First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government to abandon the implementation of the Rail Baltic project in Estonia and to withdraw from all international agreements related to the project" (650 OE)
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Date: 2025-09-24 17:26
Total Speeches: 98
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 9m
AI Summaries: 98/98 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated Draft Resolution 650, submitted by the parliamentary group of the Estonian Conservative People's Party (EKRE), which proposed that the Government of the Republic abandon the implementation of the Rail Baltic project in Estonia and withdraw from all related international agreements. Rapporteur Evelin Poolamets (EKRE) sharply criticized the project, calling it a failure and standing on "feet of clay." She highlighted the project's enormous unfunded portion (nearly 2 billion euros), the schedule slippage (2030 instead of the initial 2025), and significant construction compromises (a single-track solution, and the omission of viaducts and stations). Poolamets stressed that this was "wishful thinking" rather than a financial plan, and that there were no calculations regarding subsequent maintenance costs or the purchase of trains.
Õnne Pillak, representing the Economic Affairs Committee, presented the committee's positions, confirming that the government's goal is completion by 2030 and that the construction pace is realistic. Representatives of the Ministry of Climate had warned the committee that withdrawing from the agreements would necessitate leaving the European Union and would lead to major financial and legal claims, in addition to jeopardizing security logistics. The debate was passionate, focusing on the economic detriment of the project, the prioritization of developing domestic infrastructure, and the unclarity of the security aspect. Mart Helme (EKRE) called the project the "gigantomania of a dwarf state" and urged leaving the European Union if that was the only way to abandon the irrational project. The draft resolution was rejected in the final vote, as it failed to achieve the majority of the Riigikogu membership required for adoption.
Decisions Made 1
Bill 650 was rejected. To adopt the Riigikogu decision titled "Making a proposal to the Government of the Republic to abandon the implementation of the Rail Baltic project in Estonia and withdraw from all international agreements related to the project," an absolute majority of the Riigikogu membership (51 votes) was required. During the vote, 15 members supported the bill, which is why it was rejected and dropped from the legislative process.
Most Active Speaker
Evelin Poolamets (EKRE) presented the draft resolution on behalf of the faction and responded to numerous questions, criticizing the project for its financial uncertainty and infeasibility. Her political stance is right-wing.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The EKRE faction submitted a draft resolution to the Riigikogu calling for Estonia to abandon the Rail Baltic project and terminate the international agreements associated with it; a majority vote of the Riigikogu membership is required for the first reading, and Evelin Poolamets was asked to serve as the rapporteur.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi introduced the next item on the agenda, which was the first reading of Riigikogu Draft Resolution 650, submitted by the faction of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia. This draft resolution demands that the Government of the Republic abandon the Rail Baltic project and withdraw from all related international agreements. He noted that the adoption of the draft resolution requires a majority vote of the Riigikogu membership, and then invited Evelin Poolamets to present the report.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rapporteur Evelin Poolamets claims that the first stage of Rail Baltic has failed due to a lack of financial resources and the non-fulfillment of promises, and she calls for the project to be halted, for withdrawal from international agreements, and for an independent assessment and the consideration of alternatives to be organized.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets sharply criticizes the Rail Baltic project, calling it a failure and a major black hole for the state budget. This is because, instead of the full-scale solution originally promised, a single-track compromise is being built, which has a significant funding gap (nearly 2 billion euros) and unclear future and maintenance costs. She emphasizes that the project is standing on feet of clay, deadlines are being postponed, and the financial plan is merely wishful thinking. Therefore, she calls for the immediate halt of the project, the commissioning of an independent interim assessment, and the consideration of alternatives, such as upgrading existing railways. Furthermore, she proposes abandoning the project and all related contracts.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech expressed deep gratitude to the audience and invited Vladimir Arkhipov to speak.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov asks what exactly the socio-economic aspect entails—does it refer to socio-economic benefit or something else entirely—and how it ties in with construction and maintenance costs.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov casts doubt on the socio-economic benefit mentioned during the presentation, requesting clarification on the exact nature of this revenue, especially when considering the substantial resources required for the construction and subsequent maintenance of the route.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets argues that the Rail Baltic project was presented as a massive undertaking (a "promised elephant"), but the reality is tiny (a "mouse"). This is because it lacks socio-economic viability and demand, there is no population along the route, and the trajectory cuts through protected nature areas. Consequently, it doesn't look like the project will generate a return on investment.