Plenary Sessions

The draft law on the tax on sweetened beverages (Bill 418) was presented for discussion in the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament). The debate primarily focused on the structure of the tax and its anticipated effects from the perspective of both public health and the state budget. Technically, the stated objectives of the tax were reducing sugar consumption and promoting healthy lifestyles, particularly among children and young people. However, opposition parties raised several critical questions: Will the tax guarantee the expected health benefits, or is its primary function revenue generation? Furthermore, is the tax design sufficiently evidence-based, legally sound, and administratively feasible? The Minister and the parliamentary groups cited the health impact, international experience (e.g., Portugal, Great Britain, Latvia, Finland), and the analyses included in the assessment of the tax law’s effects as the main points of reference. Additionally, the discussion covered national engagement, potential cooperation with producers and other stakeholders, and the responsibility of schools and the education system in promoting health objectives.

An agreement was ultimately reached not to interrupt the first reading, allowing the bill to proceed to the second reading. Agreement was also reached regarding deadlines, post-evaluation obligations, and the necessity of impact assessments (future evaluations and analyses for public sector appraisal). The voting results on the bill indicated that the objections (the motion to reject the bill) were not adopted (the votes for and against were 22 and 51, respectively, thus determining the outcome). Consequently, the main features established during the first reading largely remained unchanged, and the legislative procedure will continue with the second reading.

The agenda item concerned the first reading of Riigikogu statement draft 420, which seeks to declare the Moscow Patriarchate an institution supporting the military aggression of the Russian Federation. The debate began with lengthy procedural questions regarding the timing of the session. Several Riigikogu members (including Priit Sibul, Varro Vooglaid, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart) requested that the debate be postponed, as it fell on the first day of the Easter Triduum (Maundy Thursday) for Orthodox believers, referencing appeals made by Urmas Viilma, President of the Estonian Council of Churches, and Bishop Daniel. Riigikogu Speaker Lauri Hussar repeatedly refused to interrupt or postpone the session, emphasizing that the Riigikogu operates according to laws, not the Orthodox calendar, and that the Board lacks the competence to alter the agenda.

Jaak Aab (SDE), the representative of the bill’s initiators, explained in his presentation that the statement is directed against the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate as an institution that supports the Kremlin’s aggression and the "Russian World" doctrine, stressing that it does not concern religious freedom or the daily activities of Orthodox believers. Hendrik Johannes Terras, Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, confirmed that the statement expresses the political will of the legislature, providing the executive branch with a platform for further steps should local congregations not voluntarily distance themselves from the Moscow Patriarchate. A proposal by the Centre Faction to shorten the session until 1 p.m. was voted down (17 in favor, 51 against). The debate concluded during the question-and-answer phase due to time expiration.

The focus of the agenda was the first reading of Draft Act 415, the Act on the Amendment of the Penal Code and Related Amendment of Other Acts (Increase of the Fine Unit), initiated by the Government of the Republic. The objective of the Draft Act is to increase the fine units underlying monetary fines—from 4 euros to 8 euros—and accordingly increase the maximum fine for misdemeanor proceedings up to 2,400 euros. In addition, the Draft Act introduces amendments to the Code of Misdemeanor Procedure, the Traffic Act, and the system of warning fines and coercive fines imposed under other legal acts. In its assessment, the Draft Act emphasizes a close link with the state budget objectives: it regulates revenue for the state budget (estimated at approximately 10.4 million euros per year) and predicts a 10% reduction in the number of violations, which in turn would reduce the funding of procedural costs and claims when initiating misdemeanor proceedings. Questions may have arisen regarding the impact assessment and the drafting intention, as some participants felt that the impact analysis and the drafting intention had not been addressed thoroughly enough. The debate also pointed out that increasing fines should not be merely for budget fulfillment, but must also take into account the impact on law enforcement and the prevention of misdemeanors, as well as the burden on the taxpayer.

The first reading of Draft Act No. 417, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the amendment of the State Fees Act and related acts, is on the agenda. Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets was invited to the Riigikogu rostrum for the presentation, and his speech focused on the objectives of the draft act: bringing state fee rates into line with actual costs, fairer price formation, and taking into account the principle of solvency. The draft act provides for the increase of state fees for identity documents, procedures related to the status of foreigners, citizenship, and population register operations, as well as the retention of concessions and exceptions in certain cases to ensure access to services and prevent a reduction in availability. It is also stipulated that state fees for procedures carried out at foreign representations and in consular activities must correspond to actual expenses, and that the cost-effectiveness of the role of local governments shall be maintained. The projected increase in state fee revenue and the impact of the draft act on the budget have been presented; the basis for planning is the implementation of a cost-based approach and the financing of information technology developments within the area administered by the Ministry of the Interior. The entry into force of the draft act is scheduled for January 1, 2025, which allows time for the implementation of technical and administrative changes.

The agenda item concerned the first reading of Bill 416, initiated by the Government of the Republic, amending the Income Tax Act, which addresses the fixing of tax-free income for old-age pensioners. Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo introduced the draft legislation, according to which the tax-free income for old-age pensioners will be fixed at 776 euros per month (9,312 euros annually) starting from 2025. The Minister stressed that this rate remains higher than the tax-free income threshold for the working-age population (700 euros) and that there are no plans to reduce pension indexation. Riisalo defended the amendment as necessary for flexibility in a changing economic environment and to avoid passing on debt to future generations.

The opposition (EKRE, Center Party, Isamaa) sharply criticized the bill, accusing the government of breaking election promises, particularly the pledge to keep the average pension income tax-free. Critics, led by Martin Helme and Rain Epler, pointed out that the government is taxing vulnerable groups (pensioners, families with children) while the state's finances have deteriorated and many pensioners live in poverty. Jürgen Ligi, representative of the Finance Committee, defended the bill by referencing previous governments that had completely eliminated the tax exemption for pensioners. Following heated debate, the rejection proposals put forth by the three factions were voted down (20 in favor, 46 against), and the first reading of the bill was concluded.

