Plenary Sessions

The Riigikogu began debating the second reading of Draft Act 600, initiated by the Isamaa faction, which seeks to amend the Accounting Act. The primary goal of the draft is to reduce bureaucracy for businesses by postponing the obligation to submit sustainability (ESG) reports. The report was presented by Kristina Šmigun-Vähi, a member of the Economic Affairs Committee. She explained that although no amendments were received from Riigikogu members, the Economic Affairs Committee discussed the draft act on June 10th with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the initiator. The committee unanimously adopted four technical amendments that had been submitted by the leading committee.

During the debate, the question was repeatedly raised as to why the obligation was merely being postponed by two years instead of abolishing this bureaucratic requirement altogether, as the Isamaa faction had originally wished. Mart Maastik (Isamaa) emphasized that while the postponement is a positive step, it is hoped that within two years the European Union will also come to the realization that such reporting is an excessive burden and should be made voluntary or abandoned entirely. After reviewing the amendments, all of which were fully taken into account, the leading committee proposed concluding the second reading of the draft act.

The agenda item today concerned the second reading of Draft Act 624 on amendments to the Consumer Protection Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The rapporteur, Marek Reinaas, Chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee, explained that no amendments to the draft were received from the Riigikogu. Five proposals were submitted for consideration to the lead committee by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, which had been received after hearing the opinion of LHV Group. Two of these proposals were substantive. The first substantive amendment concerned the abolition of paper invoices, stipulating that in the event of a dispute, the burden of proof rests with the trader to demonstrate that consent was obtained from the consumer, thereby protecting consumer rights. The second important amendment was changing the date of entry into force of the draft act to September 1, 2025 (instead of the original January 1st), to enable a faster transition to electronic invoices. All five amendments submitted by the Economic Affairs Committee were fully adopted. Procedurally, it was decided to shorten the deadline for making the materials available so that the final vote could be held later that same week, on June 18.

The agenda item was the first reading of Bill 657 on the amendment of the Waste Act and related amendments to other acts, initiated by the Government of the Republic, which was introduced by Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis. The bill, also referred to as the waste reform, aims to bring Estonia's waste sector into the 21st century by increasing the recycling rate from 38% to 65% by 2035 and reducing landfilling to below 1%. The Minister emphasized that the reform will help avoid large fines to the EU (currently 16–20 million euros per year) and will create a new industry. The changes include a unified collection standard (four containers in densely populated areas), the separation of transport and handling procurements to increase competition, and the digitalization of waste management. The Minister confirmed that the average monthly cost for households that sort waste separately will remain within five euros, and the state will be 20 million euros in surplus due to the reform.

The opposition (Centre Party, EKRE, Isamaa) sharply criticized the bill, calling it a "tax festival" and claiming it increases consumer costs (Aivar Kokk estimated the additional cost at 75 million euros per year) and bureaucracy for local governments (LGs). Specific criticism targeted the raising of landfill and incineration fees, and the right granted to LGs to add up to 50% of transport costs to cover waste management expenses. Supporters (Eesti 200, Reform Party) stressed that the reform is necessary to end the monopoly and meet recycling targets. During the vote, the proposal by the Centre Party and Isamaa factions to reject the bill at the first reading was voted down.

The Riigikogu held the first reading of draft law 662, amending the Emergency Situations Act and other laws, initiated by the Republic of Estonia’s Government. The draft law aims to strengthen the crisis preparedness of the Estonian state, municipalities, and individuals, focusing on three main areas: creating shelter opportunities, rapid hazard notification, and increasing awareness of civil defense. Interior Minister Igor Taro presented the draft, emphasizing that the shelter requirements are based on the experience of Finland, adapted to Estonian conditions.

The draft law stipulates a requirement to build public shelters starting July 1, 2026, in large (over 10,000 m²) frequently visited buildings, and non-public shelters starting July 1, 2028, in new residential, office, and other larger buildings. A significant part of the discussion concerned the technical capabilities of the national hazard notification system, EE-ALARM. The Minister acknowledged that shortcomings were revealed during the first exercise regarding SMS-based notifications, and that the ministry is moving towards the implementation of a cell broadcast solution, which would ensure faster delivery of messages. Civil defense training will also be made mandatory for public sector employees.

The inquiry presented within the Riigikogu's fifth agenda item concerned the dissemination of misleading information relating to events in December 2023 and the subsequent period, and the alleged involvement of Russian special services in a hybrid operation. At the center of the inquiry presented by Member of the Riigikogu Riina Solman was the accuracy of information, the clarity of sources and roles, and the question of whether the public was informed earlier about misleading statements or claims presented from a biased perspective. The inquiry also raised questions about the scope of controls, the extent of classified information, and potential connections to political motives, and its impact on public trust in security forces.

Marshal (Speaker of the lower house) Hołownia of the Polish Sejm addressed the Riigikogu, emphasizing the deep parliamentary relations and historical ties between Poland and Estonia, highlighting General Laidoner and his wife, who was of Polish noble descent. The Marshal began his speech with a quote from Laidoner: "I am a figure of the independent Estonian state," stressing the importance of shared identity and pride. The speech focused on the need for unity, identity, and cooperation in the current geopolitical situation. Hołownia described the threats emanating from Russia, including daily provocations from Kaliningrad and hybrid warfare (migratory pressure) on Poland's eastern border. He stressed that the Kremlin's attempts to divide societies must be countered with close parliamentary cooperation. He cited as an example the regular meetings of the Speakers of Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Ukraine, which help forge societal bonds that are more crucial than military treaties in a crisis situation. Hołownia also addressed the rise of populism, which exploits public fatigue stemming from five recent major crises (climate, finance, COVID, Ukraine, migration). He warned politicians against selling fear, which he identified as a populist tactic, and called for offering responsible hope instead. He emphasized that politics must focus on the future of children and grandchildren, because "hope sells better than sex." Finally, the Marshal expressed Poland's ambition to join the club of Baltic and Nordic countries, asking Estonia to accept Poland so that they could jointly resist Putin's policies.

During the Riigikogu session, discussion centered on the written motion submitted by the opposition parties (EKRE, Isamaa, Center Party, SDE) to express no confidence in the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta. The motion of no confidence focused on three main topics: the plan to lease Tartu Prison to Sweden, the handling of the Pihlakodu rape case, and the delay in transposing the European Union Competition Directive.

Martin Helme, speaking on behalf of the initiators of the no confidence vote, accused the government and the minister of systematic lying, undermining Estonia’s constitutional order, and planning to bring Sweden's "most heinous criminals" (murderers, rapists, terrorists) to Estonia. Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta defended her actions, dismissing the accusations as unfounded and populist. She emphasized that preparations for the prison lease began during the previous government’s tenure, that the plan will create 400 jobs in Southern Estonia funded by the Swedish taxpayer, and that security risks have been mitigated. Regarding the Pihlakodu case, the minister stressed that she is legally prohibited from interfering in criminal proceedings, but she has initiated legislative changes and approached the Bar Association. Following a long and emotional question-and-answer session and negotiations between the factions, the motion of no confidence was voted down.

The agenda item concerned the second reading of the draft law 609 amending the Competition Act initiated by the government, and the amendments to other laws associated with it. The focus of the agenda was the content of the draft and the choice of the best approach to legislation – protecting the rights of consumers and entrepreneurs, promoting competition, and systematically adopting European Union competition requirements. The importance of broad involvement and a transparent procedure was widely emphasized during the session: representatives of businesses, universities, and legal scholars participated in a public consultation, and proposals made to the Competition Authority were taken into account in the respective amendment proposals. A representative and open procedure highlighted the diversity of opinions and the need to find a compromise in the previous division.

We have arrived at the second reading topic: the second reading of draft law 587, concerning Estonia’s accession to the protocol amending the convention on offenses and certain other acts committed on board aircraft. Honorable colleague Valdo Randpere, a member of the Legal Affairs Committee, has already been noted among those present at the rostrum of the Riigikogu. Briefly, the content of the draft is that in the future, one must behave politely on an aircraft and must not perform actions that endanger the provision of air traffic control and safety. The guidelines are aimed at regulating behavior on aircraft and include a clear prohibition against actions that pose a risk. It has been jointly emphasized that joining the protocol amending the convention is sensible and the tendency is to adopt it unanimously.

The third agenda item concerned the preparation for the second reading of the draft law ratifying the document amending the Constitution of the International Labour Organization (ILO), initiated by the Republic's Government. The draft is important for aligning international labour law with the amendments to the ILO Constitution and is a step towards ratifying those changes. The Legal Affairs Committee made the preparation on Monday, June 2nd; no amendments were proposed, and only the committee members were present at the meeting, with Heljo Pikhof and Varro Vooglaid absent. The committee chair, Madis Timpson, presented proposals and the results of communication and chaired the meeting.