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets sharply criticizes the Rail Baltic project, using the comparison of a promised elephant and the resulting mouse. She emphasizes that socio-economic viability is lacking because there is no real transport demand or public interest in a high-speed connection. Moreover, the route passes through uninhabited swamps and protected nature reserves, which precludes any possibility of generating revenue or fostering development.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Priit Sibul to speak.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul considers the presented initiative fundamentally reasonable but expresses concern regarding its European context. He asked the rapporteur whether they had discussed what Estonia’s potential withdrawal would signify for the project's continuation in Latvia and Lithuania, and whether it would result in the project's termination at the European level.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul stated that the initiative was reasonable, but he asked what it would mean in the European context if Estonia were to withdraw. He questioned whether Latvians and Lithuanians would still be able to continue, or if the entire thing would end at the European level, and whether he possessed any information on the matter.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Poolamets emphasized that withdrawing from the European Union is not a realistic option concerning Rail Baltic, primarily because contracts cannot be undone, and exiting the project would necessitate leaving the EU altogether. Furthermore, even though the project no longer appears cost-effective for the EU in the current climate, discussions and the securing of funding must proceed within the framework of the European Union.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets noted that withdrawing from Rail Baltica is essentially impossible due to European Union treaties, which raises the question of leaving the EU entirely. Consequently, any sensible discussion regarding the project's enormous costs, long delays, and lack of profitability is bureaucratically stifled, but she still recommended trying to talk about the situation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme expresses skepticism regarding the European Union’s argument for freedom of travel, criticizing the current railway project which threatens to remain unconnected to Latvia. She also asks whether it wouldn't have been more sensible to invest the same substantial sum instead into developing the domestic railway network (Haapsalu, Pärnu, Tartu), thereby also avoiding the risk of fines associated with failing to meet obligations to other countries.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme criticizes the fact that using EU funds only allows for short journeys, and notes that under the leadership of the Reform Party, construction will begin on a new opera house in Häädemeeste because the railway doesn't extend any further. She then asks whether that same money could have been used instead to develop Estonia's domestic railway network and avoid a fine.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech was merely a word of thanks.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme sharply criticizes the Rail Baltic project, deeming it a pointless waste of money, and questions whether the current expenditure will yield the same level of benefit as alternative investments.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme asks if we would have gotten rather more of what we are currently receiving if we hadn't put money into the pointless Rail Baltic project.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets has sharply criticized the Rail Baltic project, pointing out that the Economic Affairs Committee rejected the argument for using funds wisely in local infrastructure, stating that the priority is connecting EU member states. Furthermore, she deems the route's dual function (high-speed freight transport and local passenger transport) unreasonable, labeling the entire undertaking as utopia and wishful thinking.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets stated that the Rail Baltic project is utopian and based on wishful thinking, emphasizing that although the European Union certainly wants to connect member states, money must not be wasted, and the route needs to serve both high-speed freight transport and local residents. Furthermore, the issue of paying fines remained unresolved, and the entire project is still based on speculation as to whether it will even reach Häädemeeste or go further.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called Rene Kokk.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk acknowledges that unresolved problems related to the acquisition of the Rail Baltic route—such as the destruction of land improvement systems and riding roughshod over landowners—are burdening local residents, whom the media is unwilling to cover. He then sharply questions why the Riigikogu was so fiercely opposed to forming the Rail Baltic investigative committee at the time.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk raised the problems facing landowners due to the Rail Baltic route—difficulties in land acquisition, the destruction of land improvement systems, and the restriction of wildlife movement. Despite these issues, he noted the limited media coverage, calling for the formation of an investigative committee in the Riigikogu and asking why a large part of the chamber had opposed it at the time.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets claims that the government's plans are being carried out in secret and the truth is being hidden, emphasizing that a member of parliament must stand up for their constituents and also consider the interests of local residents, rather than simply approving everything in the name of state plans.