Plenary Sessions

Strategies for the future of Estonian sport were presented, with a focus on increasing children's physical activity habits and boosting medal wins. During the agenda, there were speeches from four speakers: Estonian Olympic Committee President Kersti Kaljulaid, Member of the Estonian 200 faction Tanel Tein, Research Lead at the Development Monitoring Centre Uku Varblane, and Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas. Each speaker was required to prepare a 15-minute presentation, followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session. After the presentations, negotiations began involving representatives of the factions, centering on the crucially important national issue of developing the future of sport – how to bring home medals and get children moving. Discussions raised issues of financing, opportunities for attracting private capital, and the state’s role in developing sporting infrastructure and the trainers' salary system. The potential for applying gambling tax for sport funding and the use of state leverage to involve the private sector also became leading themes. Finally, listeners were encouraged to actively engage with a vibrant sporting life – to present ideas concerning the growing role of sport, the connections between health and the economy, and private funding, and to strengthen cooperation between the state and the private sector.

At the session, the Riigikogu began discussing Bill 533, the third reading of the Act amending the Product Conformity Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. After the agenda was introduced, discussions were opened and immediately closed, as no one expressed a desire to speak. The leading committee proposed holding a final vote on the bill.

A total of 63 members of the Riigikogu participated in the final vote. The adoption of the bill was supported by 58 members, 4 members voted against, and 1 member abstained. Bill 533 was adopted as an act.

The Riigikogu discussed the draft law on approving amendments to the Articles of Agreement of the International Reconstruction and Development Bank, within the framework of the second reading of bill 558. The first reading took place on January 28th, and the finance committee carried out preparatory work for the second reading on February 11th. No amendments were proposed, and a substantive and relevant discussion took place in the committee, addressing Estonia’s opportunities to express viewpoints on lending criteria and the issue of representation of the North Baltic region. The presentation was given by esteemed member of the finance committee, Tanel Kiik, at the Riigikogu speaker's platform.

The third item on the agenda concerned the first reading of draft resolution 577, "Regarding the formation of the Estonian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Republics of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia," submitted by the foreign affairs committee. The rapporteur was Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski, who introduced the amendment proposal and explained the context of the draft's procedure. At this stage, there was no opportunity to submit amendments directly, and the focus was on preparing for the draft's procedure and final vote. As you know, there were no amendment proposals, and the congress board decided to continue to take a leading role in the draft's first reading and in organizing the final vote, appointing Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski as the representative of the leading commission.

The Riigikogu discussed agenda item four: the first readings of the draft law amending the Defence Forces Organisation Act and the Economic Zone Act (strengthening maritime security) initiated by the Government of the Republic, in connection with draft 565. The basis is the need to strengthen maritime security and the protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, including the inner waters, territorial sea, and economic zone. The draft focuses on clarifying the Defence Forces' tasks and rights in protecting infrastructure located in the maritime and economic zone, and responding to emergencies, including clarifying the order of public safety, national defence, and the use of force when necessary. The regulation also provides for strengthened coordination and international cooperation (including NATO member states), and for maintaining consistency with UNCLOS, based on the principles of proportionality and necessity. The task is prevention, threat detection and deterrence, and, if necessary, the elimination of threats, without excessive escalation. The viewpoints of various parties are being circulated, and the procedure is being accelerated to quickly strengthen the protection of Estonia's maritime infrastructure.

The Riigikogu discussed the draft law amending the law on churches and congregations, initiated by the Republic's Government, as the fifth item on the agenda, for its first reading 570. Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets (SDE) presented the draft, emphasizing that its main objective is to ensure Estonia's security and freedom of religion, excluding hostile external influence stemming from the aggressive policy of the Moscow Patriarchate (MP) and Patriarch Kirill. The Minister referred to statements by Kirill supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a "holy war." Läänemets stressed that the state has given the MPEÕK and Pühtitsa Monastery a year to sever ties with Moscow, but without success. The draft provides a legal basis to prohibit religious associations from being guided by a person or association located in a foreign country if it threatens Estonia's security or supports military aggression.

The opposition (Center Party, EKRE) sharply criticized the draft, accusing the Minister of violating freedom of religion, disregarding the principles of the rule of law, and dividing society. Critics (Vooglaid, Belobrovtsev) claimed that the law threatens to forcibly dissolve churches, which is a "mafia-like approach," and that there is no real security threat in Estonia. There were also warnings that the draft could damage relations with the future US administration, which considers freedom of religion a core value. Läänemets responded that this is the most reasonable and peaceful way to resolve the security threat and that the dissolution of churches is not the objective. The governing committee (legal committee) supported concluding the first reading of the draft. The proposals of the Center Party and EKRE factions to reject the draft were voted down (11 in favor, 41 against).

