The Regional Affairs and Agricultural Minister's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Date: 2025-09-24 21:17
Total Speeches: 118
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 39m
AI Summaries: 118/118 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, presented the 2025 report to the Riigikogu on the implementation of the country's long-term development strategy, "Eesti 2035," focusing on viable regional development and robust food security. The Minister emphasized that Estonia faces geopolitical instability, climate change, and an economic slowdown, which necessitates smart and often painful structural reforms. He highlighted a demographic tipping point where 60% of the population is concentrated in Harju and Tartu counties, creating a "golden circle" and an emptying periphery. To reverse this trend, the government aims to direct at least 40% of business support outside major cities and increase the financial autonomy of local governments. A key reform introduced was the smart and accessible mobility reform, designed to ensure flexible public transport (a unified ticketing system, fixed-interval timetables, and on-demand transport). Regarding agriculture, the Minister stressed the need to increase added value and reduce dangerous dependence on imported production inputs (fertilizers, feed). The goal was set at an 80% self-sufficiency level in key food groups, viewing this as part of comprehensive national defense. The crisis involving African Swine Fever (ASF) was addressed separately; it struck Estonia's largest pig farming complexes in August 2025, leading to restrictions and culling/layoffs affecting over 50,000 pigs. The Minister announced preparations for creating a national guarantee scheme for the agricultural sector to mitigate market risks against which private insurance offers no protection, alongside the necessity of a long-term wild boar population control plan. During the debate, the opposition criticized the government's slow response to the ASF crisis and the negative impact of tax increases on rural areas.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made
Most Active Speaker
Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa, right-leaning) was the most active and critical speaker in the debate, leveling sharp criticism against the government's inaction and indecisiveness during the African swine fever crisis, as well as highlighting the negative impact of its tax policy on rural areas and food producers.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar introduced the final, 15th item on the session's agenda. This was a presentation by the Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, concerning the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy, "Eesti 2035," while repeatedly reminding the Minister of his allotted 30 minutes of speaking time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Before the Riigikogu, the Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, will present his 2025 report on the implementation of the Estonia 2035 long-term development strategy, and the presentation will be up to 30 minutes long.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras provides an overview of the challenges facing Estonia, such as the demographic winter, geopolitical instability, and the cooling economy, stressing that the time for solving problems by simply throwing money at them is over, and that the focus must now shift to implementing smart and often painful structural reforms. Focusing on viable regional development and food security, he proposes several solutions: increasing the financial autonomy of local governments, implementing a smart mobility reform to prevent the emergence of "two Estonias," and establishing a national guarantee scheme for the agricultural sector to mitigate crisis risks and ensure the country's long-term resilience.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Terras said that Estonia's balanced development is based on two pillars—"Estonia 2035" and the National Spatial Plan 2050—and focuses on robust regional development, financial autonomy for local governments, smart public transport, agricultural innovation, and food security, all aimed at reducing regional disparities and ensuring a sustainable quality of life across all regions of Estonia.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The respected Minister is thanked. It is noted that there are many questions, and the first questioner is colleague Madis Kallas.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas, while praising the ministry’s good work and report concerning the regional sector, subsequently shifted his focus to concerns regarding regional air traffic. He specifically asked whether the significant increase in ticket prices implemented at the beginning of the year—which has led to a reduction in passenger numbers—is planned to be reversed, arguing that the state revenue generated is not proportional to the loss of passengers.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas praised the presentation and the ministry's good work, and then posed a specific question regarding aviation. He noted the rise in regional flight ticket prices, the agreement to review those prices, the decrease in passenger numbers, and the growth of state revenues, and asked whether these developments might reverse.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Terras, stated that based on six months of data, the number of flights has decreased. Using this data, they will discuss the quality, volume, and price of the service with the Saaremaa municipal government, and the results of any changes will become apparent at the end of the six-month period.