Draft law amending the Nature Conservation Act, the Hunting Act, and the State Property Act (612 SE) – First Reading
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Date: 2025-05-15 02:55
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 80
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 5m
AI Summaries: 80/80 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated the first reading of Draft Act 612 on amendments to the Nature Conservation Act, the Hunting Act, and the State Assets Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt introduced the draft legislation, the aim of which is to strengthen the effectiveness of nature conservation, reduce bureaucracy, and improve legal clarity. Key amendments highlighted included the exclusive right of the Environmental Board to propose taking natural objects under protection, the creation of exceptions for security and public interest projects (e.g., Rail Baltic, military training areas), and the obligation of local governments to compensate for restrictions they impose. Local governments were also granted greater autonomy in deciding to reduce the building exclusion zone in densely populated areas.
The sharpest debate arose regarding the procedure for the acquisition and compensation of immovable property. The draft legislation stipulates that if the protection regime becomes stricter on land already under protection, only 50% of the land's value will be compensated. The opposition (Isamaa, EKRE, SDE) criticized this provision, deeming it an infringement of the fundamental right to property and unequal treatment compared to other cases of expropriation in the public interest, where the compensation rate is higher. Minister Sutt defended the 50% rate, explaining that the value of property with restrictions is inherently lower and that the owner must be aware of the potential for restrictions to be tightened. Three factions submitted a motion to reject the draft legislation, which was voted down (27 in favor, 47 against). The first reading of the draft legislation was concluded.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 612 ended.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set for May 29 at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
Andres Metsoja (Isamaa, conservative) was highly active, repeatedly raising questions regarding the logic of land compensation and the principle of equal treatment. He also presented the Environment Committee's report and, on behalf of his faction, proposed rejecting the draft legislation.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller introduces the 14th item on the agenda and informs that the first reading concerns Bill 612, regarding the amendment of the Nature Conservation Act, the Hunting Act, and the State Assets Act; the presenter is the Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The draft bill currently before the Riigikogu strengthens the effectiveness and legal certainty of nature conservation, reduces bureaucracy, clarifies ownership and compensation mechanisms between the state and local governments, increases the role of the Environmental Board in initiating protection decisions, and introduces exceptions based on security considerations. Furthermore, it grants local governments greater autonomy in decisions concerning building exclusion zones and makes minor amendments to the Hunting Act, including the possibility of incorporating an electronic hunting license and gas weapons.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the Minister and called for questions, giving the floor to Andres Metsoja.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The presentation discusses the logic of price formation: when stricter restrictions on a nature conservation plot obligate the state to acquire it from the owner based on its valuation, this affects the market price of all similar plots and raises the question of the cause-and-effect relationship.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The design logic here is simple: restrictions were already in place anyway; the Supreme Court has ruled that the scope of compensation does not have to cover 100% of the market price; and reaching the 50% mark is the result of deliberations that feel appropriate.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar turned to Tiit Maran and said, "Please!"
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He raises the question of the likelihood that a poor local government, under pressure funded by a developer, will reduce the construction exclusion zone in a densely populated area, thereby bringing short-term revenue to the municipality, but causing a detrimental effect on the living environment, and ultimately leading to a counterproductive result.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Smaller local governments need to work harder on their considerations and decisions, but overall, it’s crucial that the system remains flexible, because the local authority is the one that knows the situation best, and although advice can be sought, for example, from the Environmental Board, the final decision still rests with the municipality.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Andres Metsoja.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja points out that when property is acquired for public interest, it is paid for at market price, often with an additional 20% premium if necessary. However, when dealing with land under nature conservation, the valuation is set at half the market value. He questions why owners are treated so unequally and calls for a review of this logic.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
If the protection status becomes stricter and the owner was aware of the restrictions, the situation is different; however, if the owner was not aware of the imposition of the restrictions, the state buys the land back, and in that event, the land value is 50%.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls Aivar Kokk.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk is asking whether bureaucracy will increase or decrease once the draft bill becomes law, and he requests specific figures: how many civil servants will be hired and how many fewer of them there will be the following year after the law is adopted.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The law will not lead to the hiring of additional staff. The simplified decision-making processes do not mean that anyone has to lose their job, and the new tasks assigned to the Environmental Board are balanced.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar calls Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler argues that the restrictions imposed due to the land's high value and biodiversity, along with the half price paid for them, are, in his view, absurd and contradict the very purpose of the restrictions.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
These restrictions are imposed for nature conservation purposes, and the public value lies in nature conservation itself. Compensation is stipulated upon the fulfillment of conditions, and half of the value represents the optimal rate, which accounts for the variations in restrictions and the resulting loss of income.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The discussion revolves around the restrictions applicable in conservation areas, whether the owner should have been aware of their existence, and if these restrictions and the reasons behind them influence compensation payments and the obligation to purchase the property.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, said that the 50% compensation applies in situations where the plot of land already had nature conservation restrictions and those restrictions were changed; he does not comment on specific cases, and those will be reviewed separately; if there were no restrictions and they were established later, the compensation procedure is in place.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar announces that we are moving forward and invites Mart Maastik to the stage.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik followed up on Rain Epler’s question, asking why the land price falls due to state-imposed restrictions, and why the private owner is forced to accept only half the price (5,000 euros per hectare, meaning 2,500 euros). He requested a justification for how the loss resulting from serving the public interest is distributed.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt stated that restrictions applying to protected land may change over time, and the owner must be aware of this, adding that requiring the notary to draw attention to these aspects during transactions provides greater clarity for the parties involved.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called Aivar Kokk to speak.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Addressing the topic of cutting state costs and reducing bureaucracy, Aivar Kokk points out that the previous and current coalitions have responded by creating new laws. These laws are detrimental to property owners and restrict the ability to repair houses in natural areas. He then questions how it is possible to reduce bureaucracy by 10–20% when, in reality, more staff needs to be hired—are we actually taking action, or are we just talking?