The agenda item was the first reading of the draft law on the tax on sugary drinks (418 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic. The presiding officer opened the item immediately before the planned end time of the session (2:00 PM). Kalle Grünthal raised a point of order, deeming it unreasonable to begin the discussion of such an important topic with only a few minutes remaining, and suggested postponing the debate. The chairman explained that an opened procedure (the minister's speech) could not be interrupted and invited Minister of Health Riina Sikkut to the podium for her presentation. Minister Sikkut introduced the draft bill, emphasizing its goal of protecting public health, especially in combating obesity prevalent among children. She explained that the tax is tiered, depending on the sugar content and the use of artificial sweeteners, and is designed to motivate producers to change their recipes. Following the minister's presentation, the presiding officer adjourned the session due to the arrival of 2:00 PM. The discussion of the draft bill will continue on the next session day.

The sitting commenced with a ceremonial event: the taking of the oath of office by Minister of Regional Affairs Piret Hartman. The Chairman of the Sitting informed the members of the Riigikogu of the decision No. 398 made by the President of the Republic on April 26 of the current year, appointing Piret Hartman as Minister of Regional Affairs. Subsequently, Ms. Hartman was invited to the Riigikogu rostrum to take the oath of office.

Minister Hartman delivered a solemn pledge, affirming her awareness of her responsibility before the Republic of Estonia and her own conscience. She swore to remain faithful to the constitutional order of the Republic of Estonia and to dedicate her efforts to securing the welfare and future of the Estonian people. Following the administration of the oath, the Chairman of the Sitting congratulated the new Minister and wished her great success in her highly responsible work.

The Riigikogu debated the interpellation submitted by Rain Epler and Martin Helme concerning pressure exerted by the European Central Bank (ECB) on the Basel Committee regarding the imposition of stricter restrictions on banks stemming from climate policy. The interpellation was answered by Madis Müller, President of the Bank of Estonia.

When introducing the interpellation, Rain Epler criticized the ECB's attempts to push the climate agenda into banking regulations, claiming that this threatens democratic institutions and constitutes an unprecedented power grab. He referred to a Bloomberg article that described the ECB's attempts to pressure the Basel Committee, attempts which the US Federal Reserve (Fed) had opposed.

In his response, Madis Müller explained that the central bank's primary task is price stability, but according to the founding treaties of the European Union, the ECB also has a secondary mandate to support the EU's general economic policy, including climate policy, provided that it does not conflict with the primary task. Müller emphasized that climate change and climate policy constitute direct financial risks that banking supervision must take into account. He confirmed that specific Basel Committee rules have not been discussed in the ECB Governing Council, as this falls under the competence of the Supervisory Board, but supports the integration of climate risks into risk management. In the subsequent round of questions and debates, opposition politicians (including Martin Helme, Varro Vooglaid, Kalle Grünthal) expressed sharp skepticism regarding the ideological direction of the green transition and its detrimental effect on the economy, calling into question the adequacy of the central bank's forecasts.

The agenda item was the interpellation concerning the state funding of elective abortions, submitted by Riigikogu members Varro Vooglaid, Siim Pohlak, and others. The submitter of the interpellation, Varro Vooglaid (pid: dSDfxfKs4Jw), sharply criticized the Government of the Republic, arguing that the state is failing to fulfill its constitutional obligation to protect the right to life of unborn children on an equal footing with other people. He emphasized that the state funds terminations of pregnancy without medical indication, which, in his assessment, is contrary to the principles of a state governed by the rule of law and Section 16 of the Constitution. Vooglaid pointed out that since 1956, more children have been killed in Estonia than there are current residents, and he demanded clarification on how the government justifies the funding of elective abortions and what steps will be taken to ensure the protection of the right to life of unborn human beings.

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas responded to the interpellation, stressing that the correct term is "voluntary termination of pregnancy" and that the government proceeds from the Constitution and laws that protect a woman's right to bodily integrity and free self-determination. Kallas referred to the positions of the Chancellor of Justice, according to which a woman's freedom would be infringed upon if she were forced to carry the pregnancy to term. She explained that the limit for the fetus's right to life is set at the 22nd week of pregnancy, when the fetus becomes viable outside the womb. Kallas defended the state funding, highlighting the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which mandate ensuring safe termination of pregnancy services to prevent illegal and dangerous abortions (referencing the example of Romania). She stressed that raising awareness of family planning and sexual education is more effective in reducing the number of abortions than prohibiting the services. The debate was emotional, with opposition politicians (Jaak Valge, Martin Helme, Mart Helme) accusing the government of being hostile towards children and families and of deepening the demographic crisis.

The agenda item under discussion concerned the inquiry submitted to the Riigikogu on March 13, 2024, regarding the potential conflict between the motor vehicle tax and European Union law (Inquiry No. 622). The inquiry was presented by Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Lauri Laats, Vadim Belobrovtsev, Andrei Korobeinik, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, and Aleksei Jevgrafov. The central issue was the conflict between the coalition's draft bill establishing the registration fee and EU law, along with the practical consequences of its interpretation and implementation. The purpose of the inquiry was to obtain clarification and answers regarding whether and how the relevant assessment of the European Commission would be taken into account, and what measures would be planned if the conflict were substantiated. The background also highlighted the issue of costs and the lack of legal clarity, which has drawn criticism in the context of both comparative law and constitutionality.
The second part of the agenda item focused on the interaction between the government and the Riigikogu. The discussion provided an overview of the comments related to EU law, the plans for reformulating the regulation of the registration tax, and the coalition's readiness to advance the bill through the legislative process using further amendments. The need to clarify taxpayer costs was also emphasized, and the discussion touched upon the context of regional balance and the green transition, both of which are linked to the tax system and the taxation structures of the transport sector. Speakers expressed their positions and called for the next step to ensure thorough coherence with the requirements of both the EU and Estonian legal frameworks.

This agenda item addresses the inquiry submitted on March 18, 2024, by Riigikogu members Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, Vadim Belobrovtsev, and Andrei Korobeinik concerning the conflict of the motor vehicle tax with the Constitution and European Union law. The purpose of Inquiry No. 623 was to clarify whether the substance and implementation of the car tax are in compliance with certain provisions of the Estonian Constitution and whether the tax highlights a conflict with European Union law. Additionally, analyses and explanations regarding social exceptions, support measures, and administrative burden were requested from the government. The session also included a discussion on possible solutions, including the handling of support and exceptions intended for large families and people with disabilities, and the assessment of the impact of registration fees and fines.

