Plenary Sessions

A debate of significant national importance on the topic "The Impact of Climate Change on Estonia’s Legal Space and Economy" took place in the Riigikogu, initiated by the Environment Committee. The purpose of the debate was to create a broad discussion before the draft Climate Resilience Act is brought before the parliament. Addresses were given by the Environment Committee chairman Igor Taro, Associate Professor of Climate Physics at the University of Tartu Velle Toll, coordinator of the Estonian Environmental Organizations’ Chamber Maia-Liisa Anton, and the chairman of the board of the Estonian Employers’ Confederation Kai Realo.

The central point of the debate was the scientific consensus on the anthropogenic nature of climate change and the need to rapidly adapt and mitigate its effects. Velle Toll emphasized that climate change is an existential threat and that the 1.5-degree warming limit is practically unattainable globally, therefore accelerated emission reductions are necessary. Maia-Liisa Anton highlighted that the constitutional obligation to protect the natural environment requires the termination of previous subsidies that damage the environment, and criticized the draft’s objectives as being too lukewarm. Kai Realo stressed the need for legal clarity for entrepreneurs to make long-term investments and criticized the draft’s initial version for the absence of impact assessments. The negotiations were sharply polarized, with opposition politicians questioning the scientific consensus and criticizing the green transition as an ideology destroying the economy, while the coalition emphasized the necessity of the law to ensure Estonia’s long-term competitiveness and security.

Within the agenda item, the third reading of the draft law amending the firearms act and, in connection therewith, amending other laws, initiated by the Government of the Republic, took place. The chairperson opened the debate, but as no one expressed a desire to speak, it was immediately closed. At the proposal of the steering committee, the preparations for the final vote on the draft law commenced. The chairperson drew attention to the fact that the adoption of the law requires a majority of the votes of the members of the Riigikogu. In the final vote, 82 members of the Riigikogu participated, of whom 80 voted in favor of the draft law, 1 against, and 1 abstained. Draft Law 468 was adopted as a law.

The third reading of the draft law amending the state budget law, initiated by the Government of the Republic, took place under the second agenda item. Following the opening and closing of discussions, and on the proposal of the steering committee, the draft law proceeded to a final vote. A majority of the members of the Riigikogu was required to pass the draft law as an act. In the final vote, 64 members of the Riigikogu supported the adoption of the draft law, 13 voted against, and 2 members abstained. Therefore, draft law 511 was passed as an act.

As the third item on the agenda, the draft law amending the Social Welfare Act and the Act Regulating the Provision of Health Care Services (regarding the provision of independent nursing care as a 24-hour special care service) – Bill 496 – was considered for its third reading. Following the opening and closing of debate, a final vote on the bill was initiated as proposed by the steering committee. The bill was adopted as law with 76 votes in favor, 0 votes against, and 1 abstention. The presiding officer, in this connection, made a note regarding the extreme sensitivity of the button for Member of the Riigikogu Helle-Moonika Helme, and explained to colleagues that when conducting final votes, it is important to wait two minutes for the gallery call, considering this to be entirely justifiable procedure.

Within the agenda item, the third reading of the draft law amending the Social Welfare Act and the Value Added Tax Act (mental health service) initiated by the Government of the Republic took place. During the debate, Alexander Tšaplõgin, representing the Estonian Centre Party faction, expressed his opposition, emphasizing that the draft does not solve the serious problem of mental health, especially in small municipalities, where the offered funding (500 euros per month for 5000 inhabitants) is unrealistically small and inadequate. Tšaplõgin stressed that a standard approach does not work here and the document does not offer the necessary solutions.

Züleyxa Izmailova, representing the Social Democratic Party faction, conversely emphasized the importance of the draft, calling mental health the foundation of societal well-being. She noted that the draft will improve the accessibility and quality of services, helping to solve widespread problems such as youth climate anxiety and loneliness among the elderly. Izmailova pointed out that funding will be available in the future in the fund of local municipalities, which increases their autonomy and eliminates the need for an annual separate funding application. Following the conclusion of the debate, a final vote was held, as a result of which draft 500 was adopted as law.

The fifth agenda item concerned the third reading of the draft law amending the Prison Law, initiated by the Government of the Republic, number 506. Following the introduction of the agenda item, discussions were opened, but immediately closed as no one wished to speak. The leading committee then proposed holding the final vote on the draft. The Riigikogu began preparing for the final vote on draft 506, as a result of which the draft was adopted as law.

The sixth agenda item concerned the third reading of the draft law amending the Family Benefits Act and other laws, initiated by the Republic's Government, 507. The central substantive change to the draft is the redistribution of healthcare costs: the specialist visit fee will rise from 5 euros to 20 euros, and this increase will primarily apply to vulnerable groups (recipients of subsistence support, children under 19, and the unemployed), but exceptions will be eliminated and the visit fee for two-year-old children and pregnant women will remain at 5 euros. Additionally, hospital bed day charges and prescription fees will increase: the bed day charge will rise from 2.50 euros to 5 euros, and the patient's contribution for a prescription will increase from 2 euros to 3.50 euros. However, the primary and most striking change is that the state will cease paying social tax to the parent who chooses home childcare – this will result in a loss of health insurance coverage for them. These changes highlight significant financial burdens and greater restrictions on access to medical care, consistent with the slogans "In Safe Hands," "A Better-Protected Estonia," and "Years Lived in Health," but criticism has been raised regarding the maximum involvement of out-of-pocket expenses in healthcare. The debate focused on the effects of this draft law on access to specialist medical care, the role of family doctors, and a broader demographic and social impact analysis, emphasizing that rushed decisions may significantly affect people's healthcare opportunities. Discussions also continued regarding how much taxes and tax exemptions influence the demographic behavior and quality of life of families, and whether the reforms will lead to the desired "years lived in health." Finally, the draft law was put to a final vote and passed.

The seventh agenda item concerned the third reading of the draft law amending the Social Welfare Act (pensioner support), initiated by the Republic's Government. Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart spoke, requesting additional time and extending the discussion by eight minutes. The draft law focuses on changing the pensioner support and is linked to a redistribution of the general budget allocation and social benefits, which raises some taxes and price levels, and improves the organization of support for pensioners living in care homes. Discussions and debate covered both the state’s contribution to care homes and the financial burden on local municipalities, and arguments arose regarding how this affects the elderly and those living alone.

The present agenda item concerns draft law 536 for amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and the associated debate regarding the extension and restriction of suffrage in local government elections. The discussion will focus on three main aspects: the procedure for the first and second readings (the specifics of the constitutional amendment procedure; timeframes and conditions for submitting amendments), plus the definition of the electorate (citizens of Estonia, the European Union, and NATO countries versus individuals of undefined nationality and holders of grey passports). The draft law proposes allowing citizens of the European Union and NATO countries, as well as holders of grey passports, to participate in local elections while maintaining permanent suffrage, but recommends restricting the right to vote for citizens of those countries who do not fall under the sphere of protecting Estonia’s security and democratic interests. The debate will encompass the historical background, the balancing of democratic principles and geopolitical risks, and emphasize the need for broad consensus and legal clarity.

The second section concerns the practical implementation: how the amendments and supplementary regulations will come into force on the third reading, which procedural restrictions and safeguards should be applied, and how to ensure adherence to the rule of law. The discussion will also address the positions and observations of various political parties and interest groups regarding integration, legality, and security, and how different international practices may influence Estonia’s constitutional amendment and its national identity.