The Riigikogu subsequently held a first reading of bill 573, the Act amending the Radiation Act and other related acts. The bill aims to reduce administrative burden and make radiation-related regulations more sensible by adding a category for very low-risk radiation activities. This includes dental X-ray equipment and other measuring devices that people use regularly; for these, a one-time registration will be sufficient and a radiation activity permit will no longer be required. It also includes more thorough attention to risk assessment and measures for radiation safety and physical protection, treating the field more broadly than before, including the number of radiation sources, resources, and safety culture.

Alongside this, the bill also addresses the final disposal of radioactive waste in Paldiski and the financing of related infrastructure, which is necessary for the transposition of European Union directives. It describes how the implementation of the ALARA principle and the amendment of the Administrative Cooperation Act will change the roles of institutions and allow for the conclusion of administrative contracts to make work organization smoother. The bill contains several draft regulations and their amendments to simplify the work organization of radiation activity permit holders and those carrying out radiation activities and to better control risks. It also highlights recently recorded data: to date, Estonia has 741 radiation activity permits, of which approximately 400 are devices used in dental treatment, and the expected impact on the state budget is a reduction of 12,550 euros in annual revenue. Finally, as expected, the entry into force will generally proceed and the procedure must continue smoothly in April to bring the law into force.

In the Riigikogu information session, the government's foreign policy was discussed, initiated by a question from Riigikogu member Lauri Laats (Center Party) to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. Laats highlighted the statement by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna that war in Ukraine "will most likely come" to Estonia, which has sown panic among the people. Laats asked whether such a minister should have a place in the government, considering the Prime Minister's previous position that panic should not be sown.

Prime Minister Kallas affirmed the Foreign Minister's position and emphasized that Russia has long been a known source of risk in the form of hybrid activities and conflicts. Kallas rejected a posture of worry, advising to be "ready, not worried" as an example from the Finns. She stressed the need to strengthen Estonia's defense capabilities, referring to the increase in defense spending to 5% of GDP. Subsequently, the discussion evolved toward energy policy, where Laats referred to proposals from other European countries (Poland, France) and the USA (Trump) to critically review climate goals and the Green Deal. Kallas explained that Estonia's energy policy (including desynchronization and the development of renewable energy) is directly linked to security and affordable prices, not just climate policy, and corrected Laats' understanding of Donald Tusk’s proposals. Colleague Vadim Belobrovtsev asked about Estonia's role in international negotiations in the context of the war in Ukraine. The Prime Minister replied that Estonia must ensure its own defense, support Ukraine (so that it is in a strong position in negotiations) and drive its course in Europe to increase collective readiness.

The second item on the agenda addressed the creation of a defense industry park and its speed and transparency. The discussion centered on how the state can expedite the planning process while simultaneously ensuring the protection of environmental and local interests. To accelerate the detailed plan for the defense industry park, the government has initiated the legal groundwork, and public displays and preliminary assessments are nearing completion; pre-selection will take place from March to April, and competitions to find companies will be announced concurrently with the planning process. At the same time, purely cosmetic initiatives were reviewed, and emphasis was placed on the fact that the biggest advancements relate to lunar production, drones, and the involvement of local governments. In addition, the role of human resources and motivation in the Defence Forces was discussed: improvements to salary conditions, equipment, living conditions, and a review of conscription principles, as well as the retention of qualified specialists in national defense. Overall, it became apparent there’s a desire to take significant steps to ensure both technical and humanitarian resources, so that defense capability and economic benefit are in line with Estonia’s security concerns.

Today, the third item on the agenda was the issue of national security. Mart Helme raised the question regarding the draft law amending the law on churches and congregations, presenting strong arguments that processing or adopting the draft could endanger Estonia’s security. He cited examples and concerns, referring to political developments in Russia and the role of the Moscow Patriarchate, and advised the prime minister to clearly state how Estonia views such external threats. He also explained that the issue is not merely about religious freedom, but about how external forces might influence Estonian churches and, thereby, the country's integrity.

The second part of the discussion focused on the draft law’s practical and legal aspects: the prime minister emphasized the guarantee of religious freedom and the independence of churches from external influences, noting that the aim is to modernize the regulations, taking into account practical bottlenecks. However, opinions arose concerning security, NATO strength, and international threats, and there was discussion about how dialogue and cooperation with churches should be balanced with the country's interests and religious freedom. Other participants also joined the discussion from outside, raising questions about religious freedom, external influence, and the risks to Estonia’s security. Finally, it was proposed to end the discussion, and the consideration of the third item was concluded.

Today's fourth question in the Riigikogu was directed at the Minister of Finance, Jürgen Ligi, concerning the reduction of value-added tax (VAT) on foodstuffs. The question was posed by Vladimir Arhipov, who emphasized that high inflation and rising food prices have caused significant difficulties for low-income people. Arhipov asked why the government is opposed to this proposal, especially if the budget deficit could be covered by a bank tax. Minister Ligi categorically denied this, stating that a reduction in VAT would create a shortfall of approximately half a billion euros in the state budget. He stressed that international experience (Finland, Latvia) shows that such a measure will not lead to a lasting price decrease, but will primarily serve to increase retailers' margins. According to Ligi, the main drivers of rising food prices are wage increases and high retail margins, not national taxes. He criticized the proposal as socio-politically ineffective, as it would bring greater benefit to wealthier people. In a follow-up question, Lauri Laats inquired what the actual "remedy" is that would actually lower food prices, and criticized the contradictory behavior of the government partners (social democrats). Ligi repeated that the state cannot regulate prices and that retailers' desire to obtain hundreds of millions of euros through a reduction in VAT is a "very cynical action."