The second part of the agenda concerns the response to the inquiry, addressing the existing replies and the positions of the Ministry of Finance and the government, as well as an inclusion-based dialogue, and discusses what the actual decisions or conclusions are. Based on the course of the proceedings, observations concerning common interests could be noted: both constitutional and EU law-related issues, possible solutions for social exceptions and support measures, as well as the balancing of administrative burden and economic costs. Finally, topics of criticism were also raised, such as the doubling or quadrupling of parking fines, and the general objective of contributing to open and inclusive engagement and achieving concrete results in connection with the car tax discussion.

Under the heading of the current agenda item, the focus was placed on the needs and possibilities for the adoption of nuclear energy in Estonia. In the first part, a matter of national importance was presented at the initiative of the Environment Committee, followed by presentations from representatives of parliamentary factions and expert groups: Igor Taro, Chairman of the Environment Committee; Reelika Runnel, Head of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Department at the Ministry of Climate; Lauri Tammiste, Director of the Stockholm Environment Institute Tallinn Centre; and Aigo Allmäe, Advisor to the Ministry of the Interior. Each speaker delivered a presentation accompanied by a question-and-answer session, and members of the Riigikogu were given the opportunity to pose one question to each representative. Discussions followed, and the initiator requested an extension of the sitting so that the review could continue more thoroughly, if possible, until the agenda was exhausted. The final conclusion of the debate was that the Riigikogu did not immediately adopt a final decision regarding nuclear energy, but a vote on the extension took place following the session.

The first item on the agenda was the second reading of Draft Legislation 344, concerning the amendment of the Riigikogu Election Act and related acts. Based on the discussion, two major themes primarily emerged: (1) the bundling of amendment proposals, meaning the consolidation of insincere or identical proposals into a single package for debate during negotiations; and (2) procedural and technological issues related to the potential implementation of e-voting and future m-voting solutions. Additionally, the inter-compatibility of the affected acts was addressed, as well as the role of the Riigikogu Board and leading committees in guiding procedures, which highlighted the limits of applying constitutional principles and the issues likely to be raised in litigation.
The second major theme concerned the technological and security context: how transparency, secrecy, and reliability of elections are intended to be ensured in both paper-based and digital (e- and m-voting) scenarios. The discussion also raised international and Chancellor of Justice arguments, as well as recent positions of the Supreme Court concerning the broader interpretation of the Riigikogu's right to self-organization and the competencies of its committees. The entire day proved intense and procedurally complex, reflecting the difficult balance between necessary improvements and the smooth functioning of parliamentary work.

The third item on the agenda concerned the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) decision, submitted by the Isamaa faction, regarding the first reading of Draft Resolution 383. The report was scheduled to be presented by Mart Maastik, and the objective was to draw up a state-binding action plan for the development of electricity generation capacities and power grids to ensure energy security in Estonia. The desired scope of the first reading encompassed several areas: the level of energy security sought, how to ensure the volume of electricity production and the balance of dispatchable capacities, and what funding and investment directions, as well as amendments to domestic and European Union legislation, are necessary. The discussion highlighted the importance of storage capability, demand management, strategic power grid development, and funding sources, as well as questions concerning cross-border electricity connections and the competitiveness of the price level.

The agenda item was the first reading of Draft Act 390, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Information Society Service Act, the Copyright Act, and the Taxation Procedure Act. The purpose of the draft act is to ensure the fulfillment and supervision of the requirements set forth in the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) in Estonia. Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology Tiit Riisalo explained in his presentation that the DSA is a directly applicable regulation that makes the internet environment safer, allowing for more effective combating of the spread of illegal content (e.g., dangerous goods, illegal activities) while simultaneously protecting people's freedom of speech and information. The regulation establishes due diligence obligations for intermediary service providers and separate obligations for very large digital platforms (those with over 45 million users in the EU), requiring them to assess and mitigate risks. In Estonia, the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA) is designated as the supervisory authority and digital services coordinator, which has the right to impose fines for non-compliance with these obligations.

Andres Sutt, the rapporteur of the Economic Affairs Committee, presented the committee’s positions. Among other things, the committee discussed the distribution of fines (which will go to the EU budget) and how the draft act helps restrict prohibited content, such as Russian propaganda and pornographic or violent content dangerous to minors. It was confirmed that the regulation does not restrict freedom of speech but rather helps protect it, as decisions by platforms to remove content can be challenged. The committee proposed concluding the first reading, which was decided by consensus.

The session continued after a short break with the sixth item on the agenda, which was the first reading of Bill 401 (Act amending the Health Services Organisation Act and other acts). Minister of Health Riina Sikkut introduced the content of the bill, focusing on changes to primary healthcare. The most important points included the terminological change of replacing "general medical care" with "family doctor care," granting family doctors the right to provide services outside their roster in exceptional cases, and the legalisation of the concept of a health center. Additionally, the bill established state fees for tobacco producers for notifying about the introduction of their products to the market and maintaining them in the register, in order to shift costs from taxpayers to producers. Karmen Joller, rapporteur of the Social Affairs Committee, confirmed that the discussion was constructive and consensual, supporting the content of the bill. In the round of negotiations, Liisa-Ly Pakosta (Eesti 200) sharply criticized the planned state fees, considering them "shamelessly modest." She emphasized that Estonia is the only EU country that has subsidized tobacco producers with taxpayer money until now. Pakosta proposed raising the state fee for product registration to at least 5,000 euros to collect hundreds of millions of euros for the state budget and account for the socio-economic impact of smoking. After the negotiations concluded, it was decided to end the first reading of Bill 401. The next items on the agenda (Bills 330 and 370) were not addressed due to the absence of the presenters.

First reading of Bill 380, initiated by the Isamaa faction, concerning amendments to the State Property Act and the Land Cadastre Act. The discussion focused on how the state can create legitimate mechanisms regarding national defense objects to ensure state interest and public security, including the possibility of taking private property into state use and, if necessary, returning the immovable property to the private owner. The issue of alienation occurring via public auction was also addressed, along with resulting risk-related situations, such as the distinction of national defense objects and the impact of the validity of detailed plans on planning. During the processing of the bill, it became clear that although the ideas are important, there is no unified consensus within the committee, and various solutions are being considered that could better balance the state's defense and property interests.

