First reading of the Bill (359 SE) for the Act supplementing the Act on the Organization of the Energy Sector and the Act on Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-03-06 16:11
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 83
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 9m
AI Summaries: 83/83 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated Bill 359, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the organization of the energy sector act and the environmental impact assessment and environmental management system act, during its first reading. The main objective of the bill is to accelerate the development of renewable energy projects—primarily onshore wind farms, solar parks, and heat pumps—by bringing the Estonian legal framework into compliance with the provisions of European Union Council Regulation 2022/2577. Climate Minister Kristen Michal explained that the amendments involve recognizing renewable energy development as an overriding public interest, which permits development activities even in areas where they would normally be prohibited (excluding Natura 2000 sites and permanent habitats). Furthermore, the changes simplify the permit procedure, allowing the environmental impact assessment (EIA) to be waived under certain conditions if an equivalent assessment has already been conducted during the planning stage. Michal emphasized that the bill will lead to cheaper electricity prices, a cleaner environment, and improved competitiveness for the Estonian economy.
The debate was extremely polarized, with the opposition (especially EKRE) accusing the government of deliberately destroying the economy and funneling taxpayer money into subsidized green projects. Opposition politicians questioned the affordability of renewable energy, arguing that its low cost was achieved only through CO2 penalties and subsidies, and highlighted the extensive environmental damage caused by wind farms (bird mortality, material disposal issues). The Isamaa faction (represented by Aivar Kokk) focused on the necessity of controllable energy production and criticized Elering's handling of the repairs to the Estlink 2 cable. Despite the sharp criticism, the bill was supported by the coalition parties (Reform Party, Social Democrats), and the Isamaa faction's proposal to reject the bill failed in the vote.
Decisions Made 3
The proposal by the Estonian Conservative People's Party faction to reject Bill 359 during its first reading did not receive support (14 votes in favor, 59 against).
The first reading of Bill 359 was concluded.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set for March 20, 2024, at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
The most active politician in the debate was Martin Helme, the representative of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE) faction, who delivered two lengthy and emotional addresses. Helme's position was radically right-wing and opposed the government's green transition. He accused the government of "criminal policy" and "brazen deception," arguing that renewable energy is actually expensive, requiring billions of euros in subsidies from the taxpayer's pocket.
Helme also challenged the minister's claim regarding the cleanliness of renewable energy, highlighting the enormous environmental footprint associated with the production of wind turbines and solar panels (plastics, concrete, rare earth metals), as well as the death of birds. He criticized the government for the deliberate destruction of the existing oil shale energy sector, which, in his estimation, is the main cause of Estonia's economic decline. Helme demanded political accountability, asking ironically where people would be able to find Climate Minister Michal ten years from now to "tar and feather" him.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
We will now address Draft 359, the first reading of the second agenda item. This draft concerns the Energy Sector Organization Act and the supplementing of the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System Act. The presentation will be given by Climate Minister Kristen Michal.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The government is submitting the draft bill for the Energy Sector Organization Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System Act, which implements EU Regulation 2022/2577 and simplifies the development of onshore renewable energy (wind farms, solar parks, and projects involving heat pumps) and the establishment of related grid connections. This involves nature conservation mitigation and compensation measures, enables the environmental impact assessment permitting procedure to be waived if a detailed solution is already included in the planning document, and permits development based on overriding public interest in areas where it would typically be prohibited, provided that less harmful alternatives are unavailable and the impact on nature has been clearly assessed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speaker thanks the minister. At first, it was stated that there were no questions, but it subsequently emerged that Kalle Grünthal and others actually have questions, and Kalle Grünthal is now requested to pose them.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal expressed concern regarding the acceleration of renewable energy projects included in the draft bill, arguing that this is already having a negative impact on society. He requested the creation of a list detailing the specific negative effects manifesting in our economy.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Renewable energy provides people with cheaper electricity prices and a cleaner environment, and it is undoubtedly more beneficial for the economy because fossil fuel plants often cannot access the grid and their assets lose value, which boosts export capacity.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Tiit Maran to the stage.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran asks regarding subsection 3 of Section 32^11 of the Energy Sector Act, why construction in a Natura 2000 network area is excluded only if it is detrimental to the area, while restrictions are not imposed on other protected areas (except when it is a permanent habitat of a specific species), and whether this exceptional treatment is an accidental error or if there is some underlying logic.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The draft bill is currently in the first reading phase, meaning everything can still be amended or clarified in parliament. Furthermore, the document outlines restrictions concerning both simple and accelerated construction processes, as well as the application of mitigation and compensation measures.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called upon Anti Poolamets to take the floor.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets stated that EKRE is not opposed to the implementation of renewable energy, but demands sensible usage and the preservation of baseload generation. He then asked, using an example, how the draft bill aligns with the protection of offshore wind farms, bird migration routes, and Natura sites, and whether it makes construction in those areas easier or harder.