First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu (Parliament) "Extension of the term of use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling the international obligations of the Republic of Estonia in the European Union military operation EUNAVFOR Med/Irini" (703 OE)
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Date: 2025-09-24 19:59
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 8
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 6m
AI Summaries: 8/8 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated the first reading of Draft Resolution 703, submitted by the Government of the Republic, concerning the extension of the term of use of the Defence Forces in the European Union military operation EUNAVFOR Med/Irini. Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur presented the draft resolution, providing an introductory overview of the general reduction in Estonia's participation in international military operations next year, focusing instead on raising the internal level of the Defence Forces and training instructors. The operation in Iraq has ended and contributions there are no longer being made. Regarding the EUNAVFOR Med/Irini operation, the Minister proposed increasing the contribution from one staff officer to two, while the total size of the mandate would be up to six servicemen. The objective of the operation is to ensure freedom of navigation and implement the UN arms embargo against Libya.
Alar Laneman, speaking on behalf of the National Defence Committee, confirmed the committee's support for the draft resolution, emphasizing the operation's importance in implementing the UN arms embargo, preventing illegal oil exports, and combating human trafficking. The committee had discussed the draft resolution at its session on September 15 and unanimously decided to propose to the Riigikogu that the first reading be concluded. Debates were not opened, and the first reading of the draft resolution was concluded.
Decisions Made 2
Following the proposal of the leading committee (the National Defence Committee), it was decided to conclude the first reading of Bill 703.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set for October 8th at 17:15.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Item five on the agenda concerns the first reading of Draft Resolution 703 of the Riigikogu, submitted by the Government of the Republic, regarding the extension of the term for the use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling Estonia's international obligations in the European Union military operation EUNAVFOR Med/Irini. The rapporteur is Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller announces that the floor will now proceed to the fifth item on the agenda, which is the first reading of Riigikogu Draft Resolution 703 regarding the extension of the mandate for the use of the Defence Forces in the European Union military operation EUNAVFOR Med/Irini. The rapporteur is Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Estonia will drastically reduce its participation in international military operations next year and will seek a minimal mandate from the parliament, for example, two staff officers and a mandate for up to six personnel for EUNAVFOR Med/Irini, while focusing on raising the standard of the Defence Forces and concluding the Erbil operation in Iraq.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur provided an overview of next year’s international military operations, emphasizing that Estonia will drastically reduce the participation of active duty personnel. This shift is aimed at focusing on raising the level of the Defense Forces itself and training instructors, while the mandates for readiness units will largely remain the same. Furthermore, there is a plan to send two staff officers instead of the current one to the EUNAVFOR Med/Irini Mediterranean operation.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller thanks the audience, opens the debate, apologizes for rushing, and introduces Alar Laneman, a member of the leading committee, specifically the National Defence Committee.
Alar Laneman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Alar Laneman announced that Estonia will continue its contribution to the EUNAVFOR Med/Irini operation in 2026, increasing the number of defense personnel from three to six. This increase is intended to strengthen the Libyan arms embargo, prevent illegal oil exports, provide training for the border guard and navy, and curb human trafficking, utilizing maritime, air, and satellite capabilities. He reiterated that Estonia is fulfilling its allied obligations among 23 European Union countries under Italian leadership. Concurrently, the National Defence Committee unanimously decided to conclude the first reading of the draft bill before the Riigikogu and set the deadline for amendments at ten working days.
Alar Laneman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Alar Laneman announced that Estonia intends to continue contributing to the European Union military operation EUNAVFOR Med/Irini in 2026 as well, increasing the personnel of participating defense forces members from three up to six. This expanded contribution aims to support the implementation of the UN arms embargo in Libya, prevent illegal oil exports, and combat human trafficking. He also emphasized that the National Defense Committee has consensually approved the conclusion of the first reading of the draft bill.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller announced that there were no questions, opened the debate, and, following the lead committee’s proposal to conclude the first reading of Draft Act 703, set the deadline for submitting amendments as October 8 at 5:15 PM, thus concluding the fifth item on the agenda.