The session focused on questions regarding the sustainability of Estonia's security policy and transatlantic relations, with the main question being posed by Riigikogu member Ants Frosch, under the leadership of Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. The discussion covered both follow-up actions to the one million shell initiative and the broader future of European defense financing and NATO cooperation: the future of the Joint Expeditionary Force, the role of the B9 group, membership in the 3% club, and the long-term plan and bipartisanship of Estonia's American policy. Regarding the scope of the spectrum: they considered the topic of European defense bonds, 100 billion euros, and Estonia's contribution of 3.2% of GDP to defense—with the goal of strengthening regional security measures and NB8 cooperation in light of Finland's and Sweden's accession to NATO.

Furthermore, the discussion also addressed acute geopolitical changes in the USA, and how Estonia and its allies are shaping their action plans against the backdrop of the presidential elections. Among the interventions, concerns also arose regarding the behavior of allied forces and the quality of public discussion, including alleged incidents in Võrumaa. In summary, the session was highly informative and emphasized the need to strengthen access to fact-based information and political coordination, although no decisions were made.

In terms of continuity and future scope, the emphasis certainly remained sharp on issues of cooperation and readiness: strengthening member states within NATO, increasing European defense capability, and responding to US "alliance commitments." The discussions directed at the two main themes—the sustainability of security policy and the transatlantic partnership—showed that Estonia's positions are clear, but the need for dialogue and fact-checking is significant.

In the first part, the discussion focused on the emergence of fear among the population due to the war taking place between Russia and Ukraine, and how the war is discussed in Estonia. The question was posed by Riigikogu member Vadim Belobrovtsev to Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur: whether the approach favored is that of Kaja Kallas or the opinion of her party colleagues Marko Mihkelson and Urmas Paet, and how to avoid excessive panic while simultaneously ensuring objective and open information sharing. It was also emphasized that society must understand when and what steps are reasonable to take—this includes both demographic indicators and people's readiness to defend their country.
In the second part, the topic was broadened to the context of investments and the economic environment: how war rhetoric affects Estonia's attractiveness to investors and what the position of the state agencies and the government is in this regard. In response, the Minister stated that information sharing must be objective and the media must be free and honest; he added that the restoration of the Russian armed forces' capability after the events in Ukraine constitutes a serious threat assessment, which requires realistic informing, not rhetoric that sows panic. The importance of strengthening the country's security and defense will was also acknowledged, and it was mentioned that investments in Estonia remain attractive, and the logistics network and NATO alliance status provide confidence for economic activity.

In the current session, the question concerning the procurement of field hospitals, submitted by Riigikogu member Evelin Poolamets, was addressed to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, acting in the capacity of Prime Minister. The basis for the request was an application received by the Ministry of Finance on March 14th to initiate supervisory proceedings and issue a precept to the contracting authority for the annulment of the public procurement procedure. The procurement conditions were alleged to have been written in such a way as to suit only one company in Estonia (Semetron), and past events concerning members of Semetron's management board raised suspicions of conflicts of interest. The questions submitted included who worked on developing the procurement conditions, whether the minister had advised Semetron, and whether the spouse's involvement or transition into the procurement process might have influenced the decisions.

Today, the fourth item discussed concerned the sugar tax, addressed to Health Minister Riina Sikkut. The presenter, Lauri Laats, highlighted that the primary objective of the tax is to curb consumption among young people, with an expected revenue of approximately 25 million euros. This measure is planned for implementation not immediately, but starting in 2026. The debate also raised the critical point that the tax alone is not a comprehensive solution to the problem of youth obesity, and that a broader action plan is necessary, encompassing school nutrition, school sports, and potential sources of supplementary funding, such as a digital tax. Reference was also made to the Center Party's proposals from April 2nd, and the ensuing discussion on how best to bolster healthcare and the health of young people. Follow-up questions were posed regarding the scope and financing of the tax, as well as the system setup costs, specifically those related to the creation and administrative expenses of the new system. The second topic addressed a broad strategy for the health sector: integrating physical activity and healthy eating into the curriculum, conducting awareness campaigns, and updating school meal standards, which includes collaborating with producers to modify nutritional content.

This segment of the Question Time focused on the inquiry raised by Riigikogu member Varro Vooglaid (VV) to Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur (HP) regarding the participation of the Republic of Estonia in the war in Ukraine. VV sought confirmation on whether it is true that active duty personnel of the Estonian Defence Forces, including special forces operators, have been sent to Ukraine to carry out military tasks in a combatant status, and what the legal basis for this is, considering that a mandate from the Riigikogu has not been requested. VV stressed that such activity would contravene § 128 of the Constitution and the National Defence Act. Minister Pevkur confirmed that Estonian active duty personnel are present in Ukraine (e.g., the defence attaché and those on temporary assignments), but categorically refuted the claim that the Estonian Defence Forces are participating in the war against Russia. Pevkur repeatedly emphasized that Estonian servicemen are neither on an international military mission in Ukraine nor participating in military activities on Ukrainian soil. He explained that assignments take place on legal grounds (e.g., the attaché position or gathering experience). The debate was prolonged due to procedural disputes, during which VV demanded the right to pose a third question, citing the precedent set the previous week. The chairman of the session finally granted VV permission to ask an additional question so that the topic could receive a comprehensive answer.

This current agenda item is dedicated to discussing security topics and political steps concerning the governance of the state and the capital city. The first section focused on the question of whether the business ties of the Mayor of Tallinn and his family to Russia might constitute a security protocol risk, and how this impacts the safeguarding of Estonia’s unity and security against Kremlin influence. It was emphasized that the state must strive towards unity and strong defense, as well as continuous resistance to hybrid operations and the support of aggression. The minister also stressed the necessity of continuing to promote an Estonian-minded city government and reforms in Tallinn, including the transition to Estonian-language instruction, by involving cooperation at the state level. The second section addressed local election rights concerning the potential participation of citizens of aggressor states; the discussion touched upon the need to amend the constitution and the steps being taken within the framework of the coalition agreement to ensure the security and solidarity of the Estonian state and society. Substantive comments were also added regarding state pressure and sanctions against Ukraine, and the need to continuously focus on Estonian-language instruction and the implementation of that reform. Finally, it was stressed that the discussions do not lead to a decision-making period, but rather guide future steps in the interest of coordinated and unified national potential.