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Each park will undergo a separate assessment, and according to this draft bill, risks must be assessed during the planning phase, mitigation measures must be developed, and if mitigation cannot be achieved, compensation must be provided. It is simultaneously emphasized that EKRE has started supporting renewable energy, unlike their previous colleague Kalle Grünthal.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman invites Aivar Kokk to take the floor.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk stressed the necessity of dispatchable power, stating that oil shale boilers in Estonia must be closed down. He noted that the replacement of oil shale dust with pellet dust has not yet been thoroughly discussed, acknowledged that Estonia produces significantly more pellets than necessary, and simultaneously criticized the prolonged repair work on the Elering cable, which is proving costly for Estonian businesses.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal stated that the speed of the cable repair depends on locating the fault and cooperating with Elering, and that the government is prepared to offer financial or other assistance if needed, expecting the work to be completed by the start of autumn. He also added that the timber market is shifting towards higher added value, with lower-quality material being directed into wood chemistry.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme claims that market distortions in electricity prices are caused by the preferential development of renewable energy and the artificial price of CO2, which drains money from the pockets of consumers and businesses, thereby jeopardizing the economy, employment, and competitiveness due to European plans and the climate struggle.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal emphasizes the role of renewable energy in combating climate change and boosting the economy and export capacity. He highlights the significance of energy origin and footprint for investors and asserts that clean energy is not socialism, but rather a means of enhancing competitiveness, even though he disagrees with Kaarel Ots's opinion columns.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Kalle Grünthal is requested to come and give a speech.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal notes that the answers do not address the questions asked, and goes on to discuss the negative impact on the economy stemming from the accelerated transition to renewable energy, pointing to major stock market problems and noting that the reference to vaccination is irrelevant.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal stated that differing views are fine and he accepts that, and in his response, he detailed the positive effects on the economy and nature.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called upon Henn Põlluaas to speak.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas emphasized that current Estonian law does not permit harming protected animal or plant species, and this is normal and proper practice. However, upon the adoption of the law, this will become possible in cases of overriding public interest. He then asks what exactly this overriding public interest is and who and how will decide it.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Pursuant to the draft law, renewable energy constitutes an overriding public interest, and its boundaries and exceptions for protected areas have been defined. Furthermore, the plan incorporates mitigation and compensation measures in the event of damage to nature, and the objective is to secure cleaner energy and preserve the integrity of nature, both within Estonia and globally.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Aivar Kokk to speak.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk stated that many former European coal power plants now run on pellets and generate electricity using them, emphasizing that this is not valuable timber. Pellet producers, he added, hope to continue producing the necessary quantity in Estonia for another 20 years (citing 80 million in investment versus 2 billion). Simultaneously, he stressed that energy is manageable. Regarding Elering, he noted that last year their extraordinary income was almost 190 million, specifically coming from the transmission line (the 'gut').
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi merely presented a statement of thanks.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He thinks that almost 100 million will be reached in the first seven months of this year.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Kristen Michal emphasized that the use of Estonian natural resources must be directed toward creating the highest possible value, and cheap or simpler usage should not be favored. He added that if the described model can be applied in practice and proves beneficial, the energy sector will adopt it, but due to the current situation regarding Elering’s transmission capacity fee, this hypothesis likely does not hold true.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is simply a brief address to Martin Helme, and a request for his attention.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme claims that wind and solar energy are neither clean nor cheap, arguing that the use of rare earth metals, concrete, and plastic required for their production, along with the environmental damage associated with the entire life cycle, does not offset the potential benefits of the energy they produce. Furthermore, he condemns the promotion of these technologies using taxpayers' money and demands accountability should the price become high or the environment be damaged.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
For the economy to grow, we must invest in offshore parks, because although the investments run into the billions, the resulting drop in electricity prices and the savings for society will bring a greater benefit. Furthermore, even EKRE members consume Olkiluoto nuclear energy and are happy about the significantly cheaper price of renewable energy.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi asks Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He claims that the price of renewable energy is not genuinely cheap, but rather has been achieved through market distortion and the imposition of a CO2 tax. Furthermore, he argues that the construction of wind farms causes actual environmental damage, including deforestation, the installation of concrete foundations and plastic blades, and harm to bird populations and sea eagles.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal is urging the audience to shift their views, stating that polluting fossil energy is not superior to renewables, and that renewable energy is a cheaper and better choice both in today's world and in the future.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called upon Martin Helme to speak.