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras confirms that although air traffic figures have only dropped marginally following the price increase implemented by the minister at the time, the six months of data collected will now serve as the basis for discussing the quality, scope, and price of the service with the Saaremaa local government.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar turns to his colleague Anti Allase and asks.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas thanked the presenter, noting that differences in regional development stem from earlier choices. He then asked when the government and the ministry you lead would provide a clear state message to ensure the sustainability of pig farming, and why this has not yet been done, reminding them that decisions were made within two weeks during the crisis.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas commended the minister for explaining the differences in regional development by referencing previous policy choices, but posed a pointed question: why the government and the ministry have still not been able to provide pig farmers with a clear message from the state to ensure their sustainability, noting that during the COVID-19 crisis, decisions on exiting the crisis were made in just a couple of weeks.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, confirms that the government is working on a recovery plan in cooperation with pig farmers, but emphasizes that a long-term plan for reducing the wild boar population is critically important to ensure the viability of the long-term investment and bring the risk of disease in the forest under control.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
He/She stressed that the disease must be eradicated from the farms in the near future, constructive cooperation with businesses will continue, and a long-term plan will be developed with the Ministry of Climate to reduce the wild boar population in order to bring the threat originating in the forest under control and secure investments.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Pipi-Liis Siemann to speak.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Against the backdrop of a challenging year and the difficulties faced by food producers and farmers, Pipi-Liis Siemann raised regional issues, asking whether it is possible to initiate and support joint cooperation between local municipalities at the county or inter-county level to improve the business environment and resolve bottlenecks, without the formalization of development agreements being mandatory.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann commended the minister for addressing the challenging year faced by food producers, but directed her question toward regional policy, asking how the state could initiate and support joint, cross-county cooperation among local municipalities in order to improve the business environment and resolve regional bottlenecks.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras expresses great satisfaction with the cooperation among Estonians, offering his full support, especially across administrative boundaries. He notes that successful collaboration, exemplified by the agricultural sector, yields better results, although he also acknowledges some existing disagreements. A meeting is scheduled in the near future to resolve these issues and move forward with the development agreement.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Terras stated that he fully supports cooperation that crosses the boundaries of municipalities and areas of responsibility, emphasizing that such collaboration in agriculture yields positive results for everyone. He also noted that while some projects face disagreements regarding the formation of regions—which will be further addressed in the development agreement—he remains generally committed to supporting cooperation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked Urve Tiidus to take the floor.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The core idea of the presentation revolves around food security and cutting down reliance on imported production inputs—things like fertilizers, animal feed, and technology. They also asked for practical examples of how Estonia could produce these items itself.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urve Tiidus is raising the issue of food security, stressing that Estonia must reduce its dangerous reliance on imported production inputs, such as fertilizers and animal feed. She is asking the minister to provide specific examples of practical steps that can be taken domestically in these areas.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The presentation highlights the reliance on inputs (e.g., chicks, deficiencies related to pig farrowing, and fertilizers), the necessity of resolving these bottlenecks, and the importance of applying technology and knowledge to better manage fields and reduce fertilizer use.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras highlighted the challenges facing Estonian agriculture, which stem from a heavy reliance on imported production inputs, such as chicks and piglets, and the availability of fertilizers. He stressed that addressing these bottlenecks is crucial and requires investment in technological development and the application of knowledge, particularly in the area of precision farming, to ensure the economical and rational management of resources.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Mait Klaassen to speak.
Mait Klaassen
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mait Klaassen criticizes the current distribution of investments (60% to cities, 40% to rural areas), arguing that the 40% allocated to sparsely populated areas is clearly insufficient for closing the existing gap, and demands a short-term 50/50 split or a higher percentage of support for rural areas.