The fifth question primarily addressed energy-related topics, focusing on the formation of electricity prices, network fees, the role of imports, and government support possibilities for offshore wind farms and connections. Aivar Kokk raised concerns about the differences in electricity prices between Estonia and other countries – particularly in comparison to Finland – and asked what impact current internal activities are actually having on prices. Concerns were also voiced about the impact of taxes and fees paid by the end consumer and the effect of planned measures, emphasizing the necessary investment in onshore and offshore solutions, and the development of new power and connection capacity. The role of wind energy and other renewable energy sources was discussed, and consideration was given to how to ensure energy price stability for consumers.

The sixth question addressed the topic of Western values and the connection between democratic principles and the limits of free speech. Member of the Riigikogu, Anti Poolamets, posed the question to Prime Minister Kristen Michal, and the discussion raised several broader themes: the importance of free speech, the issue of censorship, and the consideration of laws against hate speech. At the same time, parallels were drawn with the rhetoric of Western allies, referring to the influence of the U.S. Vice President and certain European discussions within a free society. Among the speakers, there were accusations of well-intended directions that could lead to restrictions, and critics emphasized the need to maintain balance and a culture of debate.

The seventh question focused on the transparency of government decisions regarding energy policy, specifically concerning state aid for offshore wind farms amounting to 2.6 billion euros. The questioner, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, pointed out that decisions seemed to originate in the coalition council rather than in the government or in public discussion, emphasizing the need for transparency, timely information sharing, and a systematic approach. In addition, the need for a broad debate on the direction of energy policy, and the guarantees and pricing mechanisms needed to ensure reliable investment, were raised.

Eight questions in the Riigikogu focused on Estonian energy prices and the future energy structure, considering renewable energy ambitions and the need to maintain controlled energy flow. Mart Maastik presented numerical examples of the existence and potential of renewable energy and primarily asked why offshore wind farms should be considered and whether there is actually economic and logistical sense in having both onshore and offshore wind farms. He highlighted that renewable energy currently accounts for about half of our consumption and that previous plans and promises allow for additional growth by 2030, and he publicly referred to the comparability of building sea versus land-based parks.

Thereafter, discussion turned to what role is played in achieving energy independence and what costs are associated with it: the construction and pricing of connections, the taxation of connections, and financing mechanisms. The Minister emphasized that the goal is not constant and infinite renewable energy coverage for consumption at every moment, but the annual consumption volume and energy supply security, which also includes controlled energy flow. In addition, a look was taken at the direction of payments and revenues of state-owned enterprises and the role of Elering and the importance of the European Nord connections in ensuring cheaper and more stable access to electricity. Overall, the topics covered relate to both infrastructural costs, consumer prices, and the long-term priorities of energy policy.

The first part of the discussion focused on the question of shared values between Europe and the USA, and the connections between Estonia's foreign policy course and the new US administration. Member of the Riigikogu, Varro Vooglaid, posed a question to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, asking how Estonia intends to demonstrate to the United States that we are moving in a shared values space even with the new administration, and what practical steps are expected to be implemented as a result. The discussion began with a reflection on the speech given by J. D. Vance in Munich and his concern over the endangerment of European values, and the long-term viability of European democracy, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. The main question was: what would be the shared vision, and what specific steps the Estonian government plans to take in cooperation with the USA to confirm this vision.

The second part of the discussion turned to another perspective: the relevance of indices and stricter assessment methods in describing democracy and freedoms, and Estonia’s role as a defender of freedom of speech, press freedom, and other fundamental freedoms. There was discussion on how Estonia views cooperation within NATO and in a rules-based world, and how internal political disagreements should not limit our willingness to work together, especially with democratic partners. The entire discussion points to the need to continue dialogue and draw conclusions that will help Estonia's future decisions and strengthen transatlantic cooperation.

The first item on the agenda concerns the first reading of draft resolution 535 submitted to the Riigikogu by the Centre Party faction: “Proposal to the Republic of Estonia’s Government regarding the imposition of a temporary solidarity tax on the banking sector” The draft’s purpose is to impose a temporary solidarity tax on the banking sector for the years 2025–2027, to direct the revenue into the state budget, and to balance the budget and cover the needs for various social and security expenditures. Arguments raised during the discussion included questions of fairness, the impact on the economy, and its consequences for the loan market and consumers, taking into account European Union practices in light of examples from other countries. Andrei Korobeinik presented the proposal via the Riigikogu speaker's chair, and the positions he presented, along with reasoned comparisons with the experiences of Latvia and Lithuania, became the central framework for discussion between the coalition and the opposition. The second item on the agenda, draft 543, concerned the first reading of the procedure for establishing a Riigikogu investigative committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the cessation of Nordica’s operations; the discussion ultimately showed significant divergence regarding the presence of factions and the direction of the procedure, leading to a postponement of the procedure's further advancement.