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets slams the government for ignoring criticism and being dishonest with voters, citing the concealment of tax hikes before the elections and the closure of the Rail Baltic investigative committee as examples. She concludes that the government’s objective is to keep all Reform Party plans hidden from the public, thereby leaving local residents and landowners in a weaker position when facing disputes with developers and the state.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Kalle Grünthal to speak.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal expresses concern regarding Estonia’s independence and constitutional sovereignty, citing the example of the Social Affairs Committee where EU regulations impeded national decision-making authority. He further asks how the ceding of such authority is consistent with Article 1 of the Constitution, which declares Estonia’s independence to be perpetual and inalienable.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal asks whether Estonia is truly independent and sovereign, given that we have surrendered our decision-making power and done so unconstitutionally, citing the Constitution's imprescriptible and inalienable independence.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets defends Estonian independence and its constitutional right to self-determination, refuting the widespread notion that the state surrendered its rights upon joining the European Union. Furthermore, she sharply criticizes members of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) who tend to adopt EU directives uncritically and automatically, thereby forgetting Estonian sovereignty.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets stresses that Estonia is a sovereign state and must adhere to its constitution and retain its decision-making power, even upon joining the European Union, instead of automatically ratifying legislation originating from the EU.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called upon Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to speak.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart criticized the handling of Rail Baltic topics in the special anti-corruption commission and questioned how the construction of a railway costing billions of euros and the ordering of trains for only about 70 million could be justified. She highlighted the approximately 30 million euros needed annually for maintenance from Tallinn to Häädemeeste and recalled the response given by the representative of the Ministry of Climate: that the trains would be put into service simply to prevent the rails from rusting. She then requested a statement on the adequacy of such a justification when dealing with taxpayer money.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart raised concerns in the special anti-corruption committee regarding the questionable costs and justifications of Rail Baltic. She cited as an example a situation where, for a railway being built for billions, trains worth 70 million were ordered. The necessity of these trains was justified by a representative of the Ministry of Climate with the claim that they are needed to prevent the rails from rusting. She subsequently questioned whether such an explanation for the use of taxpayer money is adequate.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets strongly criticizes government management practices where European Union funds are spent on pointless proxy activities and projects (such as bog restoration or bike paths in uninhabited areas) merely for the sake of meeting spending quotas. She emphasizes that this attitude, treating the money as if it weren't taxpayer funds, is utterly wrong and corrupt, and calls for the replacement of the responsible individuals.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets criticizes the wasting of European Union money on unnecessary projects, such as bog restoration and the construction of pedestrian and bicycle paths in areas where they are unused, and emphasizes that such a corrupt attitude is unworthy of state governance and should be replaced.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Varro Vooglaid.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid is questioning the rationale behind terminating the project, especially considering the substantial costs already incurred. He stresses that these expenditures should ultimately serve some purpose, and simultaneously requests clarification on how they plan to address the projected annual maintenance costs of 50–100 million euros in the future.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vooglaid asks how to respond to those who argue that the project must be completed because of the money already invested in it, and he stresses that the existing expenditure should eventually serve some good purpose, since future maintenance could cost roughly 50–100 million annually.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets emphasizes that the project lacks a thorough accounting of costs and funding sources, as well as the consideration of alternatives, and that the government wishes to complete the project at any cost, which may lead to a reassessment of the project or a change in its intended use in the future.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets sharply criticizes the government's insistence on completing the major project at any cost, even if it means sacrificing necessary cuts and station stops. She emphasizes that there is a lack of thorough analysis regarding both future maintenance expenses and the contractual penalties that would arise from terminating the project. She argues that the project should be halted in its current form and alternatives considered, such as building a highway, in order to prevent a situation where the completed route remains unused, much like the Pärnu airport. Consequently, she demands a complete review of the project.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi offers his thanks and confirms that there are no questions, and Õnne Pillak, a member of the Economic Affairs Committee, will present the focus points and decisions reached by the lead committee.