The draft law on the ratification of the agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Botswana for the avoidance of double taxation of income, and for the prevention of tax evasion and combating tax fraud, and its accompanying protocol, second reading debate. This agenda item concerned the ratification of the provisions planned in the agreement and the procedure for the legal effect of the supplementary agreements to the protocol. No amendments to the draft law were submitted, and the finance committee focused on preparing for a consensus discussion and a concluding vote, which took place next week.

The Riigikogu debated the second reading of Draft Act 645, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the amendment of the Act on Simplified Taxation of Business Income and the Income Tax Act, and the repeal of the Security Tax Act. The report of the Finance Committee was presented by Maris Lauri. The Committee had approached 18 interest groups for their opinions, three of which responded (the Chamber of Service Economy, the Merchants’ Association, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry). The Chamber of Service Economy recommended a technical legal amendment regarding the repeal of the Security Tax Act, which the Committee accepted. The Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry viewed the abolition of the temporary corporate profit tax positively. The Isamaa parliamentary group submitted six amendments. One proposal, which concerned the initiation of a supplementary budget, was excluded from the committee proceedings as it should have been submitted as a separate draft resolution. The Finance Committee made one technical legal amendment (No. 2). Opposition politicians (Tanel Kiik, Lauri Läänemets, Urmas Reinsalu, and others) sharply criticized the government's tax policy, considering it regressive and inequality-increasing, and accused the government of breaking promises regarding tax stability and the temporary nature of tax increases. Maris Lauri emphasized in her replies that she represented the views of the Committee and that, according to the Ministry of Finance forecasts, the tax burden is actually decreasing. Three Isamaa amendments (Nos. 4, 5, 6) and four proposals to suspend proceedings (Centre Party, Isamaa, EKRE, SDE) were put to a vote. All proposals were rejected in the votes.

The second reading of supplementary budget bill No. 651 for the year 2025, initiated by the Government of the Republic, took place in the Riigikogu. The rapporteur for the bill was Annely Akkermann, Chairman of the Finance Committee. The draft legislation provides for an increase in revenues by 26.6 million, expenditures by 46.5 million, and investments by 32.5 million euros, with the main focus (44.2 million euros) being on comprehensive national defense. The Finance Committee discussed five amendments, of which the proposal by the Isamaa faction to reduce government expenditures by 300 million was rejected due to non-compliance with procedural requirements. The Social Democratic Party faction submitted two proposals: to raise the subsistence level (6 million euros) and to abolish kindergarten attendance fees across Estonia (22 million euros), funding this from the government reserve. Both proposals by the Social Democrats were voted down in the chamber. The debate largely focused on the regional policy inequality resulting from the abolition of kindergarten fees and the government's tax policy. The Isamaa and Centre Party factions proposed interrupting the second reading of the bill, but this motion did not find support (34 for, 48 against). The second reading was concluded, setting a new deadline for amendments.

The Riigikogu will debate the bill amending the Civil Code Act and, as a consequence, amending other acts, in its second reading (613). The bill focuses on clarifying the regulation of essential services, establishing clearer jurisdiction for criminal and supervisory proceedings related to the financial sector, and simplifying the payment of state fees in cash. Additionally, it stipulates that providers of essential services must offer card-based payment options without an internet connection in emergency situations. The bill received opinions from the Legal Affairs Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Estonia, the Bank of Estonia, the Financial Supervision Authority, and the Chancellor of Justice; the Finance Committee, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, made eight amendments. The majority of these amendments (1–6 and 8) are clarifying, organizational, or technical in nature; the seventh amendment proposal changed the date of entry into force of the bill from June 1st to July 15th. The committee decided unanimously to conclude the bill's second reading and set the date for the third reading as June 18, 2025.

Agenda item eight concerns an amendment to the government-initiated bill 634: the second reading of the Act on Payment Institutions and E-money Institutions and the Act on Payment and Settlement Systems. The bill aims to open up instant payments (multiple, with funds available 24/7 and functioning faster than usual), which have previously been primarily available to banks through access to the Bank of Estonia's settlement accounts. Within the framework of this bill, the possibility will be created for other payment and e-money institutions to offer similar services, increasing competition and payment accessibility for consumers and businesses.

During the second reading, five amendment proposals were made in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Financial Supervisory Authority, and the linguistic and technical content of the Act was clarified. Additionally, there is a planned change regarding the date of entry into force: the general entry into force will occur on the 10th day after publication in the State Gazette (not according to the previous date of July 1, 2025). It was decided by consensus to place the bill on the agenda for June 11th, to conclude the second reading, and upon completion, to submit a proposal to place the bill on the agenda of the plenary session and to conduct a final vote on June 18, 2025. Amendment proposals no. 1 through no. 6 were considered in their entirety and it was decided that they should be regarded as a whole.

The agenda item concerned the second reading of the bill amending the Act on Churches and Religious Communities, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The main objective of the bill is to limit the influence and disinformation reaching congregations through administrative relations of religious associations, taking into account the general security situation. The President did not proclaim the text adopted by the Riigikogu on April 24, 2025, and the bill was brought back into the hall. The discussion gathered in the Legal Affairs Committee on June 3, 2025, brought forth eight amendments proposed by the Centre Party and the Ministry of the Interior. The main concerns were technical terms («to be guided by», «person with significant influence») and considered extensions to the period for bringing the church's articles of association into compliance. Discussions also focused on constitutionality, including §§ 130 and 40, and the definition of infringement of rights, as well as the reflection of the President's positions in the explanatory memorandum. As a consensus of the committee, it was decided to proceed to the second reading, and the completion of the Act’s procedure was planned for June 11th, with a final vote on June 19th. After various discussions and voting on amendments, the plan to complete the second reading eventually fell – but the results of the votes did not support the proposal, and the agenda item remained unfinished as a separate procedural suspension. Finally, a clarification was made in the final meeting document stating that the second reading of bill 570 would be concluded and the proceedings on the agenda item would be closed.

The present minutes of the agenda contained information regarding draft bill 604, which includes amendments to the law on the organization of healthcare services initiated by the Republic's Government, and the unemployment insurance law and related laws, as well as the law amending the law on disability support. The main objective is to increase patient autonomy and to make advance directives for end-of-life care more accessible through both medical assistance and the health information system, also adding a requirement for medical consultation. A recurring theme was the connections between patient wishes clarity, inclusive consultation, and the use of digital registries, as well as the inclusion of the viewpoints of various parties (Health Insurance Fund, the Chamber of Disabled People, the Association of Primary Health Care Centers, ministries, etc.).

Secondly, other important discussions were also thoroughly reflected upon: whether to include nurses or other specialists in the consultation process, how to account for a patient’s decision-making ability in situations involving varying disease and treatment interactions, and what role separate funding plays in the advance directive consultation process; discussions also covered the implementation of digital solutions, age limits (18 versus 21 years), and the development of national guidelines and action plans for palliative care. A common thread was promoting a caring and people-centered approach, and the need to promote the accessibility of palliative care throughout Estonia. Summaries were formalized in the form of agreements, and procedural documents were approved unanimously; the final outcome was that preparations for the third reading of the bill were continued, suspending it for the second reading.

Item 11 on the agenda concerns the second reading of the draft law amending the Radiation Act and other related laws, initiated by the Republic of Estonia's Government. The presenter is the Chairman of the Environment Committee, Yoko Alendre. The draft is technical and the field of radiation is specialized, therefore representatives of various interest groups were included (the dental profession, the radiology association, the Estonian Association of Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics, scientists from the university of technology, radiation protection specialists from the Environmental Agency and the Ministry of Climate). The discussion was thorough and the committee wished to find the best solutions, as the subject is characterized by complexity and a lack of expert knowledge. The rating session for compromise proposals held on June 5th was consensus-based: all proposed amendments should be supported, after which it was decided to conclude the second reading and place the draft on the plenary session’s agenda for June 11th. A final vote is also planned for June 18th, and if the second reading is concluded, the draft will be put to a final vote. In conclusion, good cooperation was emphasized and the goal is to reduce bureaucracy and improve the implementation of the law.

The discussion covering agenda item 12 concerns the second reading of the draft law amending the General Part of the Environmental Code Act and other laws, initiated by the Republic of Estonia’s Government, number 611. Hanah Lahe, a member of the Environment Committee, presented the report, introducing the draft law and the proposed amendments. The first reading took place on May 14th, and the deadline for submitting amendments was May 28th. The committee submitted 11 amendments, which arose from three sittings: May 20th, June 2nd, and June 9th. These are technical and aimed at clarifying and improving the draft law. The amendments were reviewed and fully and consensually considered.

