First reading of the Draft Act on the Act on the Introduction of the Euro and the Act on Amendments to Other Acts Related Thereto (399 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Date: 2024-04-09 16:57
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 5
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2m
AI Summaries: 5/5 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated the first reading of Draft Legislation 399, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the adoption of the euro and related amendments. The central aim of the draft legislation is to establish mandatory rounding rules for one- and two-cent euro coins: starting from 2025, the final sum of the shopping basket must be rounded in physical points of sale, and the cost of each product separately must not be rounded. The sum is rounded down if it ends with one, two, six, or seven euro cents, and rounded up if it ends with three, four, eight, or nine euro cents. The justification for the draft legislation highlights the decrease in the circulation of small denomination coins, the need for their overproduction, production costs, and environmental impact, and emphasizes the simplification and acceleration of cash transactions, which in turn reduces the administrative burden on merchants. The Finance Committee introduced the draft legislation, and the discussion was aimed at clarifying the main objectives and making procedural decisions. Furthermore, it was emphasized that the draft legislation is being brought before the plenary assembly today for its first reading, and in the subsequent steps, procedural clarification is crucial, including issues concerning official deadlines and the appointment of the rapporteur. The sitting will continue next time with the same draft legislation.
Decisions Made 4
To bring the draft bill forward for its first reading before the Plenary Session today.
Propose concluding the first reading.
To appoint the present speaker as rapporteur on behalf of the Commission.
The deadline for amendments is ten working days, which is April 23rd at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was pid 3iK35z0_4VM, who represented the Commission's rapporteur (the rapporteur on the Commission). Position: other.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Riigikogu is debating the first reading of Bill 399, which addresses the Act on the Introduction of the Euro and the amendment of other related legislation, and has invited Finance Minister Mart Võrklaev to serve as the rapporteur.
Rahandusminister Mart Võrklaev
AI Summary
The upcoming bill before the Riigikogu proposes establishing rounding rules for one- and two-cent euro coins in physical sales environments starting in 2025. Under these rules, purchase totals ending in 1, 2, 6, or 7 euro cents would be rounded down, while those ending in 3, 4, 8, or 9 euro cents would be rounded up. This measure aims to reduce the burden of handling coins and the complexity of cash transactions, making payments simpler and more convenient.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker of the Riigikogu, Jüri Ratas, called for order, announced that there were no questions, offered his thanks, and gave the floor to Jaak Aab, a member of the Finance Committee, for his presentation, concluding by wishing the birthday celebrant a happy birthday.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab stated that the Finance Committee discussed the preparations for the first reading of the bill. Comprehensive answers were provided, and procedural decisions were adopted: the bill will be brought before the plenary session for its first reading today, the first reading will be concluded, and the committee will appoint the current speaker as the rapporteur; the deadline for submitting amendments is April 23rd at 5:15 PM.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
It is two o'clock, today's session is concluded, and tomorrow we will commence with the opening, or non-opening, of negotiations. No questions were asked, and a big thank you to the rapporteur.