The second item on the agenda addressed the establishment of an investigative committee (draft 543) to examine the circumstances surrounding the cessation of Nordica’s operations. Discussions frequently revolved around technical and procedural matters, and the presence of factions was insufficient to immediately advance the procedure. This highlighted the need for collaborative effort regarding the network, and demonstrated the importance of active participation by Riigikogu members to move such investigations forward. Overall, the second item on the agenda illustrates the actual dynamics of parliamentary work: the need to ensure consensus and sufficient representation from each faction for the establishment of the investigative committee to proceed smoothly.

The agenda item concerned the inquiry by Member of the Riigikogu Riina Solman regarding the Estonian Academy of Arts' (EKA) international cooperation with Israel. The inquiry was prompted by the then-rector of EKA, Mart Kalm's decision to terminate bilateral cooperation with Israeli universities and to cancel a visiting lecturer’s masterclass from Israel on political grounds. Solman emphasized that the topic remains relevant, citing an article by an EKA doctoral student in "Sirbis" which described "selective humanity" and the persistence of anti-Jewish sentiments within the academy. Solman asked the minister to retroactively comment on Kalm's decision and to ensure that anti-Semitic sentiments are prevented at EKA, as the Jewish community feels unsafe.

The Minister of Education and Science, Kristina Kallas, responded, emphasizing the autonomy of universities in choosing international cooperation partners. The Minister confirmed that the Republic of Estonia has a valid cooperation agreement with Israel and that she had requested the EKA council to review Kalm's decision. Kallas stressed the importance of academic freedom and a safe debating environment. EKA has assured the ministry that written complaints about threats have not been received by the ethics commission. Kallas declined Solman’s proposal to impose political positions on rectors (e.g., condemning Hamas attacks) but agreed to Vadim Belobrovtsev’s proposal to meet with rectors more broadly to discuss preventing the spread of antisemitism in Estonian educational institutions.

The Riigikogu considered a question submitted by members of the Riigikogu Lauri Laats, Vadim Belobrovtsev, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Vladimir Arhipov and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart regarding the cessation of funding for the school psychologists’ advisory line 1226. Introducing the question, Lauri Laats emphasized that it is a unique, free and anonymous support service, and its termination is a significant problem, especially considering the inadequate availability of psychological assistance in Estonia and the long waiting lists. He noted that, according to the Estonian Association of School Psychologists, the service’s annual cost was only 30,000 euros.

Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas responded to the question, explaining that the reason for the termination of funding was the line's extremely low usage. The Minister clarified that the service’s actual annual cost was 55,000 euros. She presented statistics showing that a total of 49 calls were received on the line from January to May 2024, including only six Russian-language calls. The Minister acknowledged that the availability of mental health assistance in Estonia is limited, but the ministry did not consider it reasonable to continue a service that is extremely underutilized for its price. She confirmed that alternatives (such as the Child Helpline 116111, Headstrong and online therapist services) are available, but promised to discuss new ways with the Estonian Association of School Psychologists on how the advisory line can reach those in need.

The agenda for the third consultation concerned the merging of schools for children with special educational needs into a single school and the background to this process. The tone and focus of the discussion were primarily to clarify the objectives of the merger: simplifying management aimed at cost savings, while ensuring that schools for children with special educational needs remain accessible and their quality does not deteriorate. The consultees pointed out that seven schools – Kammeri School, Kiigemetsa School, Nurme School, Raikküla School, Urvaste School, Valga Jaanikese School and Ämmuste School – are located in different counties and that the current plan would be accelerated: applications for the headteacher in April, a new school by July 1st, and the new school operating from September 1st. An explanation was requested as to whether the savings have been computationally tested and are not erroneous, and how the school communities and pupils/parents will be involved in the preparation of decisions. The impact of inclusive education and various scenarios for consolidating pupils or the possibility of expanding the pupil capacity were also discussed. Questions about the future plans and premises for Kiigemetsa and Raikküla schools resonated in the discussion, as well as a need for clarity on the national political picture regarding the role of schools for children with special educational needs and inclusive education. Ultimately, emphasis was placed on the fact that no specific closures are planned and that more detailed information will be shared later if necessary.

The Riigikogu, within the framework of agenda item four, received an overview of the inquiry regarding the failure of the education agreement and questions and criticism were presented concerning the content of the education agreement and its implementation by school maintainers and municipalities. Speeches focused on the fact that the education agreement is a purely paper document, with signatures not given by 70 out of 79 municipalities, and what the potential consequences of this agreement might be and their long-term effects on teacher workload, salary, and the teacher workforce. The discussion addressed funding, the role of the differentiated fund, and the need to reach collective bargaining agreements that maintain long-term salary policies and a career model approach. It was also emphasized that school maintainers and municipalities need a clear guarantee that funding will actually materialize and that legislative changes are necessary for the education sector to develop sustainably. As a concluding remark, cooperation was emphasized and the need to continue a broad-based consensus-building process involving school maintainers, trade unions, and the state, resulting in a stable, long-term solution for the teacher career model, working conditions, and salary.