Health Minister Riina Sikkut responded to an interpellation by Riigikogu member Kalle Grünthal regarding the transparency and public disclosure of the World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic agreement negotiations. Grünthal criticized the Ministry of Social Affairs (SM) for breaking promises concerning the publication of negotiation documents in Estonian and the organization of public sessions in Estonia. He charged that the public had been insufficiently informed and that the English-language materials on the WHO website did not meet the promised transparency requirement. Grünthal called the process a "complete secret."

Minister Sikkut explained that the pandemic agreement negotiations, which are being conducted by the European Commission, are necessary to ensure better preparedness for future pandemics. She emphasized that the process is exceptionally transparent at the WHO level—all sessions are viewable online and the documents are public. Sikkut refuted claims that the agreement would nullify national sovereignty or remove human rights, labeling them as conspiratorial. She justified the lack of Estonian-language working documents by citing resource saving, noting that the final text for ratification will reach the Riigikogu in Estonian. In a supplementary question, Varro Vooglaid also challenged the transparency and asked why Estonia was not representing itself independently in the negotiations, to which the minister replied that joint EU representation ensures a stronger position and better access to resources for Estonia.

The first item on the agenda concerns the third reading of Bill 256 on the amendment of § 111 of the Identity Documents Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The discussions were directed at the parliamentary factions, and the speaker representing the EKRE faction was Rain Epler. The main discussion focused on identity verification via video link and whether similar verification could be applied to e-elections—observed automated and secure solutions, as well as arguments for or against face-based identification concerning security risks and trustworthiness. The bill in question is linked to broader discussions on the security of e-services, identity confirmation, and the trustworthiness of democracy, and previous examples and international observations were also taken into account.

The third reading addressed the Act amending the Electricity Market Act and other acts (termination of the universal service and ensuring security of supply), initiated by the Government of the Republic, Bill 351. The main focus was on whether to continue or terminate the universal service, and related issues concerning the pricing model and ensuring consumer protection. The debate centered on how to react to the market situation: whether and how to base the price of the universal service on the next day's exchange price, and what mechanisms should be adopted to ensure security of supply if market prices tend to fluctuate. Parallel proposals and visions also included reviewing the table of noted proposals and considering them in the context of amendments to the bill's sections.

In the second part, the positions of various parliamentary groups and interest groups were highlighted: Isamaa wished to continue the universal service but change its pricing and make it more consumer-friendly; the Centre Party and others emphasized transparency and improving market functioning, avoiding one-sided solutions. At the end of the discussion, it became clear that the bill would proceed to the final vote, and a vote would be cast for or against the adoption of the act. As a result of the final vote on the bill, the decision was made to adopt the act.

During the third agenda item, the third reading of Draft Act 363, initiated by the Government of the Republic, amending the Precious Metal Products Act, the State Fees Act, and the Equipment Safety Act, was discussed. The draft act is technical, but it has a significant impact on the economic structure and the state’s financial stability, as it concerns the production and marketing of precious metals and the state’s potential reserve strategies. Negotiations began between the parliamentary factions, and the discussion centered on the role of gold and the possible increase of the state reserve against the backdrop of pronounced inflation and uncertainty in the financial system.

Leo Kunnas, representative of the EKRE faction, presented a thorough and extensive explanation of the importance of gold in economic and security policy, referring to gold price changes and the history of the monetary system. He emphasized that a gold reserve should be part of the state’s preparedness for potential financial crises, and pointed out that the end of the dollar-gold standard since 1971 has introduced various risks to the stability of the monetary system, specifically in the form of increased inflation and debt levels. Subsequently, questions were raised about how to ensure authenticity and security, and what practices are necessary for checking the marking and weight of gold products on the market. Isamaa and other factions presented their own observations and concerns regarding the marking of certified weights and the functioning of market surveillance. Referral to the final vote passed as a proposal from the leading committee; the official final adoption and voting result followed immediately after the recess.

The fourth item on the agenda concerned the third reading of Draft Act 377, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the amendment of the Health Insurance Act and associated acts (Prevention of Incapacity for Work). Discussions were opened by Arvo Aller on behalf of the EKRE faction. The core of the draft act is the possibility of continuing work after sick leave under adapted conditions—either part-time or by performing lighter duties—based on a voluntary agreement between the employee and the employer for joint work, arising after two months (60 days) of sick leave. A broader package of amendments is also addressed, which accompanies and specifies amendments to the Health Insurance Act, the Civil Service Act, the Health Insurance Fund Act (Tervisekassa), the Social Tax Act, the Income Tax Act, the Employment Contracts Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Work Ability Allowance Act, including the transposition of European Union Directive 2022/431.

This agenda item included a presentation by the Minister of Culture on the implementation of the State long-term development strategy "Eesti 2035," including an overview of the implementation of the "Fundamentals of Estonian Sports Policy until 2030." The presentation focused on the cumulative impacts of promoting culture, sports, and cultural diversity, as well as developments in financing and institutional organization, which are linked to national competitiveness and identity, regional equality, and security protocols. The results of involving digital cultural heritage and international visibility were also highlighted. Furthermore, the discussion addressed the growing importance of funding, the potential for involving private capital, measures for heritage protection and building energy efficiency, and the societal impact of the culture and sports sectors during a crisis period.
The second part focused on a broader discussion concerning funding and regional accessibility: accessibility and regional disparities, integration and language learning, the inclusion of youth in cultural and sports activities, and the role of media-driven integration. International cooperation with Ukraine and issues concerning the sustainability of digital cultural heritage activities were also introduced. In summary, the need to balance ambitions through realistic funding, reduction of bureaucracy, and community involvement was emphasized.
Finally, it was announced that no decisions were taken at this stage and the discussion will continue as necessary; the goal is ongoing dialogue and practical steps in subsequent implementation and legislative rounds.

