Draft law (610 SE) for amending the Nature Conservation Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (Nature assessment) – first reading
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Date: 2025-05-15 01:15
Total Speeches: 107
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 28m
AI Summaries: 107/107 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
12. Agenda item concerned the draft law 610 for the amendment of the Nature Conservation Act, initiated by the Republic’s Government, and the amendment of other laws associated with it (Nature Assessment), for its first reading. The presenter was Andres Sutt. The main point was the expansion of the separate procedure scheme for Nature Assessments to cover all activities that may have an impact on the conservation objectives of a Natura 2000 area, but lack a broader environmental impact. Restrictions on felling rules were also clarified, and opportunities were discussed through assessment and compensation systems to reduce the administrative burden on authorities and forest owners. The discussion unfolded against the backdrop of EU infringement proceedings, and questions were raised concerning fundamental rights, transparency, and the skills needed to carry out Nature Assessments, as well as how experts are involved and how their independence is ensured. In summary, the draft law aims to reduce bureaucracy and time consumption, improve clarity in protected areas, and ensure the protection of forest habitats in Natura 2000 areas, while maintaining a balance with opportunities for economic activity. As is known, concerns arose and were accompanied by the possibility of legal proceedings, and the culmination of the discussion was a consensus decision to bring the draft law to the agenda of the plenary session on May 14th and designate Tiit Maran as the representative of the leading commission. Finally, a decision was adopted to continue the proceedings in the first reading, but the draft law received a negative vote, and the balance of interests of member states and citizens remains a subject of ongoing discussion and further comments.
Decisions Made 3
The first reading was concluded, and the bill proceeds to the next stage. This means the bill moves on to the second reading according to procedure.
A plenary session is called for May 14th to discuss, and Tiit Maran (affiliated with the Environment Committee) was appointed representative of the presidium by consensus.
The vote result on the proposal to reject the bill: 28 in favor, 46 against; the proposal did not find support; the bill's first reading was not rejected.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Tiit Maran (SDE). He presented the leading speech to the leading committee and coordinated the discussion; taking a position within the left-liberal-progressive bloc (SDE), or a left-leaning direction.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Today, Agenda Item 12 will be addressed: the first reading of Draft Act 610, initiated by the government, concerning the amendment of the Nature Conservation Act and related legislation. The rapporteur is Andres Sutt, the Minister of Energy and Environment.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The proposal expands the scope of the Natura assessment to cover all activities that may affect the conservation objectives of Natura 2000 sites, establishes it as a separate procedure, reduces the administrative burden for both authorities and forest owners, and ensures protection coupled with compensation and tax exemptions, while taking into account the requirements of the European Commission's infringement procedure.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker confirms that you have understood correctly and calls upon Andres Metsoja to ask the first question.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
According to Metsoja, the European Commission's infringement procedure threatens a constitutional violation due to the intervention of the country's government and parliament. He highlights the important role of the Natura habitats procedure, notes that the impacts on Natura sites are unassessed and the document is restricted to the public, and asks why the government prefers sanctioning instead of impact assessment.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The draft bill stipulates that up to five cubic meters per hectare, or a total of 20 cubic meters per property, may be harvested for personal use in habitat areas. It legalizes the existing practice and allows for the resolution of this issue through infringement proceedings. Furthermore, all documents are available in the Riigikogu, and all members of the Riigikogu have the opportunity to review them.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller asks that if anyone has a phone switched on, the sound coming from the speaker should be silenced.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran asks how the decision is made regarding when to initiate a Natura impact assessment, and how sufficient expert involvement and independence are guaranteed in the process, given that the assessors themselves are complaining about a lack of experts.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, stated that the adequate availability of experts and the speed of their work present a challenge. Furthermore, to simplify the Natura assessment process, the Environmental Board has initiated a forest management plan for Natura 2000 sites, coupled with a strategic environmental assessment, the aim of which is to make the entire process simpler and clearer for forest owners.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is a short request to Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asks whether a complete logging ban doesn't go too far and actually reduce bureaucracy, especially considering that there are no recommendations whatsoever for banning logging in Natura areas in the infringement procedure documents.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, said that even without a Natura assessment, the evaluation must be carried out, and as a result, logging should not be conducted on such a scale, because people should not be put in a situation where the final outcome is predetermined. Furthermore, for personal use, 20 cubic meters per property per year and 5 cubic meters per hectare are permitted.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller requests that the floor be given to Anti Allas.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas criticizes the designation of a forest habitat within the restricted zone and its formalization as a strict protection zone. He highlights the confusion and legal quagmire that has lasted for a year and a half, and asks officials for a clear assessment of the process to date.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister Andres Sutt explained that a forest habitat is not exactly the same as a strict conservation zone. Restrictions are being added in the Natura area on 11,700 hectares of private forest owners' land, and during the development of the forest register, a mechanism has been created to submit a notification that includes nature conservation requirements. However, the process takes time, and not everyone is always satisfied.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invites Tanel Kiik to take the floor.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik asked if the government had abandoned its initial plans to cut and consolidate agencies, and whether the role of specialists within the Environmental Board in matters of nature conservation was understood.