Mait Klaassen
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mait Klaassen asked whether, given a 60–40 population distribution, 40% of investments directed toward rural areas is sufficient, or if that figure should be at least 50–50, or perhaps temporarily higher for sparsely populated regions, specifically in order to reduce the existing disparity.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Terras stated that directing investments is a political choice, noting the limits of rural areas' absorption capacity. He added that if 40% can currently be absorbed, consideration should be given to increasing that figure to improve the overall fluidity of investment.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras considers his colleague’s proposal to increase the volume of investments worthy of consideration, but emphasizes that this requires both a political agreement and the genuine capacity of rural areas to receive and utilize these funds, pointing to the necessity of moving forward incrementally and factoring in co-financing and energy access.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Reili Rand to speak.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reili Rand emphasized that public transport must create regional freedom. She praised the quality of the ferry connections to the islands and asked for the vision regarding the organization of ferry services for the coming year, as well as the plans for the Rohuküla train and the potential uses of European Union funds.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reili Rand emphasizes the role of public transport in creating regional freedom and poses two questions to the minister: what updates the next year's budget brings regarding the organization of the island ferry service, and whether there are plans to restore the Rohuküla railway connection directly to the ferries to alleviate capacity pressure.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Terras confirmed that the development plan prioritizes the completion of three railway routes—Tallinn–Tartu, Tallinn–Narva, and Rail Baltic. The plan also notes a ferry connection utilizing an electric train for Läänemaa–Hiiumaa. However, he stressed that existing projects must first be finalized before new ones are initiated, and the current ferry connection, which is better now than ever before, must be maintained at its current level.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras praised his colleague's persistence and confirmed that although the Haapsalu–Rohuküla railway route remains in the development plan, and transitioning directly from an electric train to a ferry would be an excellent solution for the residents of Lääne and Hiiu counties, the primary priority in infrastructure development is completing the investments already underway in the Tallinn–Tartu, Tallinn–Narva, and Rail Baltic corridors. He also agreed with the statement that the current ferry connection is at its best historical level and should be maintained.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Andrus Seeme.
Andrus Seeme
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrus Seeme commended the presentation and expressed interest in the current status of the South-East Estonia support program and the potential for increasing its funding volume, taking into account the regional complexity of the area. He also requested proposals for improving capital accessibility in the regions.
Andrus Seeme
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrus Seeme commended the presentation and inquired about the availability of funding for the South-East Estonia measure, the possibilities for increasing its scope, and the accessibility of capital in a regionally challenging area.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Speaking about the current status of the Southeast Estonia program, the Minister highlighted the availability of regional capital as the primary bottleneck for both private individuals and businesses. He noted that the Rural Development Foundation (MES) is attempting to cover this gap partially, and further progress and improved access are expected through cooperation and outreach efforts with banks, since property in the area is expensive, obtaining loans is difficult, and requires a substantial down payment and better risk assessment practices.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras acknowledged that the availability of regional capital in Southeast Estonia is a bottleneck, which they are attempting to alleviate with the help of the Rural Development Foundation. He also emphasized the need for outreach and clarification work with banks to improve lending conditions, especially considering the region's high real estate prices and the banks' differing approach to risk assessment.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon colleague Arvo Aller.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller criticizes the report as mandatory and unsuitable for praise, noting that the situation is flawed and while the consequences have been highlighted, the causes remain unclear. He also asks what the new "local benefit instrument" means, and why fisheries and coastal areas have been completely excluded from the report.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller believes that the mandatory report merely confirms the fact that the situation is fundamentally flawed, focusing on consequences instead of causes, and demands clarification regarding the meaning of the new "local benefit instruments," while sharply questioning why fisheries and coastal regions have been completely excluded from the report.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, emphasized that fisheries are vital for Estonia and constitute a well-functioning sector, but the poor state of the Baltic Sea fish stocks is primarily caused by seals and cormorants, which consume two-thirds of the stocks; he sees progress in limiting the cormorant population through egg oiling, which is a core element in the restoration of fish stocks, and also briefly mentioned local benefit instruments.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The report emphasized the importance of Estonian fisheries, stating that the condition of the Baltic Sea fish stocks is poor, mainly due to seals and cormorants. This situation is planned to be improved by reducing the cormorant population and oiling their eggs. Furthermore, the sector works well in cooperation, and instruments for local benefit are currently being discussed in the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar clarified that the restriction applies only to the presentation, not to the answers, emphasizing the importance of a substantive debate and the possibility of extra time. The next questioner is Riina Solman.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar clarified the Riigikogu's rules of procedure, explaining that the time limit applies to the presentation, not to the responses, and called for a substantive discussion before yielding the floor to the next questioner, Riina Solman.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman discusses the challenges of regional policy in her presentation: the continued depopulation of sparsely populated areas and the movement of the population to the vicinity of Tallinn and Tartu, the state's increasing expenditure, and asks for a plan for local governments to share revenue through financing instruments and how to bring people back to rural areas, referencing the flow from Ida-Virumaa, Saaremaa, and other peripheral regions towards the centers of attraction.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman raises a regional policy issue, pointing to the depopulation of rural areas and the concentration of the population in growth centers, which incurs significant costs for the state. She asks the rapporteur to specify how the government plans to attract people back to the countryside by restoring local government financial instruments, especially considering the ongoing population migration.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
