First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu (709 OE) "Use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling the international obligations of the Republic of Estonia as part of NATO readiness forces."
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Date: 2025-09-24 20:43
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 8
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 4m
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 709 of the Riigikogu, submitted by the Government of the Republic, "On the Use of the Defence Forces in Fulfilling the International Obligations of the Estonian State within the Composition of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Response Force." Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur explained that Estonia contributes a naval unit, totaling up to 76 members of the Defence Forces, to the NATO Response Force (NRF). This is a high-readiness unit prepared for operations in various parts of the world. The Minister noted that the budget volume for this commitment is 1.2 million euros, making it the largest of all missions, as it involves deployment at sea.
Kalev Stoicescu, Chairman of the leading committee, the National Defence Committee, provided an overview of the committee's discussions, which took place on September 15 and 22. He emphasized that participation in the rapid reaction forces (ARF, or Allied Reaction Force, and SNF, or Standing Naval Forces) is crucial for the rapid activation of NATO collective self-defense operations and is directly linked to Estonia's security. According to the draft resolution, in 2026, Estonia will contribute a minehunter crew and a staff officer (up to 76 members of the Defence Forces in total) to the ARF and SNF. The use of the ARF is decided unanimously by the North Atlantic Council, meaning Estonia's consent is also required. The National Defence Committee made a consensus proposal to conclude the first reading of the draft resolution.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 709 was concluded.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set for 5:15 PM on October 8th of this year.
Most Active Speaker
Chairman of the National Defence Committee Kalev Stoicescu was the most active speaker, providing a comprehensive overview of the draft legislation's debate within the lead committee, clarifying the strategic significance of the contribution, and submitting formal proposals to the Riigikogu.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
We now move on to agenda item 11, which is the first reading of draft resolution 709, submitted by the Government of the Republic to the Riigikogu, titled "Use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling the international obligations of the Republic of Estonia within the composition of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's readiness unit." The rapporteur is Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur provided the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) with an overview of Estonia's contribution to the NATO Response Force (NRF), confirming that the Navy will contribute up to 76 service members. The budget for this contribution, totaling 1.2 million euros, is the largest, given that this particular unit has repeatedly performed this task and is fully ready for operations.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that the Estonian Navy's NRF readiness unit comprises 76 military personnel, is included in NATO's readiness structure, and is prepared to conduct operations in various locations around the globe. Its budget is approximately 1.2 million euros.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller thanks the participants and announces that there are no questions, and the discussion held in the lead committee will be summarized by Kalev Stoicescu, Chairman of the National Defence Committee.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu conveys the position of the National Defence Committee regarding the draft bill, under which Estonia will contribute a total of up to 76 military personnel to the rapid reaction forces (ARF and SNF) established for NATO collective self-defence operations starting from 2026, emphasizing that this is directly linked to Estonia's security. The Committee makes a consensus proposal to the Riigikogu to conclude the first reading of the draft bill and set the deadline for submitting amendments.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The National Defence Committee discussed the draft bill concerning the participation of the ARF and SNF in NATO collective self-defence operations, noting that Estonia's security is linked to this, and that by 2026, Estonia's contribution may reach up to 76 military personnel. Furthermore, the committee unanimously decided to conclude the first reading of the bill and set a deadline for submitting amendments.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller announced that, since no requests to speak were presented during the debate, the first reading of Draft Act 709 was concluded upon the proposal of the lead committee. Furthermore, the deadline for submitting amendments was set for 5:15 p.m. on October 8 of the current year, thereby concluding the handling of agenda item 11.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Under the chairmanship of Arvo Aller, the discussions were opened and closed, the first reading of draft bill 709 was concluded, and the deadline for submitting amendments was confirmed as October 8th at 17:15, thereby concluding the 11th item on the agenda.