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Economic Affairs Committee discussed the Rail Baltic draft bill on September 15th, emphasizing the goal of completion by 2030 and the continuation of funding, addressing the possible legal and financial consequences of withdrawal and aspects of land acquisition, and decided to send the draft bill to the plenary assembly, appoint Õnne Pillak as the leading representative, and conduct the final vote.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Õnne Pillak provided an overview of the Economic Affairs Committee's discussion regarding the Rail Baltic draft bill, where the realism of the project's completion by 2030, the availability of funding, and the continuation of construction work were confirmed. However, it was stressed that withdrawing from the project would lead to extensive legal and financial consequences, including the potential necessity of withdrawing from the European Union, and would also worsen Estonia's security logistics. Consequently, the committee decided by consensus to send the draft bill to the final vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience and invites Kalle Grünthal to answer the questions.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal sharply criticizes the Rail Baltic project, underscoring that its actual cost is many times higher than initially calculated and that the project will cause significant damage rather than providing economic benefit, meaning the contract should be terminated. Furthermore, he casts doubt on Estonia’s independence and adherence to the constitution if the state is unable to pull out of such a harmful agreement.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal asserts that the true cost of Rail Baltic is inaccurate and that the project will bring significant damage, not economic benefit. He is calling for the termination of the agreement, warning that if withdrawal is impossible, Estonia's independence and constitution will be put at risk.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She emphasizes that this is not contrary to the constitution, and that Estonia is independent and sovereign.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart criticizes the Ministry of Climate, stating that despite repeated inquiries, risk assessments and contingency plans are still missing for a scenario where, for example, Latvia fails to complete the railway project on schedule. She also questions whether it is responsible to continue investing taxpayer funds without any analysis regarding the realization of potential threats.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reporter Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart asks whether the Ministry of Climate has conducted risk analyses and contingency plans for potential delays on the Latvian railway, what this means for the Estonian taxpayer, and what the minister's position is on whether risks should be thoroughly analyzed before the project is funded or not.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Õnne Pillak stressed that the goal is the construction of the route connecting the three Baltic states, and focusing on opportunities and solutions, rather than reasons why it cannot be done, because this is crucial for passenger transport, freight haulage, and military logistics.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Õnne Pillak, who is representing the commission’s position as the rapporteur, stresses that although the options for constructing the route must be analyzed, the three Baltic states are jointly committed to achieving this goal. Therefore, the focus must be on finding solutions, not obstacles, as the project is vitally important for Estonia from the perspective of both passenger and freight transport, as well as military logistics.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech includes a request to invite Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme raises the issue of the inadequate handling of the Rail Baltic security aspect, questioning why defense sector experts were not included in the committee meeting. She further emphasizes that although this is a strategically vital piece of infrastructure—whose vulnerability has been demonstrated by the war in Ukraine—there is no public knowledge regarding the plans for its protection.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme stressed the security dimension of Rail Baltic, inquiring whether a defense expert had been included in the committee meeting, why they were excluded if not, and what measures would be taken to protect the infrastructure going forward.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Õnne Pillak recognized the critical importance of the issue from a military logistics standpoint, promised to move the topic forward despite the lack of a specialist on the commission, but subsequently entered into a heated dispute with the questioner, categorically dismissing the claim that defending Estonian freedom was nothing more than empty rhetoric.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Õnne Pillak stated that the topic is very important and needs to be discussed more. She promised to take away the idea of how and why this is relevant in the context of military logistics, and remarked that it is not merely a buzzword, adding that she remains in disagreement with the questioner.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Evelin Poolamets.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets notes that the waiter is absent, and asks how many stops there are on the route to Soodevahe. Furthermore, she asks, if the project is implemented without stops, how many local residents and passengers will have to endure inconvenience, and what the total number of those users is.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets directs a pointed question to the commission's rapporteur, who missed the last meeting, concerning the stops along the route running through Soodevahe village and the resulting inconvenience for local residents. She specifically requested data on the volume of passengers being served if the stops are not built out.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi expressed thanks.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
