Draft Law on the Ratification of the Amendment to the Constitution of the International Labour Organization (ILO) (590 SE) – First Reading
Session: 15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Date: 2025-05-19 20:15
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 5
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 4m
AI Summaries: 5/5 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu discussed the draft law 590 for the first reading of the bill on ratifying the document amending the Constitution of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The draft law aims to ratify the amendments to the ILO Constitution, which will lead to broader representation on the governing body, a more inclusive process for appointing the Director-General, and enable amendments to the Constitution's most important principles with greater support from member states than previously. Such ratification expresses Estonia’s readiness to supplement the inclusion and legitimacy mechanisms necessary for adopting the organization's decisions and to strengthen Estonia’s foreign relations with the ILO. It is important to emphasize that ratification will not involve changes to national legislation or create additional costs for the state; the objective is international cooperation and mutual support.
The second paragraph outlines the ultimate goals of the amendments being considered: changing the composition of the governing body, making the process of electing the ILO Director-General more inclusive, and establishing rules for amending the ILO Constitution. The committee’s discussion focused on three key questions: why increase the number of members of the governing body, whether Estonia has experienced beneficial effects on its ILO membership effectiveness, and what the practical and financial impacts have been during membership. It was immediately noted that there are currently no additional costs for the state and that ratification of the amendments does not require internal changes within the country. In conclusion, the draft law aims to ensure broader involvement and transparency in ILO decisions and to strengthen Estonia’s role in international labour law discussions.
Decisions Made 1
First reading completed; the deadline for submitting amendments is 5:00 PM on June 2, 2024; agenda item number four has been successfully completed.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Member of Parliament Vilja Toomast, who spoke in the steering committee and presented materials and lines of negotiation regarding the press. Her position was unofficially "other" (parliamentary representative), as she represented the legal committees’ discussion and a leading position was not formally confirmed for her as an individual.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
We now move to the fourth item on the agenda, which is the first reading of Draft Act 590 on the ratification of the instrument for the amendment of the ILO Constitution, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The rapporteur is the Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry, Erkki Keldo.
Majandus- ja tööstusminister Erkki Keldo
AI Summary
The purpose of this draft bill is to ratify amendments to the ILO Constitution that will make the Governing Body more representative, ensure a more inclusive process for appointing the Director-General, and generally broaden the support for principle amendments. This strengthens Estonia's foreign relations and does not involve changes to Estonian law or result in costs for the state.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller thanked the presenter for the overview, announced that there were no questions, referenced the hearing of the discussion held in the leading committee—specifically the Legal Affairs Committee—and invited Riigikogu member Vilja Toomast to speak.
Vilja Toomast
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Economic Affairs and Industry Committee discussed the draft act initiated by the Government of the Republic concerning the amendment of the ILO Constitution and addressed three core questions: why the number of Governing Body members should be increased; whether Estonia has benefited from its ILO membership; and what the practical advantages and financial obligations have been. The minister stated that while there would be no immediate additional costs, participation in the Governing Body might entail extra expenses in the future.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller announced that the debate has been opened and closed, the first reading of Draft Bill 590 is concluded, the deadline for amendments is June 2nd at 5:00 PM, and the fourth item on the agenda has been successfully completed.