The 2024 Report by the Minister of Climate on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-05-15 18:18
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 54
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 29m
AI Summaries: 54/54 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The main focus of the current agenda was the overview of the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy, "Eesti 2035," presented by Climate Minister Kristen Michal. Central to the presentation was the creation of the Climate-Resilient Economy Act and its impact on various economic sectors, the future of energy, and consequently, both decreasing pollution and increasing added value. The presenter covered a wide range of topics and emphasized the direction of investments: clean and more affordable energy, network development, storage, and the importance of grid enhancements and connections. Reforms stemming from nature conservation, forestry, mineral resources, infrastructure, renovation, and waste policy, as well as their impact on the economy and security, were also highlighted. The primary goal is to demonstrate how Estonia can reduce emissions, increase material recycling, and create a sustainable, competitive future for the economy, but the presentation delves into details and largely refers to materials and draft legislation that are public and will be debated in the coming years.
Secondly, the discussion was broad-based and inclusive: questions came from various parliamentary factions and focused mainly on the usage policy for 30% of land (and potentially marine areas) under nature protection, compensation mechanisms related to restrictions on private forestry, balancing land exchange with local community interests, and the impact of infrastructure and energy barriers and prices on consumers. In summary, the objective was to introduce the general direction of the strategy's implementation and involve various viewpoints in the national-level discussion, but no decisions were made regarding this agenda item.
Decisions Made 1
The discussion of the sixth item on the agenda was concluded, and the Riigikogu did not adopt a decision. Negotiations will continue at the faction level, and more detailed answers to the questions may be provided in writing later.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa faction), who represented the right wing and reflected a critical, strongly research-based, and sector-specific opinion at various stages of the proceedings. His role appears to be both mediating between the opposition and the government partners and operating along a supervisory line—yet his non-coalition status is not highlighted. Instead, he focuses on strong oversight and issues concerning financial and economic impact.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Under the sixth item on the agenda, Climate Minister Kristen Michal will present his 2024 report on the implementation of the Estonia 2035 Development Strategy. This will be followed by a presentation and Q&A session lasting up to 30 minutes, after which discussions will be opened up for the parliamentary factions.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Estonia is advancing a climate-resilient economy via a broad package of reforms—the Climate-Resilient Management Act, energy transitions, the development of infrastructure and networks, waste recycling, and the strengthening of nature conservation and forestry—to reduce emissions, boost added value, and ensure security and competitiveness.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Vice-Chair’s speech serves as a vote of thanks and an indication of the imminent question round, during which Helle-Moonika Helme will be invited to speak.

Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme voiced concern that the EU’s environmental policy and the legislation stemming from the Green Deal are limiting the rights and the ability of Estonian private forest owners to manage their forests, and asked how to ensure that Brussels’ legal acts do not unduly restrict their private property.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal stated that various environmental goals have been completed and the EU targets were agreed upon during the tenure of this government. He emphasized that private forest owners must be fairly and sufficiently compensated for the restrictions, either from the state budget or the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy), but the coalition holds differing views regarding the restoration of land exchange. Furthermore, the taxpayer's capacity limits the payment of compensation. At the same time, the relationship between nature conservation and commercially managed forests, as well as the role of growing plantations, must be clarified.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is just a short request to Tiit Maran.

Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran is raising a specific question regarding the overproduction of renewable energy, asking about the scale of this overproduction and the resulting environmental impact, excluding CO2 considerations.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The presentation emphasizes that the growth of Estonia's energy consumption is uncertain in forecasts and depends entirely on the state of the economy. However, economic growth stimulates investments in renewable energy and hydrogen, and European plans to increase hydrogen utilization represent the necessary expansion required to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Vice-Chair invites Mario Kadastik to the stage.

Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He discusses the concept of a regulatory framework implemented in Finland, where the market-based utilization of household battery storage and the exemption of that consumption from network charges could increase storage capacity and reduce the need for state subsidization.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Kristen Michal stated that Estonia must continue the discussion regarding incentives for energy storage and market access mechanisms, including the trading of capacity units. Furthermore, it is necessary to specify who will cover the grid tariffs for stored or sold energy, as this factor could influence consumer prices. The plan also involves reviewing the Finnish model.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
To begin the address, Arvo Aller is invited to the stage.

Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller points out that the Estonia 2035 strategy does not address agriculture, and the 30% protected area appears to refer to forest land. He then asks whether this specific target is already included in the strategy or if it is being introduced during the preparation of the climate law.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Kristen Michal said that agriculture does not fall under the purview of the Ministry of Climate, and that the relevant department within the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture handles it. However, climate legislation includes agricultural targets, and at the current pace—considering food security and new technologies—these sectoral goals will not be met because agriculture is progressing too slowly.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman called upon Andres Metsoja to speak.

Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
During the presentation, Andres Metsoja pointed out that bureaucracy is obstructing land swaps, despite the fact that the state has allocated resources for the assessment of Natura sites. Furthermore, he stressed that, based on the KAHOS methodology, the potential substitution of one land parcel for another represents a strategically important solution, highlighting the necessity of resolving existing conflicts and clarifying the field.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The State has decided that fair compensation must be paid for enduring the restrictions, financing this through the budget and the CAP. They are also increasing land and forest purchases—approximately 5 million euros last year, and about 10 million euros this year—and the plan is to continue this policy while simultaneously reducing the number of civil servants.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Henn Põlluaas to speak.

Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas criticized the minister for his contradictory statements, referenced the alleged exchange of private land concerning Rail Baltic, and cited an example he had heard where a ministry official recommended flooding drained lands and growing cattails for biomass, ultimately asking why the ministry is staffed with such climate fanatics.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal stated that he does not know who the discussion concerns, nor has he seen the text, and he is unaware of who is being referenced. Furthermore, he doubts whether we employ any lunatics, and therefore cannot provide any further response.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi made a brief request: “Anti Allas, please.”

Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas asked how the government sees the possibility of using renewable energy charges or the CO2 quota to incentivize investments in energy-intensive and resource-processing companies through projects or applications until affordable electricity becomes available.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Cheap electricity is already becoming a practical reality. Furthermore, as part of the climate-resilient economy framework, a plan is being implemented under which 30% of the revenue generated from the state’s CO2 sales will be channeled into the private sector for investments in technology and energy. Additionally, by 2030, CO2 emissions will be utilized as an evaluation criterion in public procurements.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman called René Kokk to speak.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal said that the debate has primarily focused on terrestrial areas—forestry and land use—where currently about 28% of the territory is already covered by restrictions, and approximately 2% more restrictions will be added. The land portion of Estonia's territory is about 30%, and this goal will not change. Furthermore, there is a discussion concerning the maritime space, but currently, there are no decisions or announcements regarding it.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The address was merely a request to call someone to the stage: "Mart Maastik, please!"

Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik asked how much forest area, at least 80 meters wide, must be cleared for the planned Estonia-Latvia power line running through Saaremaa and Muhumaa, and how much CO2 sequestration would be lost.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture is currently dealing with this development plan. They have promised to send more detailed information, and logging the forest on Hiiumaa is not an adequate plan.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanks the Minister for the presentation and the answers, announces that there are no questions, and opens the debate, inviting representatives of the parliamentary groups, members of the Government of the Republic, and the Chancellor of Justice to take the floor.

Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran notes that progress has been made in environmental protection and that constitutional and sustainable development principles have been followed, but he raises questions regarding the rationale behind the climate-resilient economy law, the well-being of local communities, and what "well-protected" means in the context of balancing 30% nature conservation with the energy system.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas asks the audience how much they want.

Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran is talking about three minutes.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The utterance consisted only of the word "Please," which expresses a polite request.

Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran pointed out that although the plans are good and necessary in many sectors, the larger picture remains obscured, and the involvement of people and the community is lacking. Furthermore, there needs to be a clear explanation regarding the impact of shore and coastal protection, the 70% restrictions, the effect of fast-growing plantations on biodiversity, the influence of phosphorus fertilizers and land drainage on CO2 sequestration, and the land-based solutions for improving the water quality of the Baltic Sea.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The chair thanks [the previous speaker] and invites Hanah Lahe, the representative of the Reform Party faction, to the Riigikogu podium. She requests additional time, asking for eight minutes.

Hanah Lahe
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Hanah Lahe emphasized that Estonia's climate law must set a climate neutrality target, define sectoral obligations, promote the circular economy and the transition to renewable energy, and gradually phase out fossil fuels in order to enhance security, improve the living environment, and strengthen the competitiveness of the economy.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas called upon Igor Taro, the representative of the Eesti 200 faction, to deliver his address, asked the representatives of the other factions to prepare themselves, and quipped that if he speaks for under five minutes, he does not have to mention it to him.
Igor Taro
AI Summary
Igor Taro stated that Eesti 200 favors a sustainable and environmentally conscious long-term strategy, lauded the preparation of the climate law, and stressed that the purpose of the law's chosen name is to send a clear message to society. He added that this framework legislation is designed to secure people's livelihoods and the economy, while simultaneously emphasizing increased energy production and the growth of renewable energy to bolster the global competitiveness of both Estonia and the European Union, referencing the Estonia 2035 strategy and the ongoing nuclear energy debate in the Riigikogu.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
All that was said in the address was: "Please!"
Igor Taro
AI Summary
According to Igor Taro, Eesti 200 is progressive in its climate and economic policies and focuses on the green transition by increasing the added value of forestry, boosting renovation, and making investments in transport (including Rail Baltica), all of which will inject money into the economy and enhance Estonia’s competitiveness.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Arvo Aller, the representative of the EKRE parliamentary group, to the floor and added three minutes to his time, bringing the total speaking time to eight minutes.

Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller’s speech provided a critical overview of the Estonia 2035 development strategy and the Ministry of Climate’s plans. He highlighted the missing or uncertain figures, the threat posed to private property and protected forests by funding schemes that encourage encroachment, the potential impact of preparations for phosphorite mining, the vagueness of road and renovation plans, and the overall absence of a positive direction.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the representative of the Isamaa Party faction, Urmas Reinsalu, and invited him to the Riigikogu rostrum to deliver a speech.

Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu is blaming Michal's climate law and the associated reforms for creating additional burdens, arguing that they will result in price increases and higher costs for Estonian home, land, and forest owners, as well as entrepreneurs. He is demanding a clear vision from the government, along with a full breakdown of total costs and an impact analysis.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The call asks if additional time is desired.

Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu said that he wanted to take three minutes.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas requests three minutes to speak.

Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu stated that the energy policy lacks a comprehensive approach, which will result in price increases and additional burdens for consumers. He emphasized economic freedom and market-based solutions, as well as the crucial importance of energy security and a competitive electricity price. He praised certain ideas, such as the Riga–Tartu train and new air routes, but warned against ideological zeal and called on the Climate Minister to create confidence, not uncertainty.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas called Climate Minister Kristen Michal to the Riigikogu podium.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The Climate Minister emphasizes that the Estonian economy and climate policy must go hand in hand, noting that investments require clean energy, and that Isamaa should be separated from the 'EKRE-light' package in order to value nature and ensure a sustainable future.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas thanks the speaker and invites Urmas Reinsalu to give a rejoinder.

Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu stated that the situation is symptomatic, and the government must present concrete, financially quantifiable figures regarding the total cost of the climate law and other reforms, as well as the distribution of the burdens, emphasizing that Isamaa stands for clean nature, Estonia's national interests, and the well-being of its people.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the Minister of Climate and the ministry for the presentation on Estonia 2035. He thanked the members of the Riigikogu for their participation and questions, and announced that upon the conclusion of the debate, the Riigikogu would not adopt a decision, and the consideration of the sixth item on the agenda was therefore concluded.