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt stated that the Environmental Board is highly necessary and its abolition is not up for discussion. In the context of the three draft bills, these measures reduce the workload and allow the agency to focus on risk-based supervision. However, he also acknowledged that the Board must continue to have sufficient work and resources to carry out its duties.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invites Priit Sibul to the stage.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul called the draft bill modern nationalization, referencing the 1944 nationalization of assets and claiming that the plan restricts the property rights of large asset owners—for instance, for property within a special conservation zone, restrictions include two trees per hectare, up to eight trees annually, and a subsidy of 200 euros per hectare the following March—and he questioned whether this was reasonable or truly modern nationalization.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt stressed that we are discussing additional protection for forest habitats, not a strict conservation zone, and the compensation rate is set at 160 euros per hectare annually. He stated that this represents fair compensation for the restrictions, given that the forest is an asset and managing it does not imply clear-cutting the entire area at once. Furthermore, a full land tax exemption is also included in their compensation proposals.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker invites Andre Hanimägi to speak.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi noted that while he doesn't usually give overly critical assessments, the draft legislation introduces several restrictions, which forest owners are already concerned about. He then asked the minister what exactly is changing right now, what will happen after the law is passed, and what the status of the compensation mechanism is.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
When the law takes effect, a compensation mechanism will be implemented. Within the scope of restrictions on Natura areas, forest management must include environmental impact assessments, and large-scale logging is prohibited in permanent or forest habitats. Furthermore, the compensation rate will increase, and a 100% land tax exemption will be established, which will improve the overall situation.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja criticizes the situation, noting that although a promise was made to conduct a full impact assessment of the Natura areas, this has not yet been finalized. Simultaneously, legislative amendments are being drafted that would permit logging up to 5 cubic meters without a forest notification and reduce the administrative burden—a development he finds to be somehow wrong.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Vice-Chair invites Andres Metsoja to take the floor.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Restrictions applicable in Natura areas have always been in place. The Natura assessment provides a faster route for making decisions, and since March of this year, when submitting a forest notification, users can base their actions on the specific location restrictions that apply to that concrete area, which are conveniently available in a user-friendly drop-down menu.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
At the start of the address, Helmen Kütt is called upon and asked to say a few words.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt asks whether the content of the infringement procedure is confidential and if even the members of parliament have not been able to review it.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The infringement procedure process is currently underway, and the documents are not public. However, members of the Riigikogu have the opportunity to review this documentation at the Riigikogu Chancellery; there is nothing secret in it for you.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is a request directed at Rene Kokk for him to perform.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk stressed that fair compensation must be guaranteed to landowners when restrictions are imposed. He inquired about the precise compensation amounts per hectare of Natura area and brought up the case of a landowner near the Rail Baltic viaduct who was paid just under 40 euros over a period of more than ten years, despite the road length having increased by several kilometers.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is a short, but compelling call to action: your time has come, and it is time to act.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Andres Sutt, announced that the compensation for forests located in the strict conservation zone is 160 euros per hectare per year, and this same amount will also apply to forest habitats. Furthermore, the land tax exemption will increase from 50% to 100%, and the forest management plan for Natura 2000 areas will be finalized by the end of 2026, complete with a strategic assessment.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran highlighted that the draft bill would increase the workload of the Environmental Board. He then inquired whether an analysis of this growth had been carried out and whether funding had been allocated for the work, particularly given the existing poor communication and the conflicts between landowners and the state.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller called upon Tiit Maran to speak.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt, as the Minister of Energy and Environment, emphasized the need to draft a forest management plan for Natura 2000 areas and transition operations to a risk-based approach in cooperation with the Environmental Board. The goal is to serve as a partner and advisor to both the public and businesses, while retaining the ability to penalize violations when necessary.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invites Züleyxa Izmailova to speak.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova emphasized that the EU Deforestation Regulation, which aims to minimize the EU's contribution to deforestation and degradation while simultaneously protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, will enter into force in December. However, Estonia must be prepared to carry out the 2026 inspections and inform businesses about the tightening requirements, as timber reserves are running out, a fact that has now also been acknowledged by industry representatives.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt said that inspections in 2026 will be carried out just as effectively as those performed in 2025 or previously. He noted that fulfilling certain tasks is more demanding in a small country because the population is smaller. Furthermore, new regulations are constantly being discussed with entrepreneurs and stakeholders, and larger companies are already capable of monitoring for themselves what is happening in various sectors.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is a short request with which the speaker addresses Anti Allas.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas asked when the final result of the infringement proceedings would be determined and when it would be briefed to the members of the Riigikogu, whether the legislative process could wait until the outcome of the proceedings is known, and emphasized that the compensation mechanisms should be stated very clearly, which the Private Forest Association has proposed for three to four species and sizes.