In addition, it was planned that the draft law would be placed on the plenary’s agenda on June 11th, and the conclusion of the second reading would be carried out on June 18th. The EKRE faction opposed the consideration of the 11th amendment, but the committee’s proposal to conclude the second reading remained in contention. The final vote on the draft law and the closure of the agenda took place in accordance with the previous record and the voting result.

The Riigikogu continued the second reading of Bill 541, the Draft Act on Amendments to the Planning Act and Other Acts (Acceleration of the Deployment of Renewable Energy), initiated by the Government of the Republic. Jaak Aab, a member of the Economic Affairs Committee, provided an overview of the bill's proceedings following the interruption of the reading on May 7, 2025. The main change was the addition of provisions from the Electricity Market Act, which create a framework for competitive tenders for onshore wind energy. Although members of the Riigikogu and parliamentary factions did not submit proposals by the deadline for submitting amendments (May 14) after the second reading was interrupted, the committee received opinions and appeals from 16 interest groups, including several energy companies and professional associations. During the discussions, the Ministry of Climate clarified its positions, refuting claims of insufficient consultation on the amendments with market participants. Key points of contention included the payment of subsidies for electricity sold via a direct line (which the ministry does not support due to state aid rules), specific support for hybrid projects (which was deemed unnecessary), and the guaranteed sales revenue ceiling (which the ministry maintained at 45 euros/MWh, considering it sufficient). The Economic Affairs Committee submitted 10 amendments (primarily legal and technical clarifications), all of which were fully taken into account. During negotiations, the Isamaa and EKRE factions criticized the bill, deeming it non-technology-neutral, overly subsidized, and anti-community. Coalition representative Mario Kadastik defended the bill, explaining that the support measure is aimed at lowering the average electricity price and is necessary due to the lack of controllable generation capacity. The Isamaa and EKRE factions proposed interrupting the second reading, which was voted down (12 in favor, 45 against). The second reading of the bill was then concluded.

The Riigikogu discussed the second reading of Bill 622, the Act amending the Liquid Fuel Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. Urve Tiidus, the rapporteur of the Economic Affairs Committee, announced that no proposals had been received from members of the Riigikogu or interest groups by the deadline for submitting amendments (May 28). The Committee made a consensus proposal to conclude the second reading and submit the bill for the final vote on June 18.

During the debates, Mart Maastik and Anti Poolamets, members of the faction of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia, sharply criticized the bill, calling it "stupid green madness" and the "fuel adulteration act." They stressed that the obligation to blend aviation fuel with bio-additives harms the competitiveness of Estonian and European Union aviation and will colossally raise air ticket prices. Anti Poolamets proposed, on behalf of the faction, that the second reading be interrupted. This proposal was put to a vote but failed to gain support (6 in favor, 42 against). Therefore, the second reading of the bill was concluded in accordance with the lead committee's proposal.

The second reading of Draft Act 518 amending the Sports Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic, was on the agenda. The rapporteur was Kadri Tali, a member of the Cultural Committee. The purpose of the draft act is to update the rules of sports ethics and the requirements for organizing sports events, and to reduce administrative burden, including the regulation concerning the application for permits to organize sports events. The first reading of the draft act was concluded on November 4, 2024, and no proposals were submitted by the deadline for presenting amendments. The leading committee (the Cultural Committee) prepared the draft act during several sessions, involving stakeholders such as the Estonian Olympic Committee, the Estonian Football Association, and several motorsport federations.

The leading committee submitted a total of seven amendments to the draft act, which were also supported by the initiator of the draft act. The most significant amendments concerned the expansion of the right to process data when granting support for coach labor costs, the replacement of the word "paraolümpia" with "paralümpia," and the clarification of the regulation for applying for permits to organize sports events, allowing for the application of a seasonal permit for up to one year to reduce administrative burden. The dates of entry into force of the act were also changed, postponing them to January 1, 2026. During the debate, Madis Kallas criticized the ministries' inability to resolve the bureaucratic situation where sports clubs must simultaneously establish sports schools so that parents can declare participation fees as training costs. Tõnis Lukas explained that this requirement stems from the need to ensure pedagogical and safety requirements when working with students. The amendments to the draft act were reviewed, and the second reading was concluded.

Today's agenda item concerned the second reading of Bill 554, the Draft Act on the Organization of Research, Development, and Innovation (TAIKS), initiated by the Government of the Republic. Margit Sutrop, the rapporteur for the Cultural Affairs Committee, provided a comprehensive overview of the bill's proceedings, which began during the tenure of the previous composition of the Riigikogu. The bill aims to establish a research ethics committee and a commission for handling misconduct cases, specify funding methods, and assign responsibility to the Ministry of Education and Research for coordinating public sector RDI activities. Although no amendments were submitted after the first reading, the Cultural Affairs Committee involved 22 interest groups in the preparation of the bill. Based on their feedback, 37 amendments were introduced. The main debates centered on the definitions of 'scientist' and 'research ethics,' the stability of funding (especially for smaller institutions), and the protection of academic freedom. Consequently, the minister's authority to regulate the rights and obligations of research institutions at the regulation level was removed. During the negotiations, Tiit Maran and Tõnis Lukas also stressed the importance of academic freedom and stable funding, commending the thoroughness with which the bill was refined.

The Riigikogu debated the second reading of Draft Act 603, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Aliens Act, the Code of Administrative Court Procedure, and the State Fees Act, the objective of which is to establish the right to challenge visa decisions and residence period decisions in court. Ando Kiviberg, Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, explained that the amendment is necessary due to a 2017 ruling by the European Court of Justice and repeated positions taken by the Estonian Supreme Court, which found that the current law is unconstitutional because it precludes the right to appeal to court. The draft act provides for replacing the current two-stage appeal procedure with a mandatory single-stage procedure, after which the alien may turn to the administrative court. It is important that the submission of a complaint does not provide grounds for arrival in the Schengen area or postpone the obligation to depart. In the interest of legal clarity, the committee made one amendment proposal concerning the inclusion of the appeal decision in the codes and the establishment of a state fee (280 euros) also for challenging the appeal decision. This proposal was fully taken into account.

During the debates, Helir-Valdor Seeder (Isamaa) and Anti Poolamets (EKRE) sharply criticized the draft, emphasizing that the decision to refuse a visa is a sovereign right of the state, especially on security grounds, and warned against going along with the flows promoting mass immigration coming from Europe. Both parliamentary groups proposed interrupting the second reading. Ando Kiviberg responded that Estonia is the last EU country lacking this right to judicial challenge and called for tidying up the legal space. In the vote, the proposal to interrupt was rejected (5 for, 41 against), and the second reading of the draft act was concluded. The final vote is scheduled for June 18, 2025.

Item 18 on the agenda focused on Bill 623, initiated by the Government of the Republic, which concerns the State Secrets and Classified Foreign Information Act and amendments to related current laws – the Public Procurement Act and the State Duty Act. The second reading of the bill took place in the Constitutional Committee, where amendments were proposed and a discussion ensued, focusing on reducing bureaucracy and increasing speed and flexibility for the defense industry. Committee members and representatives of ministries conducted a detailed review, and the adopted proposals were unanimously approved and sent to the plenary session.

Representatives of the Ministry of Justice and Digital Transformation, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Defence were represented in the second reading process; in addition, stakeholder groups were involved, but did not submit further proposals at the time. Three amendment proposals were also presented: one from the Ministry of Justice and Digital Transformation and two from the Ministry of Finance, concerning the protection of military-related information as a state secret, simplified public procurement rules, and increased state duties. All of these proposals found unanimous support within the committee and were sent to the plenary session. Finally, it was announced that the completion of the second reading of Bill 623 was accepted and negotiations continued according to procedure.

This agenda item concerned the second reading of draft law 632, concerning the amendment of the Courts Act and the amendment of other acts related thereto (improving court administration). The Constitutional Committee held discussions on the draft twice (June 2–3), heard representatives from the Ministry of Justice and Digital Transformation and various institutions, and gathered extensive input from both experts and interest groups. The opinions of all those invited indicated a positive attitude towards the draft from the judiciary, and the engagement process was extensive, although problems requiring further consideration were also highlighted. Following the committee’s work, they adhered to proposals: a total of six amendments to the draft were decided to be submitted, and a plan was prepared for the continuation of the draft’s procedure. The second reading was scheduled to be completed, and it was then planned that the plenary session would prepare for a final vote on a cooled schedule: the completion of the second reading on June 11th and the final vote on June 18th. Based on the input received, substantive positions were formed and progress was made towards consensus-based decisions.

