Plenary Sessions

The first reading of the draft supplementary budget law for 2025, bill number 651, took place in the plenary session of the Riigikogu. The primary focus is on strengthening national defense and financing non-military national defense tasks, with planned one-time expenditures of approximately 44 million euros; no new positions will be created. The expected impact on the budget for a broad range of national defense activities is roughly 39 million euros, or about 0.1% of GDP. The supplementary budget adjusts revenues from foreign aid and economic activity, and according to project specifications and priorities, expenditures will be reallocated; 25 million euros will be added for financing transactions (including an investment fund and Eesti Energia's share capital). Revenue will also increase by 26.6 million euros, expenditures by 46.5 million euros, and investment transactions by 32.5 million euros. The first reading was concluded and the bill will proceed to the second reading. The debate during the session reflected transparency concerns regarding the budget, criticism, and broader questions – including the justifications for income thresholds, national defense, and expenditure reallocations – and different factions presented opposing positions.

The present agenda item concerned the interpellation presented by Members of the Riigikogu Züleyxa Izmailova, Riina Sikkuti and others to the Minister of Justice and Digital Transformation, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, regarding the Tabasalu Pihlakodu case and the Prosecutor's Office’s activities. The questioners sharply criticised the Prosecutor's Office's initial position, according to which rape may not cause damage to the victim, and the decision not to initiate criminal proceedings against the legal entity (Pihlakodu AS), despite alleged deficiencies in work organisation and supervision. Minister Pakosta emphasised, in her responses, the Prosecutor's Office’s independence in criminal proceedings and confirmed that the Prosecutor's Office's previously controversial statement was an "extremely failed expression" for which an apology has been made. She noted that the Prosecutor's Office did everything possible to bring the perpetrator to court and requested state legal aid for the victims. According to the Minister, the Bar Association’s Chamber of Honour is currently investigating why the representative appointed by the state failed to submit claims for non-pecuniary damage on behalf of the victims. The questioners expressed continued concern about the undermining of the public's sense of justice and the inadequate protection of vulnerable individuals within the Estonian legal system, demanding specific legislative amendments, especially the expedited processing of the consent law (yes-model) and the clarification of the provision on the liability of legal entities.

An inquiry regarding the impacts and regulations of wind energy development in Estonia (inquiry no. 749) submitted on April 14, 2025, by members of the Estonian Parliament Evelin Poolamets, Arvo Aller, Helle-Moonika Helme, Rene Kok, and Rain Epler. The purpose of the inquiry is to obtain clear and substantive answers from the Minister regarding the wind energy impact assessment framework, the local population, and environmental monitoring, as provided by Estonian scientists and authorities. Key topics include noise assessments and the impacts of infrasound, low-frequency noise, vibration, shadowing (the effect of light play/shadowing), cumulative impacts, and monitoring and surveillance mechanisms. The questions raised address existing standards, methodologies, and shortcomings – both legal and technical – as well as planned state measures to eliminate these gaps and problems, to incorporate them, and to develop monitoring.

The agenda item concerned the questioning of the Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, by members of the Riigikogu regarding the qualification requirements for youth workers. Reili Rand, speaking on behalf of the questioners, highlighted the sector’s concern regarding the Minister’s previous statements, which characterized the shaping of qualification requirements as excessive regulatory management, and asked about the future and the sustainable financing of the sector. Minister Kallas explained that the dispute within the ministry did not concern the establishment of the requirements themselves, but rather their content and, above all, the justification for spending a budget of €2.6 million on bureaucratic activities rather than activities directly aimed at young people (e.g., work groups, camps). The Minister affirmed support for the establishment of professional requirements for youth workers (level 5, secondary education), contrary to the initial proposal for a higher education requirement, which would have led to more than half of the current employees being dismissed. Kallas noted that currently, the corresponding profession is lacking for almost 1000 of the 1700 youth workers, making a transition period necessary, expected to last 3–5 years. There was also discussion about the financing of extracurricular education, during which the Minister emphasized the need to increase the autonomy of local governments, but acknowledged concerns regarding the guarantee of financing, citing the need to analyze funding based on the principal amount.

Under agenda item five, the organization of the school network and the state’s role in upper secondary education were discussed. The inquiry was prepared by members of the Riigikogu: Tõnis Lukas, Helir-Valdor Seedr, Andres Metsoja, Riina Solman, and Priit Sibul, and they asked for a broader picture of changes to the school network, focusing on the differentiation of upper secondary schools from basic schools, and how these changes affect local governments and the content of education. The agenda included clarifying the timelines for the planned reform (anticipated for 2035) and what mechanisms are desired: administrative contracts, the division of ownership and responsibility for buildings, and the state’s role in organizing schools. Furthermore, the need was raised to gain a clear picture of the cost of maintaining already small upper secondary schools, and what organizational options might offer stability and quality in both rural areas and large counties. The second part focused on previous promises regarding salary increases and the replenishment of teachers, and how taking responsibility for schools at the state level affects the level of vocational and applied higher education and the general labor market.

This agenda item addressed the interpellation (no. 764) presented by members of the Riigikogu, Jaak Valge and Leo Kunnas, on May 5, 2025, regarding the use of the Estonian language as a language of science and in relation to the quality of university education. The interpellation is a continuation of two previous interpellations held on March 17th, and primarily raises the question of whether trends in Estonian-language science and education, and the expansion of the Estonian language in public spaces, have narrowed recently, and what aspects of these could be better received in politics and administration. The data and points of contention covered include the language infrastructure for doctoral studies (Estonian vs. English abstracts and works), internationalization, the role of foreign students and their language learning potential, and the level of visibility of the Estonian language globally. Main tensions arose concerning whether English-language education increases international visibility and the quality of education, and whether the promotion of Estonian as a language of science is sustainable and receiving sufficient support.