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The passage of the bill would release us from the infringement proceedings. We are also considering a more precise allocation of forest subsidies and simplifying the application of regulations through IT solutions. This is ongoing work with the Environmental Board and the Ministry.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller asks Rain Epler to come forward.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler is debating the results of the Natura assessment, questioning whether logging should be banned outright or if it should be allowed to continue, adhering to the original intent. Additionally, he asks whether the team of ministers and their advisors require changes and fresh ideas.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt stated that the planned legislative bill will exempt activities from unnecessary Natura assessments and allow for more extensive forest management within Natura areas, thereby saving both time and money.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller invites Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to speak.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart points out that, according to the draft bill, the Private Forest Association is seeking 6.7 cubic meters per hectare based on growth increment in protected forests. However, the minister claims that this figure implies a lack of actual growth, suggesting there is only “liquid increment,” the magnitude and real numbers of which have not been clarified for either the sector or the legislature.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, emphasized that when managing forests, different growth rates and the protection of Natura areas must be taken into account, while simultaneously defining the volume of commercial forest and establishing restrictions, such as 5 cubic meters per hectare and 20 cubic meters per year for own use.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller called upon Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
As a private forest owner, Helle-Moonika Helme expresses concern that state regulations and nature conservation restrictions continue to restrict private property rights, amounting to a de facto nationalization of private assets, despite the constitution protecting property, and the high cost of litigation making the defense of these rights unequal.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The central message of the speech is that your time has come and it is time to act.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
If protection is organized as a state-managed effort based on state forests, it would save on bureaucracy and public funds, and would not infringe upon the rights of citizens or private owners.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller thanked briefly.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme asks what your view on this is.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt emphasized the necessity of weighing private interest against the broader societal interest, confirming that preserving nature is everyone's obligation and that the additional protection of forest habitats constitutes a restriction for which compensation is stipulated.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller invites Priit Sibul to take the floor.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul points out that the constitution makes the protection of nature everyone's responsibility, and compensation for forest landowners must be fair, especially since the draft bill only allows 160 euros instead of the promised 200 euros—meaning 40 euros disappeared—and he also requests that inspectors notify owners before conducting a visit.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt stressed that notifying the owner is the right thing to do, and the Environmental Board must inform the owner when evaluating private land. Furthermore, if this requirement is not met, it must be reported, and the compensation rate of 160 euros is both measured and fair.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller presented a request to Tõnis Lukas.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Speaking about compensation for the owners of private forests under nature protection, Tõnis Lukas noted that the support group working on the topic of natural sacred sites has sent a letter to the Ministry of Climate, and that the ministry is still there.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Energy and Environment Minister Andres Sutt said that he came from there today.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Tõnis Lukas stated that the drafted letter notes that compensation for the owners of natural sacred sites, such as the Maardu sacred grove, and owners of similar properties, could be provided under the same mechanism.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt stated from the podium that tomorrow he will go to the ministry to ask where the letter is and what has been done with it, and after that, we will certainly provide an answer.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova is called to the stage at the beginning of the address.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He criticizes that the obligations under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive concerning the assessment of impact on Natura sites have not been implemented since 2004, and the situation has deteriorated so badly under the leadership of the Reform Party that very strange steps must be taken to avoid infringement proceedings.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
We cannot turn back time, but we are trying to advance the future, and since 2004, six parties represented in the Riigikogu have served in government.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller called Lauri Läänemets to the stage.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets accuses the Reform Party of promoting narrow business interests and says that people will be crushed between the gears. He then poses a question regarding the logging restrictions currently in force in the Natura area of Haanja Nature Park: specifically, whether regeneration cutting will be permitted outside forest habitats in the future, and whether people can be assured that they may continue their vital activities there.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Using the Natura assessment, we clarify which specific activities are permitted in the various Natura sites.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speech only mentioned the name Helle-Moonika Helme, and there was no other content.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Speaking as a private forest owner, I lament that although the constitution mandates the protection of nature, coercion and restrictions are being imposed upon me without consultation, and a portion of my forest in the Haanja protected area has already been nationalized. I would like to conserve and manage the forest, but I am forced to leave, and my heart is bleeding.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speech was a thank-you.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He promises to go cut down the forest and immediately take the profit from it.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