The first reading of the draft law to amend the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, bill 527. The bill was presented by 28 members of the Riigikogu and its purpose is to amend the right to vote in the elections of local government councils for citizens and persons of an aggressor state, and for those lacking citizenship, and to potentially extend similar rights to citizens of third countries in accordance with the conclusion and ratification of bilateral agreements. The general discussion focused on security, the impact of the state's silence, the rule of law, and the ability to find a broad consensus between the two different bills – 527 and 536. It was noted that amending the Constitution is not final, but a decision-making process that requires thorough consideration and clarification of possible risk assessments and the scope of explanatory documents.

The second time, discussions focused on how to regulate the right to vote, what action could be taken, and how to avoid establishing uncertain or speculative concepts in the Constitution. Ultimately, the question arose as to whether and to what extent bill 527, together with bill 536, should proceed, and which form – alone or together – would provide the best legal certainty and democratic quality.

Agenda item concerned the second reading of the draft law amending the Act on Submitting Collective Appeals in response to the letter and request for clarification initiated by the Government of the Republic and the Act on Submitting Collective Appeals. The presentation was given by the Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, Hendrik Johannes Terras. The committee had discussed the draft law at two sessions, involving stakeholder groups such as the Chancellery of the President of the Republic, the Chancellor of Justice, and the Supreme Court.

During the discussions, stakeholder groups highlighted the need to extend the deadline for responding to appeals from 15 calendar days to 15 working days, to ensure sufficient processing time, especially during holiday periods. Although the committee ultimately did not change the deadlines, attention was focused on the important problem of repeated and frivolous applications and the abuse of the right to appeal. The committee added a provision to the draft law allowing a request to be left unanswered if the recipient has already responded to a similar request from the same person within the preceding year and there is no need for new information, or if the person is clearly abusing the right to appeal. The definition of abuse was left to the official's reasoned discretion, which is subject to further inquiry. The leading committee submitted one amendment proposal, which was fully taken into account, and proposed to conclude the second reading.

This agenda item concerns Bill 505, amending the State Government Act and, in connection therewith, amending other acts – a second reading. The purpose and impact of the bill on the functioning of public administration were raised for discussion, including the redistribution of responsibilities within ministries and the redefinition of the position of Secretary General and its requirements as one of the possible solutions. Initially, the Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, Hendrik Johannes Terras, continued speaking, and the course of the session focused on clarifying the content of the bill, addressing the viewpoints of both the governing coalition and the opposition regarding the redistribution of areas and tasks.

Bill 447 concerns an amendment to the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia and the associated adaptation of other laws to establish a duty to learn. The purpose of the amendment is to replace the existing school obligation with a duty to learn, lasting until the age of 18, and to specify the roles of the state and local governments in ensuring the fulfillment of the duty to learn. Flexibility in learning will also be increased: the creation of a basis for recognizing non-formal learning will be established in general education schools, and the connection between gymnasium subject courses and credit points used in vocational and higher education will be described. Furthermore, there is consideration of conducting stationary general education also in vocational institutions in the future. The bill received approval on first reading, and the cultural committee incorporated opinions from interest groups. Several parties and interest groups participated in the debate, discussing funding, administrative burden on municipalities, support for young people, the coping of NEET young people, and the future of the school network. The sessions held on October 14, November 12, and November 18 focused on the discussion of amendment proposals and the topics of European Union funding utilization and impact analysis.

This is a complex and resource-intensive reform aimed at improving the prevention of school dropout and providing better learning opportunities linked to working life, but its implementation requires precise funding, cooperation with municipalities and schools, and a thorough impact analysis.

The second reading of the draft law amending the Enterprise Income Tax Simplification Act and the Tax Procedure Act, initiated by the Republic's Government, has been completed. Member of the Finance Committee Mart Võrklaev served as the rapporteur responsible for the consideration of the draft. The first reading has been concluded, and the committee submitted two consensus amendment proposals aimed at reducing the draft's projected negative impact on the state budget and improving the precision of the provisions. The leading committee decided that the second reading of the draft would be completed and it would be placed on the plenary session agenda for a third reading on December 1st, with a final vote to be taken. The central discussion also focused on one aspect of taxation related to enterprise accounts – the taxation of services provided by the owners of enterprise accounts – and its impact, as well as the need for a discussion on social security taxes. Ultimately, the second reading was completed, and the revised procedures are to be cautiously developed further.

Agenda item 14 concerns the draft law amending the Income Tax Act and the Defence Service Act, and the amendments to the Income Tax Act, second reading of bill 509. The main objective is to postpone the tax shift until the beginning of 2026, and to adjust the thresholds for several tax-free benefits in line with inflation. In addition, allowances for various employee expenses, such as travel allowances, meals, and healthcare coverage, are being updated, and related rates are being changed. The committee discussed expanding the tax-free rate for healthcare and sports expenses, as well as the taxation of vehicles used by members of the Defence League. The bill was discussed on November 12th and 14th; four amendments were submitted, one of which (by Kristo Enn Vaga) was approved, while the proposals from the Isamaa faction were not. Ultimately, a consensus decision was made to end the second reading and to prepare a proposal to put the bill on the plenary agenda and to conduct the final vote on December 4th.

On October 14th, the first reading took place, and within agenda item 15, the draft law amending the Competition Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic, was considered in its 466th second reading. The presenter was Mario Kadastik, a member of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu. As the third agenda item, it was brought up that the second reading of the draft law and the discussion of amendments were appropriate, and the committee clarified the initial discussions and the need for linguistic editing. There were no proposals from members for the first reading of the draft law by October 28th; opinions were provided only by the Chancellor of Justice and the Legal and Analysis Unit of the Riigikogu Chancellery, and the proposals submitted by the Ministry of Finance were consolidated into a single amendment proposal. A working group of the committee met on November 7th and at the session on November 11th, where it was decided to make four amendment proposals, one of which was from the Ministry of Finance; all amendment proposals received unanimous support. The discussion also addressed the issue of the domestic turnover threshold for vertical agreements (10 mln vs 50 mln), and the conclusion was reached that 10 million is sufficient, and the regulatory introduction of a larger boundary can be managed if necessary. In addition, linguistic corrections were made. The leading committee decided to put the draft law on the agenda of the plenary session for the second reading on November 20th and to complete the second reading; after that, preparations for the third reading will begin on December 4th and the final vote will be held. All procedural decisions were unanimous.

The draft law amending the Maritime Safety Act, initiated by the Economy Committee, was presented to the Riigikogu for its second reading. The first reading took place on November 4th, and no amendments were received by November 11th; the committee prepared for the second reading at its session on November 12th of this year, inviting the Deputy Secretary General for Maritime Affairs and Water Environment of the Ministry of Climate, Kaupo Läänerand, and the legal advisor of the Maritime Department, Anton Merits. The government’s opinion had not yet been received at that time, but comments were received from various ministries: the Ministry of Finance noted that one paragraph in the explanatory memorandum might leave a misleading impression of additional funds, but in reality these funds are stipulated in the state budget bill.

The agenda item concerned the second reading of draft law 476 amending the blood law, initiated by the Republic of Estonia's Government. The presentation was given by member of the Social Affairs Committee, Hele Everaus. Everaus explained that this is a significant draft law relating to the quality and safety of blood transfusions, emphasizing the need for correct testing of blood groups and donor blood. The main objective of the draft law is the transfer of the reference laboratory's functions and responsibilities from the Ministry of Social Affairs to the Health Board, to ensure the development and control of blood products quality in Estonia. The reference laboratory’s role is critical, as it deals with the determination of rare blood groups and the establishment of standards. No amendments were proposed following the first reading on October 28th. The Social Affairs Committee prepared for the second reading, making a consensus proposal to conclude this reading and direct the draft law to the third reading on December 2nd. No questions were raised for the presenter, and discussions were not opened.

