Draft law amending the Accounting Act for reducing bureaucracy (600 SE) - first reading
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Date: 2025-05-21 22:38
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 10m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Today's agenda item concerns the draft Act amending the Accounting Act (600 SE), initiated by the Isamaa faction, which aims to reduce bureaucracy for entrepreneurs. This is the first reading of the draft in the Riigikogu, and the presenter is Member of the Riigikogu Mart Maastik. The draft differs from the government's plan in that Isamaa wants to postpone the obligation to submit reports by at least two years and emphasizes the need to streamline administrative burdens.
The debate focused primarily on the question of whether the sustainability reporting obligation should remain partially in force or become fully voluntary, and what impact the European Union's increasingly globalizing standards have on Estonian entrepreneurs. In addition, it was pointed out that the European Union sustainability reporting standards discussed by the Economic Affairs Committee in 2023 and the government's plans may overlap over time, but differ in terms of the timing of measures and their actual impact on entrepreneurship. Finally, the committee adopted decisions, and at the end of the speech, it was confirmed that the first reading will be concluded and the procedure will continue, including deadlines for submitting amendments.
Decisions Made 1
The economic affairs committee decided to put the bill on the agenda of the plenary session for May 20th, to conclude the first reading and move forward with the procedure. The lead committee set the deadlines for submitting amendments as June 4th at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Mart Maastik (Isamaa faction). As a member of the Riigikogu, he belongs to the right-wing political side and, when speaking, took on a leading and argumentative role with a rich argumentation and judicious context, highlighting the reduction of bureaucracy and opposing the positions of the other party.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that today's ninth item on the agenda is the first reading of the draft bill amending the Accounting Act (600 SE), initiated by the Isamaa faction for the purpose of reducing bureaucracy, and he invited colleague Mart Maastik to serve as the rapporteur.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik claims that the draft bill would reduce bureaucracy in the Accounting Act by offering the postponement of the reporting obligation for at least two years and making the sustainability report voluntary. He also recalls previous discussions and calls upon the coalition to show courage and support the bill.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speaker offers thanks and notes that there are no questions, and now asks for the introduction of Kristina Šmigun-Vähi, member of the Riigikogu Economic Affairs Committee.
Kristina Šmigun-Vähi
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Based on the review conducted in the Economic Affairs Committee on May 12, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that the government is preparing a draft bill of identical content based on the directive, which is expected to reach the Riigikogu (Parliament) in early June. The draft bills are substantively identical but technically distinct. The Ministry does not object to the Riigikogu proceeding with Bill 600 SE, and if necessary, it will be amended during the second reading. Consequently, the Committee unanimously decided to place the draft bill on the plenary agenda on May 20, conclude the first reading, and advance the proceedings to ensure legal clarity for businesses as quickly as possible.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the presenter and invites Evelin Poolamets to ask a question.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets asked the committee what exactly the sustainability report entails for businesses.
Kristina Šmigun-Vähi
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He said that the question was not discussed at that session.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The presenter was thanked, it was stated that the questions were finished, and the start of the debates was announced, whereupon Evelin Poolamets from the EKRE faction was invited to the Riigikogu rostrum to speak.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets claims that the mandatory sustainability reports constitute an excessive burden and ideological interference for businesses. She argues that while the delay is a step in the right direction, this requirement must be scrapped entirely, and focus should instead be placed on job creation and economic competitiveness.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The debates are concluded, and the steering committee decides to close the first reading of Bill 600. The deadline for submitting amendments is 17:15 on June 4th.