proceedings related to defense procurements, this is expected, as they are under no obligation to inform the minister about the initiation of specific criminal proceedings, and if the work is underway, the results will become known eventually.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman asks Varro Vooglaid to speak.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid drew attention to the problems with financial management and work organization within the Ministry of Defense's purview, as highlighted by the National Audit Office. These issues included inadequate data concerning documents, contracts, and inventory. He then asked whether anyone would be held accountable and dismissed, or if the current situation would simply be allowed to continue by hiring more staff.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid is raising the issue of the serious disarray in financial management and work organization identified by the State Audit Office within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense. This disarray was evident, among other things, in inadequate documentation and the lack of accessible contracts. He is demanding an answer to the question of whether anyone will actually be held responsible for this situation and lose their job, rather than simply solving the problems by hiring new staff.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur confirmed that three key individuals, including the director and the official responsible for supplies, have recently departed from the Centre for Defence Investments. Although replacements have been found, new personnel changes cannot be ruled out should the ongoing extraordinary inventories and audits reveal further deficiencies.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
The Director of the Centre for Defence Investments, the former internal auditor, and the head of department who was performing the duties of deputy secretary general have all departed. New and capable individuals have been found to replace them. An extraordinary inventory concerning advance payments has been initiated, alongside a concrete action plan for implementing all observations noted in the National Audit Office's annual report. Should anything emerge during these inventories, it cannot be ruled out that further departures may be necessary, but decisions will only be made once the inventories have been concluded.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme highlighted the danger posed by Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Ust-Luga port, which could lead to massive oil or chemical contamination near Estonia. He requested information on whether the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have developed plans, procured the necessary resources, and consulted with neighboring countries regarding a pollution response scenario that would directly impact Estonia.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme asked whether the Ministry of Defence, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, has established the necessary readiness and resources, and consulted with neighboring countries—especially Finland—to respond in the event of a large-scale oil or chemical spill occurring in Ust-Luga.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Mart Helme to speak.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stresses that the ecosystem of the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea is vulnerable, and the risk of environmental pollution is high should anything happen to the old shadow fleet tankers. Furthermore, even though the targets of the recent attack on the Ust-Luga port were land-based and no marine pollution resulted, the ecosystem remains a single entity.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur highlighted that the operations of both the Ust-Luga port and the shadow fleet, which consists of old single-hulled tankers, in the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea pose a significant environmental risk, emphasizing that due to the Baltic Sea's shallow depth and sensitive water composition, potential pollution would be catastrophic, even if recent attacks have spared the marine environment.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Heljo Pikhof to take the floor.
Heljo Pikhof
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Heljo Pikhof criticizes the delay in the adoption of the Weapons Act and questions who is responsible for it—a single minister or the entire government collectively.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
He confirmed that the amendments to the Weapons Act are the responsibility of the Riigikogu, and although there was a delay in adopting the implementing acts, the industry has not stalled and no obstacles have arisen.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized that the passing of legislation is the responsibility of the Riigikogu, and assured that although the adoption of the implementing acts for the Weapons Act was delayed, it did not cause any stoppages or obstacles in the industry's operations.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Anti Poolamets.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets sharply criticizes the fact that internal control had temporarily disappeared in an institution like the Ministry of Defence, which handles vast resources. He deems this illegal and demands accountability, noting that although internal control has been restored, it requires even more serious strengthening given the size of the institution.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets criticizes the disappearance of the Ministry of Defence's internal control function and the start of work by a new controller, asking for a timeline and accountability, and emphasizing the need for stronger and more serious internal control.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stressed the distinction between internal control and internal audit. He confirmed that the ministry, under the leadership of the new Permanent Secretary, has strengthened both the audit and control departments by adding personnel to ensure sufficient oversight regarding the utilization of the growing national defense budget. He noted, however, that temporary vacancies are common, but the functions of the roles continue.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur said that the people recruited to the Internal Control and Security Department are good and proactive, that internal audit is distinct from internal control, and that although some positions are unfilled, the functions are being carried out, and with the growth of national defence funding, the audit and its monitoring must be strengthened.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speaker offers thanks and addresses Tanel Kiik with a request.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik emphasized the importance of the national defense sector's credibility and impeccable image, especially in the context of the ongoing war, and demanded an explanation from the minister regarding what specific additional steps will be taken to ensure public trust in the expedient use of growing defense expenditures, while simultaneously inquiring about the minister's personal responsibility.