The Riigikogu discussed the draft law amending the State Levy Act and the Law on Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances and their Precursor Substances, in its second reading, 502. The chairman of the Social Affairs Committee, Madis Timpson, presented an overview, noting that no proposals were received from members of the Riigikogu, committees, or factions by the deadline for submitting amendments (November 6th). The committee discussed the draft law on November 12th, involving the Estonian Association of Social Workers and the Estonian Union of Rehabilitation Institutions, both of whom expressed opposition to the increase in state levies, citing concerns about the accessibility of social services and the salaries of caseworkers. The leading committee initiated two technical amendment proposals, which gained support.

During the debate, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, representing the Centre Party faction, sharply criticized the draft law, calling it a "poor law" that increases the burden on consumers and, in particular, pensioners, under the pretext of covering administrative costs. The Centre Party faction proposed to halt the second reading of the draft law. After reviewing the amendment proposals, the Centre Party’s proposal to halt the proceedings was put to a vote and rejected with 2 votes in favour and 51 against. The second reading of the draft law was then concluded.

The Riigikogu today discussed Bill 519 for the first reading of the Act amending the Unemployment Insurance Act and related acts, initiated by the Republic's Government. The bill aims to modernize the unemployment benefit system and motivate people to return to the labor market, reducing long-term unemployment and social exclusion visible in the labor market. Currently, the system is divided into two separate mechanisms – unemployment insurance and unemployment benefit – and the planned changes will create a unified unemployment insurance system by 2026, where, instead of unemployment benefit, a basic benefit will be paid according to unemployment insurance contributions and work experience. The basic amount is linked to the minimum wage, and the benefit amount is 50% of the minimum wage in force last year; the taxability or limits of the benefit depend on the unemployment situation, and the period may be extended. Another important part concerns subsistence support – it remains in place and can be applied for by those who lack sufficient income, but it does not replace unemployment benefit. The bill primarily increases fairness and clarity and reduces administrative burden, while still enabling continued health insurance and employment agency services.

The focus of the discussion is the amendment of the constitution regarding local government elections, and whether and how to include Russian citizens and stateless persons in the right to vote. Isamaa has long emphasized that restricting the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states is a priority for Estonia’s security and has initiated amendments to the constitution. At the same time, there is an emphasis on the need for a broad, even consensus-seeking majority to emerge, as amending the constitution requires significant consensus between the coalition and the opposition. The debate will address both substantive and procedural issues: what will the final draft bill look like and how to find common ground in order to achieve the necessary number of votes.

The procedural discussion encompassed an amendment to the Constitution regarding the rights of non-citizens to participate in local elections. The draft's main idea would be to grant the right to participate in local elections to non-citizens residing in an administrative area – a goal the coalition hopes to position and make acceptable with the support of other opposition factions. The positions of EKRE and its allies emphasize that the right to vote must remain solely for Estonian citizens, citing the continued impact of principles of state law and constitutional-level issues, and the risk of grey passports and foreign burdens. At the same time, the opposition, including the Centre Party and Social Democrats, have shown a willingness to cooperate, but emphasize that a compromise must be reached in such a way that the constitution is not radically changed and that the issue of voting rights for foreign nationals does not solve the grey passport problem. Furthermore, it was noted that the government's approach is complex and that the involvement of all parties and slow progress are necessary, expressing a need for technical and political cooperation. The fever is high in this regard, but ultimately there are no definitive parliamentary decisions; discussions continue, with the aim of finding a solution in the name of a broad consensus.

Today's third question addressed the procedure for paying out pensions. The question from Member of the Riigikogu Vadim Belobrovtsev was directed to Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo, and the central theme was a plan to make a change so that if a pension payment date falls on a weekend, the pension would be paid on the following Monday or Tuesday. The aforementioned changes amount to four days per year and are justified by the need for budget development and IT solutions, although pensioners and many of them are accustomed to the current procedure. The projected savings shown by the office are 21,000 euros and directly affect approximately 325,000 pensioners, which drew significant criticism regarding the transparency of decision-making processes in the social protection sector and the impact on daily life.

The Minister responded that the term "trimming" signifies a large number of unexpected changes, and according to their assessment, the current pension payment dates remain legally required - to be paid within a calendar month, with the fifth day being the customary practice, and the current steps involve more IT investments and service quality. She emphasized that the planned savings are part of a broader order that includes a reform of the civil service and daily life, and the transition from SKAIS1 → SKAIS2 with the support of companies must take place by the end of 2025. It was also highlighted that while the development of IT solutions is discussed as a necessity, the law was not changed and pension payments must, for everyone, continue to operate in the customary manner, and potential disruptions will be communicated in advance if necessary. Millions and futuristic goals, including the SKAIS2 transition by 2025, were central.

The present fourth question to the Riigikogu was directed at Prime Minister Kristen Michal and focused primarily on the substance of the government's policy and the budget policy associated with it. Initially, the structure of expenditures in the defense sector was discussed, along with the financing of ammunition and specialized equipment, including balancing previous promises with actual figures. The central theme was how expenditures will be moved and allocated effectively next year, and why the government tends to present different numerical interpretations – for example, sums requested in different contexts and their reflection as administrative expenses. Transparency and the need to obtain precise and consolidated data from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defence to verify the numbers were also at the heart of the debate.

The discussion of the fifth question focused on the state of the country, the management of mineral resources, and the future of exploiting state assets. Helle-Moonika Helme posed a question to the prime minister regarding phosphorite reserves, drawing attention to potential external interests and the connection between Ukrainian business interests and these phosphorite reserves. The discussion included an overview being prepared by the geological service concerning the existence of reserves, their quality, and potential for exploitation, with the results to be made public by the end of 2025. In this context, the idea of establishing a national wealth fund was proposed, to ensure the value of the assets remains in the country and for future generations. Furthermore, observations related to corruption in major projects were raised, and the discussion covered the Rail Baltic project, nuances occurring in Latvia, and the area of risks that have emerged related to the contract’s content. The stricter mutual conclusions and subsequent steps remained open as primary outputs, not as concluded decisions.

At a sitting of the Riigikogu, the sixth question of Member of the Riigikogu Aleksandr Tšaplõgin to Prime Minister Kristen Michal regarding the future of energy and Estonia's green action plan was discussed. The question was prompted by the intention of Donald Trump, who was elected President of the United States, to increase the production and use of fossil fuels. Tšaplõgin expressed concern about Estonia’s green action plan and competitiveness if Europe remains the only region abandoning fossil fuels.

Prime Minister Michal responded that the United States will remain a leader in science and innovation in the future, investing in new ways of energy production. He emphasized that the price of fossil energy, including shale, is too high to compete on the market and that modern industry and export markets require clean components. Michal explained that the government has launched the largest industrial growth plan in Estonian history, focusing on the defence industry, artificial intelligence, and smart metalworking, and that restrictions on the use of shale apply to energy, not its use in fine chemicals. Finally, Andres Metsoja posed a clarifying question regarding the suspension of new wind farm permit procedures and legal certainty. The Prime Minister defended this step as logical and well-considered action that avoids unwarranted expectations for entrepreneurs before the Climate-Resilient Economy Act is adopted, thereby ensuring legal certainty in the long term.

The seventh question addressed the infrastructure sector, focusing primarily on the economic and funding aspects of Rail Baltic and its impact on the state budget's transparency. Aivar Kokk raised questions about the actual cost of Rail Baltic, the discrepancy between earlier and recently reported figures, and the allocation of the €275 million CO2 funding – where the specific locations of the funding sources are not uniformly clearly described within the state budget. He emphasized the need that if the cost exceeds a critical limit (e.g., €700 million for the state), the project must be returned to the Riigikogu and the need for increased funding must be re-presented. Additionally, the differences between various costs in next year’s budget explanation were discussed, and why the cost of the tenth number presented under one application is reflected separately.