The agenda item addressed the inquiry submitted on May 13 by Riigikogu members Evelin Poolamets and Anti Poolamets to Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo regarding ensuring the quality of assistance for victims of violence. Evelin Poolamets, the submitter of the inquiry, expressed concern about a new regulation which, in her assessment, allows individuals with secondary education to directly start providing services to the most vulnerable victims (including victims of sexual violence) without sufficient professional preparation, while stricter requirements were simultaneously established for psychologists and psychotherapists. Poolamets asked whether an impact analysis had been conducted and whether affected target groups had been involved, and she voiced concern about the risk of re-victimization.

Minister Signe Riisalo refuted the claims regarding the removal of requirements. She explained that strict basic education requirements have been established for providers of psychological counseling services, necessitating a Master’s degree in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or school psychology. Riisalo confirmed that the development of the new requirements involved thorough cooperation with professional associations and the University of Tartu, and that a transition period (one year) was granted to previous service providers to meet the new qualification requirements and complete supplementary training provided by the Social Insurance Board. The Minister emphasized that the quality of services is continuously monitored through state supervision and feedback from women’s support centers. Additionally, the Minister answered questions about the availability of victim assistance for men and the funding of women’s shelters, confirming that funding is sufficient and services are available regardless of gender (with the exception of the women’s shelter service itself).

The session addressed the interpellation submitted by Riigikogu members Anti Poolamets and Evelin Poolamets on May 13, 2023, concerning the provision of mental health support to victims of domestic violence and their children in Lääne-Viru County and more widely. Anti Poolamets, the submitter of the interpellation, began with sharp criticism of the session's organization, accusing the coalition of avoiding extra sessions and disregarding the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, which has resulted in the backlog of old interpellations. Substantively, the interpellation focused on the Social Insurance Board's new educational requirements for providers of psychological assistance (Regulation No. 20), which, in Poolamets's assessment, could reduce the availability of services outside Harju and Tartu counties. Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo responded, explaining that a thorough impact analysis was conducted in cooperation with professional associations when establishing the new requirements (clinical psychologist, counseling psychologist, or similar, plus further training), with the aim of improving service quality. The Minister presented detailed data on service providers (5 companies, 6 specialists) and the budget in Võru County. Over 1.4 million euros have been planned for psychological counseling for 2024. Riisalo emphasized that the budget is an estimated cost, meaning the service is guaranteed to all entitled persons, and the budget is not allocated by region (including Lääne-Viru County). Kert Kingo submitted an additional question regarding the funding of women's shelters, to which the Minister replied that the shelters receive supplementary funding and that victims have the right to receive necessary services even outside the shelter's direct budget. The third item on the agenda (renovation of the housing stock) was not addressed due to the absence of the interpellators.

The first item on the agenda was the interpellation concerning the state of traffic in Estonia, submitted by Riigikogu members Rain Epler, Helle-Moonika Helme, and Rene Kokk on January 17. The interpellation raised several points of concern: why previous interpellations had not reached the agenda, how snowdrifts and slippery road conditions affect traffic, whether the Transport Administration has established the necessary monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for this purpose, and whether the implemented changes increase or decrease traffic safety. The topics covered also included the funding of road maintenance, risks arising from the budget, and the possibility of finding additional funds in crisis situations. Furthermore, specific reference was made to recent incidents and an example from Võru County concerning the redesign of an intersection, which has created traffic flow issues and concerns about road safety. The interpellation in question included a request for objective monitoring and measurement of the results regarding the impact of the upgrades made to the roads.

The second part of the agenda item presented the response: the reply was submitted to the Riigikogu by the Minister of Climate. The response focused on funding and organization—the importance of ensuring the maintenance of safe winter road conditions and which mechanisms and plans have been adopted or are being implemented. It also outlined how work to improve traffic safety is planned and what the monitoring and evaluation processes are like at both the state and local government levels.

The fifth agenda item concerned the inquiry submitted on February 14 by Riigikogu members Kert Kingo, Martin Helme, Siim Pohlak, Jaak Valge, Ants Frosch, Varro Vooglaid, Alar Laneman, Arvo Aller, Leo Kunnas, Rene Kokk, and Henn Põlluaas regarding traffic management on national roads. We first attempted to frame a procedural question when issues clearly arose during the session concerning the correctness of the role of the Riigikogu Board or the Minister, and what the dialogue between the Riigikogu and the government should entail. The discussion then moved to substantive issues, where they debated the installation of center barrier marker posts, tunnel effects and their impact on traffic safety, possibilities for turning off [the road], ensuring uniform and smooth traffic flow on all road sections, and the challenges arising particularly with slow-moving and heavy-load traffic. The last part mainly concerned the implementation of the “Zero Vision” traffic safety program 2016–2025 and the role of center barriers and road-edge marker posts in demonstration sections and their long-term impact on the organization of main road sections. Finally, a critically cautious approach was taken, emphasizing that flexible posts and center barrier solutions must not replace the main goals of improving traffic safety, and that both the state and the private sector must collectively ensure safe and smooth traffic, even in difficult situations.

The presentation session addressed a nationally important question: "How to ensure the future of veterinary medicine," and its connections to food security, animal welfare, and human health and the economy. The discussion, initiated by the Rural Affairs Committee, focused primarily on the shortage of veterinary education, the insufficient number of graduates, and how to ensure a sustainable veterinary service in the treatment of both small and large animals. The discussion points included the role of funding (involving the state, the Ministry of Education and Research [HTM], the private sector, and entrepreneurs), the role of Estonian and English language instruction, the development of the clinical base and animal clinics, and the security of Estonian rural life and food production. Speakers pointed out that increasing the number of graduates cannot happen without appropriate financing and substantive cooperation with the sector; furthermore, the need to think more broadly was emphasized—food security, environmental sustainability, and the alleviation of veterinarians' workload and stress. At the end of the discussion, it was stressed that no decisions were adopted, and consequently, the matter remains with the respected veterinarians of the speaker session and must be further discussed through cooperation at various levels.