During Evelin Poolamets's speech, a question is raised regarding how many people must tolerate inconvenience because the train stops have not been constructed or developed.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Õnne Pillak confirmed that although she was ill, robust protocols and her advisors ensured she received the necessary information. Consequently, the amendment she proposed regarding the Soodevahe-Muuga section was also in line with those protocols. However, she was unable to answer the question concerning the stops. Addressing the issue of inconvenience, she highlighted that her relatives, whose homes in Kohila are located near the route, are actually pleased with the construction work and are eagerly awaiting the project's completion so they can travel, for example, to Germany.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Even though I was sick that day, Õnne Pillak stated that the commission has excellent protocols and advisors. She mentioned that there is a protocol concerning the amendment made to the Soodevahe and Muuga section, but as far as she knew, there was no specific information regarding the stops, and she couldn't answer that question. She added that the route is causing inconvenience due to construction work near residential areas, but her relatives are pleased because they will soon be able to travel from Kohila to Germany.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Jaak Valge to speak.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge highlighted the risk of cutting off the railway connection during wartime (whether via the Suwałki Corridor or elsewhere) and asked where the real economic damage would come from if Rail Baltic were abandoned, stressing that the rapid construction of GDP growth is merely numbers and is not reflected in people's standard of living.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge acknowledges the security risks of Rail Baltic, pointing out the railway connection’s vulnerability to easy disruption in the event of war. However, he primarily focuses on the question of where exactly the alleged economic damage would stem from if the project were canceled, emphasizing that the GDP increase associated with the construction is merely a formal figure that will not actually improve the standard of living for the people of Estonia.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Õnne Pillak emphasized that although the project’s construction phase has already generated 1.2 million in added value, the overall economic benefit of the entire project to the state is significant, bringing 661 million euros in tax revenue into the state treasury, creating 31,800 man-years of employment, and substantially improving both connectivity with Europe and security, which is why the effort is worth making.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Õnne Pillak gives an example that if we look only at the construction phase, the added value is 1.2 million euros, and as a result of the entire project, approximately 661 million euros in tax revenue flows into the state treasury, companies earn about 354 million euros in additional profit, and approximately 31.8 thousand person-years of work are created, which also emphasizes the importance of European connectivity and security.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This address is merely a request to invite Lauri Laats to the stage.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
According to the speaker, the Reform Party cares about the environment, but building the same route, cutting down forests, and installing two tracks demonstrates a conflict between ideology and actions.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats is accusing the Reform Party of hypocrisy, pointing out that despite the party’s claimed environmental friendliness and constant talk about daily waste sorting, an impressive amount of forest is being cleared during the construction of the railway line, which stands in stark contrast to their green ideology.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Õnne Pillak confirms that the Centre Faction does not support the construction of Rail Baltic, but this is not against those who care about the environment, because rail transport creates the smallest footprint.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Õnne Pillak confirmed that while the Centre Faction’s opposition to Rail Baltic was confirmed, this stance does not contradict the principles of environmental sustainability, given that rail transport is known to be the mode of transport with the smallest ecological footprint.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Priit Sibul is invited to perform.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul expressed concern ahead of tomorrow's budget submission, asking directly whether it is true that the funding for Rail Baltic, a crucial investment, has been removed from the plans for the next period.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He reports that the budget will be presented tomorrow and asks whether others have the same information he does: namely, that crucial investment funding for Rail Baltica for the next period has been withdrawn.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He confirms that there is no information to suggest the money was taken.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He offers his thanks, reports that there are no questions, and Mart Maastik opens the debate on behalf of the Isamaa faction.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maastik emphasized that the financing of Rail Baltic must be a joint decision of the three Baltic states, complete with a thorough business plan and financing model, and presented to the European Union as a single coherent decision to avoid contractual and financing losses.