The agenda item was the Riigikogu’s eighth question regarding the state’s financial situation and budget forecasts. Member of the Riigikogu Rain Epler raised the question concerning the Ministry of Finance’s summer forecast of 3.3% growth, and the European Commission’s forecast of 1.1% growth, citing a potential shift in tax revenues and the impact of border trade on cash flows. He noted that tax changes have already been made and the price increases accompanying inflation leave the population hesitant about their purchasing power. — This was accompanied by a question about drawing up a negative supplementary budget and its possible size within the framework of correcting state budget revenue forecasts and expenditures. When they referred to risks in the economic environment and that future cuts may prove necessary, it was emphasized that the budget must be kept balanced and move towards the Maastricht criteria.

Today's session of nine questions addressed the situation of families and seniors struggling with rising food prices, with questions directed to Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo regarding support measures. The questions highlighted the circumstances of vulnerable groups, including the elderly, low-wage earners, and large families, analyzing how taxes, excise duties, and prices impact them and whether existing support mechanisms are sufficient. There were also inquiries about targeted assistance and how to improve the coping abilities of single pensioners and other vulnerable groups, considering networks within local municipalities and the structure of state income support.

Minister Riisalo’s response included an overview of the situation, and the data and measures presented demonstrate a step-by-step effort by the state to improve people's coping abilities: increases in pensions and child benefits, updates to income support and the minimum subsistence level, expansions and increased flexibility in food support measures. Reference was also made to plans to replace income support with a better-targeted support model, and the autonomy of local municipalities and their increasingly important role in providing social assistance to alleviate the burden were emphasized.

The present agenda item focused on the question of amending the constitution and the potential implementation of restrictions on local government council elections and the rationale behind it. The questioner, Member of the Riigikogu Varro Vooglaid, posed a critical and detailed interrogative statement to Prime Minister Kristen Michal: the reasons and sources upon which the restrictions should primarily be considered, and what they, based on examples, see as lacking in previous analyses. In addition, international contexts and democratic election contexts, including examples of the 2024 Russian presidential election participation by Russian citizens residing in Estonia, were brought up to illustrate how action should be taken in cases of factual and analytical shortcomings.

In the second part, two speakers addressed the matter. In a flowing debate, Vooglaid expressed criticism regarding the use and devaluation of the "security map" and demanded that the sources and analyses justifying the restriction of voting rights be clearly presented. Prime Minister Michal responded, emphasizing the importance of the state's sovereignty and the security theme, and stated that citizens of aggressor states should not participate in Estonia's internal affairs. At the end of the discussion, it was clarified that today’s session agenda does not allow for further questions, and the session will continue with a full plenary session at a later time, citing the need to continue the information session and further work on the topics of the state's security and the foundations of democracy.

The Riigikogu passed the draft law amending the Law on the Republic's Government and related laws, amending the draft law (reorganizing the State Real Estate Enterprise into the State Real Estate and Land Enterprise) through its 457th reading and final vote. Supporters of the draft (SDE, Eesti 200) emphasized that the establishment of the State Real Estate and Land Enterprise (MaRu) is necessary to consolidate fragmented spatial data, enhance planning competence, and create a better living environment throughout Estonia, serving as an important regional political tool for local governments. Madis Kallas stressed that this is a merging of existing forces, not the creation of a new agency.

Criticism was voiced by Isamaa and EKRE. Mart Maastik (Isamaa) drew attention to an amendment proposal that eliminates the ministry's obligation to hear individuals whose opinions were not taken into account when drafting a general plan, seeing this as a restriction of citizens' rights in order to shorten the planning process. Arvo Aller (EKRE) opposed bringing a new "mammoth agency" under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, finding that this removes important regional policy influence tools from the regional minister. Igor Taro (Eesti 200) refuted the counterarguments, explaining that the elimination of the obligation to be heard is a formal change, and emphasized synergy and a reduction in bureaucracy. In the final vote, the draft was adopted as law.

The second agenda item concerns the second reading of bill 473, amending the Plant Propagation and Variety Protection Act and the Forestry Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The bill was presented from the Riigikogu speaker's podium by the chairman of the agricultural committee, Urmas Kruuse, who was asked to present it. This is a discussion of considerable importance, emphasizing the procedural decisions and further steps taken by the committee in the bill's proceedings. No amendments were proposed in the second reading, and all decisions were made by consensus, reflecting the collective expectation of the committee for the smooth progress of the bill’s further proceedings.

As the third item on the agenda, the first reading of draft law 493 concerning the amendment of the Code of Civil Procedure and the amending law concerning the implementation of the Code of Civil Procedure and the Enforcement Procedure Code was considered. The draft law aims to bring the Code of Civil Procedure into conformity with the Basic Law and to amend the regulations on procedural assistance to take into account unavoidable expenses – food, medicine, communication, and hygiene supplies. This is in line with the recommendation of the Chancellor of Justice, and the Riigikogu decided to address this issue under the leadership of the Legal Affairs Committee.

The committee’s discussion encompassed two main narratives: whether the Chancellor of Justice should have appealed to the Riigikogu plenary session or the Supreme Court; and whether the provision is unconstitutional. In addition, it was examined in practice how the amendment might affect the number of proceedings and the availability of procedural assistance. Ultimately, it was decided to submit the draft law to the agenda of the plenary session and conclude the first reading, set a deadline for submitting amendments, and elect Andre Hanimägi as the committee’s representative.

Thematic agenda summary: Today, in the Riigikogu, the content of four inquiries was addressed, along with two larger discussions focusing on the quality of stakeholder involvement, economic sustainability, and legislative culture. The first inquiry concerned stakeholder involvement, presented by Urmas Reinsalu and co-presenters, with Urmas Reinsalu delivering the presentation from the Riigikogu speaker’s chair. This addressed the transparency of decision-making processes, the quality and trustworthiness of involvement methods, which are critical for businesses and economic sectors. The second inquiry recalled the October protest by entrepreneurship organizations and highlighted a five-part set of questions concerning the involvement cycle for income tax and value-added tax bills, express deadlines, and the proper involvement in electricity market reforms. The third part saw the Prime Minister responding to the inquiries, explaining the government's positions, the intention of the security tax, and the effort to ensure tax peace and clarity for entrepreneurs. The fourth part turned to topics concerning legislative practices, adherence to the principles of good legislation, and the cuts and changes implemented by various governments in the areas of land tax and the state budget, emphasizing the importance of involvement and transparency and discussing how to apply the legal system and regulatory techniques. In summary, the agenda marked a deepening of specific discussions and criticisms regarding the impact of the government's economic policy and involvement measures.

The current agenda item concerned a question posed by Members of Parliament Urmas Reinsalu, Aivar Kok, Mart Maastik, Riina Solman, Priit Sibula, Tõnis Lukas, Andres Metsoja, Jaanus Karilaiu, and Helir-Valdor Seedri regarding tax changes. The question focused primarily on potential tax increases and fee alterations, and Jaanus Karilaiu was requested to present the question before the Parliament's rostrum as the preparer and representative. According to the initial description, the questioner wished to understand what legislative initiatives had been prepared and what their projected impact would be on citizens and businesses.

The second part of the agenda item consisted of the Prime Minister's response, which stated that tax peace would remain in effect until 2027 and that no major new taxes were planned, but there were clarifications regarding broad-based security taxation and covering associated budget and defense expenditures. There was a discussion about what taxes and fees might actually increase in the coming years (packaging tax, waste fees, etc.) and how these topics might affect the population and businesses. Criticism emerged regarding the transparency of tax policy and collaboration with business owners, ultimately pointing to the need for continued negotiations and discussions. In conclusion, the agenda item lacked a clear parliamentary decision; the day ended with an exchange of opinions and confirmation that the introduction of new taxes until 2027 is not planned.

