Third reading of the Bill (332 SE) on the Amendment of the International Sanctions Act and the Amendment of other related Acts.
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-05-15 17:05
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 18
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 32m
AI Summaries: 18/18 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The third reading of Draft Act 332, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the amendment of the International Sanctions Act and related amendments to other acts, remained on the agenda. Additionally, there was discussion regarding the adoption of a law permitting the utilization of Russia's frozen assets, which would serve to strengthen Ukraine and provide economic support for post-war challenges. The talks centered on adherence to common principles, support for the security of Schengen Europe and the rules-based world order, and how, through interstate cooperation, the frozen assets could be directed toward aid for Ukraine. Furthermore, risk analysis and adherence to the principles of the rule of law were addressed, ensuring that the asset confiscation mechanism would function lawfully and in accordance with the Estonian Constitution and the legal framework of the European Union.
Decisions Made 1
Bill 332 adopted. Majority vote of the Riigikogu membership: For 65, Against 3, Abstentions 0.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was pid=ehjpLK1FIak, from the EKRE faction; this representative spoke multiple times and steered the discussion toward a right-wing (right) political position. EKRE representatives are considered right-wing (right-conservative/far-right).
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The first item on today's agenda is the third reading of draft bill 332 concerning the amendment of the International Sanctions Act and related legislation, which opens the debate and will be presented by Hendrik Johannes Terras on behalf of the Estonia 200 faction.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The Riigikogu is adopting a law that permits the utilization of Russia's frozen assets, thereby creating a mechanism to use the revenue generated by these assets for Ukraine's defense—specifically for purchasing weapons, providing humanitarian aid, and rebuilding the country—and to demonstrate that Ukraine’s victory is Estonia’s victory and that Russia must be held accountable, while simultaneously solidifying Estonia’s commitment to NATO, the European Union, and the rules-based world order.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
On behalf of the EKRE faction, Varro Vooglaid is invited to deliver a speech, and he informs the presiding officer that he does not have prepared materials with him and will have to speak extemporaneously.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid, speaking on behalf of EKRE, stated that the bill—which plans to expropriate property and grant people the opportunity to claim compensation from Russia based merely on a single document—is unconstitutional, violates the principles of the rule of law, and exposes Estonia to significant political risks. For these reasons, he does not support it and calls on Estonia to cooperate jointly with the European Union instead of being the first to take unilateral steps.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He is asking for three more minutes.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid called for unified action alongside the European Union to defend Estonia's constitutional interests, cautioning that Russia has promised countermeasures regarding asset confiscation, and the risks for Estonia could be substantial if we proceed unilaterally.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker thanked [the previous speaker] and called upon Lauri Laats to speak on behalf of the EK faction.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats stressed that the issues concerning the confiscation of Russian assets must be resolved at the European Union level, in conjunction with allies, and Estonia cannot support the current draft bill because it violates the constitution and the principles of the rule of law.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi offered his thanks and gave the floor to Urmas Reinsalu on behalf of the Isamaa faction.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Isamaa supports the passage of legislation under which the use of frozen assets for the benefit of military and economic aid provided to Ukraine sets a precedent and is in compliance with international law and the Estonian Constitution, and calls on other European countries to implement similar steps to release all frozen assets.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked the assembly and announced that only one member, Marko Mihkelson, is authorized to speak on behalf of the Reform Party faction.
Marko Mihkelson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Marko Mihkelson said that the Reform Party advances every step that protects the survival of the state, security, the safety of our allies, our living environment as such, and the rule of law, and that the bill being approved today is part of that, while Putin has stated that his goal is not to stop in Ukraine, but rather to carry out genocide and change the world order upon which Estonia's rule of law and constitution are based.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speaker addresses Urmas Reinsalu and asserts that we currently have an important discussion underway, which everyone wishes to hear.
Marko Mihkelson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Marko Mihkelson stated that achieving Ukraine's victory and Russia's strategic defeat requires various steps consistent with allied and international decisions, steps that the US and the European Union have already demonstrated. He added that although constitutionality must be debated, it is necessary to take the correct and actionable steps to ensure Estonian security—steps which the Reform Party has supported, and I also support international efforts.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks those present and announces that Raimond Kaljulaid represents the Social Democratic Party faction.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid called on his colleagues to vote in favor of the bill and emphasized that deterring Russia is primarily a security policy issue, and it is better to win and contend than to accept defeat, by setting an example and allowing others to follow suit.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that negotiations would be concluded and draft bill 332, the purpose of which is the amendment of the International Sanctions Act and related acts, would be moved to the final vote, and asked for a position to be taken and a vote to be cast, since adoption requires a majority vote of the composition of the Riigikogu.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu adopted Bill 332 as law with a result of 65 votes in favor, 3 against, and 0 abstentions.