The sitting continued with the completion of the first reading of Draft Act 399, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the Act on the adoption of the euro and the amendment of other related acts. The reading of the draft act had been suspended during the previous sitting immediately prior to the opening of the debates. The debates were opened, but no requests to speak were submitted. As there was no interest in the discussion, the lead committee proposed concluding the first reading. The proposal was approved, and the reading was deemed concluded.

The second item on today's agenda was the third reading of Draft Act 231, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Preschool Institutions Act, the Vocational Educational Institutions Act, and the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act. This involved putting the bill to the final vote.

After the debate was opened, no member of the Riigikogu expressed a desire to take the floor. The Chairman then proposed holding the final vote on the bill in accordance with the recommendation of the lead committee. The voting results demonstrated broad support for the bill: 70 members of the Riigikogu voted in favor. No opponents or abstentions were registered. Consequently, Draft Act 231 was adopted as law.

The draft legislation (Bill 335), initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Defence League Act and related acts, reached its third reading in the Riigikogu (Parliament). Leo Kunnas (EKRE), Meelis Kiili (Reform Party), and Peeter Tali (Eesti 200) participated in the debates. All speakers emphasized the importance of the bill for Estonia’s national defense and praised the thorough and methodical work carried out between the National Defense Committee, the Defence League, and the Ministry of Defence. Leo Kunnas highlighted the unique nature of the Defence League, which belongs to its members and the people, and the role of the collegial central bodies (the Central Assembly, the Central Board, the Council of Elders) in ensuring the organization's stability. Meelis Kiili, as the leading rapporteur, pointed out that during the process, solutions were sought instead of compromises, and he criticized the excessive control exerted over the Defence League compared to other public law organizations. Peeter Tali highlighted the practical benefits of the amendments, such as reducing bureaucracy, simplifying the handling of weapons, and increasing the quantity of ammunition permitted to be stored at home, all of which enhance Estonia's defense capability. After the closure of the debates, a final vote was held, resulting in Bill 335 being adopted as law with a large consensus.

The fourth item on the agenda concerns Draft Act 337 on amendments to the Income Tax Act, initiated by the Finance Committee. This marks the third reading of the bill. Debates will be opened among the parliamentary groups, and Kristo Enn Vaga has been invited to address the Riigikogu rostrum on behalf of the Reform Party faction. This is scheduled for the final phase of the discussion, during which the content and impact of the bill will be determined before it is put to a final vote during the Riigikogu session.

The third reading of Draft Act 379, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the amendment of the Act on Exchange of Tax Information, the Taxation Procedure Act, and the Income Tax Act, was on the agenda. After opening the floor for debate to representatives of the parliamentary groups, it became evident that there were no requests to speak, resulting in the immediate closure of the debate. Upon the proposal of the lead committee, the final vote on the draft was conducted. The voting results demonstrated broad support for the draft: 58 Riigikogu members voted in favor, 5 members voted against, and there were no abstentions. Draft Act 379 was adopted as law.

Next, we will address the Riigikogu agenda item focusing on Draft Act 357, concerning the ratification of the air services agreement between the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Government of the Republic of Korea, initiated by the Government of the Republic. This is the second reading of the draft act, and the report will be presented by Tarmo Tamme, a member of the Riigikogu Economic Affairs Committee. The draft act addresses the ratification of the air services agreement between the two states and the confirmation of the related legal basis in the Riigikogu.

The first reading of the draft act took place on March 6. No amendments or opinions were received by March 20, which is why a session of the Economic Affairs Committee was held on April 1 to prepare for sending it to the second reading. Since no amendments or opinions were received, the committee made procedural decisions regarding sending the draft act to the plenary session and adopting it for the second reading. The committee proposed including the draft act on the plenary agenda for the second reading on April 10, concluding the second reading, and holding the final vote. All decisions were adopted by consensus.

The seventh item on the agenda concerned the discussion of the first reading of Draft Resolution 285 of the Riigikogu, submitted by the Isamaa faction. The objective of the draft resolution is to initiate legislative proposals aimed at ensuring clarity and predictability in shaping the school network, and to integrate the roles of the state and local governments into education policy while taking regional specificities into account. As one central substantive message, attention was drawn to the concerns of sparsely populated areas: demographic changes, internal migration, the birth rate curve, and their impact on the extent of the school network and adaptation processes. It was also discussed how the intertwining of regional policy and education policy, along with the synergy between state support sectors, could keep schools viable for communities that are as cohesive as possible.

The Riigikogu debated Draft Resolution 278 of the Riigikogu, submitted by the faction of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE), the aim of which was to propose to the Government of the Republic to initiate amendments to the Traffic Act to allow longer vehicles and those with a greater gross mass in traffic, thereby increasing the efficiency of road transport. Presenter Rene Kokk (EKRE) emphasized that the change would improve the competitiveness of road carriers, alleviate labor shortages (by allowing 30–40% more goods to be transported at once), and reduce the environmental impact. He referred to a Transport Agency study (2022–2023) which supported allowing larger road trains on the main highways (Tallinn–Narva, Tallinn–Tartu, Tallinn–Pärnu–Ikla).

However, Andres Sutt, the representative of the Economic Affairs Committee, highlighted serious problems that arose during the committee discussion. The main obstacle is the underfunding of the road network—the repair backlog for national roads reaches 700 million euros, and for local roads, one billion. Furthermore, according to Sutt, there is widespread violation of current weight restrictions (90,000 fine-worthy violations were recorded in half a year), and raising the restrictions could lead to even greater overloading. After the initiator withdrew the amendments submitted for the purpose of obstruction, the committee decided to move the draft resolution to the final vote. During the negotiations, Arvo Aller (EKRE) supported the proposal, emphasizing that neighboring countries, such as Latvia, have already made similar changes, which gives them a competitive advantage. The draft resolution was rejected in the final vote, as it failed to achieve a majority of the votes of the Riigikogu membership.