The agenda item concerned a question submitted to the Riigikogu regarding free dental care for children (question number 662), submitted on October 24, 2024. The purpose of the question was to obtain answers from the Minister of Health regarding the sustainability of funding and accessibility of the children's dental care service. The absence of a national order and the redistribution of funding have created a situation where some healthcare providers are unable to continue the free service as previously planned. The questioners emphasized that children are visiting the dentist insufficiently, and that programs and information campaigns (such as Suukool) are proliferating in order to increase participation.

The second part of the discussion focused on the responses offered to Minister Riina Sikkut: the organization of funding and the mechanisms for amending contracts throughout the year, the 62% level of children’s participation, and the need for the possibility of additional funding should participation increase. The impact of liability insurance on dental care services and a potential price increase were also discussed, and attention was paid to the development of geriatric dental care and state-level support mechanisms. Overall, the agenda item reflected an attempt to alleviate points of conflict and improve the accessibility of children's dental care, while defining initial discussion outputs and next steps to ensure the sustainability of healthcare service provision.

The Riigikogu discussed inquiry No. 659 regarding the situation with scam calls in Estonia, submitted by several members of the Riigikogu, led by Vadim Belobrovtsev. The Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, responded to the inquiry. Belobrovtsev highlighted the seriousness of the problem, noting that in 2023, 524 people lost nearly three million euros and the total amount of losses is in a continuing upward trend. The inquirers wanted to know the activities of the Ministry of the Interior and the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) in reducing the number of victims, the change in the situation since 2020, and the state’s plans to involve banks and telecommunications operators in the fight against scammers, including through legislative changes to place greater responsibility on financial institutions for the security of deposits.

Minister Läänemets confirmed that the number of scam calls is on an upward trend, as scammers are increasingly using advanced technology (AI, automated systems) and social engineering. He emphasized the PPA’s active awareness-raising efforts and international cooperation, citing the successful cyber operation PhishOff led by the Estonian police as an example. Läänemets noted that the PPA, the banking association, and telecommunications operators regularly cooperate in preventing and stopping fraud, and the enforcement of the law does not currently seem necessary. He found that each individual must be vigilant and not share their data, but welcomed the discussion initiated in parliament regarding the demand for greater responsibility from financial institutions. In the continuing debate, Vadim Belobrovtsev proposed using traditional channels, such as postal mail, to reach elderly victims and considered the possibility of creating a separate PPA unit to combat fraud.

The first reading of Bill 514, initiated by the Cultural Committee concerning the amendment of the Estonian Academy of Sciences Act, was on the agenda of the Riigikogu. The bill was presented by Margit Sutrop, a member of the Cultural Committee. The objective of the bill is to modernize and simplify the quarter-century-old Act and grant the Academy of Sciences greater autonomy in deciding its internal matters, making it similar to public universities. The most significant amendments include the Academy's right to independently establish its statutes without registration by the Ministry of Education and Research, the extension of the right to grant scholarships and research grants to schoolchildren, and the clarification of the management structure (a Steering Committee/Eestseisus replacing the previous Management Board/Juhatus). Furthermore, the statutory requirement that the Academy's Secretary-General must be an academician is abolished.

The Government of the Republic and the Cultural Committee unanimously supported the bill, considering it reasonable for ensuring flexibility. During the questions round, the Riigikogu's initiative in lawmaking (Tõnis Lukas) and the financial implications of the bill (Urve Tiidus) were discussed. The presenter confirmed that the bill does not entail new financial obligations. The Cultural Committee made a unanimous proposal to conclude the first reading.

The second agenda item concerns the draft Act amending the Penal Code, initiated by Member of the Riigikogu Kalle Grünthal, and its first reading procedure. The aim of the draft is to declare paragraph 1511 invalid, which deals with supporting and justifying international crimes, and to prohibit the public display of symbols associated with acts of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, or acts of aggression, in such a manner. The presenter was Grünthal, and his presentation focused on why the provision being discussed in the session needs to be amended, because the police have been applying the norm maliciously and incorrectly. He highlighted three cases: the action that took place in Tallinn involving Jaak Valge and Andres Aule; the events that occurred at the Blue Mountains memorial event; and the operation to confiscate the Lihula pillar. He also noted that the use of the norm has affected the state’s reputation and may lead to the humiliation of national sentiments. Representatives and participants from the Reino group pointed out that the draft establishes restrictions whose application has been both complicated and difficult, and that previous cases have generated debate about legality and proportionality. In conclusion, the discussions reached the finding that the draft cannot be accepted and that there is no desire to move forward in its current form.

During the agenda item, the third reading of the draft law amending the Income Tax Act and the Mandatory Pension Act took place. The procedure began with opening negotiations for the parliamentary groups, but as no members requested to speak, the negotiations were immediately closed. At the proposal of the steering committee, preparations began for the final vote on the draft law. Members of the Riigikogu put draft law 434 to a final vote, as a result of which it was passed. Seventy-two members participated in the vote, of whom 71 supported the adoption of the draft law, 0 were against, and 1 was neutral. The draft law was declared to be adopted as a law.

The second agenda item concerned the third reading of the draft law amending the Value Added Tax Act and the Tax Procedure Act 462, initiated by the Republic of Estonia's Government. The event began with a public discussion where Urmas Reinsalu represented the Isamaa faction and requested additional time, receiving eight minutes to continue speaking. While technically a discussion of the draft law, it provoked a pointed political debate: the governing coalition proposed an increase in VAT as part of the 2025 budget, the impact of which on the economy and people's ability to cope remained questionable from the Isamaa perspective. Isamaa has emphasized that a fiscally responsible alternative to the budget could keep inflation under control and promote economic growth without additional tax increases. The conclusion of the session was strongly tied to questions of why parliament was unable to put Isamaa's alternative proposals to a vote and why the governing bloc was blocking them. The second part of the discussion focused on the context of the budget period and tax changes, including the assessment of state defense and economic prospects. Ultimately, the process moved to a final vote, and the questions raised were related to the consequences of that decision for both inflation and the economy.

At the meeting, the discussion turned to the third agenda item, which was the third reading of Bill 464, the Act amending the Collection Pension Act and other laws, initiated by the Government of the Republic. Following the opening and immediate closure of deliberations, indicating consensus and readiness for a decision, the steering committee proposed conducting the final vote on the bill. The bill was put to a final vote and adopted as law.

Draft law amending the Land Register Act – third reading – item four on the agenda. Discussions began, and the chair introduced them; representatives of the Isamaa faction and subsequently other participants voiced opinions and criticism regarding the draft law initiated by the government. The discussion focused on the draft law's technical details, the budget, and management guidelines, with the law's impact and the balance of state power being important topics. Proposals were also made to impose a moratorium on new taxes and bureaucratic initiatives, and the need to ensure demographic and energy security, as well as improve the transparency of the state budget, was emphasized. Finally, the discussion proceeded to the final vote, and the draft law was adopted by the Riigikogu as a peaceful law.

The draft law amending the Weapons Act and other related laws, initiated by the Government of the Republic, was debated in the Riigikogu for its second reading. The draft’s focus was on developing the Estonian defense industry, accelerating security and crisis resolution, and reducing bureaucracy, including the creation of a more precise system of permits and controls. The National Defence Committee held thorough discussions and visited several defense industry companies, involving representatives from the defense and space industry, as well as officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of the Interior.

As the leading committee, the National Defence Committee submitted four amendment proposals regarding the draft, and one proposal, number 1, was rejected as it concerned the ownership of weapons by individuals, which did not align with the draft’s aim of broadening its scope. The remaining amendment proposals were adopted according to the leading committee’s proposals. The meeting achieved consensus-based decisions: the draft will be placed on the Riigikogu’s plenary session agenda for its second reading – on November 23rd, and the second reading will be completed. All discussions focused on promoting the defense industry, cooperation possibilities with foreign countries, and simplifying the regulatory environment to allow the Estonian defense industry to be competitive in both the domestic and foreign markets.