He pointed out that two draft laws—one on the organization of local government and one on financial management—will reach the Riigikogu. These measures will ease restrictions on the proportion of loans and introduce greater flexibility. Furthermore, he emphasized the necessity of discussing the division of responsibilities and financial capacity between local and central governments, as well as the need to invest in rural areas to create jobs, boost the population, and ensure high-quality education and services for all. This effort demands the attention of every ministry.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras confirmed that the financial situation of local municipalities will soon be eased by two draft bills offering a more flexible borrowing model. He simultaneously stressed the need for a broad-based debate on the division of tasks between the state and local governments. Regarding population growth in rural areas, he rejected the idea of coercion, emphasizing that the key lies instead in cross-ministerial investment in jobs and quality services, such as education, to make all regions voluntarily attractive living environments for people.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman offers his thanks and invites Maido Ruusmann to speak.
Maido Ruusmann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maido Ruusmann highlighted the main challenges of regional policy, emphasized the unequal distribution of wealth and the lagging development of Southeast Estonia, and, in the context of the OECD, raised the question regarding the financing of the necessary greater attention and investments in the border areas of Eastern Europe within the framework of the state budget.
Maido Ruusmann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maido Ruusmann praised the minister's report for highlighting important challenges, but focused instead on the biggest problem in regional policy: the unequal distribution of wealth. He emphasized that the economic backwardness of Southeast Estonia (with a GDP half the EU average) is critical and requires rapid investment and greater attention, especially considering the geopolitical situation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech emphasizes that now is the time to take action.
Maido Ruusmann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maido Ruusmann raises concerns regarding the complexity of domestic investments and inquires whether it is possible to allocate more support to border regions than previously, within the framework of the new European Union funding period.
Maido Ruusmann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maido Ruusmann notes that domestic investments are challenging, and asks whether more money can be directed to border regions during the new European Union period.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that one minute had been allotted for the question, pointed out that Ruusmann had used a minute and a half, and requested that he be more precise going forward.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, acknowledged that he cannot provide a direct answer regarding the status of the eastern border measure in the next financial period. He cited significant confusion, noting that the measure was initially missing from the proposal. He stressed that he is actively collaborating with his counterparts from Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland to ensure this crucial border measure is nevertheless included in the new funding package, as its omission caused considerable worry.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Terras said that, according to the initial proposal, the new combined fund did not include a separate border region measure, which caused concern. However, this is being discussed in Brussels, and although confusion persists, he is working with his colleagues from Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland to ensure that this measure is written into the next financial period.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks [the previous speaker] and invites Jaak Aab to take the floor.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab voiced concerns regarding the damage caused by African swine fever to the pig farming sector, pointing out that the sector has already shrunk and could contract even further. He then inquired about the specific short-term measures planned and how cooperation will be organized with the Ministry of Climate and the hunting community to control the wild boar population and prevent the disease from spreading to domestic pigs.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab raises the issue of recurring outbreaks of African Swine Fever and the irreparable damage they inflict on the pig farming sector, criticizing the inefficiency of the response and calling for concrete steps regarding cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Climate in controlling the wild boar population, emphasizing that this is the only way to stop the spread of the disease among domestic pigs.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Regional and Agriculture Minister Hendrik Johannes Terras confirms that bringing the wild boar population under control is directly linked to protecting farms from disease outbreaks. He states that achieving a permanent solution requires reducing the population to a level of 1.5 individuals per 1,000 hectares, which necessitates a long-term agreement between hunters and the Ministry of Climate, particularly regarding the culling of sows, in order to ensure that the raising of domestic pigs is prioritized over wild boars.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Terras, stated that keeping the wild boar population low is critically important for preventing diseases and damage. To achieve this, a long-term, specific agreement must be reached between hunters and the Ministry of Climate, and the raising of domestic pigs in Estonia must be prioritized.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers his thanks and invites Kersti Sarapuu to speak.