The first reading of draft law 602, amending the Employment Contracts Act and other laws, was presented at a sitting of the Riigikogu. The draft’s aim is to create a better-functioning employment relationship and greater flexibility for both employers and employees in the modern labor market. The core of the main changes involves establishing agreements on flexible working hours (including the possibility of agreeing on a working hour range of 10–30 hours per week, with certain working hours guaranteed) and clearer regulation of weekly rest periods (under regular working hours, at least 48 consecutive hours of rest per week; under summed working hours, at least 36 hours). In addition, the draft addresses the minimum hourly wage floor and the written form of overtime hours, which is voluntary for both parties. The draft has generated a wide-ranging discussion and involves various stakeholders, including trade unions and employer representatives. At the end of the reading, the procedure was concluded and a vote was held on the first reading of the draft.

As the final item on the agenda, the first reading of Bill 598, the Song and Dance Festival Act, initiated by the Isamaa faction, was discussed. Presenter Tõnis Lukas emphasized that the Song and Dance Festival tradition is a carrier of national identity, which requires a permanent legal framework, especially considering that Latvia and Lithuania have already adopted corresponding laws. The bill aims to ensure the functioning of the entire tradition's pyramid, covering education, the succession of instructors, and the continuity of funding. The law stipulates that the festival must be apolitical and the repertoire must be predominantly in Estonian, including Estonian classical choral music and heritage dance.

Several questions were raised during the debate. Toomas Uibo and Kadri Tali expressed concern about the over-regulation of artistic freedom, fearing that the law might stifle the free popular movement that has lasted 150 years. Lukas explained that the law provides a framework and a guarantee for continuity rather than prescribing creative content. Ando Kiviberg drew attention to the threat posed by real estate development around the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds, to which Lukas responded that the explanatory memorandum provides for the possibility of using a special national plan to preserve the sanctuary's functionality. Riina Sikkut asked about the rules for collectives (including project choirs) to participate in the festival and the effective date of the law. The leading committee (Kadri Tali) supported the further processing of the bill, emphasizing the need for thorough and inclusive discussion to ensure the tradition is supported without being excessively regulated. The first reading of the bill was concluded.

The agenda addressed the planned transfer of Swedish prisoners to Estonian territory within the context of Estonian internal security. The discussion focused primarily on what the security and economic impact of such an agreement would be, and what risks and costs might be involved. The government plans to sign the agreement on June 18th – according to the assessment of the Minister of Justice – but ultimately the parliaments will decide, and the exact form and implementation of the decision are currently uncertain and require further analysis and risk assessment. Similar international practices (Netherlands, Norway, Belgium) and networks were also highlighted to understand why prison places are rented abroad and what the impact is on jobs and internal security in Estonia.

The second question focused on the Riigikogu and concerned Prime Minister Kristen Michal, addressing the issue of Swedish prisoners. The discussion centered on the government's plan to utilize foreign prison services or maintenance options across the border, and the potential impact on internal security, the economy, and jobs. During the discussion, various examples of experiences from other countries (e.g., the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium) were brought up, reference was made to KAPO’s assessments, and it was quite clearly emphasized that the agreement must not increase the risk or undermine national responsibility.

A second topic raised, in addition to the opposition's criticism of the government's management and lack of clear positions, involved the capacity for detention, and the distribution of costs: whether the plan entails the preservation and increase of jobs, the strengthening of internal security, and whether all taxes and drafted proposals are aligned with Estonian interests. It was also noted that the state must be prepared to discuss and, if necessary, make changes, if a regular approach does not work, and that parliamentary involvement must accompany the underlying rationale.

The discussion on this third question focused on issues related to financing educational expenses and financing childcare places. The question of free childcare and its impact was raised, considering the varying circumstances in different municipalities and balancing actual expenses in Tallinn if the entire country were to move towards a nationwide free early childhood education system. The discussion highlighted the place and funding demands that have arisen between Tallinn and other municipalities, and how to discuss potential solutions without negatively affecting children in Tallinn.

The second part of the discussion concerned additional state funding and the choices made in the supplementary budget, where the prime minister emphasized the autonomy of municipalities and the need to monitor priorities that do not affect security capabilities or national defense, while simultaneously discussing various financing models with coalition partners in a joint discussion. Overall, the discussion was characterized by descriptions of ideas and the sharing of experiences, and a lack of decisions, which indicates that the topic is politically complex and requires further dialogue within the coalition.

The fourth question addressed the road infrastructure and traffic safety of Eastern Virumaa, focusing on the Narva–Jõhvi highway section. The question was posed by Aleksei Jevgrafov and requested the minister’s specific plan and timeline to transform this critical, winding, and narrow section into a four-lane highway or at least a 2+1 road, ensuring safety. In addition, attention was drawn to the speed limits on the Narva–Tallinn highway and the general funding of the road network, a long-term vision for improving road conditions, and the impact of Rail Baltic on funding. Regarding the local road maintenance plan and priorities, it was pointed out that the detailed plan and environmental impact assessment for the Haljala–Kukruse section will take time and extends into the 2030–2050 timeframe. Overall, both short- and long-term development, ways to ensure safety, and the allocation of resources at the republic level were discussed.

The state’s parliamentary discussion focused on foreign relations and Estonia’s capacity to protect its Jewish community within the context of international politics. The first part addressed concerns arising after the events of October 7, 2024, regarding UN votes concerning Israel and Palestinian self-governance, and the question of whether Estonia has developed a strategy to protect the community's security. Riina Solman raised a specific question regarding the events at the old Jewish cemetery and the slogan “From the River to the Sea,” requesting clarification on whether the state has a clear vision and coordination for cooperation in mutual dialogue and how to coordinate advice and strategy.

The second part focused on the role of strategic communication since October 7, 2023, and questions regarding whether there is a clear plan within the administration for public-facing communication and how events in Gaza are being handled, as well as the balance of objective information sources. The Foreign Minister added in her response that the volume of information is high and that the state is using professional channels and a diplomatic network to provide accurate and up-to-date information and to brief the Riigikogu if necessary. Regarding a third topic raised by colleague Mart Helme, the question concerned Estonia’s potential role as a mediator and a specific plan acceptable to both parties. The Foreign Minister emphasized that Estonia does not recognize the State of Palestine and that a long-term solution is based on the two-state concept, but that Estonia's position as a mediator is not an easy role and that there are currently no quick-acting solutions. The entire discussion concluded with a procedural question regarding slander and honesty, and it was affirmed that Estonia does not recognize the State of Palestine. Overall, there were no official decisions, but the next steps include organizing additional briefings and ongoing information exchange in accordance with guidelines.

At the first question, the topic was security and the impact of national and economic challenges on Estonian society's engagement and trust in the government. Mart Helme raised a question highlighting a sense of public alienation, attributing it primarily to long-term political and economic uncertainty, living in the shadow of war. He emphasized increased defense spending, shortening rigid administrative bureaucracy, and the influence of local municipalities in planning, noting that these factors can reduce people's trust in the state. Furthermore, he drew a parallel between sanctions and detentions, discussing the state's detention policy and social security, including in relation to international partnership relations and the financing of expenditures. In the second half, Kristen Michal responded as the responsible minister's representative: confirming that people's sense of belonging has decreased and the reasons are a mix of war, uncertainty, and economic recession; he presented new priorities for strengthening security and the competitiveness of the economy, including the continued increase in defense spending and a program to reduce bureaucracy. Reference was also made to state cooperation with entrepreneurs and proposals to simplify planning. The discussion then continued with additional questions concerning the so-called "prisoner agreement" and the impact of Estonia's estranged security structures, and ultimately emphasized the need to avoid misinformation and focus on the consequences of the war's end on Estonia's security and economy.

The seventh question addressed the increasing impact of clearcutting on natural sacred sites and cultural values, and the government’s attitude towards their preservation. The debate highlighted both economic and cultural tensions: 70% of forests would be in economically managed use, and 30% under protection, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of preserving sacred sites and cultural identity. The natural sacred sites layer on the Hiite Maja map was highlighted, where confusion has arisen regarding the national registers and official mapping processes. The reliability of communicated data and maps, collaboration between the state and NGOs, and which mechanisms have been created to oversee cultural objects in the landscape, were extensively discussed. Annual report figures showed what proportion of sacred sites have been plundered or subjected to clearcutting, and this raises the question of whether the state considers these objects important enough, and how to ensure their lasting preservation in the future. The entire discussion emphasized the state’s responsibility to protect cultural heritage that is essential to identity against the pressures of economic exploitation.