The inquiry presented by the Chairman, Jaak Valge, and Leo Kunnas regarding the intentions for an offshore wind farm on Saaremaa’s western coast raises questions about transparency, engagement, and planning within these strict requirements. Concerns arise regarding the substantive impact on nature, marine life, and local residents and the economy. The inquiry highlights a comparison with the size, heights, and distances of large-scale offshore wind farms globally, and presents a critical assessment of the planning process and the involvement of interested parties, referencing UNCLOS and the necessity of environmental impact assessments and permit procedures.

The second part responds to questions posed to the Minister of Climate, Yoko Alender, and clarifies the frameworks for the preparatory process of the offshore wind farm: sea area planning, building and construction permits, environmental impact assessments, and considerations regarding visual and environmental impact, including limits near the coast and interactions of areas with other uses. The role of renewable energy in the context of price decreases and energy security is also emphasized, and it is explained how planned investments may impact energy policy and the economy, both in Estonia and from the perspective of exports.

The Riigikogu discussed inquiry No. 706, presented by the Isamaa faction, concerning regional representatives and regional policy. The inquirers, led by Helir-Valdor Seeder, expressed deep concern over the disappearance of services in rural areas (such as courthouses and the Tax and Customs Board) and the road tax as a measure punishing rural residents. The main criticism was directed at the Regional and Agricultural Ministry's plan to create four business development regions instead of 15, and to hire four regional managers. Seeder considered this illogical and a "wicked plan by officials," which undermines the role of counties as optimal administrative units, and called for the restoration of county governments.

Regional and Agricultural Minister Piret Hartman explained that the creation of regions does not change Estonia’s administrative division, but is aimed at reducing regional inequality, citing the difference in GDP between Harjumaa and the rest of Estonia. According to her, the goal is to create a stronger cooperation platform between the central government and local governments (KOV), in order to better direct European Union funds into rural areas. The Minister emphasized that this is a voluntary cooperation model, based on existing pilot projects. Aivar Kokk suggested that if regional managers are created, they should be given real power, such as the right to participate in government meetings, so that they are trustworthy partners for the KOV. The Minister agreed that regional managers should be involved in the work of the economic cabinet and confirmed that they will work on-site, not in Tallinn.

Under agenda item seven, the inquiry submitted on January 22, 2025, by Members of the Riigikogu, Aivar Kokk, Mart Maastik, Riina Solma, Urmas Reinsalu, and Tõnis Lukas, regarding the impact of Elron ticket price increases on regional policy (no. 708) was addressed. The inquirers demonstrated both interest in the location and substance of the issue, directed towards reducing regional inequality and improving residents' mobility options. The initial presentation was placed under Aivar Kokk as the presenting speaker, and responses were expected from the Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture. Resources, innovations, and political decisions related to public transport funding, infrastructure fees, demand-based transport, and a unified ticketing system formed the central background for the discussion.

The draft law amending the Local Government Council Election Act, initiated by the Isamaa faction, 544, received its first reading in the Riigikogu today. The draft is of a technical nature and is related to amendments to the Constitution: its aim is to adjust the timing of certain election procedures so that they can be carried out for the local government council elections taking place in the autumn. The first point amends paragraph 8, section 6, to set the deadline for the formation of electoral districts as no later than 60 days before election day (currently 90 days); the second point amends the dates in paragraph 9, section 1, changing 1st June to 15th July. In addition, there was discussion about how these date changes might affect the distribution of mandates and the voter base, and whether they will be permanent or temporary in nature. If consensus is reached on amending the Constitution, it is believed that all election procedures will run more smoothly and the election results will not be skewed. Another topic was the government's position and the opinions and considerations of committees regarding the possibility of parallel proceedings with the constitutional amendments – the discussion took shape around the idea that, in the interests of legality and operational speed, the draft law could be processed in parallel with the constitutional amendment, but the final decision will be made by the Riigikogu.

The first item on the agenda involved the publication of a written motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Kristen Michal. The session was quite technical and repetitive, focusing on interpretations of the procedural rules and the interpretation of the yellow book (the session schedule). The participating factions held a significant speaking and question time allocation and discussions related to the local press release and official notification, leading to a review of understandings and documented protocols. Ultimately, a vote took place, and although the motion of no confidence received 28 votes in favor, it lacked the necessary majority in the 51-member Riigikogu, and the motion was not confirmed; Michal will therefore continue as Prime Minister. The main observations centered on how the discussion should proceed and what rules should be followed to ensure that subsequent events are justified and transparent.

