First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu (Parliament) "Use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling Estonia's international obligations as part of the United Kingdom's joint expeditionary force" (707 OE)
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Date: 2025-09-24 20:34
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 9
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 4m
AI Summaries: 9/9 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda item concerned the first reading of Draft Resolution 707 of the Riigikogu, submitted by the Government of the Republic, which addresses the use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling the international obligations of the Estonian state within the framework of the United Kingdom's Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). The rapporteur, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, explained that JEF is a UK-initiated coalition of the willing, comprising ten members, and its focus is on the security of the Baltic Sea region, the High North, and the Atlantic Ocean. The Minister emphasized JEF's rapid response capability, citing as an example the activation of activities following the damage to the Estlink 2 submarine cable. The draft resolution proposes granting a mandate to use up to 24 servicemen in the JEF readiness unit, although no direct need is foreseen for the next year. Kristo Enn Vaga, a member of the National Defence Committee, presented the summary of the leading committee, confirming that cooperation within the framework of JEF is strategically important for Estonia, as the United Kingdom is a vital security partner. The draft resolution confirms Estonia's readiness to contribute up to 24 defence personnel to JEF readiness in 2026, similar to the contribution made this year. The leading committee proposed concluding the first reading and set the deadline for amendments.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 707 was concluded.
The deadline for submitting proposed amendments was set as October 8, 2024, at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
Kristo Enn Vaga (Member of the National Defence Committee) was active, presenting a comprehensive summary of the lead committee's discussion, the background of the draft bill, and the consensus decisions.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller announces that the agenda will now proceed to the ninth item, which is the first reading of Riigikogu Draft Resolution 707 on the use of the Defence Forces within the composition of the United Kingdom Joint Expeditionary Force, and the report will be presented by Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Parliament now moves to the ninth item on the agenda, which involves the first reading of Draft Resolution 707 of the Riigikogu, submitted by the Government of the Republic, concerning the use of the defense forces in fulfilling the international obligations of the Estonian state as part of the United Kingdom's Joint Expeditionary Force.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur provided an overview of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), stressing its crucial role in guaranteeing the security of the Baltic Sea region, and specifically highlighted the rapid response to the Estlink 2 cable incident as an example. He further proposed granting a mandate to contribute up to 24 personnel to the JEF readiness unit, in the event that joint engagement by like-minded nations proves necessary.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that Estonia will contribute up to 24 troops to the JEF readiness unit, involving like-minded countries if necessary, focusing on the security of the Baltic Sea region. He also recalled JEF’s previous activities, including those following the damage to the Estlink 2 subsea cable.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller offered his thanks and stated that there were no questions, after which Kristo Enn Vaga, a member of the National Defence Committee, concluded the subsequent discussion.
Kristo Enn Vaga
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kristo Enn Vaga provided an overview of the National Defence Committee's discussion regarding Draft Bill 707, which addresses Estonia's continued contribution to the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) with up to 24 servicemen in 2026. He emphasized the strategic importance of the JEF in ensuring security in the Baltic Sea region and in cooperation with the United Kingdom. The committee reached a consensus decision to conclude the first reading and set the deadline for submitting amendments as October 8th.
Kristo Enn Vaga
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The National Defence Committee discussed Draft Bill 707, emphasized Estonia's continued contribution to the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), and stressed the importance of cooperation in ensuring the security of the Baltic Sea region. The Committee further decided to discuss the draft bill on September 24, conclude the first reading for the Riigikogu (Parliament), appoint the rapporteur as its representative, and set the deadline for submitting amendments for October 8 at 5:15 PM.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller announced that there were no questions, that he would open and close the debate, conclude the first reading of Draft Bill 707, and confirm the deadline for submitting amendments as October 8th at 17:15, and that the ninth item on the agenda has been completed.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller swiftly closed the debate, as no requests to speak had been submitted, concluded the first reading of Draft Bill 707, and set the deadline for submitting amendments as 5:15 PM on October 8th of the current year.