Interpellation concerning the environmental impact of mandatory building renovation and citizens' ability to pay (No. 123)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Date: 2024-01-22 18:10
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 66
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 26m
AI Summaries: 66/66 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda item concerned the interpellation submitted by Riigikogu members Varro Vooglaid and Martin Helme regarding the environmental impact of mandatory building renovation and citizens' affordability. The query was prompted by the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which aims to bring the housing stock up to D energy class by 2033. The petitioners (EKRE) sharply criticized this obligation, calling it "forced renovation" and emphasizing that it is financially unaffordable for many homeowners—especially pensioners and low-income families. Questions were raised concerning the environmental impact of construction materials, the health risks associated with nearly zero-energy buildings, and analyses of citizens' ability to pay. Climate Minister Kristen Michal rejected the term "forced renovation," stressing that this is an opportunity to increase property value and better manage costs. The Minister explained that the final conditions of the directive are still under EU trilogue negotiations, and the Estonian state supports renovation with extensive support measures (e.g., via KredEx), for which 1.1 billion euros in public funds have been planned until 2030. The debate was predominantly ideological, with the EKRE faction accusing the government of restricting freedoms and imposing "communism" or a "Stalinist" command economy, while the Minister emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of renovation.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were adopted during the session while responding to the interpellation.
Most Active Speaker
The most active member of the Riigikogu was Varro Vooglaid, who submitted a formal query and participated in negotiations twice. Vooglaid strongly represented a right-conservative, freedom-emphasizing position, sharply criticizing EU-imposed obligations as "totalitarian forms" and being "in glaring contradiction with the principles of a free society." He stressed that the state is taking away people's freedom to decide how to use their property, comparing forced renovation to forced vaccination.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Riigikogu is debating, as the third item on the agenda, the interpellation submitted by Varro Vooglaid and Martin Helme on May 11th last year concerning the environmental impact of mandatory renovation and citizens' ability to pay. Varro Vooglaid will present the interpellation.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid expressed his thanks to the chairman of the session and his colleagues, and noted that due to the European Union directive, over 350,000 residential buildings in Estonia must be forcibly renovated, achieving E-energy class by 2030, D-energy class by 2033, and emission-free buildings by 2050. He then presented the minister with four questions concerning the quantity of materials and their environmental impact; comparative analyses of the benefits and harms of renovation; the impact of zero-energy buildings on health and potential security risks; and the ability of homeowners—including pensioners and families with children—to afford the costs, along with calculations of the monthly expenses for these groups.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requested that the Riigikogu rostrum be returned to Climate Minister Kristen Michal so that he could answer the interpellation.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Before the Riigikogu, Climate Minister Kristen Michal made it clear that Estonia is not dealing with forced renovation, but rather that continuous renovation is being implemented to fulfill the European 2050 goals. This is coupled with financing and material recycling solutions, as well as improving the quality of the living environment. Furthermore, subsistence benefits are available for those who cannot cover the costs.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked the assembly and announced that there were several questions, with Martin Helme asking the first one.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme claimed that there was forced vaccination, along with burdensome energy-saving measures and obligations that result in economic strain and bills. He called for allowing the market to operate freely, stating that people will ultimately choose the cheaper long-term path—either continuing to live in an old house or undertaking a major renovation.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal announced that the state is planning a dedicated renovation line, supported by permanent funding. The total scope of the renovation program covers approximately 14,000 buildings, of which around 2,500 will undergo renovation. This initiative will help residents better manage their costs, increase property values, and enhance climate and energy efficiency. Furthermore, the funding allocated is projected to be around 160 million euros annually until 2030, comprising 1.1 billion from the state budget and 2.5 billion in self-financing. This ambitious plan necessitates continuous, secure funding, standardized projects, and cooperation with major enterprises.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called upon Rain Epler to speak.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler cited an example from Canada where the insulation of buildings planned by 2050 could cause an economic decline of about 2% and last until 2050. He then asked whether a similar national impact analysis, including an analysis of the effects on housing affordability, has been carried out in Estonia, and if so, what the results are.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Overall, the economic impact is positive: it increases asset value, allows for cost management, creates jobs, and aids in energy consumption and network optimization. While housing availability and real estate price fluctuations occur independently of this, better property maintenance provides distinct advantages.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Varro Vooglaid to speak.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid stresses that the debate surrounding mandatory renovation and mandatory vaccination is not solely his position, because the Tallinn Administrative Court has also stated that the true goal of the restrictions might be to exert pressure for vaccination, and that such an obligation could evolve into indirect mandatory vaccination. He now asks whether the European Union's plan is truly mandatory, or if its implementation will entail sanctions for people who do not wish to insulate their property according to the recommendations.