The Riigikogu discussed, as the second item on the agenda, draft law 537 for the amendment of the Act on Local Government Organisation, for its first reading. The submitters of the draft are Raimond Kaljulaid and Tiit Maran, and the main objective is to clarify the rights of local governments regarding state supervision and the application of coercive fines in relation to the enforcement of rules on keeping pets, and to identify dogs for whom rapid intervention is necessary. The draft allows local governments to perform state supervision and impose coercive fines, and, if necessary, apply provisions of the Public Order Act to prevent immediate danger. Discussions also covered the responsibility, resources, and practices of animal owners, and how this change could contribute to the safety of the community and the welfare of animals. Based on the views presented, it was concluded that the proposed solution is necessary for the first reading, and the discussion also addressed questions of implementation speed and the capacity of local governments. Finally, the governing commission's position on concluding the first reading and deadlines for submitting amendments was confirmed.

Under this agenda item, the draft Act amending the Product Conformity Act 533 (second reading) initiated by the Republic's Government is being discussed. The draft's purpose is to ensure the interaction of national law with EU legislation, specifically the European Union's General Product Safety Regulation, and at the same time, to update the regulation of accreditation fees so that all accreditation activities are fairly and transparently compensated. The first reading took place last year on December 12th. The committee’s feedback encompassed stakeholder groups, including the Estonian Institute of Forensic Science and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; neither presented objections or additional comments regarding the draft. The committee submitted five amendments of a technical nature, the last of which changed the date of entry into force of the provisions (from January 1, 2025, to July 1, 2025), to provide the accreditation center with sufficient preparation time. Three decisions were adopted for the procedure of the draft's second reading: to bring the draft to the plenary agenda today by consensus, to conclude the second reading by consensus, and if the second reading is concluded, to bring the draft to the plenary agenda for a final vote on February 19th of this year.

The Riigikogu will hear, as the fourth item on the agenda, draft law 560 initiated by the Ministry of Justice, amending the Code of Criminal Procedure and other laws (optimization of court proceedings and the publicity of court decisions). The draft law is for its first reading and aims to accelerate the processing of criminal cases, ensure the principles of justice, and reduce the workload of courts. At the same time, there is a need to balance the speed of proceedings with the rights of the parties: the possibility of accepting evidence, dynamic solutions in the case of substitute defense, video and digital solutions in court, and the possibility of more precisely addressing medical certificates and other circumstances related to health status.

Our information session today covers 13 questions and their discussion, focusing on international allied relationships and the criticism and responses surrounding them. In the first question, Member of the Riigikogu Martin Helme addressed the Prime Minister, raising the issue of damage to allied cooperation caused by ministers, which sparked a widespread debate about how officials and government members speak and what impact this has on Estonia's relations with its core allies. The discussion was intense and emotional, reflecting long-standing tensions between the opposition and the coalition regarding the interpretation of international commentary and posts.

A second major topic concerns maintaining allied relationships with the United States and the criticism that has arisen regarding the tone of ministers' statements. Speakers highlighted cases such as Lauri Läänemetsa’s post and Hanah Lahet’s airspace, and discussed whether these constitute offensive remarks or factual claims, and how all of this affects allied and cooperative frameworks. Additionally, questions about the boundaries of democracy and freedoms – including in the context of hate speech laws and new digital laws – were raised, and discussed how the government can ensure true transparency and accountability. In the third set, procedural aspects of the information session’s organization and the sharing of answers were highlighted, relating to the context of accusations of overthrowing the state order and the general level of discipline and courtesy in discussions.

Overall, the information session is strongly focused on how to maintain allied relationships and avoid overarching rhetoric generated by external criticism, while upholding democratic norms and transparency, including regarding laws and data. Discussions emerged at both the level of foreign policy and the level of domestic debate, and involved representatives of both the opposition and the coalition, creating a multifaceted and influential discussion about how to find a balance between mature and responsible commentary and the resolution of allied disputes.

Structural overview: The Riigikogu discussed the government coalition's policy and energy policy as part of the second question. The discussion focused on the procedure, public availability, and transparency of calculations and assessments regarding the Climate Act and the development plan for the energy sector. The discussions highlighted internal disagreements within the coalition and concerns about the sustainability of the coalition’s health and cooperation, but no decisions were made in this round. Energy price forecasts, wind energy, and the coordination of cross-border projects were also addressed, emphasizing the need for parliamentary discussion and the inclusion of local interests.

The agenda included the third question to the Riigikogu directed at the Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, concerning the political situation and the health of the coalition. The representative of the opposition, Lauri Laats, raised concerns about the adopted decisions of the coalition and the competence of the ministers, and presented a specific example connecting damage related to Tallinn city government’s snow-clearing contracts with power and accountability. The discussion centered on the transparency and responsibility of local governments, and the potential emergence of corruption or cover-up allegations.

In addition, the topic of pension indexing and the coalition’s overall position, as well as close cooperation between different parties, was addressed. The discussion also drew attention to procedural questions and the appropriateness of bringing public discussion into the matter as similar claims were made during the session.