Kersti Sarapuu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This speech addresses regional policy and rural life, inequality and out-migration, highlighting restrictions on investment opportunities and the difficult loan and co-financing conditions for businesses in rural areas. Furthermore, it asks what the ministry plans to do to prevent small and medium-sized enterprises in the countryside from disappearing.
Kersti Sarapuu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kersti Sarapuu is drawing attention to the pressing problems in regional policy and rural life, such as inequality and the exodus of people. She is asking the minister what steps are planned to be taken to improve the challenging access to loans and co-financing for small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas, thereby preventing their closure.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Small and medium-sized enterprises operating in rural areas, particularly agriculture and forestry, are crucial employers. The regional adjustment of their investments and financing, coupled with the support provided through agricultural subsidies, helps curb the trend of urbanization.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras stresses that small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas, particularly in agriculture and forestry, are crucial for regional development and job creation, but are currently grappling with the issue of population decline. Consequently, investments must be channeled into rural areas, and financing mechanisms need to be adjusted to ensure their suitability and contribute to halting this negative general trend.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Helmen Kütt.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt highlighted the catastrophic situation in the pig farming sector, referencing the layoffs at Ekseko, and criticized the government's inability to make decisions as the crisis dragged on. She simultaneously asked what could have been done differently and inquired whether mental health assistance is guaranteed for employees severely impacted by the mass culling.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt is criticizing the government's inaction regarding the pig farming crisis. She highlights the fact that over 40 employees were laid off at the Execo pig farm and questions what could have been done differently, as well as whether psychological or mental health support has been guaranteed for those workers.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The presentation focused on the catastrophic consequences of the plague for Estonian pig production, including layoffs and the resulting impact on regional employment. It also stressed the need for a parallel recovery process, where addressing the wild boar problem must be strongly implemented alongside investments and aid for affected workers.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, expressed regret over the catastrophic consequences and layoffs resulting from the swine fever outbreak. However, he emphasized that implementing recovery measures, even in coordination with pig farmers, would be premature before the wild boar problem is resolved. He simultaneously confirmed that support systems are guaranteed for affected employees, including the staff of Vireen and PTA.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks [the previous speaker] and invites Heljo Pikhof to speak.
Heljo Pikhof
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Heljo Pikhof asks the minister what his/her vision and plans are for bringing high-speed internet to rural areas, and how long this process would take, given that a fast connection is a cornerstone of regional policy and crucial for residents, young people, and entrepreneurs in the countryside.
Heljo Pikhof
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Heljo Pikhof highlighted the critical importance of a fast internet connection in advancing rural life and regional policy, emphasizing that it is essential for attracting young people and entrepreneurs to the countryside. She also asked the minister for a specific vision and timetable regarding when high-speed internet would reach rural areas.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras emphasized that while internet, energy, and public transport connections are vitally important for regional policy and for specialists relocating to rural areas, the issue does not fall directly under his administrative purview. He therefore requested that inquiries regarding specific development schedules be directed to the relevant minister, stressing at the same time that stable and fast internet is the key to regional policy and that its development is the shared responsibility of all sectors.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
He noted that a key component of regional policy is the development of internet and energy connections, and fast, reliable internet makes it possible for specialists to move to rural areas. However, questions regarding the timeline should be directed to the relevant minister.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Tanel Kiik to come forward.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik is asking the minister whether the state should take more radical steps to rectify the regional policy imbalance, considering the failure to meet the goals of "Eesti 2035."