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister stated that the draft bill would not create any new jobs, explaining that tasks must be prioritized and that the implementation of additional regulations could be managed using existing staff. Regarding the value of the real estate, it was noted that if the property already has environmental protection restrictions and those restrictions are tightened, compensation will be half the market price. However, if there were no restrictions previously, the compensation will be 100% of the market price.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Arvo Aller to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller is asking what the compensation scheme looks like when the state nationalizes private property land: specifically, whether 2500 is compensated from 5000, or 1250 from 2500, and who determines the portion of the fair price that is subject to compensation, as well as what the extent of the state's obligation is.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt stated that if there were no existing restrictions, 100% of the real estate's value would be compensated. But if the owner is aware that their land is slated for protection or is already protected, and the conservation regulations later become stricter, the compensation rate is half of the property's value.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced the speaker's name, Mart Maastik.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The Land Use address emphasizes that the state’s additional restrictions create uncertainty among landowners, and without compensation, no one dares to buy or develop land, which means the land may end up remaining unused.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The new law clarifies the rules: if there were no restrictions and they are added, compensation will be paid at full price; if the land was under protection and the protection becomes stricter, 50% will be paid. According to the current rules, the full price is paid and the impact of the nature conservation restriction is not taken into account, but if the restrictions were known, 50% is fair.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Priit Sibul to the stage.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul believes that due to state intervention necessitated by the Natura area, the value of the property could decrease by half. He compares the situation to the property reforms of the 1990s and the events of 1944, and questions whether this is the appropriate context for draft laws 610 and 612.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
When land is subject to nature conservation restrictions, the law grants the right to receive compensation equal to half the value of that property, and the Environmental Board must be notified of this. However, compensation is not paid for restricted land purchased for speculative purposes.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman calls Helle-Moonika Helme to the microphone.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Private forest owner Helle-Moonika Helme expresses deep concern about her forest and asks how the compensation for the forest is calculated (50% vs 100%). She questions whether the state truly pays an amount comparable to the market price—around 70–100 thousand euros—if the forest is designated as protected or if she relinquishes it.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He says that now is your time.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Compensation is based on the market price: if you own a piece of forest that is not protected, you may manage it according to the Forest Act, and if that same plot of land is subsequently taken under protection for nature conservation reasons, and there were no prior restrictions, it will be compensated at market price.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Arvo Aller to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller, in his speech, raises the issue of prohibiting the transport and release of invasive species into the environment, detailing which species fall under the ban, how sanctions will be implemented, and whether invasive species planted in private gardens are subject to this restriction.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt stated that when it comes to sanctions, the responsibility definitely lies with the person who commits the act, and he promised to clarify the matter further.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called Rene Kokk and asked him to take the floor.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk stated that the draft bill imposes a greater obligation on local governments when they are considering restrictions and adopting decisions. He also requested additional funding from the state, warning that without it, life in Estonia will become difficult due to the legislative amendment.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The point of the amendment is to equalize the conditions: if the state imposes nature conservation restrictions, the state provides compensation, and if those restrictions are imposed by the local municipality, it is fair for the owner to receive compensation; and if the municipality requires advice, it will be provided by the Environmental Board.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar invites Priit Sibul to the stage.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul criticizes the Natura restrictions and draft bills 610 and 612, claiming that they reduce the value of the land and make forest management difficult, citing the example of a strict nature reserve and the sale of a neighbor's land to a forestry company.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt stated that it is very difficult to comment on a specific case, and if the case is specific, it must be reviewed and subsequently explained how the draft bill would have an impact. He added that he has already explained the law repeatedly.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman announces that Evelin Poolamets has requested the floor.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets inquired about Section 81 regarding the designation of compensation and mitigation areas. She highlighted the potential for a conflict of interest if these areas are determined by the party organizing the planning process or the permit applicant, and stated that it would be more logical for the Environment Agency, rather than the developer, to designate the mitigation areas.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