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal articulates that vaccination protects health, renovation helps reduce costs and increase property value, use energy wisely, and create jobs through climate policy. However, views may differ, and financial impact and expenditure management are considered the most effective tools.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Mart Helme to speak.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme states that his worldview and that of the opposition are incompatible. He argues that the state should not forcibly impose home renovation on people, but should instead consider demolishing dilapidated real estate and building municipal apartments, giving people the freedom to decide when and how they want to spend their money.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The presentation gives the impression that the construction of municipal and state housing stock must not be hindered, and that through renovation and the improvement of energy efficiency, the public sector has significant financial opportunities available to bring homes into better condition, with the self-financing share in Ida-Viru County being about 30%.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal asks what would happen if a segment of the population failed to renovate their residential buildings in accordance with EU directives (E energy class by 2030 and D energy class by 2033), and what measures, excluding verbal means of influence, would be applied against the dissenters.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called Kalle Grünthal to speak.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal said that the claim about the directive being adopted is false, the final goals and processes are under discussion, there are no protests, and people care about keeping their homes in good order and saving energy, while the public sector is investing millions of euros to renovate about 14,000 apartment buildings.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar addresses Anti Poolamets with a request.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets accuses the Reform Party's freedom narratives of promoting coercion and claims that a ban on renting unrenovated real estate would be an unconstitutional restriction on ownership, requesting data on the matter.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Kristen Michal stated that the freedom to develop property, coupled with state support and a smart climate policy, aligns with the plans of the liberal right-wing and national party. Furthermore, he noted that Estonia currently has no decision or discussion about renting based on energy efficiency classes, although these debates are being held in other countries.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme claims that the indirect renovation mandate is not freedom; rather, it forces people to take out large loans and restricts the autonomy of private property, because without renovation, real estate cannot be bought, sold, or insured.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal stated that a free individual is completely free in the use of their private property, up to the limits set by society, the purpose of which is to protect the freedom of others.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Arvo Aller to come and speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller criticizes the concept of mandatory renovation, questions what renovation actually entails under current legislation, and highlights that the energy performance certificate requirements set for 2030, coupled with the continuous obligation to upgrade from D to A, will only result in taking out loans and perpetual construction work.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal emphasizes that building renovation represents continuous progress aimed at improving energy efficiency and quality of life. He notes that while the future is uncertain, he does not support protests against progress, and every owner or apartment association is free to choose whether to renovate their building.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the audience and invites Rene Kokk to take the floor.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk stressed that Estonia should analyze the best methods for carrying out renovations and improvements in cooperation with universities. He also inquired about the technology of Rail Baltic and the contribution of universities, while simultaneously highlighting residents' concerns regarding rising energy prices and restrictions on wood-burning heating.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal stated that renovation is a goal largely financed by the state, which will improve the quality of people’s homes, reduce energy consumption, and increase both property value and community benefit. In Ida-Virumaa, the self-financing share is approximately 30% (up to 50% elsewhere), and this represents one of the largest public sector investments. As part of this initiative, cooperation is being undertaken with scientists, such as Jarek Kurnitski, and contact information will be shared with interested parties upon request.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Kert Kingo to speak.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo criticizes that the government and Kaja Kallas are living in a parallel reality where everything is fine and they talk about a happy Estonia and various subsidies, while people are struggling with their home loans due to the rising Euribor, and when you’re earning only 500 euros a month, finding extra money for renovations is simply impossible.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal emphasizes that the savings generated through better management of household costs and home improvements bring greater financial independence and help people cope more effectively.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Ants Frosch to come forward.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch is asking whether engagement has taken place and whether the state has an overview of the actual owner's opinion and their capacity to carry out these renovations, taking the positions of the Estonian Owners' Central Union as a basis.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Kristen Michal said that renovation grants and competitions for energy solutions are generating significant interest in household energy saving and climate improvement, which varies regionally, and that reasoned proposals will be heard and taken into account in cooperation with universities and stakeholders.