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik commends the minister for their honesty in acknowledging the failure to achieve goals (such as "Eesti 2035"), but warns that the same lack of success also threatens regional policy, as current measures are insufficient. He demands significantly more radical steps from the state, for example through tax policy, to direct investments and job creation outside the golden circle of Tallinn and Tartu and to rectify the regional imbalance.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
He emphasizes that radicalism is not necessary, but local municipalities must be empowered to receive flexible investments so that regions can develop, showcasing a success story from Ida-Virumaa and directing the next focus toward investments in the border areas of Southeast Estonia.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras emphasized that regional development must be supported through the financial empowerment of local governments and targeted investments. He cited Ida-Virumaa as a positive example and promised that the next focus would be on bringing South-Eastern Estonia and border areas up to speed.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the Minister for the comprehensive answers and the report, announces that there are no questions, opens the debate on behalf of the Reform Party Faction, and invites colleague Urmas Kruuse to the Riigikogu rostrum, immediately adding three minutes of extra time.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse emphasized that strategic choices related to the 28+ budget period must be made quickly regarding agriculture and food security. This is essential to maintain independent food production, increase the use of local food in public procurements, implement regional and cross-border support, improve the unified public transport ticketing system, and reduce bureaucracy within PRIA, thereby ensuring the European average support level and competitiveness.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse emphasizes the immediate need to make strategic choices regarding the Common Agricultural Policy and food security, stressing a focus on competitiveness rather than waiting until 2035, and restoring the potential of pig farming following the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. He criticizes the obstacles hindering the adoption of regional support (40%), demanding that thresholds be eased in the Southeast and border regions. Furthermore, he calls for prioritizing local food through public procurement, particularly in institutions for children. The speaker also considers it crucial to establish a unified public transport ticketing system, eliminate regional disparities in transport services, and reduce PRIA bureaucracy through innovation. He simultaneously stresses that even if EU support decreases, Estonia must maintain its current share of funding to achieve the average European level of competitiveness.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that his colleague Arvo Aller would be speaking on behalf of the EKRE faction and requested three minutes of extra time.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller criticizes the report on the implementation of Estonia 2035, stressing that regional balance must be achieved by developing rural areas and coastal villages, supporting local producers, ensuring food security, and reducing bureaucracy.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller sharply criticizes the implementation of the long-term development strategy "Eesti 2035," arguing that the government is addressing the consequences rather than the root causes that have led to the decline of rural regions. He specifically points to the introduction of the car tax, general tax hikes, and the cutting of child benefits. He stresses the necessity of ensuring regional balance, supporting local producers and the fishing industry, and tackling food security, while also criticizing the reduction of agricultural subsidies and the excessive bureaucracy generated via e-PRIA.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker thanks [the previous speaker] and invites colleague Anti Allas to the Riigikogu rostrum to address the house on behalf of the Social Democratic Party Faction.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the previous speaker and invited colleague Anti Allase to the Riigikogu rostrum to speak on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas acknowledged some good ideas in the minister's speech but criticized the government for the lack of concrete long-term plans and swift tactical intervention in the rural sector. He highlighted the poor handling of the swine fever crisis, which threatens food security, and demanded immediate state support for the reproduction of pig herds, wage subsidies, compensation for destroyed finished products, and emergency aid for farmers struggling due to adverse weather conditions.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas emphasized that although the speech was commendable, the state lacks a quick and clear long-term plan for dealing with swine fever, and emergency intervention is required, including compensation, support for pig herd regeneration, wage subsidies for employees, a review of insurance options, assistance from the European Commission, and strong attention to ensuring food production and self-sufficiency.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests three additional minutes.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas notes that Estonia's self-sufficiency across food groups has decreased, and achieving the 80% target is crucial. He supports increasing this self-sufficiency and emphasizes the need to lower the VAT on food, strengthen regional financing and capital availability, improve equity among local municipalities, offer simple and affordable solutions, and accelerate internet connectivity in rural areas and the reduction of bureaucracy.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas, representing the views of the Social Democrats, emphasizes the urgent need to raise Estonia’s level of food self-sufficiency, encouraging the government to stand up against the coalition partner’s opposition to lowering the VAT on foodstuffs. He argues that this measure would improve both the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and the livelihood of low-income individuals. Furthermore, he criticizes the inaction regarding regional policy, particularly the deepening inequality in the revenue base of local municipalities. He demands a substantial increase in the equalization fund and calls for solutions to the problems of high-speed internet and capital accessibility in rural areas, offering the ministry specific assistance in addressing these latter issues.