The fourth question addressed religious freedom and security and was linked to bill 570, which the government brought to parliament and regarding which a brief discussion took place in the legal affairs committee. The bill concerns the canonical relations between the Pühtitsa Monastery and the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate and aims to eliminate decisions made on the basis of external influence if they may threaten Estonia's security or democratic order. It's important to emphasize the principle of the rule of law, according to which state power is exercised in accordance with the constitution and laws. The need to clarify how to reduce dependencies on the Kremlin was central to the discussion and raised the question of how far one must go to guarantee the country's security and independence in making important decisions.

The fifth question is directed at Prime Minister Kalle Jaanson and concerns political responsibility. The speaker, Urmas Reinsalu, poses several questions regarding the socio-economic impacts on the purchasing power of pensioners, and the consequences of tax increases, focusing on changes to net pensions for the elderly and the general economic and socio-political context. The discussion covers the principles of pension indexing, the level of indirect taxes, and the support for pensioners living in care homes, with questions relating to the global context expanding towards foreign policy and security narratives. Numerical data and forecasts are presented, and the flow of the discussion reveals how different income brackets might stabilize or impact the quality of life and purchasing power of older people by the end of the year.

Today, within the framework of the sixth question, the main focus was on government economic policy and people’s ability to cope. Anastasija Kovalenko-Kõlvart presented a denunciatory and essentially critical overview of how the car tax notices, the increase in VAT, and the reintroduction of income tax are affecting family finances and purchasing power. She highlighted signs of increasingly rising prices and decreasing incomes and asked whether the Reform Party’s position has changed recently and whether people are a priority or a tertiary factor. In response, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of economic growth and the country's security and explained that the tax burden and budget deficit have been linked to crises in history and the need to keep reserves of money for crises. Subsequently, the size of green technology investments (such as the €2.6 billion plan), the role of parliament, and the role of the economic cabinet in making decisions were touched upon. The discussion then shifted towards simplifying budget policy, taxes, and investments, and three concrete steps to revitalize the economy were raised: guaranteeing tax peace, attracting the workforce, and simplifying investment procedures. Overall, the focus was on the ability to respond to crises and to avoid future tax increases and insecurity for entrepreneurs.

The seventh question focused on the state of the country and energy policy, aiming to discuss how to reduce electricity prices in Estonia and ensure a stable supply. The question raised was whether Estonia should follow the US energy policy (less support for renewable energy and a greater focus on fossil fuels) or adhere to the directions established within the European Union's green transition and Green Deal, which have led to a crisis in energy markets and prices both in Europe and in Estonia. In addition, discussions revolved around the role of wind and solar energy, the impact of changes in gas prices, and potential alternatives, including the role of gas, storage, nuclear power plants, and oil shale boilers. Climate change and energy security issues received separate attention, and representatives from the opposition and the government were involved in the discussion, offering different perspectives on energy costs and market functioning. Another important topic was how to ensure more affordable and reliable electricity supply, considering the broader international context and the binding decisions of the European Union.

The Riigikogu debate focused on a significant national issue initiated by the Foreign Affairs Committee – a discussion on foreign policy opened by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. The Minister emphasized that the world is feeling the scent of the late 1930s and that the rules-based world order is under attack. Estonian foreign policy must be based on a decisive alignment in defense of our values, which requires a Ukrainian victory, the long-term containment of Russia, and the strengthening of allied relationships. Tsahkna affirmed Estonia’s commitment to Ukraine (0.25% of GDP for military aid) and called on allies to raise NATO defense spending to a minimum of 3% of GDP. Significant attention was also paid to the utilization of frozen Russian assets and resistance to hybrid activities.

During the question-and-answer session and negotiations, a sharp debate arose regarding the direction of U.S. President-elect Trump's foreign policy and Europe’s response. Several members of parliament criticized the Foreign Minister's answers, considering them inadequate and politically motivated attacks, particularly concerning statements by coalition partners (Läänemetsa) and corruption allegations against the Centre Party. The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Marko Mihkelson, affirmed in his presentation that Estonia’s security is guaranteed by a united allied space and stressed that the West has underestimated the threat from Russia and must rapidly increase defense spending. The discussion was at times tense, reflecting both geopolitical anxiety and domestic political uncertainty.

The agenda item concerned a question from Members of the Riigikogu Vadim Belobrovtsev, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Lauri Laats, Vladimir Arhipov and Andrei Korobeinik regarding the introduction of a bank tax in Estonia. The questioners, led by Vadim Belobrovtsev, highlighted the examples of Latvia and Lithuania, where a temporary solidarity tax was introduced on the excessive profits of commercial banks to finance national defense (in Lithuania, receipts of 50–70 million euros were projected for 2025). The questioners asked Prime Minister Kaja Kallas why the Estonian government has decided not to introduce a bank tax, choosing instead to raise consumption taxes and the tax burden on individuals.