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked the Minister, announced that the questions were concluded, opened the debate, and invited Martin Helme to the podium, who had requested three minutes of extra time.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme claims that the forced renovation mandated through cooperation between Brussels and the Estonian government obligates people to fix up their homes and cover a large portion of the costs via taxes. He calls this communism and a violation of freedom, stressing that everyone should decide for themselves how to manage their own expenses.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked him and called Varro Vooglaid to the Riigikogu podium.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid claims that the European Union is increasingly adopting totalitarian forms and restricting people's right to decide how to use their own property, citing mandatory renovations and the proposed tax on land under one's home, and comparing this to forced vaccination. He emphasizes that many people lack the money even for basic living expenses, and the freedom to make one's own decisions must be preserved.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman apologizes and asks if you would like more time.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vooglaid asks for a little more time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requested three additional minutes.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid argues that regarding mandatory renovation, no substantive answers have been provided concerning the origin of materials and their total environmental impact. Furthermore, there is a lack of proportional analyses comparing the benefits of renovation with the harms caused by the production, mining, and transport of large quantities of construction materials. He also addresses the impact of zero-energy buildings on health and security, as well as the issue of financing, and criticizes the European Union’s ideological program for endangering the ideal of a free society.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech was a brief expression of gratitude and an appeal directed at Mart Helme.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme claims that the current government is adhering to a communist hatred of entrepreneurship and property, and is implementing tax policies that are destroying the assets of wealthier owners and increasing inequality and poverty in Estonia, where a quarter of the population is struggling severely.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi asks for three extra minutes.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme claims that the policy of the Reform Party and Brussels is privatizing apartments and forcing people to undertake costly renovations, thereby taking away citizens' freedom and resembling, in his words, Orwellian and Stalinist coercion.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The address began with thanks and invited Arvo Aller to take the floor.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller emphasizes that mandatory renovation is a painful subject, and since access to loans is complicated in Ida-Virumaa, the renovation process should be left to the cooperatives who can manage their own assets and find solutions, rather than relying on forced choices dictated by the state.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker thanks [the previous speaker] and invites Kalle Grünthal to take the floor.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal argues that the mandatory renovation of residential buildings violates the constitution, as Section 32 guarantees the freedom of ownership and the right to dispose of property. He goes on to equate the current policy with Stalinist socialism, which, in his view, threatens the democratic state order.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi offers his thanks and invites Kert Kingo to speak, and Kingo requests additional time—three extra minutes.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo claims that the government is living in a parallel world and that Estonia is not just Tallinn and Stenbock House, but also the rural areas where equal opportunities are lacking. The rise in Euribor and the cost of living are increasing people's debts and forcing them to focus on essential goods, rather than home renovation. Therefore, she seriously calls on the ministers to leave Tallinn and see how people actually live.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi addressed Mart Helme and asked if he had a question for the presiding officer of the sitting.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She asks whether the minister should be present in the chamber right now, stressing that it is a procedural question.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The address emphasizes that the Minister is in the chamber and greets his colleagues.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He apologized and said that he couldn't see anything from where he was.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler called for an economic impact analysis that would assess both the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and the availability of housing for young people and the less affluent. He simultaneously criticized the Reform Party’s proposed car taxation and warned that housing could become increasingly unaffordable in the future, stressing that Estonia must not follow the model of the richer Arabian oil states where assets belong to a narrow elite.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speaker thanks [the audience/previous speaker] and invites Evelin Poolamets to take the floor.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The European Union's mandatory renovation directive sets the goal for residential buildings to reach energy class E by 2030, energy class D by 2033, and zero-emission status by 2050. However, very limited funding and the heavy burden placed on homeowners, combined with inflation, the war in Ukraine, and rising loan interest rates, make achieving these objectives challenging and may lead to the risk of property value depreciation and the waste associated with rushed, deadline-driven renovations.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Members of the Riigikogu no longer have requests for the floor, but Minister Kristen Michal has requested to conclude the discussion.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Michal emphasizes that the Estonian people are sensible, and renovation is a reasonable choice in terms of both material usage and environmental footprint. It helps control costs, creates jobs in the construction sector, and moves Estonia toward a better future.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks his colleagues and announces that the consideration of the third agenda item has been concluded.