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme accuses the Reform Party, stating that due to their energy policy, the Estonian economy has declined for the eighth consecutive quarter, and asks what kind of 'magic economics' claims that solar and wind energy are cheap.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme asks if this relates to fossil fuel subsidies and fines.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal emphasized that the energy system does not rely solely on uncontrollable renewable energy, but rather that dispatchable power plants exist, with about 1,000 megawatts already available and more coming in the future. The system must be comprehensive and balanced, incorporating storage capabilities. Furthermore, the assertion that the entire world must rely on renewable energy, thereby impacting the Estonian economy in global trade, is a political discussion rather than a substantive one.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called Mart Helme to the floor.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In his address, Mart Helme claims that blaming the opposition and the people doesn't help, and the economy must be grown without taxes. He refers to Indrek Neivelt regarding the need to review the total cost and total revenue of offshore wind parks, alongside electricity prices, transmission fees, and other subsidies. Helme stresses that, from the standpoint of economic competitiveness, only the total revenue of the entire undertaking counts, asking what the total cost and total revenue of this venture are for society.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
In the presentation, Climate Minister Kristen Michal stated that energy storage in Estonia is developing rapidly, and storage developers are making good progress. Prices are projected to be approximately 6.6 cents per kilowatt, and the renewable energy fee is about 1.3 cents per kilowatt. Developments concerning the grid and other markets are taking place regardless of renewable energy capacity. Furthermore, a more detailed overview of offshore wind farms will be provided tomorrow, and the commission has given answers regarding the developer's responsibilities and what will be included in the tariff.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi invites Jürgen Ligi to speak.
Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Jürgen Ligi criticizes the speaker, asserting that they are incapable of answering the opposition's questions, and requests clarification on how the energy crisis of the past two years emerged and what has been done about it.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal pointed out that energy prices are largely the result of manipulations by a neighbor and economic cycles, and that some political party tends to confuse the role of our eastern neighbor with the role of our own country.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls Mart Helme to speak.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme claims that the costs associated with green technologies and their disposal, as well as the burden on future generations, are not adequately calculated, and that European waste is transported to Africa, where it threatens local life.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The decommissioning of wind turbines is the responsibility of the developer or park operator (or manufacturer), and in the future, waste could turn into a resource, such as reusable raw material derived from plastic, which is already being considered in Estonia. Furthermore, in Ida-Virumaa, studies are underway to determine whether it is possible to extract minerals from tailings piles using technological processes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Arvo Aller to the podium.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller emphasizes that the development of renewable energy projects described in the bill has an economic impact, creates employment and social well-being, but in the case of wind turbines and solar parks built in the Viru-Nigula, Aseri, and Püssi regions of Ida-Virumaa, local workers are not seen, and he asks how many permanent jobs are created and how many jobs per megawatt.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal said that he is seeking and sharing data that points to this, and emphasized that the construction and maintenance of the facilities creates jobs and brings knowledge and new opportunities, adding that higher education institutions are already starting to add curricula for offshore wind farm maintenance and engineering specialties, which is the beginning of development and will benefit the Estonian economy and education.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi invited Urmas Kruuse to speak.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse asked why offshore wind farms are more expensive as an investment, whether there is statistically more wind at sea than on land, and whether this would provide a significant strategic argument in energy production.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Different types of energy generation diversify production, increasing both volume and capacity. Furthermore, as consumption growth drives the creation of new products and services, our economy and standard of living improve, while simultaneously ensuring an affordable electricity price.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invited Rain Epler to speak.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This talk addresses the question of who bears the "decommissioning obligation" and what the legal framework is that ensures its fulfillment within the energy sector, comparing it to levies on fossil fuel energy prices, nuclear waste storage, and renewable energy subsidies.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
He said that the obligations of each facility depend on the terms agreed upon with the owner and the manufacturer, and the recycling of panels from wind and solar farms within the circular economy is a growing industry, which is nothing extraordinary globally.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks the Minister, notes that there are no questions, and Mario Kadastik, a member of the Economic Affairs Committee, introduces the decisions and discussion of the lead committee.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The Economic Committee discussed two main issues of the draft bill—the possibility of waiving the environmental impact assessment and the definition of overriding public interest—and in response, it was stated that the waiver applies only when prior assessments are available, and the autonomy of the local government regarding the initiation of the procedure is preserved. Ultimately, four decisions were adopted by consensus, including the appointment of a representative of the lead committee, the inclusion of the draft bill on the agenda on March 5th, the completion of the first reading, and requesting an opinion from the Riigikogu Environmental Committee.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks [the previous speaker], announces that there are questions, and asks Rain Epler to respond.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler discussed the pricing issue with Kadastik, noting that renewable energy does not actually lower the price, and suggested that nuclear energy could be the solution for cheap and accessible power. He then posed a question to the minister regarding the legal and financial framework needed to ensure the funding for the decommissioning of these facilities within a 10–20 year timeframe, comparing the impacts of the CO2 fee paid by fossil fuel energy producers, the nuclear waste management fund, and the subsidies and grid investments related to renewable energy.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