When there is a risk of conflict of interest, it must absolutely be mitigated, and the Environmental Board must grant approval, because in such cases, the decision is not solely the developer's to make.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called upon Rene Kokk to speak.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk criticized the draft legislation, arguing that it would lead to the same situation as the designation of valuable habitats (VEPs), where forest management becomes uncertain. He added that the potential VEP designation would result in increased bureaucracy, given that local authorities lack sufficient expertise and consulting with the Environmental Agency would only add to the workload.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
He stresses that the Environmental Board should act as a partner and advisor, not a source of bureaucracy, by offering solutions and alternatives. Moreover, from the owner's point of view, the state or local municipality must treat them consistently when imposing nature conservation restrictions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Helle-Moonika Helme to take the floor.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme is criticizing the state's decision to place her forest under conservation and pay 100,000 euros for it, arguing that as a private owner, she could manage the forest herself and receive that money through private companies, thereby attempting to highlight the absurdity of government intervention.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This message says it's your time to act.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speech expressed a readiness to immediately approach the state and say: "Let's go, a hundred tons."
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The state protects nature and compensates for placing a forest under protection only if there are nature conservation needs or reasons for doing so; otherwise, the forest may be managed under the Forest Act, just as it is currently.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar emphasizes that they must listen to the answer and refrain from conversing among themselves, and demands that the minister answer the question before starting the negotiations, and asks the minister to conclude.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, stated that if a landowner owned the property before the Natura area was established and restrictions were subsequently imposed, they would be compensated in full. But if the transaction occurred later, that's a different story. Moreover, compensation will not be paid for non-Natura areas if there are no restrictions.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder posed a question regarding the methodology for state compensation: whether 100% compensation is paid for land that previously had no restrictions when restrictions are imposed; 50% when restrictions already exist and are made stricter; and what methodology the state uses for compensation if restrictions are eased but remain in effect.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Helir-Valdor Seeder.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt said that if the restrictions are eased, there is nothing to compensate for, according to him. He added that he would double-check the facts, and if he was mistaken, he would respond in writing with a precise answer.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the esteemed Minister and announced that there were no further questions.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt thanks the audience.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar requested that Deputy Chairman Andres Metsoja be briefed from this rostrum on the discussion that took place in the Riigikogu Environmental Committee.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
In his address, Andres Metsoja summarized that the discussion of draft legislation 610 and 612 covered the history of the development plan, the role of the conservation proposals submitted to the Environmental Board, the question of raising ringing fees in ornithology, and the logic governing logging and forest land prices. Consequently, it was decided to place the drafts on the plenary agenda, conclude the first reading, and appoint me as the rapporteur.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked the rapporteur, announced there were no questions, opened the debate, and on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction, invited colleague Tiit Maran to the Riigikogu rostrum to speak.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He thanks them and asks for three more minutes of extra time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He is asking for three minutes of extra time.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran stated that although the bill is necessary for resolving many technical issues, two provisions are unacceptable: the Environmental Board lacks clear guidelines and may designate protected areas under political pressure, and the removal of protection for civil society proposals renders the bill unacceptable, which is why he wishes to reject it.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
On behalf of the Isamaa faction, Andres Metsoja was invited to the Riigikogu podium to speak.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Rapporteur Andres Metsoja asserts that the draft bill constitutes a clear infringement of property rights and will cause significant damage to the owners. Therefore, Isamaa wishes to reject draft bill 612 and discuss the replacement of land or other compensation mechanisms for the protection of the state's public interest.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman asks for three more minutes.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Metsoja claims that Bill 610 and the accompanying stricter restrictions on Natura areas violate the balance of proprietary rights, incur significant costs, and lack an impact analysis, which is why Isamaa is submitting a motion to reject them.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The EKRE faction requests that the Riigikogu grant Rain Epler the floor.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticized the draft bill as unfair and harmful because, upon prohibiting economic activity in Natura areas, owners are paid only half the price of the land. He drew a parallel with the nationalization of the 1940s and called for the rejection of the bill in the first reading.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar declared the discussions closed, announced three identical proposals submitted by the EKRE, SDE, and Isamaa factions, and then called for a vote on rejecting Bill 612 at its first reading.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The motion received 27 votes in favor, 47 against, with no abstentions. The first reading of Bill 612 has been concluded, and the deadline for submitting amendments is May 29th at 5:15 p.m.