Inquiry regarding the use of rail cars from foreign countries in Ukraine (no. 740)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Date: 2025-05-19 20:36
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 17
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 11m
AI Summaries: 17/17 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Under agenda item six, the interpellation number 740, submitted on April 7, 2025, by members of the Riigikogu – Lauri Laats, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, Andrei Korobeinik, Vadim Belobrovtsev, and Aleksei Jevgrafov – regarding the use of foreign railway wagons in Ukraine, was discussed. The presenter was Riigikogu member Lauri Laats. The main problem was Ukrainian Railways’ ban on the use of foreign freight wagons on Ukrainian territory, which has resulted in the suspension of over 500 wagons belonging to Estonian companies, with a total value estimated at approximately 20 million euros. The interpellation aimed to gain clarity on how the Estonian state intends to protect its entrepreneurs, whether contact has been made with the Ukrainian side, and what the potential solution scenarios are.
Decisions Made 1
Decisions were not made. Coordination of responses and further actions related to the inheritance inquiry continues between ministries and the embassy, utilizing diplomatic channels. More detailed solution and action scenarios were not approved at this meeting.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Member of Parliament Lauri Laats (representing the inquiry). According to political affiliation, he belongs to "other," meaning he is not represented by a specific speech in the left or right faction in this context.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller informs that we are moving to the sixth item on the agenda: Interpellation No. 740, submitted on April 7, 2025, by Riigikogu members Lauri Laats, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, Andrei Korobeinik, Vadim Belobrovtsev, and Aleksei Jevgrafov, concerning the use of foreign railway wagons in Ukraine. The presenter will be Lauri Laats.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presenter highlighted the news that emerged in early April concerning the Ukrainian railway's decision to prohibit the use of foreign freight wagons. This move left approximately 500 freight wagons belonging to Estonian companies stranded, totaling an estimated value of 20 million. Furthermore, the presenter described the interpellation submitted on April 7th to Erkki Keldo, the Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry, aimed at determining how the Estonian state plans to protect these businesses and what solution scenarios are available, concluding with an expectation for a meaningful debate.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Vice-Chair invites the Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry to respond to the interpellation by Erkki Keldo.
Majandus- ja tööstusminister Erkki Keldo
AI Summary
Erkki Keldo stated that the Ministry of Economic Affairs has not personally engaged with businesses or Ukrainian institutions, and the matter has been coordinated primarily through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Estonian embassy in Kyiv, where diplomatic contacts and meetings are held. Estonia protects and assists its companies, helping them find contacts and seek cooperation when necessary.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
It was mentioned in the address that you also have questions, and Vladimir Arkhipov was asked to respond.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov asks what will happen concerning the continued movement of freight cars after the war, specifically regarding the interests of Estonian businesses, and whether this issue has been discussed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy in Kyiv.
Majandus- ja tööstusminister Erkki Keldo
AI Summary
Erkki Keldo said that he lacks further information on whether they will be able to, and that this activity is currently being coordinated primarily by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy in Kyiv.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman invited Vadim Belobrovtsev to speak.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev stated that Estonia has provided significant aid to Ukraine, but the issue that has emerged remains unresolved after a month and a half. It should be addressed at a higher level—specifically, between ministries—rather than through the embassy.
Majandus- ja tööstusminister Erkki Keldo
AI Summary
As I mentioned, in addition to the embassy, this activity has been coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose representatives have requested and sought meetings. This will certainly not remain solely at the embassy level—the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with high-ranking officials, will continue to push this forward.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller called upon Lauri Laats to speak.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats said that although Estonia has robustly supported Ukraine and desires a swift end to the war, the government must better protect the interests of businesses and actively find solutions to the problems that have emerged.
Majandus- ja tööstusminister Erkki Keldo
AI Summary
I agree that when Estonian entrepreneurs encounter troubles or misunderstandings in foreign countries, the Estonian state must stand by them through the diplomatic corps, embassies, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offering advice and assistance, and helping resolve the issues.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
At the beginning of the address, Peeter Ernits is invited to take the stage.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits notes that Estonia is one of the primary and largest countries helping Ukraine, and that it wants to quickly bring Ukraine into the European Union and open up large markets. However, he points out that national interests tend to overshadow the interests of Estonian entrepreneurs, and he questions whether the government should be standing up more strongly for them instead of solely representing Ukraine.
Majandus- ja tööstusminister Erkki Keldo
AI Summary
Erkki Keldo stated that companies must be treated equally within the European Union internal market, and furthermore, no additional national rules should be imposed. If Ukraine moves toward closer integration with the EU, Ukrainian businesses must be afforded the same legal certainty as companies from other countries.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller announced that he would open negotiations, but if there was no desire for them, he would close them, and the sixth item on the agenda has been concluded.