I don't know the exact scheme, but I believe the ministry will provide us with an overview during the first and second readings. The overall picture revolves around the costs for grid development fees, subsidies, and storage expenses, where storage is included in the scheme. Although nuclear energy might be one of the most cost-effective methods, and the price of wind depends on the margin (onshore wind is cheaper than offshore wind), the general price level in the market is relatively low, and the national issue concerning this will be discussed tomorrow.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Arvo Aller is invited to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The rapporteur highlighted the plan to eliminate the EIA requirement for renewable energy projects and asked what the thresholds would be above or below which an environmental impact assessment would not be necessary (specifying whether this meant a lower or upper limit on the park's capacity), and whether the commission had also discussed the target groups and the number of businesses involved.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The commission did not discuss the question of the park’s size, but Rein Vaks stated that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) will not simply be omitted—if the impacts have been assessed in previous processes with the same level of detail as is typically required during an EIA, then it can be waived; otherwise, it cannot, the goal being to avoid duplication of effort.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The presenter was thanked, it was stated that there were no questions, and Rain Epler requested to pose a question to the chairman of the session.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler commends Minister Michal for his attentiveness and for signaling his understanding with nods, and asks whether, with their assistance, it would be possible to obtain documentation from the ministry regarding the disposal scheme.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked the participants, a milestone was reached, and the minister nodded repeatedly. Following this, he opened the negotiations and first gave the floor to Aivar Kokk on behalf of the Isamaa faction.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Addressing the draft legislation, Aivar Kokk strongly suggested seriously considering the use of pellet dust in the old Narva power stations. This, he argued, would help achieve dispatchable power capacity and lower the investment costs associated with green energy. He also leveled criticism at Elering's performance, citing cable interruptions and the delays affecting the gas pipeline and LNG terminal, all of which jeopardize the reliability of the electricity supply.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He said that the call would last three minutes.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The presentation underscores the bottleneck in the Estonia-Finland connection and the necessity of bringing all alternatives to the table—including new cables or a high-voltage line, and the option of participating in a nuclear power plant—to ensure a cheap and reliable electricity supply over the next ten years.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk emphasizes the use of solar energy and, where necessary, the use of wind energy as well, and expresses his thanks.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speaker thanks the previous speaker and announces that Martin Helme, on behalf of the EKRE faction, is requesting additional time: three minutes extra, totaling eight minutes.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme accuses the current government of lying about energy, claiming that renewable energy is actually more expensive and is being subsidized enormously, and that the goal of CO2 reduction is pointless, while simultaneously threatening the cost of oil shale electricity and Estonia’s energy security. He promises that this policy will be abolished by the next government.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Great thanks were expressed in the speech, and Priit Lomp represented the Social Democratic Party faction.
Priit Lomp
AI Summary
Priit Lomp stated that the Social Democrats support the current bill, which aims to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy while simultaneously ensuring environmental impact assessments and reducing bureaucracy, by directing investments toward new, better-paid jobs.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi expresses his sincere gratitude and, on behalf of the Reform Party faction, addresses a request to Andres Sutt.
Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt stated that clean energy is a competitive advantage, pointing to the Nordic countries’ experience regarding the importance of domestic production, and confirming that investing in renewables yields approximately 1.2 euros for every euro invested. He cited Lazard's cost-effectiveness analysis and stressed the necessity of discussing this with relevant parties.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The focus of the speech is Priit, who was already nervous.
Andres Sutt
AI Summary
On behalf of the Reform Party, I support the bill because Sutt argues that onshore wind is the cheapest source of electricity, and that renewable energy must be developed immediately and quickly, and connections must be established with Latvia and Continental Europe (including Estlink 3), since the footprint of renewable energy is significantly smaller than that of fossil fuels, and this will improve the competitiveness of the Estonian economy.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that negotiations have concluded and the steering committee wishes to finalize the first reading of Draft Bill 359. However, the EKRE faction submitted a motion for its rejection, and subsequently, the proposal to reject the first reading was put to a vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
14 members of the Riigikogu voted in favor of this proposal, 59 against, with 0 abstentions. The first reading of Draft Act 359 has been concluded. The deadline for submitting amendments is 5:15 p.m. on March 20th of this year. We have concluded the deliberation of the second item on the agenda.