Participation of the Republic of Estonia in the War in Ukraine
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, third sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-04-10 16:17
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 12m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda of the session focused on the possible participation of Estonian Defence Forces special forces personnel in Ukraine and the clarification of its legal and political frameworks. Also under discussion was the content of the security agreement between Ukraine and Estonia, and the possibility of providing Ukraine with continuous military aid lasting four years, amounting to 0.25% of GDP, whereby the financial commitments would arise only within the framework of the state budget procedure, and the Riigikogu is responsible for approving or rejecting these funds. Spokespersons emphasized that decisions regarding military participation would not be made by classifying information about individuals or without the public knowing, and that any confirmations or commitments must be assessed and approved by the Riigikogu and through the budget.
The second part of the discussions concerned the need to clarify the legal basis and how the public can access these treaties and agreements, especially if they are protocols of good intentions or potential contracts. Finally, the discussion was prompted by the emphasis that the current topic did not lead to a final resolution, as no new mandate had been adopted nor had a scheme for financial obligations been confirmed, and the texts were still in the negotiation stage.
Decisions Made 1
No formal decision has been made. Upon receiving the Riigikogu mandate and confirming financial obligations, further steps must take place within the framework of the state budget procedure; protocols of good intentions and the content of potential agreements still require final review and disclosure to the public and the Riigikogu.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Varro Vooglaid; his political position is right-wing (right).
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The next question is addressed to the Honourable Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, and it will be presented by our good colleague Varro Vooglaid.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid asked during three question hours whether the special forces of the Estonian Defence Forces have already been sent to Ukraine to carry out tasks related to military activity, on what basis this was done, and whether the Riigikogu has confirmed the decision for this foreign mission in accordance with the constitution.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kallas stated that the Riigikogu will decide on the Defense Forces mission taking place in Ukraine, and confirmations regarding specific personnel will only be shared with Russia. Meanwhile, Estonian people are working there through various government agencies, and names or numbers will not be disclosed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi posed a follow-up question and requested a response from Varro Vooglaid.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid posed a fundamental question regarding whether Estonian Defence Forces special operations personnel have already been sent to Ukraine and whether clear confirmation of this can be provided. He also asked for the text of the Estonia–Ukraine security agreement, as well as whether and how large the annual military aid amounting to 0.25% of GDP is, why this agreement has not been presented to the Riigikogu or the public, how the agreement is compliant with the constitution, and when it is planned to present it to the Riigikogu.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas emphasized that no one has been sent to military operations, and regarding the aid provided to Ukraine, negotiations are underway at the level of a protocol of good intentions. According to this protocol, the government is prepared to provide 0.25% of GDP in military aid over four years, but the actual obligation will only arise within the framework of the Riigikogu budget procedure and depends on the Riigikogu's decision.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi stated that there were a total of three questions scheduled for the information session, and if no one else was competing (for the floor), Varro Vooglaid would be allowed to ask the third question as well. He provided assurance of this by noting that if someone else had expressed a wish to ask, he would have given that opportunity to another colleague.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid posed a clear question during the session, asking if Estonian Defence Forces special operations personnel are in Ukraine carrying out war-related tasks, and if the protocol of good intentions will be disclosed to the Riigikogu and the public before signing.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that the government and other countries can draw up protocols of good intentions without the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), provided they do not entail financial obligations. She added that financial obligations must pass through the state budget and budget strategy procedure, and the Riigikogu is responsible for deciding their funding. Furthermore, she emphasized that she will not provide confirmations that could be maliciously exploited to spread Russian narratives, as her goal is to assist Ukraine and continue cooperation with the e-state and the European Union, without assuming a military role.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi concluded the handling of the question, noting that Varro Vooglaid was likely expecting a more specific answer. He understood the Prime Minister's justifications and offered an apology, explaining that he had not taken up that procedural question and was setting aside the second item on the agenda.