Foreign relations
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th session, information briefing.
Date: 2025-06-11 15:56
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 12
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 11m
AI Summaries: 12/12 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The state’s parliamentary discussion focused on foreign relations and Estonia’s capacity to protect its Jewish community within the context of international politics. The first part addressed concerns arising after the events of October 7, 2024, regarding UN votes concerning Israel and Palestinian self-governance, and the question of whether Estonia has developed a strategy to protect the community's security. Riina Solman raised a specific question regarding the events at the old Jewish cemetery and the slogan “From the River to the Sea,” requesting clarification on whether the state has a clear vision and coordination for cooperation in mutual dialogue and how to coordinate advice and strategy.
The second part focused on the role of strategic communication since October 7, 2023, and questions regarding whether there is a clear plan within the administration for public-facing communication and how events in Gaza are being handled, as well as the balance of objective information sources. The Foreign Minister added in her response that the volume of information is high and that the state is using professional channels and a diplomatic network to provide accurate and up-to-date information and to brief the Riigikogu if necessary. Regarding a third topic raised by colleague Mart Helme, the question concerned Estonia’s potential role as a mediator and a specific plan acceptable to both parties. The Foreign Minister emphasized that Estonia does not recognize the State of Palestine and that a long-term solution is based on the two-state concept, but that Estonia's position as a mediator is not an easy role and that there are currently no quick-acting solutions. The entire discussion concluded with a procedural question regarding slander and honesty, and it was affirmed that Estonia does not recognize the State of Palestine. Overall, there were no official decisions, but the next steps include organizing additional briefings and ongoing information exchange in accordance with guidelines.
Decisions Made 1
Decisions were not made.
Most Active Speaker
Riina Solman – Member of the Riigikogu; position: other
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Riigikogu proceeds: today's fifth question is directed to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, asked by Riina Solman, concerning foreign relations.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman stresses that, because of Estonia's votes at the UN, our Jewish community feels insecure in Estonia, and she questions whether the state has a strategy for their protection and if someone will convene to develop it collaboratively with the community.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized that during this difficult time, false claims and the incitement of hatred must be avoided. He affirmed the strong relations of the Estonian Jewish Community and offered an additional opportunity for information and a briefing to clarify the situation regarding Gaza and the UN, stressing the significant responsibility held by members of the Riigikogu (Parliament).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked Riina Solman to pose a clarifying question.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman criticized the Foreign Minister for his arrogant and demagogic conduct, asserted that she had not presented false claims, referenced Alla Jakobson's statement regarding community security, and posed the question of whether, within your administrative area, there has been functioning strategic communication since October 7, 2023, that has reached the Estonian public sphere and addresses Hamas and Gaza—specifically, not the state, but the Palestinian Authority, with whom you recently met.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Estonia provides objective information through briefings, utilizes the support of a professional network, maintains close dialogue with both Estonian and international partners, and emphasizes the need for a two-state solution to achieve longer-term peace in Gaza, which is a very complex humanitarian crisis where innocent people are suffering and the hostage situation persists.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks [the previous speaker] and announces that the supplementary question will be put by colleague Mart Helme.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme stated that the peace mediation attempts at Camp David, Oslo, and Madrid have not resolved the conflict; Estonia, led by the current government, has clearly supported Palestinian statehood and taken a side, and he questions whether Estonia possesses a concrete mediation plan that is acceptable to Israel.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized that Estonia does not recognize the state of Palestine and has no plans to do so, noting that while participation as a mediator is currently complicated, the official policy remains committed to the two-state solution, and that the issue will be brought into international focus in the context of the conference taking place soon in New York.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked [the participants] and closed the fifth item, and then invited Riina Solman to ask a question concerning the procedure for conducting the session.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The procedural question being raised is whether it is appropriate for the Foreign Minister to accuse members of lying and simultaneously present false claims before the Riigikogu, and whether such actions could qualify as defamation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
I feel that the issue was clarified and disagreements resolved during the follow-up question, and Estonia has not recognized the state of Palestine, which confirms the Foreign Minister's factual claim.