First reading of the Draft Act on Amending the Foreign Relations Act and Consequently Amending Other Acts (385 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.
Date: 2024-05-08 23:45
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 5
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 8m
AI Summaries: 5/5 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Based on the agenda item, the Riigikogu focuses on the first reading of Draft Act 385 concerning the amendment of the Foreign Relations Act and related amendments to other acts. The main goal is to simplify the preparation and conclusion of international agreements and to streamline the provisions regarding data collections and other authorization norms. The draft act offers a multi-layered procedural organization—depending on the content of the amendments, the procedure may be carried out by the Riigikogu, the government, or a ministry—and also strengthens the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the coordinator of international agreements. A second major working group focuses on harmonizing data collection requirements and reducing bureaucracy, as well as bringing the organization of development cooperation and humanitarian aid under the competence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In other words, the aim is to modernize the procedural rules for international agreements, ensure timely domestic procedure and consistent implementation of international obligations, while simultaneously reducing the administrative burden and increasing transparency. The committee's work highlighted that only some negotiation results reach the proceedings of the government and the Riigikogu, and therefore clearer coordination and cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is essential. Furthermore, it was reported that statistics show extensive work in the field of international agreements regarding negotiations and ratification, which makes the amendments to the draft act necessary in both legal and operational terms.
Decisions Made 4
The commission decided to include the draft bill on the plenary agenda for April 17, 2024.
At the April 15 meeting, the procedural order was changed, and the discussion date was set for May 8, 2024.
The Commission proposed concluding the first reading of the draft.
The responsible committee's proposal: that the first reading of the draft bill be concluded; the first reading has been concluded, and the deadline for submitting amendments is May 22nd at 17:15.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was the representative of the Foreign Affairs Committee, identified by PID zcQoYZ5brtY. Their contributions focused on the discussions held during committee meetings and the preparation of the relevant procedures. Position: Other (role of a member or representative of the Foreign Affairs Committee).
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi introduces the next item on the agenda, which is the first reading of Draft Act No. 385 on the amendment of the Foreign Relations Act and associated acts, initiated by the Government of the Republic, and invites the honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, to the Riigikogu rostrum to deliver the report.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna presented Bill 385 to the Riigikogu, the primary goals of which are to simplify the procedure for preparing and concluding foreign agreements, streamline data registers and authorization norms, and increase the flexibility and speed of the procedure. This allows changes to be processed according to their content by the Riigikogu, the government, or the ministry, while maintaining the central coordinating role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ensuring improved public notification.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked the minister, stating that the draft bill was so thoroughly prepared that members of the Riigikogu had no questions regarding it, and requested Marko Mihkelson as co-rapporteur.
Marko Mihkelson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Foreign Affairs Committee discussed amendments to the Foreign Relations Act during its session held on April 8, 2024. It heard information from Kristi Land and Perit Soininen and noted that the volume of foreign treaties is substantial and their processing is reflected in practice. The Committee decided to submit the draft bill to the plenary session on April 17, 2024, but due to an amendment made on April 15, the discussion date was rescheduled to May 8, and it was recommended that the first reading be concluded.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that the first reading of Bill 385 had been concluded, set the deadline for submitting amendments as May 22nd at 5:15 p.m., and confirmed that the processing of this agenda item was finished.