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik sharply criticizes the ill-conceived decisions made by the European Union and the Estonian government. He cites the Rail Baltic project as an example, arguing that its feasibility and cost have not been sufficiently analyzed and its financing remains uncertain, noting that even CO2 funds are being utilized. He demands that the three Baltic states must meet jointly at the ministerial level to agree on future steps, draw up a proper business plan, and require clear and comprehensive funding from the European Union—as the entity responsible for this strategically important project—instead of each country acting separately.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech refers to a three-minute period.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The current situation demanded finding like-minded partners among our immediate neighbors and the Baltic states, exerting strong pressure on the government, and then jointly making a decision and securing the necessary resources, because we simply cannot continue down this path.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik dismisses the notion that Estonia is too small and calls on everyone to exert strong pressure on the government to find like-minded allies in neighboring countries and quickly make a decision alongside the other Baltic states. This is necessary to avoid an economic situation where construction relying on unknown funding leads to an inevitable and unstoppable catastrophe.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The address begins with a note of thanks, and Mart Helme is invited to speak on behalf of the EKRE faction.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme describes Rail Baltica as a "giantomania project" for the "Estonian dwarf state." He asserts that the funding comes from the European Union and demands accountability for the unreasonable sacrifices being made. Furthermore, he calls on Estonia to leave the European Union in order to become an independent state and focus on sensible infrastructure and energy development.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme considers Rail Baltic a textbook example of gigantomania for the Estonian dwarf state, which consumes the debts of future generations while essential domestic infrastructure projects—such as four-lane highways and permanent connections—remain undone due to the economic ruin brought about by the Reform Party-led government. He argues that this senseless undertaking is driven by an undemocratic European Union, plagued by green and war hysteria, and therefore, Estonia must leave the EU to restore its independence and implement sound, rational policies.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks everyone and informs that Lauri Laats represents the Estonian Centre Party faction.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats asserts that the Rail Baltic project must be moved forward despite the high costs and financing challenges. He calls for the establishment of an investigative commission to involve Latvia and Lithuania and to clarify the project’s feasibility and maintenance expenses, all while criticizing green rhetoric and emphasizing the regional dimension and waste management issues.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats sharply criticizes the Rail Baltic project, pointing out its explosively increased cost (at least 25 billion), insufficient funding, gigantic maintenance expenses, and the complete lack of a business plan. He also accuses the government of hypocrisy regarding environmental issues, given that large forest areas are being cleared for the sake of the project, and calls for the project to be halted and for an investigative commission to be established to analyze its feasibility.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
They asked for three extra minutes during the speech.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats criticizes the prioritization of the Rail Baltic project, stressing that the colossal sums spent on it should have been directed toward developing Estonia’s main road networks, specifically the Tallinn-Pärnu and Tallinn-Tartu routes. This development would have ensured safety, accelerated trade, and provided a significant regional and economic boost. He demands that since Rail Baltic is currently stalled and its future is uncertain, difficult decisions must be made and the project reassessed, regardless of the existing political consensus.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats argues that, for the sake of the regional dimension, the money could have been directed toward developing the road network (Tartu–Pärnu), which would improve the movement of people and goods and stimulate the economy. However, the Rail Baltic project has been chosen, and if it fails to progress, other more difficult decisions will have to be considered.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi closed the debate and announced that, as no amendments had been submitted, Riigikogu draft decision 650 would be put to the final vote. This draft, by which the EKRE faction proposes that the government abandon the Rail Baltic project, requires a majority vote of the Riigikogu membership for adoption.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He concludes the negotiations, announces that no amendments have been submitted, and puts Draft Act 650 to the final vote. The purpose of this draft act is to adopt the Riigikogu decision proposed by the EKRE faction regarding the abandonment of the Rail Baltic project in Estonia and withdrawal from the international agreements associated with it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Draft Law 650 was rejected and drops out of the proceedings, as 15 members of the Riigikogu voted in favor, nobody voted against, and there were no abstentions.