First Reading of the Draft Act on the Ratification of the Agreement on Air Services between the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Government of the Republic of Korea (Bill 357 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-03-06 17:21
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 11
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 5m
AI Summaries: 11/11 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda item concerned the first reading of Draft Act 357, initiated by the Government of the Republic, regarding the ratification of the Air Services Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Government of the Republic of Korea. The Honourable Minister of Climate, Kristen Michal, presented the draft act, explaining that its purpose is to establish a legal basis for maintaining regular air connectivity between the two countries. The agreement ensures mutual access to air routes, equal opportunities for operators, and regulates taxation issues, which is why its ratification by the Riigikogu is necessary. Michal emphasized that the agreement will positively impact Estonia's economic development by creating better opportunities for business and tourist travelers flying to Asia. Negotiations began in 2018, and the agreement was signed in Seoul in October 2023. During the round of questions, Rain Epler inquired whether the Korean side was concerned about the stability of Estonian aviation, to which the Minister responded negatively. Arvo Aller asked whether regular flights to Korea would be impossible without ratification. Michal replied that regular connectivity indeed requires an agreement between the two countries. Tarmo Tamm presented the report on behalf of the Economic Affairs Committee, confirming that the committee had unanimously approved Draft Act 357 SE, as the Minister's overview was comprehensive and no further questions arose. The first reading was concluded.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 357 was concluded.
The deadline for the submission of amendments was set for March 20, 2024, at 17:15.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Under the third item on the agenda, we will consider the first reading of Draft Law 357 on the Ratification of the Air Services Agreement, initiated by the Government of the Republic of Estonia. The report will be delivered from the Riigikogu podium by the honorable Minister of Climate, Kristen Michal.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Draft Act 357 ratifies the air services agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Korea. This agreement establishes the legal framework necessary for maintaining regular flight connections, ensuring mutual access, equal opportunities, and the prevention of discrimination. Furthermore, it regulates taxation matters and implements a standard clause applicable to all European Union air carriers, thereby opening air routes to Seoul and other Asian destinations and promoting Estonia's economic development.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
There are two questions in the discussion, and Rain Epler is being called upon.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asks the minister if he has been in contact with the Koreans and whether they have expressed anxiety regarding Estonian aviation. He goes on to point out that Estonian state aviation has been completely plundered here multiple times, and asks if the Koreans are worried that if they fly here, they won't have anything left to fly back with.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal said he has not personally negotiated with the Republic of Korea.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
At the beginning of the address, Arvo Aller is invited to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller asked if it was currently impossible to fly from Tallinn to Korea, even with a connecting flight. He stressed the need to ratify the agreement for the benefit of tourists and entrepreneurs, and also inquired whether Latvia had concluded this agreement and what the status of Korea-related agreements was among Estonia's neighbors.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Pending ratification of the agreement, single charter flights may be operated, and regular service between the two countries will be maintained under the existing aviation arrangement, pursuant to the Chicago Convention.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Thank you, there are no further questions. The report on behalf of the lead committee will be presented by our good colleague Tarmo Tamm, a member of the Economic Affairs Committee.
Tarmo Tamm
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
On Monday, the Economic Affairs Committee held a session where Climate Minister Kristen Michal and Taivo Linnamägi, Head of the Aviation Department at the Ministry of Climate, provided an overview of 357 SE. This overview was so comprehensive, thorough, and well-presented that the committee members had no further questions. Consequently, everyone approved the matter by consensus, and nothing else was discussed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announces that he is opening and closing the debates, concluding the first reading of draft bill 357, and notes that the deadline for submitting amendments is March 20th at 5:15 p.m., and the proceedings for the third agenda item have been concluded.