First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu (Parliament) entitled "Extension of the term of use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling the international obligations of the Republic of Estonia in the European Union's international military operation EUNAVFOR Aspides" (704 OE)
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Date: 2025-09-24 20:06
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 9
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 5m
AI Summaries: 9/9 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Under this agenda item, the first reading of Draft Act 704 of the Riigikogu decision, submitted by the Government of the Republic, concerning the "Extension of the term for the use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling the international obligations of the Estonian state in the European Union's international military operation EUNAVFOR Aspides," took place. The rapporteur, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, explained that the operation was launched due to Houthi attacks that began in the Red Sea region in October 2023, with the aim of ensuring freedom of navigation. The Minister confirmed that the situation in the region has improved. Estonia would contribute up to three members of the Defence Forces to the operation in 2026, with the initial contribution being one serviceman under Italian command.
Kalev Stoicescu, Chairman of the National Defence Committee, provided a comprehensive overview of the discussions held by the lead committee and the background of the operation. He specified that the EU Council established the EUNAVFOR Aspides operation on February 8, 2024, to ensure maritime security. The area of operation covers the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, as well as several gulfs and straits. The nature of the operation is strictly defensive, focusing on the protection and escorting of vessels. The Committee decided by consensus to propose to the Riigikogu that the first reading of the draft act be concluded and that the deadline for amendments be set for October 8, 2024.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 704 was concluded.
The deadline for the submission of amendments was set as 17:15 on October 8, 2024.
Most Active Speaker
The Chairman of the National Defence Committee, Kalev Stoicescu, was the most active speaker, presenting a thorough overview of the bill's background, the operation's objectives, and the decisions of the lead committee (etc.).
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This address concerns the debate of the first reading of draft resolution 704, which is the sixth item on the agenda: the Riigikogu decision submitted by the Government of the Republic titled 'Extension of the term for the use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling the international obligations of the Estonian state in the European Union's international military operation EUNAVFOR Aspides.' The rapporteur for this item is Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller announced the transition to the sixth item on the agenda, which is the first reading of Riigikogu Draft Resolution 704, concerning the extension of the term of use of the Defence Forces in the European Union's international military operation EUNAVFOR Aspides, and gave the floor to Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur for the presentation.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Pevkur stated that the European Union operation EUNAVFOR Aspides was launched to ensure freedom of navigation following the attacks in the Red Sea that began in October 2023. He added that the situation has improved, and while Estonia's contribution is currently one serviceman under Italian command, they are requesting confirmation for a total mandate size of up to three personnel.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur gave a brief overview of the European Union operation EUNAVFOR Aspides in the Red Sea, which was launched in response to Houthi attacks and has significantly improved the situation. He requested confirmation of the mandate to contribute up to three servicemen to the operation, although only one serviceman is participating this year under Italian command.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller thanks the floor and confirms that there are no questions. Following him, Kalev Stoicescu, Chairman of the National Defence Committee, will summarize the debate that took place in the lead committee.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The National Defence Committee discussed draft bill 704 OE before its first reading, heard briefings on the participation of the Estonian Defence Forces in international operations (including EUNAVFOR Aspides), and confirmed its readiness to contribute up to three servicemen in 2026. Furthermore, at its September 15 sitting, the Committee decided to submit a proposal to the Riigikogu Board to include the first reading of the draft bill on the agenda of the September 24 sitting and to set the deadline for submitting amendments as October 8.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu conveyed the consensus decision of the National Defence Committee to support the draft bill, under which Estonia will contribute up to three servicemen in 2026 to the European Union maritime security operation EUNAVFOR Aspides, which was established to protect freedom of navigation due to the Red Sea crisis, and proposed that the Riigikogu conclude the first reading of the draft bill.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller announced that there were no questions and the discussions had concluded; the leading committee wishes to conclude the first reading of Bill 704. The first reading is concluded, and the deadline for submitting amendments is October 8th at 5:15 p.m., thereby concluding the sixth item on the agenda.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller announced that the first reading of draft bill 704 was concluded, closing the debate due to the absence of requests to speak, and set the deadline for submitting amendments as 5:15 PM on October 8th of the current year, thereby marking the sixth item on the agenda as concluded.