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik asks the Minister of Defense what steps have been taken to maintain confidence in the national defense sector in light of criticism, and what the minister's personal responsibility is.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasizes that in order to achieve trust, it is necessary to talk to people, address criticism, and show where tax funds are being allocated, by introducing the KILP and Estonia 2035 strategies, and by explaining and convincingly demonstrating the plans for strengthening the defense forces.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasizes that the primary golden rule in every sector, especially at the government level, is to engage with people, provide detailed explanations of activities and the use of taxpayer funds (referring to defense investments), accept criticism, and bear full ministerial responsibility for the sake of building trust and continuously improving matters.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This address is simply a request to invite Henn Põlluaas to speak.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas stressed that the primary issue in developing the Estonian defense industry park is the state's lack of commitment to purchase the output of incoming companies, a factor that could significantly impede both the arrival of investors and the development of the ammunition park.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas criticizes the slow pace of establishing a defense industry park in Estonia compared to Latvia and Lithuania, stressing that the main obstacle preventing investors (such as Leonardo and Nammo) from coming is the lack of a state purchase guarantee for the critically needed ammunition they would produce, which significantly impedes the progress of the entire project.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur defended Estonia's investment and procurement policy, highlighting the country's favorable legal, business, and tax environment, as well as its faster decision-making process compared to Latvia and Lithuania. He confirmed that signed contracts would not be canceled and that large investment grants are available, but emphasized that when it comes to major investments in the defense industry, Estonia cannot commit to buying the entire output. Instead, purchasing decisions will be made based on market conditions, and companies are expected to demonstrate export capability right from the start.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that a strong legal environment and tax incentives have been established in Estonia, and the state is prepared to make investments and purchases to a certain extent. However, purchases are assessed based on market conditions and export capability, and every offer will be reviewed separately, rather than buying up everything indiscriminately.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks Anti Poolamets and explains that in the case of interpellations, every member of the Riigikogu may ask only one oral question, which is why he cannot grant a second question. He then asks Riina Sikkut to be attentive, noting that the minister had left the podium and returned.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar refused to grant Anti Poolamets a second question, citing the Riigikogu rules on inquiries. Nevertheless, he still allowed Minister Riina Sikkut to respond, while admonishing the members of parliament to be more attentive in the future when submitting requests for questions, so that the minister would not have to travel back and forth unnecessarily.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut asked the minister whether there were delays in the planning of the defense industry park—allegedly up to 12 months—and what the actual truth is for the average citizen.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Apologizing for her late arrival, Riina Sikkut asks the minister to clarify where the truth lies regarding the planning of the defense industry park, as the head of the defense industry association has spoken in the media about a delay of up to 12 months, which the minister, however, categorically denies.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasizes that while speed is desirable, Tallinn must adhere to planning and nature conservation laws. This requires carrying out all public consultations and environmental impact assessments under the special plan, a process that takes a year and a half. Accelerating the timeline would mean skipping some of these stages, which neither the state nor the chamber desires.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur addressed the conflict between the desire of businesses to start construction immediately and the duration of planning processes. He noted that while local detailed plans (for example, in Tallinn) can take years, the 1.5-year procedure for the state special plan is actually very quick. This is because it must strike a complex balance between the pace of development and the legally required standards for environmental protection, impact assessment, and public consultation. He stressed that achieving a faster timeline would inevitably mean foregoing essential steps.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the respected Minister and welcomed him back to the podium, noting simultaneously that the Minister still has at least one question or topic remaining.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks the Minister for returning to the podium and announces that there is still at least one more question, and invites Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur briefly confirmed that the ongoing process has reached the second round.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that the respondent still had at least one question pending, and then invited Helle-Moonika Helme to the podium next.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme is raising the question regarding the sale of a majority stake in state-funded Milrem Robotics to an Arab conglomerate, emphasizing that this is a recurring pattern, and warning of potential security risks, given that Arab nations maintain good relations with Russia and the buyer is a non-NATO country. She draws parallels with previous suspicious transactions where Russians may have been operating behind shell companies.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speaker criticized Milrem Robotics' state funding and the subsequent sale of a majority stake to Arab entities, citing the potential for geopolitical risks. They also recalled that similar deals had been made previously, specifically mentioning when Estonian power plants were sold to a shell company whose owners were Russian.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The core message of the speech, "Your Time!", emphasizes that this is the listeners' own moment.