The discussion focused on the situation of pensioners and the tax and income policy of the last two years. Belobrovtsev presented a critical overview of the coalition's decisions concerning the reinstatement of the tax-free minimum for old-age pensioners (776 euros per month) and broader taxation (an increase in the income tax rate from 20% to 22% and the intention to raise it to 24% by 2026). The impact of the VAT increase on prices and the cost of living was also highlighted, affecting initially food, utilities, and medicines, and the mention of car tax as a new additional burden on older people and other vulnerable groups. Considerable emphasis remained on the continued security of pensioners' purchasing power and income, and the continuation of indexation. The other half of the focus was on the government: the prime minister confirmed the continuation of indexation and highlighted the maximum improvement in the purchasing power of pensions during the 2018 government's period, citing that pensions are growing and indexation continues, and expanded on future changes, including the impact of the phased income tax in 2026 on old-age pensioners. In addition, the discussion covered the shortage of labour and the role of immigration, the OSKA program, the role of education and artificial intelligence in increasing productivity, and how these areas may affect the financial stability of pensioners and the country's economy. The entire discussion concluded with the observation that no decisions were made and the focus was on clarifying the topics and presenting political viewpoints.

The first topic concerned regional inequality, which fell under the responsibility of Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leisi. Member of the Riigikogu Jaanus Karilaid posed a question to determine how the minister saw a possible solution to reduce two major disparities – the central attraction centers of Tallinn and Tartu, and the rest of Estonia. The discussion highlighted that the size of regional inequality is significant, with Tallinn’s GDP per capita being approximately 110% of the EU average, while Southeastern Estonia remains around 50%. There was an understanding that this is a complex, multifaceted problem, the solution of which requires systemic, cross-sectoral, and long-term cooperation. The minister noted that infrastructure is one important component, but broader measures are necessary, and work must continue with both regional and infrastructure-defined forces in the name of more distant goals.

The second topic concerned the Rohuküla–Haapsalu railway project and the situation at Estonian Railways. Since the building permit in the direction of Rohuküla is valid until 2028, Jaanus Karilaid asked how far along and whether action has already begun. The response indicated that Estonian Railways has submitted the necessary documents and goals are in place, but currently no action is underway, and the Haapsalu direction's continued construction is not mentioned as a priority in the coalition agreement. The message emphasized that the main directions remain towards Tartu and Narva, and the Haapsalu railway is secondary in current plans and will remain a matter for consideration in the long term. Overall, this concerns questions of discussions and long-term goals alongside initiating activities and decisions, the further progress of which depends on the coalition's general direction and financing decisions.

The agenda included a presentation by the Supreme Court's Chief Justice, Villu Kõve, on the situation regarding court orders, the administration of justice, and the uniform application of laws. Kõve pointed out that the court system operates independently and impartially, but efficiency continues to decline, and the lengthening of processing times and increasing workload are affecting the resolution of civil, administrative, and criminal cases. He emphasized the influence of funding, the arrival of the younger generation, and the experience of retiring judges, and raised the need for reforms including: merging courts, a unified workload distribution, the implementation of digital and artificial intelligence, and the responsibility and disciplinary mechanisms for judges. He also touched upon the implementation of the development plan and critical issues at the state level, including maintaining the credibility of courts and the rule of law, and involving the public in reforms. In addition, questions and discussions flowed from both court system practitioners and politicians, including observations on consumer credit, environmental law, and the volume of cases filed in court, and the ethical and practical risks of artificial intelligence were raised, along with the need for additional legislative and funding solutions. Overall, the agenda focused on the future possibilities for the court system and its funding, and their impact on society.

The second reading of draft 644 regarding the amendment of the Basic Education Act and the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia, and the amendment of other laws related to it (establishing the obligation to attend school). The draft was submitted at the initiative of the Rural Affairs Committee and presented by the committee chairman, Urmas Kruuse. In a broader context, the draft also includes technical and wording improvements, as well as the correction of cross-references arising from the mutual alignment of three constitutional acts. It was stated that this is rather a collection of technical but important clarifications made before the new law comes into force in the autumn. During the preparation for the second reading, a joint amendment proposal was reached, relating to the capacity of local governments to enforce necessary regulations, which should ultimately be taken into account.

The discussion moved to agenda item three, which concerned the draft law 609 (second reading) amending the Competition Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic, and amending other laws connected with it. The presentation was given by the Minister of Justice and Digital Transformation, Liisa-Ly Pakosta. The draft law's core focus is the adoption of European Union competition law, including increasing fines, leniency measures, and enhanced powers for the Competition Authority. Significant attention has also been paid to the scope of the self-incrimination privilege and the judicial standards of proof, which are central to discussions related to European Union law. In cooperation with the Economic Affairs Committee and the Competition Authority, various amendment proposals have been developed, including clarifying wording, clarifying understanding, and regulating the transfer of evidence between administrative proceedings and minor offences proceedings. The second reading has brought a wider discussion to light concerning risks and benefits, emphasizing that the aim is to provide consumers with better services and fairer prices in a competitive situation. Different viewpoints from political parties and interest groups have been incorporated, and the alignment of requirements and changes has continued.

In summary, the discussion has focused on the draft law's sustainability within the context of European Union law, the diversity of case law and legal systems, and how competition-promoting measures can improve prices and the quality of services for consumers. There has been emphasis on ensuring speed and efficiency, while at the same time cautioning about the need to balance different procedures and fundamental rights.

The first agenda item focused on a parliamentary inquiry presented by Martin Helme, Varro Vooglaiu, Rene Kok, Anti Poolamets, Evelin Poolamets, Mart Helme, and Rain Epleri on April 23rd of this year, regarding a network of surveillance cameras and the associated database. The content of the inquiry largely covered topics such as number-plate recognition cameras with displays operating across Estonia, the volume of information collected and the continued use of data, adherence to the principles of personal data protection, and liability for the use of the system. The parliament also heard about the historical background: how POLIS's foundational statute was established in 2009 and how its regulations have been supplemented over time, as the massive camera network and database emerged. Furthermore, questions were raised concerning the state's role, control, and liability, as well as future plans regarding potential additions. The discussion highlighted a particular concern over the balance between privacy and security, and how such systems have been implemented or continue to require debate at the level of the parliament.

This agenda item focuses on the interpellation submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Riina Solman, Andres Metsoja, Priit Sibula, Helir-Valdor Seeder, and Tõnis Lukas regarding the prevalence of poverty in Estonia (interpellation number 757, submitted April 23, 2025). The document reflects concern over poverty and marginalization and makes observations regarding regional inequality, highlighting Ida-Virumaa and other rural areas where people live in relative poverty, and development must also take into account the impact of external visitors. The interpellation asks the Prime Minister what the government is doing to reduce poverty and alleviate regional inequality, and how to align measurable indicators with the UN 2030 goal of eradicating poverty. The second part focuses on government measures and their impact on people’s ability to cope: the progressive income tax referred to as a tax bracket, the distribution of income, and the role of livelihood support.

Under agenda item three, the interpellation submitted by Lauri Laats and other members of the Riigikogu to the Prime Minister on April 23, 2025, regarding population decline (interpellation no. 758) was discussed. The scope of the demographic crisis, its impact on the economy and the future of Estonia, and recommended cooperation between different sectors to deal with population problems in the future were raised. In addition, the interplay between encouraging birth rates and the impacts of imported/population influences in the context of population changes was examined, and reference was made to several specific measures.

The fourth agenda item concerns the inquiry presented by members of the Riigikogu, Lauri Laats, Aleksei Jevgrafov, and Vadim Belobrovtsev, on April 24, 2025, regarding the economic sustainability of wind energy and international experiences in shaping Estonia’s energy policy, as well as an inquiry directed at the Prime Minister. In his initial presentation, Lauri Laats expressed concern over signals from foreign countries regarding the sustainability of the green transition and raised questions about balancing Estonia’s energy sources, the grid's readiness, and the economic viability of investments. The debate will primarily focus on analyzing international experiences and how they can guide Estonia’s energy policy and the realization of the ENMAK 2030 goals, considering the challenges of grid and market stability.

The Riigikogu has begun its first reading of the draft law on terminating the agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Belarus for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion, bill number 666. Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi explained that terminating the agreement is unavoidable, as Belarus has unilaterally suspended the application of essential provisions (taxation of dividends, interest, and profits from the transfer of assets) of the agreement, which is in contradiction with both the terms of the agreement and international law. Additionally, the Minister emphasized that Estonia does not deem it possible to maintain the tax treaty with a country that supports Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and whose actions are contrary to Estonia’s security and foreign policy interests. Therefore, terminating the agreement is a foreign policy stance. The Chairman of the Finance Committee, Annely Akkermann, confirmed that the committee discussed the draft law on June 5th and supported all procedural decisions unanimously. It was noted that other Baltic states and Germany have also implemented similar measures regarding Belarus. The draft law is urgent in order for the agreement to be terminated from the beginning of next year.

The agenda item addressed a Riigikogu inquiry regarding the impact of wind turbine farms on Estonia’s defense capability and security, presented by Anti Poolamets, Rene Kok, Mart Helme, and Martin Helme on April 9, 2025. The purpose of the inquiry was to obtain clarification and assessments regarding how radio interference caused by wind turbine farms, and more broadly wind parks and solar panels, and the potential impact on radio and maritime surveillance capabilities, might affect the nation’s defense capability. Minister Hanno Pevkur responded, emphasizing both the legal environment and technical measures: coordination of plans with the Ministry of Defence, cooperation with allies, and commissioning additional analyses on these topics. Ultimately, the participants in the discussion voiced critical views on the costs related to figures and measures, as well as the technical challenges, but no decisions were made and the discussions were concluded.