This agenda item concerns the second reading of the draft law amending the Prison Law, initiated by the Government, 506. The presentation will be given by esteemed colleague and member of the Legal Affairs Committee, Anti Haugas. The draft law pertains to the organization of detention conditions and the framework for temporary control of individuals, introducing changes to the operation of detention centers and clarifications in procedures.

Secondly, Anti Haugas’ speech brought to light that the committee did not receive any opinions or amendment proposals prior to the second reading, and some questions were raised regarding issues previously raised in the first reading. He explained that Estonia will, in the future, utilize 12 detention centers, three of which are located at prisons; short-term detention up to 48 hours is possible in all 12 detention centers; following detention comes sobering, and the individual is taken to the detention center for sobering. Tallinn is an exception: there, individuals are taken to a sobering house, not the detention center; the detention center and sobering house are separate. The committee decided to conclude the second reading unanimously and, also unanimously, to place the draft law on the plenary session agenda and to conduct the final vote on November 20th. That is all from my side.

The discussions concerned the second reading of the bill to amend the state budget law, initiated by the Government of the Republic, in the Riigikogu. The presenter was Maris Lauri from the Riigikogu Finance Committee. The agenda included the sessions held on November 4th, 5th, and 11th, where the bill and amendments were considered, and the discussions were directed towards the balance between budget transparency and flexibility, improving the relationship between indicators and objectives, and more clearly reflecting the role of the Riigikogu as a legislative body in budget-related decisions. The views of the National Audit Office, the Chancellor of Justice's office, and the Ministry of Finance were mentioned: it was recommended to avoid haste and to consider the importance of oversight and a precise budget picture.

In addition, the discussion focused on the need to present the 2025 budget and subsequent further detailing: strengthening the relationships between indicators, setting limits on transferable funds and budget transfers between ministers, and increasing the transparency of expense categories. There was also discussion of a possible larger amendment to the basic law, which would provide an overview of the entire budget content and increase the Riigikogu’s ability to oversee it. The committee's decisions included moving the bill to the second reading and initial choices for further discussions, as well as two possible packages of amendments concerning the distribution of expenses and a more detailed representation of allocations. As a final decision, the second reading of bill 511 was decisively concluded, and the next step was determined to be the third reading and final vote at a later date.

This agenda item concerns draft law 517 to amend the 2024 State Budget Act – second reading. The draft centers on amendments to the Ministry of Finance’s compilation of funding and adherence to the budget preparation rules associated with it. The Isamaa faction submitted its proposed amendments, including a requirement to reduce central government expenditure by 200 million euros, and questions regarding limiting transferrable expenses and the inclusion of proposed amendments to the draft. Procedurally, issues arose concerning the inclusion of proposed amendments in the list of proposed amendments, and the role of the session’s leadership and ensuring the correctness of the Riigikogu’s procedure. The coalition and the leadership attempted to find a solution as to whether continuing the procedure was in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and the State Budget Act.

The following agenda item concerned the discussion of the draft State Budget Act for 2025, initiated by the Republic of Estonia’s Government, during the Riigikogu’s second reading. The presenter was the Chair of the Finance Committee, Annely Akkermann, whose speech covered the technical and political content of the budget: the volume of revenues and expenditures, investments, tax burden, and priorities such as defense and internal security, the transition to Estonian-language education, and increasing competitiveness. The budget includes a significant amount of foreign funding (1.7 billion in foreign funds) as well as the state’s borrowing mandates (0.7 billion), while also highlighting the growing proportion of defense spending (9.3% of GDP) and the financing of state security programs. Changes to the accompanying program documents were also discussed; 59 amendment proposals were received, and the committee noted that the majority of these were correct and transparently drafted, except for a few specific limitations (e.g., eliminating the cost of Rail Baltic is not possible due to constitutional provisions). The speeches included topics such as local government funding, the creeping status of IT investments, and the transparency of the budget and clarity of messaging. Finally, the next steps in the draft’s procedure were decided, and a timeframe was established: the deadline for the end of the second reading and the deadline for amendment proposals on November 27th at 5:15 PM, and the conclusion of the second reading and a deadline on November 28th at 5:15 PM.

Let's move on to agenda item number ten: the second reading of bill 496, the act amending the Social Welfare Act and the Act on the Organisation of Healthcare Services (regarding the provision of independent nursing care in 24-hour specialized care services). Please introduce the bill, Mr. Madis Timpson, Chairman of the Social Affairs Committee. This bill concerns the framework and payment arrangements for the provision of 24-hour specialized care services and aims to ensure the accessibility and quality of independent nursing care around the clock.

The main topics of discussion focused on how to adjust the distribution of funding and the allocation of tasks: whether and how to remove certain services (such as personalized medication packaging) from the range of specialized care services, what the arrangement will be for the transfer of state responsibility and the obligation to pay for those services (the Health Insurance Fund takeover), and how to ensure a uniform quality and volume of nursing care. Interested parties participated; homes for people with disabilities expressed concerns about the transfer of certain services and its impact, while representatives of the Ministry of Social Affairs emphasized that funding is available and that payment will be in order if contracts are concluded. The nurses' association supported the implementation of uniform principles but suggested that quality standardization be offset by other medical services. Finally, no amendments were proposed, and the Association of Cities and Municipalities did not submit any proposals.

The agenda included the second reading of the draft law amending the Social Welfare Act and the Value Added Tax Act (mental health services), initiated by the Republic of Estonia’s Government. The presenter was Irja Lutsar, a member of the Social Affairs Committee. The draft law’s purpose is to increase the capacity of local governments (municipalities) to provide mental health services; current project-based funding will be replaced with a population-based fund, which distributes money according to the number of residents. Funding limits are both a floor and a ceiling, meaning smaller municipalities will receive more local resources than previously. Linguistic editing and text harmonization were also highlighted. The committee unanimously approved the procedural documents for the second reading of the draft law and authorized the chairperson to sign the procedural documents for the third reading.

In addition, concerns regarding labor shortages were addressed and options were discussed regarding how funding and the availability of specialists can help ensure service accessibility, including the balance between larger cities and smaller municipalities, and future funding opportunities.

The Riigikogu discussed the draft law amending the Family Benefits Act and other laws, the second reading of bill 507. During the representative part of the session, member of the Social Affairs Committee Karmen Joller presented the bill. The draft is a complex bill, combining family benefits and health issues, and was considered in the context of 10 amendments: 4 from the Social Affairs Committee and 6 from the Isamaa faction, with the Isamaa proposals being rejected. Among the amendments adopted by the Social Affairs Committee were clarifications regarding consultation fees (including within limits in special cases), the continued free provision of consultations related to pregnancy and childbirth in accordance with the European Code of Social Security, and mechanisms for organising disability benefits, including tax benefits for sole proprietors. The second reading was placed on the Riigikogu agenda, and the third reading and final vote, scheduled for November 20th, were called for discussion. In addition, demographic concerns and the security of families were highlighted, shaping the perspective on balancing the measures discussed in the meeting, and it was recalled that the state budget is in a tense situation where certain benefits and consultation fees affect people's security and access to services.