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme stresses the necessity of critically evaluating the current situation and ongoing processes, challenging their validity and seeking solutions to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He is investigating how to avoid such situations in the future and whether these things should continue this way.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized that the Arabian Peninsula is an important and developing defense industry market where the West is investing. He also explained that while attracting foreign capital to Estonian companies is natural and supported, the export of military goods from Estonia is strictly regulated by an expert commission operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which issues export licenses after evaluating the destination and purpose of the goods.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur points out that the Arabian Peninsula holds extensive interests and represents a developing defense industry market, attracting significant investments from Western nations. Estonia, for its part, is focusing on leveraging the European Defence Fund through guarantees and co-financing to help Estonian companies secure foreign capital. However, exports remain subject to export permits issued by an expert commission.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, having thanked the Minister and noted the conclusion of the question round, opened the debates and invited Raimond Kaljulaid, the representative of the interpellators, back to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers his thanks and announces that there are no further questions for the Minister. I now open the debate and invite Raimond Kaljulaid, the representative of the interpellators, back to the rostrum.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid sharply criticizes the Minister of Defence on several counts, primarily for the five-month delay in implementing the enforcement acts of the Arms Act, deeming the minister’s explanations inadequate, given that the ministry itself set the deadlines. Furthermore, the speaker faults the prolonged delay in developing the defence industry park, a situation the industry association is unhappy with, and considers the lowering of language requirements for the head of the State Centre for Defence Investments absurd, suggesting the preference for a favoured candidate, finally rejecting the minister’s criticism directed at Tallinn’s planning processes.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid criticizes the delay in implementing acts concerning the defense sector and the minister's responses, claiming that the content was known and that there was a timely opportunity to complete the work. He also condemns the lowering of the language proficiency requirement and emphasizes the political debate regarding Tallinn's urban planning issues.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The presenter asks Raimond Kaljulaid if he wants extra time.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid briefly requested one minute of speaking time.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid requests a one-minute pause.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks for one more minute of time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar made a brief and specific request, asking for one additional minute of extra time.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid criticizes Hanno Pevkur and the government, suggesting they should take a cue from Tallinn, Lithuania, and Vilnius to speed up defense sector procedures. He notes that these entities have demonstrated better results and have managed to make their processes more efficient.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid recommends that Hanno Pevkur follow Tallinn's example, inquire how procedures have been sped up there, and learn from Lithuania and Vilnius so that he can do the same in the defense sector.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks [the previous speaker] and invites his colleague, Leo Kunnas, to the podium.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar concluded his address with an expression of thanks and then yielded the floor to his colleague Leo Kunnas, asking him to step up to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Leo Kunnas argues that the state of Estonia’s defense industry is disgracefully inadequate compared to Latvia and Lithuania, citing that planning has ignored fundamental military requirements, such as the dispersal of production and the local manufacturing of basic ammunition (cartridges and shells). Consequently, several significant international investments and technology transfers have bypassed Estonia, heading instead to neighboring countries, thereby depriving Estonia of critical wartime production capabilities.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Leo Kunnas argues that the Estonian defense industry is in a poor state compared to Latvia and Lithuania, and we must focus on securing logistics and the production of essential wartime supplies—such as cartridges, shells, and explosives. The war in Ukraine demonstrates that the defense industry needs to be dispersed or hidden early in the conflict. Moreover, we lack the international cooperation and technology transfer already seen in Latvia and Lithuania (Rheinmetall moving into Lithuania, Nammo, and Patria armored vehicle production).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks for three minutes of extra time.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Leo Kunnas warns that increasing defense spending to 5.4% of GDP and relying on borrowing will lead to a long-term arms race and the exhaustion of the economy, unless we develop our domestic defense industry and production capabilities and become capable of manufacturing essential ammunition and weapon systems ourselves.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Leo Kunnas stresses that while increasing defense spending to 5.4% of GDP and financing it via loans is unavoidable, the Estonian economy cannot sustain this decades-long arms race marathon if the foolish mistake of continuing to buy everything cheaply from abroad, allowing capital to drain out of the country, persists. Consequently, it is vitally important to develop the domestic defense industry—producing shells, mines, and weapon systems—which would guarantee economic sustainability, employment, and long-term resilience.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar expresses his thanks, announces that there are no further requests to speak, and subsequently closes the debate and concludes the consideration of the first item on the agenda.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the participants, confirmed that no further requests to speak had been submitted, and subsequently closed the debate, thereby concluding the consideration of the first item on the agenda.