Draft law (666 SE) for terminating the agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Belarus for the avoidance of double taxation of income and the prevention of tax evasion – first reading
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Date: 2025-06-09 22:29
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 5
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 8m
AI Summaries: 5/5 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu has begun its first reading of the draft law on terminating the agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Belarus for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion, bill number 666. Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi explained that terminating the agreement is unavoidable, as Belarus has unilaterally suspended the application of essential provisions (taxation of dividends, interest, and profits from the transfer of assets) of the agreement, which is in contradiction with both the terms of the agreement and international law. Additionally, the Minister emphasized that Estonia does not deem it possible to maintain the tax treaty with a country that supports Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and whose actions are contrary to Estonia’s security and foreign policy interests. Therefore, terminating the agreement is a foreign policy stance. The Chairman of the Finance Committee, Annely Akkermann, confirmed that the committee discussed the draft law on June 5th and supported all procedural decisions unanimously. It was noted that other Baltic states and Germany have also implemented similar measures regarding Belarus. The draft law is urgent in order for the agreement to be terminated from the beginning of next year.
Decisions Made 2
Bill 666 (the draft law terminating the agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Belarus for the avoidance of double taxation on income) has concluded its first reading.
The deadline for submitting amendments has been set for June 13th at 4:00 PM.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that they had reached the fifth item on the agenda—the first reading of draft bill 666, which terminates the agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Belarus for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to income tax and the prevention of fiscal evasion. He then asked Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi to take the floor, apologizing for the delay and thanking those responsible for rearranging the schedule.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi announced that Estonia will submit a draft resolution to terminate the tax treaty between Estonia and Belarus, because Belarus has suspended essential provisions, and adherence to the treaty is no longer consistent with international law and Estonian interests. Following the termination, income will be taxed solely on the basis of domestic law, and Estonia will continue to tax residents exclusively according to its own legislation.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Next, we will hear the debate held in the lead committee, and the rapporteur will be Annely Akkermann, the Chair of the Finance Committee.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Finance Committee discussed the draft bill on June 5th, unanimously decided to place it on the plenary session agenda for June 10th, to appoint the current speaker as the representative of the lead committee, to conclude the first reading and set the deadline for proposed amendments as June 13th at 4:00 PM, and emphasized that if the urgent law is adopted during the spring session, there is an agreement to terminate the contract starting next year.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller announced that the first reading of Bill 666 has been concluded, and the deadline for submitting amendments is June 13th at 4:00 PM.