Today’s agenda item concerned the second reading of the draft social welfare act amending the Act initiated by the Republic's Government 508. The committee’s work took place on two occasions, November 4th and November 11th, and focused particularly on whether the benefit for a single pensioner should be discontinued in connection with round-the-clock care services and community living services. According to the draft, the aforementioned benefit will be discontinued for retirees who receive round-the-clock care services. The opinions of local governments and pensioner associations were divergent: they emphasized that pensioners living in care homes often have a low pension and rising incidental fees, and therefore the benefit should be continued for them. Government representatives explained that the benefit for a single pensioner is not intended to cover everyday expenses and that local governments must take into account each individual’s individual needs; the care reform is accompanied by additional funding from the state to local governments. The committee discussed the topic thoroughly, and critical debate was raised regarding the planned procedural documents and financial impacts. The decisions included bringing the draft to the plenary agenda and completing the second reading when a consensus decision is reached, with a plan to hold the final vote on November 20th. On November 11th, the procedural documents were approved and authority was granted to the committee chair to sign the procedural documents for the third reading. The day’s discussions also touched on the broader cost implications of the social care reform, including a plan to allocate 65 million euros to municipalities and a 1.35 million euro cut, which some members argued was unfair to the elderly. In summary, deep differences of opinion emerged regarding the continuation or discontinuation of this benefit rate, but the procedural steps progressed naturally.

The focus of the first question concerned the Prime Minister’s promise regarding taxes and tax peace, and the coordination round for the bill raising Notary fees. The 30% increase in Notary fees was assessed as a potential tax increase with a total amount of 11.5 million euros, and the discussion highlighted that Notary fees relate more to services carried out on the private market and real estate market activities, rather than directly to the concept of tax peace. At the same time, it was emphasized that in the context of the cuts necessary for tax peace and the ongoing recovery of the economy, it cannot be the case that taxes rise elsewhere while the state must ensure the financing of stability and security expenditures. During the current discussion, it became clear that changes to Notary fees and other service charges must be considered separately, and coordination rounds and the involvement of the Ministry of the Interior are necessary for future decisions.

The second part of the discussion focused on the security tax and its use in strengthening the state’s security. The PM explained that the revenue from the security tax is intended to patch budget holes and to finance the Ministry of Defence and broader defense expenditures, and this tax will remain in effect until 2028. In addition, it was mentioned that between 2025 and 2031, there are plans to acquire additional weaponry amounting to approximately 1.6 billion euros, and the total volume of the security tax will be approximately 2.3–2.4 billion euros. This substantial funding is directly linked to ensuring Estonia’s security and independence and, in reality, represents a deeper budgetary commitment than just a temporary tax arrangement. The discussion brought out that the balance between tax peace and the security budget is a complex but essential goal for Estonia’s continued resilience.

Today, the second question was directed to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas regarding the air defense of Estonia, or scenarios in which, in the event of a war, it would be necessary to destroy infrastructure (roads, bridges, railway) and, if needed, evacuations. The discussion centered on the adequacy of defense planning and the communication of associated risks, which arose in connection with General Andrus Merilo’s statements regarding the possibility of a large-scale conflict between NATO and Russia. Member of the Riigikogu, Martin Helme, raised critical questions about whether Estonia’s security is truly assured and whether the government shares a better risk communication strategy and what the evacuation plans are.

The present discussion regarding the third question focused on regional policy and the rationale for creating regional cooperation areas. Member of the Riigikogu Helir-Valdor Seeder presented a critical proposal: instead of forming artificial, illogical regions, the basis should be Estonia’s administrative division, the boundaries of local governments, counties, and local identity. He emphasized that regions should be shaped on the basis of reasonable logic and needs, in order to maintain a non-uniform, but functioning regional development system. It was also stressed that regional policy should not fall further than an inter-ministerial matter, but must be a common priority for the entire government and involve local governments, businesses, and universities. The second part of the discussion focused on why regional disparities need to be reduced and how to coordinate entrepreneurship, security, education, and social policy at the regional level. Minister Piret Hartman further explained that the goal is not to shift local structures or lose identity, but to create sufficient competence and resources for solving major issues regionally, and to utilize the experience of pilot projects and international cooperation (OECD).
Concluding the topic, the importance of cooperation was emphasized and the need to bring discussions and decisions to regional levels, and to critically examine the composition of Central Estonia’s region, not as legally binding limits, but as a basis for technical discussion.

Today’s fourth question concerns religious freedom in the Republic of Estonia and related topics: the relationship of the local Orthodox Church with the Moscow Patriarchate and whether and how the state plans to intervene in the question of canonical ties of religious communities. The question was posed by Riigikogu member Vadim Belobrovtsev to the Prime Minister and focuses on the actions of the Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets – specifically, whether his actions are independent "solo" efforts or coordinated government policy. The discussion also touches on the Riigikogu's recent position on the Moscow Patriarchate and a draft law intended to give the state a greater role in resolving cases involving religious communities and foreign ties, when those may threaten public order or the constitutional order.

In the second act, arguments about religious freedom as a fundamental value emerged, along with concerns about the dependence of religious communities and the limits of state intervention. During the speech, references were made to descriptions of the Pühtitsa Monastery, and it was emphasized that religious freedom remains and churches are not closed, but at the same time, a draft law is foreseen that could clarify and strengthen the state's possibilities for controlling such ties. Overall, the aim is to clarify how Estonia balances ensuring religious freedom, state security, and the protection of the democratic legal space, and what the government's plans are for further proceedings in this matter.

The first item on the Riigikogu's agenda concerned the referral of the fifth question to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. The question was submitted by Riigikogu member Rain Epler, and the topic was the government's action plan in light of the results of the US presidential election. The discussion covered both fundamental principles and the potential impact on Estonian policy: future trends in US politics, the role of the climate agreement and energy policy, issues of restrictions on freedom of speech, and policies on gender identity and gender equality. The Prime Minister gave introductory responses and emphasized the need for realism and further analysis at the government level.

The second part allowed the opposition and other factions to share their viewpoints, highlighting different perspectives on promoting energy standards, export capacity, and technological development, and how these affect the Estonian economy and consumer electricity prices.

The sixth question addressed subsidies to municipalities and related reforms in the education sector. The Ministry of Education and the Estonian Union of Education Employees have reached an agreement to create or restore a teacher career model that takes into account teacher workload and qualifications, through increasing the differentiation fund. It is planned to increase the share of the differentiation fund from 20% to 22% compared to the salary fund in 2026, and to further increase it to 24% in 2027-2028. It is important to note that this fund does not apply to vocational schools; therefore, the career model and funding for their teachers remain unresolved and additional adjustments will need to be stipulated. The question was also raised as to whether the government has provided guarantees that the necessary sums will be available in subsequent years, and municipal leaders have responded through the media that no such guarantees are known to them and no decision has been made. The budget process next year was intended to establish the principles of funding, and this work will continue.

The focus of this seventh agenda item was security, and the Riigikogu discussed two main topics: firstly, civilian oversight of the Defence Forces and its impact on cooperation between the government and parliament (including mechanisms and transparency of civilian oversight), and secondly, the planning of population evacuation and related international relations. In the first part, the question was raised whether the statements made by Defence Forces Commander Andrus Merilo reflect the government’s positions or rather reveal a sense of helplessness in discussions at different institutional levels. In the second part, it was asked whether, in the event of a crisis, there are plans to evacuate the population and whether negotiations have already begun with neighboring countries or more broadly regarding the acceptance of people.

Eight questions concerned energy and the sustainability of Estonia’s energy policy. Aivar Kokk posed a thorough question, highlighting the need to ensure controlled electrical energy during winter months against a backdrop of price increases, and presented the idea of retrofitting old shale boilers into pellet boilers. The numerical examples and prices presented illustrated just what portion of the energy market is currently comprised of price differences and how much potential alternatives, such as pellets, could bring reliability and possible price decreases. In addition, the increasingly rapid discussions regarding the energy economy were brought into focus: the role of the economic cabinet, electricity exchange prices and end-price forecasts, and the need to ensure reliability alongside favorable price levels in the future.