Under agenda item seven, the inquiry presented by Jaak Valge and Leo Kunnas regarding the issues at Tallinn Defence Forces Cemetery (no. 752) was discussed. The inquiry highlighted the complex nuances of historical memory and cemetery cultural policy: the role of the central cemetery, formed before 1940, as a bearer of the memory of the fallen and national identity, the totalitarian land expropriation during the Soviet occupation era, and the subsequent restoration and improvement work after Estonia regained its independence. The criticism raised states that the work done has been insufficient and slow, and that at the same time, actions have been undertaken initiated and funded by the Embassy of the Russian Federation, which may affect the cemetery's atmosphere and internal cooperation. In addition, the question of cenotaphs and other occupation symbols and their impact on the cemetery's aesthetics and historical content was raised, as well as the arrangements for commemorative gatherings and visits on May 9th, as they have ultimately evolved.

Eight agenda items were presented, based on an inquiry, number 753, submitted on April 17, 2025, by Members of the Riigikogu Lauri Laats, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Vladimir Arhipov, and Vadim Belobrovtsev regarding a severance payment to an advisor. Member of the Riigikogu Lauri Laats represented the inquirer. The purpose of the inquiry was to clarify why and on what basis the severance payment was made to the advisor, and whether the practice is consistent with rights and ethical balance.

The second part presented the topic that has garnered attention from the Riigikogu and the people for discussion: Minister of Social Affairs Karmen Joller deemed it necessary to respond to the inquirers, explaining that while Signe Riisalo’s government had employed Gerli Baida as an advisor, the payment was more of an additional fee for extra work rather than a severance payment. The issue of whether this constitutes a special exception or a growth was also considered, and discussions were held regarding good practice in the public service and the interests of the taxpayer. Finally, questions were raised regarding the public interest and media coverage, and the speech concluded with a general call to action.

9. During the debate on the agenda, the parliamentary inquiry No. 759 on the sustainability and accessibility of the healthcare system, submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Lauri Laats, Vladimir Arhipov, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Andrei Korobeinik, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, and Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, was discussed. Lauri Laats was appointed as the representative of the inquiry submitters. Raising awareness of the problems focused primarily on the challenges to the system's financial sustainability, unequal access to healthcare services, the shortage of doctors and nurses, and the lengthening of waiting times and specialist appointments. They also highlighted international data and, as a particular area of concern for Estonia, the increasing cost of co-payments and the impact of the shortage of healthcare workers on quality and accessibility. The second part of the discussion focused on the government’s response and what has been done and what is planned for the future to strengthen the healthcare system and integrate it with social services.

The agenda addresses a nationally important issue: "How to increase productivity in the Estonian economy," and has been initiated by the economic affairs committee. The day is structured around a central theme, with three speakers: Marek Reinaas, as chairman of the economic affairs committee (presentation up to 15 minutes, questions and answers up to 15 minutes), Urmas Varblane, as a member of the competitiveness expert group and as professor of international entrepreneurship at the University of Tartu and as an academic (presentation up to 30 minutes, questions and answers up to 30 minutes), and Raivo Vasnu, as a board member of Viru Keemia Grupi (presentation up to 20 minutes, questions and answers up to 30 minutes). Each member of the Riigikogu can submit one question to each speaker. Following the presentations, discussions will begin, and the initiators desire that representatives of the parliamentary groups speak first. At the end of the agenda, a plan was raised to extend the session if necessary, and a decision on this was made later. Topics were represented that touched on the conclusions of the competitiveness report, the role of exports and the service sector, the use of data in the economy, the European Union's internal market, and a number of independent issues (including energy policy, investments, regional development, and reducing bureaucracy). This discussion reflects critical questions and potential risks associated with demographic trends and future investments.

Within the agenda item, the third reading of the draft law amending the Identity Documents Act, and amending other acts related to it, initiated by the Government of the Republic, took place. Following the opening and swift closing of discussions, the focus shifted to the procedure for the final vote. The presiding officer repeatedly emphasized that the adoption of the draft law as a law required a majority of the Riigikogu's composition, or at least 51 votes in favor. Following a call to the hall, a final vote was carried out, as a result of which draft law 572 was adopted as a law with a significant majority: 75 members of the Riigikogu voted in favor, 7 voted against, and 1 member abstained.

This agenda item concerned the departure of draft law 642, initiated by the Government of the Republic, from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requires their destruction. The purpose of the draft law is to increase Estonia's security sensitivity in response to Russia's full-scale aggression in Ukraine and to provide the Defence Forces with additional opportunities and freedom to choose suitable weapon systems in a characteristic dangerous situation. The practical context included Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland taking similar steps, as well as the Baltic states’ joint public awareness campaign. In the second reading, the National Defence Committee unanimously approved the text of the draft law and its explanatory memorandum and designated a proposal to bring it to the agenda and final vote of the Riigikogu (Parliament) as a whole.

The third agenda item concerned the consideration of draft resolution 618 for its first reading, submitted to the Riigikogu by the Isamaa faction. The draft's purpose is to grant local governments the right to restrict or prohibit the use of rental electric scooters, mopeds, and bicycles within their territory, in order to improve traffic safety, reduce excessive traffic load, and ensure the safe and reasonable use of urban space. This regulatory intent has arisen in connection with the recent increase in the supply of rental vehicles and their rapid spread in urban environments, where the wellbeing of sidewalks and pedestrians is often at risk. The draft does not intend to establish new restrictions universally, but rather to strengthen the autonomy of local governments and allow them to decide, according to community needs, how many rental options are needed within their territory.

The second part of the agenda item included responses from the Economic Affairs Committee and factions, as well as the viewpoints of leading committees, which concluded a discussion lasting two weeks, including arguments from Tallinn and the government, and attempts by various parties to better clarify the draft and link it to separate bills. In conclusion, it was determined that the draft highlights important regulatory needs, but the voting results regarding the organization of the end of the first reading and the final vote did not provide consistent support and final readiness for a swift procedure was not achieved; finally, it was announced that the final vote on draft 618 OE was anticipated, but the voting results, from the opposition's perspective, did not support its further development, and the draft left its mark as a process that broke down. This expresses the different attitudes of the parties and shows how complex and changeable the regulatory framework is in a natural urban environment, where both the flow of rental services and the safety of residents and the use of free space are taken into account.

The fourth agenda item concerned the draft amending law on the protection of the atmosphere, bill number 393, for its second reading, initiated by the environment committee. The leading committee proposed to interrupt the second reading to allow members of the Riigikogu the opportunity to submit amendments and to ensure clarity in the law regarding the target value for noise and its application. The draft originates from the Chancellor of Justice and aims to better define the conditions for applying the target value for noise and to reduce legal uncertainties arising from its application. The first reading took place on March 20, 2024, followed by a hearing with interested parties and three committee sessions (April 2, May 12, May 19), during which a position was prepared regarding the proposed amendments. Amendments were submitted by Priit Sibul, and the committee decided to better incorporate the draft into a new solution through substantive consideration and harmonization of the amendments. Finally, a new opportunity was set for playing with the proposed amendments and the draft was presented to the plenary session for the second reading; however, the second reading was concluded with an interruption. Regarding the deadlines and maintaining the status quo, the following are important moments: the deadline for submitting amendments is June 18th at 5:15 PM.

During the first reading, the draft amendment to the Environmental Fees Act, initiated by the EKRE faction under agenda item Five [5], was discussed. The draft was submitted by Member of the Riigikogu Evelin Poolamets, with the hope of changing the current definition of impact zone for wind energy projects. In the current system, the impact zone of an onshore wind farm is defined as two to three kilometers, and for taller turbines, it depends on various restrictions. The draft's objective was to define the impact radius of wind turbines with a height of 250 meters or more as 20 kilometers throughout Estonia, taking into equal consideration both offshore and onshore turbines, similarly to the limits for offshore wind farms. This scheme took into account the rights of residents to their living environment, property values, and participation in planning, and highlighted the need to bring legal norms into line with reality, including the adequacy of health studies and noise impact studies. In the second presentation state, the visual impact, shadowing, and noise levels were highlighted, as well as public involvement and the distribution of income intended for local residents, and the question of potential compensation payments. Ultimately, it was emphasized that equal conditions are essential, and the fact that the state must begin implementing the green transition in cooperation with people, not at their expense.