The next item on the agenda was Draft Resolution 365 of the Riigikogu, submitted by the faction of the Conservative People’s Party of Estonia (EKRE), titled: “Proposal to the Government of the Republic to liquidate the Russian-language versions of the websites of ministries and other government institutions.” The draft was submitted for its first reading and was presented at the Riigikogu rostrum by Jaak Valge. As this was the first reading, the focus was on the change proposed by the draft and its potential consequences, both for the country’s linguistic reputation and for crisis communication needs. The aim of the draft was to reduce Russian-language websites and promote the use of Estonian-language information in the public sphere, which raises questions about the state’s language policy and the accessibility of information, and how information reaches all citizens during crises.

The 10th item on the agenda was the second reading of Draft Act 377, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the amendment of the Health Insurance Act and related amendments to other acts (prevention of incapacity for work). The purpose of the draft act is to give employees the opportunity to work during long-term illness, extend the care allowance for parents up to 60 days, and establish a new regulation for the compensation of medicines and medical devices, which would reduce the patient's co-payment for high-cost components. Furthermore, the social tax exemption will be extended to all temporary incapacity benefits if the employer compensates the employee for lost wages during sick leave or care leave. The initial reading took place on March 6th; discussions were held on April 2nd and 8th in preparation for the second reading, and invited interest groups submitted their opinions. Opinions regarding the draft act were submitted by the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People, the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber of Bailiffs and Bankruptcy Trustees, and various ministries and agencies. An official separate discussion was held with interest groups on April 2nd, where both support and concerns were highlighted regarding assessments, cooperation flows, and keywords related to potential additional benefits.

The Riigikogu moved on to the 11th item on the agenda, which was the second reading of Draft Act 256, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the amendment of § 111 of the Identity Documents Act. The report was presented by Hendrik Johannes Terras, Chairman of the Constitutional Committee.

Terras explained that the purpose of the draft act is to create an alternative option for identifying a person when applying for a return certificate (TPT) and a return permit (TPL). Under the current procedure, the applicant must personally visit an Estonian foreign representation or honorary consulate, but the new procedure allows for identification remotely via video link. The TPT or TPL is then delivered to the applicant via courier mail. The Constitutional Committee discussed the draft act on April 2 and found that there were no linguistic or legislative drafting remarks.

Since no amendments were submitted regarding the draft act and no debate was requested, the lead committee proposed concluding the second reading. It was also proposed that the final vote on the draft act be held on April 17. The second reading of Draft Act 256 was concluded.

The second reading of Draft Law 351 concerning the amendment of the Electricity Market Act and other acts (termination of universal service and ensuring security of supply), initiated by the Government of the Republic, was discussed under this agenda item. The presentation was given by Mario Kadastik, a member of the Economic Affairs Committee, who provided an overview of the bill's proceedings, noting that proposals were received from the Isamaa faction and the Ministry of Climate by the deadline for amendments. A total of 11 amendments were submitted, six of which came from the Isamaa faction and five from the lead committee.

The lead committee decided not to consider the proposals from the Isamaa faction, which were related to continuing the universal service in a modified, more consumer-friendly format (e.g., establishing an hourly price and a price cap), and thus they were not put to a vote in the main hall. The lead committee's proposals, which included technical corrections and additions (including the possibility for the largest network operator to temporarily appoint a provider if a procurement fails), were fully taken into account. During the negotiations, Mart Maastik (Isamaa) criticized the termination of the universal service without an alternative crisis mechanism. The Economic Affairs Committee made a consensus proposal to conclude the second reading, which was subsequently done.

The agenda item was the second reading of Bill 363 SE, initiated by the Government of the Republic, which addresses amendments to the Precious Metal Products Act, the State Fees Act, and the Equipment Safety Act. The presentation was given by Mario Kadastik, a member of the Economic Affairs Committee. He explained that the bill primarily concerns regulations related to materials and products containing precious metals, as well as the nominal register. The first reading of the bill took place on February 14.

Kadastik confirmed that by the deadline for submitting amendments, February 28, no proposals had been received. Furthermore, no opinions or proposals were submitted by the involved stakeholders, including the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and various professional associations. The Economic Affairs Committee discussed the bill on April 2 and unanimously decided to propose concluding the second reading and forwarding the bill to the third reading and final vote on April 17. Since no questions were posed to the rapporteur and there was no desire to open negotiations, the second reading of Bill 363 was concluded.

The first reading of draft bill No. 384 has reached the Riigikogu. Initiated by the Government of the Republic, the bill aims to amend the Competition Act and related legislation in order to transpose the European Union's ECN+ Directive (EU 2019/1). The core focus is on strengthening the powers and independence granted to the Competition Authority. A new special procedure for competition supervision has been carved out at the legislative level, and concepts are being decriminalized while fundamental rights are simultaneously protected. A new administrative law special procedure will be established, replacing the existing misdemeanor proceedings. This procedure will allow the Competition Authority to carry out evidence-gathering and investigative measures, including searches, although applications must be submitted to obtain permission from the administrative court. It has also been noted that the unrestricted use of searches and requests for information, along with the increase in coercive fines and penalties, may impact the operations of businesses and the state's judicial control mechanisms. For the bill to enter into force, the constitutional and international legal policy context, as well as the structure for the protection of fundamental rights within the European Union, must also be assessed. It is an open secret that Estonia is the only member state that has not fully transposed the directive into its national law, which has led the European Commission to initiate infringement proceedings, potentially resulting in significant fines. The joint discussion centered on whether and how the new special procedure, the increased role of the court, and the powers for collecting information fit within the Estonian legal order and whether they comply with constitutional rights.

The initial agenda item concerned Riigikogu Draft Resolution 371, initiated by the Isamaa faction, to form a Riigikogu investigative committee to examine the circumstances of business activities connected to Russia originating from Estonia during the Ukraine war. The draft is in its first reading and plans to grant representation in the committee to every Riigikogu faction. The committee's tasks include determining what business activity originating from Estonia with Russia has taken place during the Ukraine war, assessing its legality, and, if necessary, submitting proposals for changing legislation and administrative practice, as well as discussing policy changes in cooperation with the European Union and neighboring countries. Based on the draft and the discussions, the Isamaa faction communicated a primary expectation to the leadership that the committee would become a clearly comprehensive working group and submit its final report no later than June 10, 2024. The signatory is Helir-Valdor Seeder, Chairman of the Isamaa faction.