Prime Minister Kallas defended the government’s position, emphasizing that Estonia already taxes banks through advance income tax and dividend income tax. She noted that banks paid a total of 250 million euros in profit in 2024, and receipts from banks are projected to total 926 million euros in the state budget for the years 2023–2028. Kallas stressed the importance of legal certainty and predictability of policy, which has helped attract headquarters to Estonia (such as SEB), offering greater benefit in the long term than a temporary profit tax. The opposition (the Centre Party faction) sharply criticized the government's choices, accusing them of stifling the economy and launching a "tax hell," while banks earn the highest return on equity in the Baltics. Critics found that the government has made wrong decisions at the wrong time, burdening ordinary people and the business sector, instead of taxing extraordinary bank profits.

The Riigikogu’s second item on the agenda addressed the deepening gap in municipal revenues, a question submitted to the Riigikogu on December 12th of last year. The questioners were Lauri Laats, Aleksei Jevgrafovi, Vadim Belobrovtsev, and Vladimir Arhipov; the topic concerns the growth of regional inequality and its impact on local municipalities. Initially, the aim was to clarify long-term strategies for reducing the gap and ensuring sustainable administrative and regional policy that would foster more even development across Estonia. The second part of the agenda item included the government’s responses, delivered from the Riigikogu’s speaker's chair, and covered the distribution of investments, education reforms, vocational education, and the financial autonomy of local municipalities to better fund regional development activities. A common theme was also how European funds and national mechanisms could reduce the gap and increase service accessibility across Estonia.
In addition, the sustainability of the administrative reform and the encouragement of mergers were also discussed: the government announced a plan to promote voluntary mergers and to provide guidelines to ministries and budget compilers for further changes for 2026–2029. There was also some discussion on the motives for local municipal revenues and taxation, and how to ensure that differences do not deepen in the future. Overall, the agenda expresses a priority of ensuring regional equality and the continued discussion and implementation of relevant measures at the state level.

During the discussion of the third agenda item, the cooperation between the Baltic states in ensuring energy security and the content of the inquiry presented by Lauri Laats, Vadim Belobrovtsev, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Vladimir Arhipov, and Aleksandr Tšaplõgin were addressed. In the first part, Lauri Laats was requested to present the inquiry at the Riigikogu rostrum. Therefore, the focus was on the level of cooperation between the Baltic states in the field of energy security and how to integrate Lithuanian proposals and public discussions. The second part covered various topics ranging from grid constraints and joint proposals to discussions on wind energy, small-scale energy production, and ultimately nuclear energy, as well as decisions made at the kilowatt level.

The Riigikogu discussed a query presented by Riigikogu members Vadim Belobrovtsev, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Vladimir Arhipov, Lauri Laatsi, and Aleksandr Tšaplõgin regarding the closure of the Kopli fire and rescue station. The query’s presenter, Vadim Belobrovtsev, emphasized that the station’s closure at the beginning of 2024 with the aim of saving 800,000 euros has significantly worsened the safety of North Tallinn residents, especially considering the area's high risk level and recent tragic fires. He highlighted the contradiction that, at the same time the station was closed in the name of savings, the Ministry of the Interior left approximately 3.6 million euros unspent from the budget line "Rescue operations on land and inland waters," citing criticism from former Finance Minister Mart Võrklaev.

The Prime Minister responded that this was a savings decision made in 2021, which came into effect in 2024, and that the decision was made then by the Minister of the Interior, Kristian Jaani, who was then a member of the Centre Party. He defended the current Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, emphasizing that budget decisions are within the Minister's purview and that government responsibility also entails making difficult, unpopular decisions. The Prime Minister also referred to the irresponsible spending of previous governments (Centre Party) as the actual underlying reason for the savings in expenses. The questioners criticized the Prime Minister for prioritizing coalition solidarity over the safety of North Tallinn residents, also highlighting criticism from other members of the Reform Party (Kaja Kallas, Mart Võrklaev, Jürgen Ligi) directed at the Ministry of the Interior's budget management.

The presentation focuses on the review of the draft resolution 550, presented by the Center Party faction in the Riigikogu, for its first reading, and the need to conduct an analysis of the impact of young people's social media use. The discussion focuses on the issues of young people’s mental and physical health, raising parental awareness, increasing substantive safety and awareness, and comparing experiences in Europe and the rest of the world with different regulatory models. The draft does not foresee immediate restrictions, but rather the preparation of a comprehensive overview and analysis within 12 months, and, if necessary, corresponding decisions in the Riigikogu based on that analysis.

At the meeting, various views were discussed regarding the extent and manner in which social media affects young people's lives, the role of the home and school structures, and the usefulness of a government-level analysis before the implementation of potential restrictions or legislative measures. Discussions covered the balance of using smart devices, the risks and opportunities of social media, the existence of research, and the need to involve experts and raise awareness among young parents. Ultimately, a motion was put forward and a vote was called for January 28th – but the vote showed that the draft did not receive the majority of votes in the Riigikogu composition, and further proceedings were postponed.