The discussion focused on recent statements by Defence Forces Commander Andrus Merilo regarding the potential for military escalation and combat operations to reach Estonian territory in the event of a NATO-Russia conflict. Member of the Riigikogu Varro Vooglaid posed two sharp questions to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. Firstly, whether the government is prepared to support NATO’s direct intervention in the war in Ukraine, knowing that, according to Merilo, this would inevitably bring combat operations to Estonia. Secondly, why the government hasn't implemented diplomatic measures to quickly end the war, but has instead acted in a spirit of escalation. Prime Minister Kallas responded that Estonia is using all diplomatic measures to help Ukraine achieve victory, emphasizing that this is in Estonia’s existential interests, as Russia is a threat. She supported the removal of restrictions on arms use by Ukraine and Ukraine's accession to NATO and the EU. Kallas avoided a direct answer to the question of escalation, saying that she will do everything to prevent the war from reaching Estonia. Both Vooglaid and Martin Helme criticized the Prime Minister for inconsistency, arguing that the policies she supports (NATO expansion, the removal of restrictions) are precisely those that invite the spread of the conflict. Helme called this political stance an oxymoron. Kallas dismissed this criticism, calling it a "capitulationist attitude" and affirmed that Estonia’s state position is values-based. Finally, Kallas affirmed that, in the event of war, she would serve as a reserve officer in Estonia.

The first item on the agenda concerned the second reading in the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) of Bill 457 amending the State Government Act and related laws (reorganization of the State Real Estate Enterprise into the State Real Estate and Spatial Affairs Enterprise). The bill’s purpose is to address issues of the lack of a central application unit for spatial and land matters, the lack of a holistic approach to spatial development, and the lack of advisory and coordinating roles in adapting to climate change, by creating the State Real Estate and Spatial Affairs Enterprise. The first reading took place on June 14th, and no amendments were received; the committee submitted 11 amendments. To prepare for the second reading, a committee session was held on November 7th; the ministry's proposals modified the committee's proposals. According to procedural requirements, the agency's work was to begin on January 1, 2025, which creates a need for expedited procedures. Parallel to the proceedings is Riigikogu Bill 505, which concerns further amendments to the same field. The 11 proposed amendments were recommended to be fully considered, and the second reading was scheduled to be completed and a final vote taken on November 19th.

The discussions held as the second item primarily addressed questions regarding the understanding of oversight and data retention, the responsibilities of ministries, the competence and coordination of the organization's name (State Real Estate and Spatial Affairs Enterprise), and the impact of climate and segregation issues on spatial planning. The discussion highlighted various positions: how and whether the State Real Estate and Spatial Affairs Enterprise can reduce bureaucracy and segregation, and what is the new institution's role in the spatial planning and regional policy of local governments. The speeches reflected the concerns of both the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of the Environment, as well as local interest groups, and emphasized the need for a shared vision and clarity in spatial development.

In conclusion, the agenda is ready for completion, and the schedule for completing the second reading and a final vote has been confirmed – the agenda aligns with the plan to complete the second reading and bring the bill to the plenary session for a final vote on November 19th.

The agenda included the first reading of bill 497, the Act amending the Personal Documents Act and other related laws, initiated by the Republic’s Government. The bill was presented by the Minister of Justice and Digital Transformation, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, who explained that the purpose of the amendment is to transpose European Union Directive 2019/997, which establishes a unified European Union return certificate. The Minister emphasized that this is a positive example of the adoption of EU law, which reduces bureaucracy and administrative burden by replacing the existing three documents with a single document with higher security.

The amendment provides better opportunities for consular assistance for Estonian citizens in third countries where an Estonian representation may not be present. In the event of loss or theft of a travel document, Estonian citizens can turn to the consular representation of any EU member state. The Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, Hendrik Johannes Terras, confirmed in a supporting presentation that the committee unanimously supported the bill. During the discussion, the main issue addressed concerned the ability to pay for a return certificate in the case of a citizen experiencing financial difficulties, for which an international consular assistance framework exists. The bill is scheduled to enter into force on December 9, 2025.

The agenda began with the continuation of the first reading of draft resolution 460, which had been left unfinished last week. The aforementioned draft, submitted by the Estonian Centre Party faction, concerned the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry commission to investigate circumstances related to the Rail Baltic project. Since negotiations had concluded at the previous session, the meeting immediately proceeded to a vote on the steering committee’s proposal. The steering committee had proposed rejecting draft resolution 460 in the first reading. The vote saw 48 members of the Riigikogu supporting the proposal, with 22 members voting against, and no abstentions. The proposal passed, therefore draft resolution 460 was rejected and dropped from consideration.

Today's discussion focused on Bill 453, or the "additional day of rest," for amending the Holidays and Commemoration Days Act, and the organization of public holidays and their applicable working hours. According to the bill, the Holidays and Commemoration Days Act would be expanded so that if a national holiday or public holiday falls on a weekend, an additional day of rest would be added on the following workday; it also provides for the inclusion of the second Sunday of Easter as a public holiday. The bill's aim is to increase people's days of rest, improve the balance between work and family life, increase quality of life, and give people the opportunity to spend time with their families and take advantage of the best cultural and sporting activities.

The debate considered the economic impact, ability to work, and consumption, as well as the international context; the discussion centered on how much an additional day of rest could affect employee motivation and productivity, and what impact it would have on the state in terms of taxes and working hours. In addition, a more thorough impact analysis is expected from the Ministry of Finance, and it was considered whether adding the second Sunday of Easter as a public holiday would bring alignment with the practices of the European Union and neighboring countries. In the final discussion, a positive cross-coalition consensus was recommended, along with a final review of the bill's procedure, and questions and answers were presented by members of the various factions.

Bill 459, the draft law initiated by Member of the Riigikogu Varro Vooglaid regarding the “Law Amending the Law on Termination of Pregnancy and Sterilization,” addressed the financing of healthcare services by the Riigikogu. The draft law’s objective is to prohibit the financing of pregnancy termination upon request based on the national list of healthcare services and thereby to end the financing of this procedure from the state budget. Discussions revolved around the sanctity of human life and the preservation of constitutional rights, particularly the right to life and the principles of equal treatment. The need was emphasized to distinguish between “healthcare services” as a medical service for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses, and the financing of voluntary termination of pregnancy as state support for a specific phenomenon, the limitations of which may affect women’s health and social consequences. The debate also focused on whether this amendment would be compatible with the constitution and what its possible effectiveness would be from the perspectives of population and women’s rights. In summary, the point was reached that the issue is deeply ethical and legally complex, and that the possible impact of the current draft law’s proceedings can be assessed with limited possibilities, but the parliament’s final decision is likely to be rejected or clarified.

The agenda’s first reading discussed the bill on declaring Article 489 of the law concerning the partial invalidation of the property tax law, initiated by the Isamaa faction. The bill addressed the nullification or alleviation of the effects of the property tax, aiming to halt or reduce the impact of federal tax increases on homeowners, farmland, and other real estate. Speakers included representatives from both the governing coalition and the opposition, and opinions were exchanged in a fairly intense and critical tone regarding the governing coalition’s tax policy design, the autonomy of local governments, and the assessment of tax increases (the assessment process and equalization fund). Immediate concern was also expressed about the fact that similar promises have been made by governing coalitions in the past, and that this current change puts many people and businesses at risk of uncertainty and increased tax burden. Ultimately, the Riigikogu’s governing committee decided to reject the bill 489 on its first reading, with the vote tally being 35 in favor, 12 against, and no abstentions. This highlighted that the opposition and the governing coalition, as well as various interest groups, have fundamentally differing opinions both on the nature of the tax plan and on the speed of its implementation.