It was simply a word of thanks and a very short speech.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He says that if someone has taken something away from him, he can’t do anything at all anymore.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The core message of the address, "Your Time!", urges the audience to act, stressing that their time is now.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt confirmed that the Estonian state will not nationalize land and private forests will remain with their owners, emphasizing that work must be done collaboratively, rather than pitting the owner against the state.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invites Reili Rand to speak.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reili Rand posed a very specific question about whether and how public involvement in the Natura assessment is ensured.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment said that he would answer the question in writing, provided the questioner agreed, in order to avoid making a mistake.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller invited Lauri Läänemets to speak.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets voiced concern regarding the delay of climate decisions and the subsequent impact on small woodland owners. He asked directly what specific types of compensation are being planned, what sums are involved, and how these support payments will be increased.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt said that compensation of 160 euros per hectare per year is paid for these forest habitats, and a 100% land tax exemption applies. Furthermore, during the Natura assessment, all stages—the pre-assessment, the initiation, and the report—will be made public, so that the public can know everything.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman thanked [the participants] and announced that there were no further questions, and then proceeded with the discussion of the lead committee, inviting Tiit Maran, a member of the Environment Committee, to serve as the rapporteur.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
On April 14, the Environmental Committee meeting discussed the preparation for the first reading of amendments to the Nature Conservation Act and related legislation (Natura assessment). Minister Andres Sutt explained that the draft bill allows, in some cases, the separation of the Natura assessment from the environmental impact assessment, thereby reducing bureaucracy and administrative burden, while the standards remain unchanged. Concurrently, it permits the felling of up to 5 solid cubic meters of firewood per hectare and up to 20 solid cubic meters per property annually, provided the area is not a conservation area or a strict nature reserve. The bill is prompted by an infringement procedure initiated by the European Commission.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman briefly requested silence in the hall and apologized.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
According to the rapporteur, the Natura assessment procedure in Estonia needs to be streamlined and shortened under a separate law, bureaucracy must be reduced, communication with landowners improved, and the needs of nature conservation and forestry balanced. Furthermore, the draft legislation should be consensually added to the plenary session's agenda on May 14th, and Tiit Maran appointed as the representative of the leading committee.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk asks how this small quantity of timber is permitted to be harvested and which tools may be used—whether a harvester, a saw, or just an axe—and what means are allowed under the proposed bill.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller noted that Mr. Kokk also had a question, and invited Aivar Kokk to pose his question.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He thanked them and said that the matter had been left undiscussed at the meeting.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller thanked the participants and announced that there were no further questions. He then opened the floor for discussions by the factions, noting that Andres Metsoja would speak on behalf of the Isamaa faction.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja requests three minutes of extra time.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller requests three more minutes.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja criticized the restrictions imposed by Natura sites and the resulting economic burden on landowners, pointed out the risks associated with draft bills 612 and 610, and announced that the Isamaa faction would submit a proposal to reject draft bill 610, arguing that it resembles nationalization.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
He thanks [the previous speaker] and gives the floor to Tiit Maran on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He thanks them and asks for three more minutes.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller requests an additional three minutes.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran stresses that the systemic deficiencies in the assessment of Natura sites must be swiftly corrected, but before the draft legislation is confirmed, it must be clear how the resulting unfairness will be compensated and the trust of local landowners restored. For this reason, he is requesting the suspension of the proceedings.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller thanks [the previous speaker/assembly] and invites Rain Epler on behalf of the EKRE faction.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The message is that we are adding three minutes of extra time.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller announces that three minutes will be added.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticizes the bill banning logging, pointing out that forests today are significantly more extensive than they were in 1916 and that forestry must be viewed based on real-world conditions, not through the perspective of poets from the urban environment, and calls on the EKRE faction to reject the draft legislation.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller, on behalf of the Reform Party faction, requests that Yoko Alender be given the floor.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Yoko Alender stressed the need to move forward with simpler, faster, and cheaper Natura impact assessments specifically for forest habitats. She supported the draft legislation and expressed her belief that even though earlier logging problems had caused public discontent, nature conservation remains constitutional and highly important, and that solutions can continue to be developed during subsequent readings.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller announced that the first reading of draft bill 610 will be concluded, and the identically worded proposals from the factions of Isamaa, the Social Democratic Party, and the Conservative People's Party of Estonia to reject the bill will be put to a vote.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Twenty-eight members of the Riigikogu voted in favor of the proposal, 46 against, and 0 abstained, and the first reading is concluded. The deadline for submitting amendments is 17:15 on May 28th of the current year, and today's 12th item on the agenda has been completed.