Estonia's trade with Russia
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-02-07 15:02
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 11
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 13m
AI Summaries: 11/11 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
At the recent Riigikogu session, an interpellation addressed to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas concerning the continuation of Estonian trade with Russia, despite the war of aggression in Ukraine, was discussed. The question was posed by Riigikogu member Anti Poolamets, who highlighted shocking data published in the press, according to which Estonian companies are supplying Russia with equipment for the energy sector, including the oil and gas industries, ball bearings, and even goods necessary for nuclear power plants. Poolamets emphasized that in many cases, the partners are oligarchs connected to the Putin regime, and that the volume of trade reaches tens of millions of euros. The schemes of major businessman Ossinovski, concerning the transport of iron ore and the financing of coalition partners, were separately highlighted, with the question being raised whether such activity is ethical and whether it harms Estonian security.
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas acknowledged the work of journalists and conceded that the continuation of such business is regrettable. She explained that although the export of goods of Estonian origin to Russia has significantly decreased (by 48%), Estonia, as a border state, remains a transit corridor for goods from other countries. Kallas stressed that Estonia supports a complete economic embargo against Russia, but it is impossible to implement this alone because there is a lack of support for it within the European Union. She distinguished between illegal violations of sanctions, which law enforcement agencies handle, and activities operating on the ethical boundaries, which can only be given a moral assessment. The opposition (Poolamets and Mart Helme) sharply criticized the government for its passivity and demanded legislative initiatives that go beyond moral assessments, as well as concrete steps to halt unethical business practices.
Decisions Made 1
Within the scope of the inquiry discussed, no new specific decisions were adopted, nor were any legislative changes initiated. Prime Minister Kaja Kallas confirmed that the government continues its work at the European Union level toward imposing additional sanctions and preventing the circumvention of existing sanctions, and that Estonia supports the implementation of a full economic embargo against Russia.
Most Active Speaker
The most active politician was the initiator of the interpellation, Anti Poolamets (EKRE, opposition). Poolamets posed both the initial question and a sharp follow-up, focusing on the activities of Estonian companies and businessmen (specifically Oleg Ossinovski) that support the financing of Russia's war machine. He accused the government and its coalition partners (who are financed by Ossinovski) of ethical laxity and demanded decisive intervention from the Prime Minister, as well as the declaration of a boycott against those doing business with the aggressor state. Poolamets's stance was clearly critical, demanding action from the government that was stricter and more forceful than simple moral judgments.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
MP Anti Poolamets is asking his fifth question today to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas; the subject is Estonian trade with Russia.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets raises a critical question: Does the business conducted by Estonian companies in Russia, along with their partners' ties to the Russian state apparatus and oligarchs, pose a threat to our security and ethics, and what does the government plan to do beyond the European Union sanctions?
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers his thanks and addresses Madam Prime Minister with a request.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stressed that Estonia and the European Union must continue imposing sanctions targeting Russia, preventing their circumvention, and jointly demanding a full economic embargo.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman praises the accuracy, expresses thanks, and asks Anti Poolamets to pose a clarifying question.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets expresses deep concern regarding Oleg Ossinovski's scheme and the influence of Russian money in Estonian politics. He calls for declaring a boycott, demanding the coalition be called to order, and requesting the intervention of the President and Prime Minister to put an end to money laundering and unfair competition among businesses.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that as long as Russia's aggression continues, all trade with Russia must be stopped entirely, regardless of the circumstances. She noted that if the activity is not sanctioned, it falls into an ethical gray area. Furthermore, the state is responsible for illegal activities, and penalties are prescribed, about which everyone can express their moral judgment. She added that the views of the coalition partners must be sought—they are responsible for themselves.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked [the speaker/the house] and requested that an additional question be posed to Mart Helme.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme accuses the government of failing to tackle sanction violations and stresses the necessity of legislative measures, including implementing a business ban, to end commercial dealings with Russia and translate moral assessments into tangible steps.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kallas emphasized that in order to accelerate the end of Russia, the European Union must jointly implement a full trade embargo, coupled with military, financial, and political isolation, stressing that this is only achievable if the Union acts in unison.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman expresses his thanks and concludes the consideration of the fifth question.