First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu, "Extension of the term of use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling the internationally binding obligations of the Republic of Estonia on a UN peacekeeping operation in Lebanon" (710 OE).
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Date: 2025-09-24 20:48
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 710 of the Riigikogu, submitted by the Government of the Republic, "Extension of the term of deployment of the Defence Forces in fulfilling the international obligations of the Estonian state in the UN peacekeeping operation in Lebanon," as the 12th item on the agenda. The rapporteur, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, explained that the Lebanon operation (UNIFIL) is extensive, but Estonia's contribution is modest—currently, one staff officer serves there in the city of Naqoura. The draft resolution requests a mandate for the use of up to three active servicemen, although an increase in the composition is not foreseen. The annual costs of the mission remain below 60,000 euros.
Meelis Kiili, a member of the National Defence Committee, provided an overview of the committee's sessions, where the draft resolution and the security situation were discussed. He emphasized that UNIFIL is a classic UN peacekeeping operation, established in 1978, involving over 10,300 peacekeepers from 47 countries. Kiili confirmed that the National Defence Committee unanimously decided to propose to the Riigikogu that the first reading of the draft resolution be concluded. Debates were not opened, and the Riigikogu agreed with the proposal of the lead committee.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 710 was concluded.
The deadline for the submission of amendments was set for October 8th at 17:15.
Most Active Speaker
Meelis Kiili (a member of the National Defence Committee) presented a comprehensive report on the main committee's discussions, providing a detailed overview of the background of the UNIFIL operation and Estonia's contribution.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller introduced the 12th item on the agenda, which was the first reading of Riigikogu Draft Resolution 710, submitted by the government, concerning the extension of the term of deployment of the Defence Forces in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. He then announced that the report would be presented by Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Riigikogu is debating the 12th item on the agenda, which addresses the first reading of Draft Act 710, submitted by the Government of the Republic, concerning the extension of the term for the use of the defense forces in the UN peacekeeping operation in Lebanon.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur briefed the Riigikogu on Estonia's continuing, yet surprisingly small contribution to the UN peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, confirming that although the mandate permits up to three personnel, the plan is to maintain the contingent at one staff officer in Naqoura, the annual cost of which will remain below 60,000 euros.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that while the Lebanon operation is large, Estonia's participation is very small—just one officer. The plan for next year is to continue with one staff officer on the southern border in Naqoura, with the total mandate size capped at three personnel, and no expansion of the mission is anticipated. The estimated costs are slightly under 60,000 euros annually.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller thanks the participants and announces that there are no questions. The discussion held in the lead committee will be summarized by Meelis Kiili, a member of the National Defence Committee.
Meelis Kiili
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The National Defence Committee decided by consensus to hold the first reading of the draft bill under discussion at the Riigikogu session on September 24 and conclude it. They also decided to continue the participation of the Estonian Defence Forces in the UNIFIL peacekeeping operation with up to three active servicemen (one staff officer in Naqoura), and set the deadline for submitting amendments as October 8 at 17:15.
Meelis Kiili
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Meelis Kiili, speaking on behalf of the National Defence Committee, provided an overview of the draft legislation concerning the continued contribution of the Estonian Defence Forces to the UN classical peacekeeping operation UNIFIL in Lebanon. He explained that the committee unanimously supports the participation of up to three active servicemen and proposes that the Riigikogu conclude the first reading of the bill and set October 8th as the deadline for submitting amendments.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller announced that the first reading of Bill 710 has been concluded, the deadline for submitting amendments is October 8th at 17:15, and the 12th item on the agenda has been completed.