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the colleague and, on behalf of the Isamaa faction, requested that Urmas Reinsalu be given access to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu ironically congratulated the Speaker of the Riigikogu on the increase in public sector employment, citing the hiring of a new advisor, which had been reported in the newspaper, as an example.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The address applauds the growth of employment in the public sector and highlights that the Speaker of the Riigikogu now has a new advisor.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar emphasized that this concerns the assistance provided to the Riigikogu Chairman and stressed the need to be precise with the facts, before offering the floor for a statement.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu said he congratulated you on your decisions regarding employment growth.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the audience.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu sharply criticizes the government's lax and contradictory policy regarding agriculture and rural life, citing as examples the refusal to compensate producers during the African swine fever crisis, which led to the closure of businesses, and the ignoring of the sector's pleas when pushing through steep tax hikes (including land and production land tax). Furthermore, he accuses the government of planning a secret 330 million euro climate tax on motor fuels, which proves that the government, instead of alleviating problems, is deepening them.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu accuses the government of taking counterproductive action during crises, failing to compensate producers for their losses, and refusing to listen to industry stakeholders. He points specifically to the ASF crisis, where job losses and a decline in tax revenue demonstrated the government's passivity. Furthermore, he warns against plans for climate taxes and other hidden levies that would increase the burden on Estonian producers.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He is asking for three minutes of extra time.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu criticizes the government for its inability to address floods, the demographic crisis, and the depopulation of rural areas, and calls on the state to take concrete steps, stressing that Estonia needs change.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu sharply criticizes the government's impotence and evasion of responsibility, asking what the state authorities are actually responsible for when the burden falls on consumers and businesses. He stresses that raising indirect taxes deepens regional inequality, severely impacting lower-income rural areas, and faults the government for its inaction in addressing the deepening demographic crisis, at the same time that mothers in rural areas are being penalized by the revocation of their health insurance, which is why Estonia urgently needs change.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar concluded his address with a brief thank you and then gave the floor to the Minister, inviting him to participate in the negotiations from the Riigikogu podium.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the Minister for his time and asks if he wishes to participate in the debate, inviting him to deliver his address from the Riigikogu rostrum.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Regional and Agriculture Minister Hendrik Johannes Terras is pushing back against criticism regarding the state’s lack of action in resolving the African Swine Fever crisis, asserting that this is the ministry’s number one priority. He confirms that following the severe blow dealt to Ekseko in August, they have been working daily with businesses to develop a recovery plan, secure funding sources, and implement structural changes to better protect against the disease in the future. He stressed the excellent cooperation with farmers and acknowledged the necessity of creating a legislative mechanism to compensate for industry redundancies during future crises.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The presentation confirmed that African swine fever caused significant damage to production capacity, and the state, in cooperation with businesses, has developed a rapid recovery plan, implemented structural changes, and established compensation mechanisms, while continuing a daily dialogue with farmers and emphasizing that the industry and jobs must recover from the crisis.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the minister, announces the close, and asks Urmas Reinsalu to deliver an immediate response to the minister's positions, since he registered at the last moment.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, after thanking the minister, granted Urmas Reinsalu the opportunity for a last-minute registered rebuttal, since the minister had referenced Reinsalu’s viewpoints during his speech, immediately inviting him to the podium.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu urged the government to provide businesses with a clear and swift position and to immediately implement decisions during the crisis, following the necessary path of legal amendments and obtaining permission from the European Competition Directorate, if required, in order to prevent job losses and corporate bankruptcies.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu is criticizing the Minister of Agriculture for the government’s indecisiveness and procrastination in resolving the acute crisis, a situation that has already led to more than 80 layoffs. He urgently demands real-time decision-making, the publication of a clear government position, and the immediate adoption of the bill to provide entrepreneurs with the clarity they are waiting for and to prevent officials from diagnosing the viability of companies.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar closed the ongoing debate, clarifying that no decision would be taken following this discussion, and declared today’s Riigikogu session adjourned, noting that all 15 agenda items had been addressed. He then called the members back for the plenary session scheduled to begin tomorrow at 10 AM.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar declared the discussions closed. He informed the assembly that the Riigikogu would not be adopting a decision at the conclusion of this debate, announced that all 15 agenda items for the day had been addressed and the session was finished, and invited everyone to the plenary sitting scheduled to begin tomorrow at 10 AM.