The draft bill 628, amending the Industrial Emissions Act and concerning the regulation of planning processes, initiated by the Isamaa faction, was discussed at first reading. The draft proposes including the application of a complex permit (combined environmental permit) for the development of large renewable energy parks, such as solar and wind parks, within the context of the Industrial Emissions Directive, to ensure the best possible technology and transparency in environmental impact assessments. The process involves initial restrictions on the planning process (general plan -> detailed plan), followed by building permit procedures, with public involvement and follow-up controls being essential components.

The discussion primarily focused on the balance between bureaucracy and environmental protection: whether and to what extent a complex permit should be implemented, and whether smaller parks (e.g., up to several kilowatts) should be exempt from it, while larger parks, which may have a stronger environmental impact, should be subject to it. The committee’s discussion highlighted the need to provide residents with reassurance and avoid situations where the impact of a development remains gradually unclear. Ultimately, a decision was made to move forward with coordination and accelerating procedures, but dissenting opinions and proposals on how to improve existing mechanisms also emerged. A consensus was reached on several key points regarding the forwarding of the desired document and the organization of the procedure in the final version of the draft, but the draft was finally rejected in plenary session.

The seventh item on the agenda was the first reading of bill 599, amending the State Audit Act, the Party Act, and other laws, initiated by the Conservative People's Party of Estonia faction. The bill focused on a clearer order for oversight of party financing and potential control bodies; it proposed that the State Audit Office take over some of the control functions currently carried out by the State Electoral Committee (ERJK). The debate was lengthy and emotional: the presenter, Evelin Poolamets, was not in the hall, but the faction’s representative, Rain Epler, introduced the bill. Discussion revolved around the numerous mechanisms operating within ERJK and the transparency of their decisions, citing examples of political advertising, donations, and conflicts of interest between various individuals and companies. The debate extensively covered the question of whether and how private money control could be transferred to the State Audit Office, and what amendments could be proposed and what their impact would be on democracy and the rule of law. The scope of the discussion also extended to the role of non-profit organizations and electoral alliances, and it became clear that there is broad recognition of the need for better and more understandable rules. In conclusion, the view clearly expressed was that there are problems with ERJK’s role and working methods, and that the question of coordinating their oversight requires a thorough and substantive discussion.

The central point of the agenda item was the first reading of draft law 617 of the Riigikogu amending the Public Health Act, initiated by Riigikogu member Kalle Grünthal. The draft law aims to end daylight saving time in Estonia and to avoid disruption to the body's natural rhythms, which have far-reaching effects on health and ability to work. Grünthal's introduction and subsequent arguments highlighted that daylight saving time has been widely proven to cause health problems and that there is no proven energy benefit; he presented examples from both Estonian and international studies indicating sleep disorders, an increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease, and a general decline in well-being following the transitions between summer and winter time. It was also emphasized that Estonia has been independent in the matter of time zones, and that the directive being discussed for adoption within the European Union has not been applied in Estonia – which would give the country the freedom to make its own decision (regarding standard time versus daylight saving time) according to the interests of the people. However, the discussion also addressed how such a change could be aligned with the European Union level and what economic and organizational consequences might arise in terms of transport, working hours, and the school process. The second part of the discussion focused more on procedural and funding-political aspects: whether and how Estonia should continue or reconsider ending daylight saving time, and what short- and medium-term possibilities there would be for the functioning of society. Towards the end, the question arose whether to reject the draft law on its first reading in the Riigikogu and how the proceedings should move forward, but no specific agreement was reached, and ultimately the matter was put to a vote.

The focus of today's agenda item was bill 627, initiated by the Isamaa faction, which sought to declare energy carrier excise tax increases invalid. The first reading took place, and the presentation began with the words of Member of the Riigikogu Aivar Kok. The bill’s purpose is to halt previous and planned excise tax increases and to provide room for the economy to grow, not with the direct aim of generating additional revenue. Attention was also drawn to the widespread impact of excise taxes on the prices paid by end consumers – the price levels of fuel, electricity, and food – and the effect this has on families and businesses.

In the second part, there was discussion and an argument between the opposition and the coalition regarding the broader impacts of tax increases, including the context of inflation and the cost of living. Ultimately, the decision was reached that the leadership committee recommends rejecting the bill on its first reading and preparing for a vote. It was also noted that the vote result would be influenced by numerous opinions and that the bill’s failure to pass would terminate its consideration in its current form.

Today’s agenda item before the Riigikogu was bill 614, initiated by Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvarti, amending the Traffic Act, which provides for the supplementation of regulations concerning personal mobility devices, minimopeds, and bicycles. The bill was presented for the first reading and its aim is to improve the safety of the urban environment, reduce the number of accidents, and ensure better rules for consumers, urban police, and healthcare institutions. The spokesperson emphasized that the current situation in the cityscape is unsustainable and unregulated service providers may place hundreds of vehicles in the city, creating a picture of insecurity, risks, and also litter and chaos in the environment and public spaces.

The Riigikogu discussed the draft law amending the Traffic Act, first reading 616, which provides for greater autonomy for municipalities to regulate the use of light electric vehicles and minimopeds within their local territories. The draft’s objective is to increase safety on city streets and reduce the number of accidents, enabling municipalities to set limits on the maximum number of vehicles and establish age restrictions, preventing users younger than the specified age from using the service. While Tallinn has demonstrated, in its existing practices, cautionary requirements at the municipal and city government level, the discussion raised questions about the responsibilities and supervisory roles of the state and local governments, including the limited rights and resources of the municipal police. Another turning point was the political question: whether such regulation is sensible and whether something needs to be done at the state level or in local regulations.

At the session's start, the question posed by Member of the Riigikogu Aleksandr Tšaplõgin (pid: tqf_ePph_iY) to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas regarding a crisis of confidence was addressed. Tšaplõgin referred to the assessment of political analyst Martin Mölder, stating that the support for the ruling parties is exceptionally low (approximately 20%), calling it the darkest period in recent Estonian democratic history. He directly asked why the government was not stepping down, given that the low support damages the country's ability to govern.

Prime Minister Kallas responded that the organization of state life is stipulated in the constitution and laws, and the government operates with the support of the parliamentary majority. She emphasized the government's priorities: increasing defense spending above 5% of GDP, which enjoys popular support, and reducing the tax burden. Kallas cited the increase of the income tax-free minimum to 700 euros and the abolishment of the car tax as examples.

In a clarifying question, Tšaplõgin accused the government of breaking election promises and deceiving the public, citing tax increases and claiming that Estonia's security (including economic and energy security) is the worst it has been in the last 30 years. Kallas refuted these claims, presenting figures demonstrating a decrease in the tax burden for the years 2025–2029, and called references to new taxes by the opposition political propaganda. Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart (pid: uIN2fJ9voPY) raised an additional question concerning the decline in a sense of belonging among Estonian residents, brought up by President Karis, which is a result of the government’s inconsistent behavior (converting temporary tax increases into permanent ones, car tax). Prime Minister Kallas responded that, according to a Eurobarometer survey, the credibility of the Estonian government is at the European Union average. She explained that a decline in trust is often linked to economic uncertainty, political polarization, and targeted attacks against state institutions. Kallas promised that the government would address the economic situation and called for a reduction in polarization.

Today, the second reading of the 2025 supplementary budget was discussed in the Riigikogu. The discussion focused primarily on security-related needs and whether increasing income support limits and funding other security components should now be covered by the supplementary budget. Helmen Kütt presented a specific model: increasing income support could be appropriate more quickly, but the financial resources are lacking and this could be addressed in the next stage of the budget process. He drew a parallel to 2022, when a similar step was taken, and emphasized that the current situation, due to prices and the cost of living, makes the need for income support very актуален. Against the background of the broader approval of the bill, he also touched on the funding of the security and cybersecurity sectors and the budget’s impact on national defense and security needs.

The second part of the discussion highlighted that the supplementary budget is primarily related to national defense and security requirements – for example, the procurement of necessary resources for national defense competencies and support services (outreach equipment for national media, radio crisis solutions, cybersecurity, counterintelligence, organizing the eastern border, new support weapons for the PPA, Pärnu Hospital’s operational continuity and oxygen generators for ambulances). At the same time, it was noted that the timeliness of income support needs to be reviewed and that the discussion in this area will remain a longer-term topic within the budget process. In addition, the importance of the full operational functionality of the SKAIS2 system was brought out, along with the need for ongoing investment distribution, and plans to clarify how much and when these funds will be allocated. Overall, the exchange of views revolved around the balance: covering security expenditures with the supplementary budget while continuing to assess and discuss income support and social mechanisms at the budget discussions to be held in the autumn.

Within the framework of the third question, Helle-Moonika Helme, as Riigikogu curator, addressed Prime Minister Kristen Michal to express her opinion on the state of the country. Helme highlighted the rapid rise in inflation and the increase in the prices of consumer goods, and asserted that the impact of tax policy on ordinary citizens is ecologically and economically important. She presented a specific example of a family with two children and asked how much such a family would lose or gain due to the tax packages being prepared for next year. The discussion centered on the impact of the state budget and tax system on the consumer, and the sustainability of politicians at the national level.

The Riigikogu's fourth question addressed the role of the Estonian language in public spaces and its position in society. The question was posed by Tõnis Lukas (Isamaa) to the Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, and concerned the influence of the Estonian language in service industries, taxi services, and platform work. The speaker raised concerns about the lack of Estonian language skills and the postponement of language requirements, emphasizing the need for implementation and strengthening of state-supported language-friendly practices. The importance of Estonian-language public spaces in the context of Flag Day was also highlighted, along with references to potential changes in language rights and usage.

Member of the Riigikogu Vadim Belobrovtsev submitted a request for information to Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas regarding the funding of teacher salaries and school lunches. Regarding salaries, Belobrovtsev criticized the slow growth of the minimum teacher salary (especially the 0% increase for 2025) and asked what a realistic increase would be for 2026, considering the trade union's desire to raise the minimum to the level of the average Estonian salary (2184 euros). Minister Kallas explained that progress towards the target of 120% of the average salary will be achieved through increasing the differentiation fund (DF) (up to 24% by 2028), which will allow school administrators to pay salaries more flexibly and implement career models. She deemed the trade unions' proposed 20% increase to the minimum salary unrealistic, citing an uncertain economic forecast, and declined to name a specific number for 2026.

Regarding school lunches, Belobrovtsev pointed out that the state’s contribution (1 euro per student per day) has remained unchanged since 2018, despite high inflation. Minister Kallas emphasized that 1 euro is support for local governments, not the actual cost of school lunch. She noted that, given the difficulty in covering increasing costs, it is inevitable that parents’ contribution to paying for school lunches will increase (also citing internships in state schools). She did not promise an increase in the state’s contribution for 2026. Tõnis Lukas asked for clarification on the official budget request number from the Ministry of Education and Research, to which the Minister replied that calculations are still underway, but will be based on the goals set in the agreement to end the strike.

The discussion of the sixth question focused on the ability of Estonian people to cope in a crisis situation. Anti Allas posed a specific question to the Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, regarding the impact of the tax structure and why the coalition doesn't see fit to implement measures aimed at the coping ability of all people: rethinking the tax system and the contribution of the wealthier could help alleviate the situation where prices have risen and people's ability to cope is more strained. In addition, coalition agreements and future changes in tax management were discussed, including progressive income tax, a tax-free minimum, and potential simplifications for businesses.

The second part of the discussion focused on the Prime Minister's responses: how and in what ways is it planned to ensure economic growth and people's ability to cope through tax system reforms, a balanced state budget, and specifically worded measures such as car tax relief for families and incentives for disabled people to use vehicles. The discussions also brought out the context of financial indicators – the deficit in stimulating the economy and tax burden forecasts for the years 2024–2029.

The seventh question addressed the further development of Rail Baltic and Estonia's role in this large-scale project. The question from Member of the Riigikogu Rain Epler directly concerned the possibility of traveling from Tallinn to Warsaw on the Rail Baltic section as early as 2030. The Prime Minister replied that the construction of Rail Baltic is an extremely important infrastructure connection and that the Estonian government and the private sector are doing everything possible to ensure the route is completed; already one-third of the route is under construction and a large part of the work will be implemented by the end of 2026. Cooperation between the Baltic states is also very important, and the recent meeting of the three prime ministers, where Lithuania pledged to be ready on time and Latvia confirmed the fulfillment of the same goal. Estonia is ready to build its route more affordably and faster, and, if necessary, Estonian private sector companies are ready to offer assistance.

The second part of the discussion focused on the situation of the Papiniidu bridge in the context of Rail Baltic: whether and how a joint solution for the highway bridge could be considered with the railway. Members of the Riigikogu pointed out that it is necessary to look at joint rides and possible economies, but the government explained that the decisions regarding specific individual objects are primarily made by infrastructure owners such as the Transport Agency or Rail Baltic; and that schedules and financing aspects are discussed with the relevant institutions. In the concluding style of the discussion, the idea was raised that the government would forward substantiated proposals to the relevant institutions and that efforts would continue to improve parliamentary culture and the quality of discussion. Finally, no formal decisions were made during this session, but thoughts were directed forward and promised to be passed on to the relevant institutions.

Today's agenda item number eight concerned infrastructure investments in the cultural and sports sector. Member of the Riigikogu, Andres Metsoja, presented two blocks of questions to the Minister of Culture, Heidy Purga. Firstly, Metsoja raised the issue of funding for the Alutaguse Health and Sports Centre, which, unlike other major centres (such as Tehvandi and Jõulumäe), operates 100% on local government funding. Metsoja asked whether the state and local governments could consider implementing a foundation model, especially considering that Alutaguse recently hosted the Tartu Ski Marathon. Minister Purga responded that the Ministry of Culture has not received an official initiative from Alutaguse and that establishing new foundations is challenging in the current strained budget situation, also citing reductions in investments for existing centres.

Secondly, the questions pertained to the construction of the Tartu City Centre Cultural Centre (Siuru/Süku) and the construction of associated shelter. Metsoja inquired whether funding from a broad-based state defense budget could be used to build the shelter to assist Tartu in case of financial difficulties. Minister Purga explained that this matter is a very specific area of local government responsibility. She confirmed that funding from the Cultural Capital cannot increase beyond the adjustment of the construction price index and that, to her knowledge, funding from a broad-based state defense has not been planned for the shelter, but promised to clarify this.

Today, the ninth question concerning the alignment of educational opportunities with the needs of entrepreneurship was addressed. The question was posed by Member of the Riigikogu Vladimir Arhipov to Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas, and the focus was on the correspondence of training opportunities for teachers and entrepreneurs with the needs of the labor market. Arhipov's message emphasized that the state’s education system produces thousands of diplomas, but in many cases there is a lack of alignment with the demands of the labor market, and these shortages are particularly evident in the fields of engineering and technology. He stressed the need for swift and effective cooperation to ensure that graduates are undoubtedly competitive, and that Estonia does not need to rely on large immigration quotas.

The Q&A session during the information session focused on security-related questions concerning population movement, labor needs, and integration, as well as the risks associated with them. Mart Helme posed a broad question to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas about the labor shortage and potential dangers as Estonia seeks to replace departing Estonians with immigrants. He raised concerns about the security of immigration and cultural adaptation, emphasizing that when risks arise, attention must be paid to who has access to borders and national security. Unfortunately, the responses primarily relied on an understanding of economics and dissemination: economics and training, OSKA reports, and exceptions for skilled labor.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Estonia's economy and education and entrepreneurship system are working to provide opportunities for Estonians in high-value-added jobs and, if necessary, to bring in skilled labor from abroad, but that the framework of controls and background checks is strong and that internal systems (such as those based on OSKA findings) determine which specialties are needed. The entire discussion focused on how to balance the goals of national security and economic growth and what role the movement of young people and international experience play in Estonia's development. Ultimately, the participants emphasized that although the world is open and young people are moving, Estonia’s ability to grow safely and reduce the polarization within society must be prioritized.

Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis presented a report to the Riigikogu on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035" in the infrastructure sector. The Minister emphasized that infrastructure development is directly linked to security, the economy, and the quality of the living environment. The report’s focus was on Rail Baltic, the road network, circular economy, housing economy, aviation, maritime affairs, and water management. Rail Baltic was described as a strategic priority, with construction work already underway over a 100 km stretch, aiming for completion by 2030, bringing significant benefits to the economy and security. At least 70 million euros in additional funding per year was promised in the coalition agreement for road maintenance, focusing on the development of 2+2 road sections (Tallinn–Pärnu, Tallinn–Tartu) and paving gravel roads. In the circular economy sector, the goal is to implement a waste reform to create a new industry from waste and increase the recycling rate to 65% by 2035. In housing economy, support for the comprehensive renovation of apartment buildings will continue from CO2 quota revenues, and the state housing loan guarantee will be increased in market failure areas.

During the question round and negotiations, the profitability and security of Rail Baltic, the realism of construction schedules in Latvia and Lithuania, and Poland's readiness were discussed. There was also debate about the underfunding of roads, the loss of airline routes (Ryanair) due to airport fee increases, plans to consolidate the water reform, and the availability of housing. The Minister confirmed that Rail Baltic is a plus investment for Estonia and that the aggregate impact of the waste reform is positive for the state (plus 20 million euros). Representatives of the factions (Centre Party, Isamaa, Social Democrats, Estonia 200, EKRE, Reform Party) expressed both support for infrastructure development and concern about funding, regional policy, and the availability of housing.