The discussion also emphasized the need to review integrated funding models and administrative agreements to ensure the sustainability of Estonian-language research and Estonian-language education, and raised questions regarding the integration of foreign students, the acquisition of the Estonian language, and the language proficiency levels of doctoral graduates. Critical points were referenced with statistics, including the language of doctoral dissertations, the foreign-language component of master's programs, and the impact of language use by students and those participating in the labor market. In conclusion, the agenda item’s purpose was reporting and discussion on the status of the Estonian language, the development of the language of science, and the sustainability of academic quality, in light of specific indicators and international connections.

The topics reviewed included: 1) The role of preserving and developing the Estonian language as a language of science and the impact of language use in public spaces; 2) The impact of English-language learning on international visibility and scientific performance indicators; 3) The language of doctoral dissertations (Estonian vs. English) and the growth of teaching staff; 4) The effectiveness of training and integrating foreign students, and language learning opportunities; 5) The language selection for websites and information accessibility, and the image of national language policy in an international context.

The Riigikogu discussed the inquiry presented on April 14th regarding the Pihlakodu case and the safety of care homes. The inquiry was submitted by 12 members of the Social Democratic Party, and its aim was to clarify what steps the government has taken in recent years and what is planned for the future to increase oversight of care homes, prevent similar crimes, and ensure the safety and dignified treatment of residents. The discussion covered the responsibility of care home owners and managers, improving background checks for employees, and cooperation between the state and local governments, as well as planned measures to strengthen the protection of human dignity and rights and to improve oversight mechanisms.

Central to the discussion was the need to increase transparency, improve prevention, and ensure the provision of quality and safe care home services. The discussion also touched on the context of the coalition agreement's care reform, which includes reducing the administrative burden on local governments and balancing funding and staffing needs to ensure affordable and dignified services. Finally, the need for a sustainable management model and stricter oversight of the chain of command was emphasized to more effectively prevent similar violations in the future and hold perpetrators accountable.

The eighth item on the agenda addressed questions related to inquiries concerning the construction of Tallinn Hospital. The inquirers are members of the Riigikogu, Tanel Kiik, Lauri Läänemets, Ester Karuse, Reili Rand, and Andre Hanimäe, and their wish was to receive clear answers and decisions regarding the construction and financing of Tallinn Hospital, rather than simply presenting political criticism or separate analyses. The inquiry was formally submitted and then responded to by the Minister of Social Affairs, Karmen Joller. Formally, the topic was addressed more broadly through the planning of connecting Tallinn’s hospitals and building a new medical campus, involving the City of Tallinn and, where possible, Tartu University Clinic, and discussing various financing and timeline options. Based on the text, there was a reflection of the effort to gain assurance and a unified position on both the organization of specialist medical care and the axis of large-scale investments within the context of North Estonia's healthcare.

The Riigikogu debate addressed the interpellation presented by members of the Riigikogu, Peeter Ernits and Kersti Sarapuu, regarding the impact of support measures on the apiculture sector and food security. The core question was whether food security is solely addressed by large-scale beekeepers (16 or more hives) and whether this is a legally and economically justifiable basis for distribution. The comparison highlighted the 15-hive threshold and the transition to a support pattern centered on 16+ hives, a considered solution made following a decrease in the diminishing returns effect on the budget. Statistics on beekeepers registered in Estonia were also presented, noting that pest control, knowledge days, and other extensive support opportunities remain accessible to all beekeepers. Meetings with the sector on December 17th and April 9th showed that the discussion has been multifaceted and the willingness to continue dialogue and check the correctness of decisions concerns both transparency and the impact achieved in the use of the budget. Final decisions were likely not implemented, and the debate will guide further political discussion and potential changes through cooperation with the apiculture sector, including its name and structure, starting in 2026.

The first item on the agenda concerns the Chancellery of Justice's proposal to grant permission to remove parliamentary immunity from Member of the Riigikogu Kalle Laanet and to continue criminal proceedings against him. The presenter is the Chancellery of Justice, Ülle Madise. The procedure is clearly defined: a presentation lasting up to 20 minutes, after which each Member of the Riigikogu may pose one oral question; this is followed by Kalle Laaneti’s statement, lasting up to five minutes, and the opportunity for questions concludes. Following that, deliberations will continue, and finally, a vote will take place. Please, Chancellery of Justice, Ülle Madise!

The second agenda item concerned the first reading of draft resolution 646 amending the Riigikogu resolution, as presented by the Foreign Affairs Committee. The presenter was Ester Karuse, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. During the draft's procedure, the composition of the representatives was clarified, and the need for members of the Baltic Assembly’s Estonian delegation was discussed, based on decisions made in cooperation with the committee. From the committee's explanations, it became clear that following the expiry of Hele Everausi’s term of office, it was desired to appoint Irja Lutsar as her replacement on the Baltic Assembly delegation; this change was presented unanimously, and deadlines for amendments were set for 4 p.m. on May 16th. As no amendments were received, the draft was directed to full text preparation and it was recommended to support it. The second part of the session focused on the draft's further procedure and final vote.

The session continued from the previous day's meeting, reviewing the draft law 645 – the draft law on the simplified taxation of entrepreneurial income, and related income tax and security tax drafts, initiated by the Republic's Government, which had been left unfinished. The focus of the discussion was on the redistribution of the tax burden and its impact on different income levels, including the necessary funding to ensure defense expenditures and security capability. The Social Democratic Party faction declared their firm support for a progressive income tax in order to avoid unpleasant surprises and maintain a lively discussion, emphasizing the program's promise to make the tax system fairer while preventing the tax burden from being carried on the shoulders of low-wage earners.

In the second part, the agenda included a discussion regarding deliberations in committees and adherence to the rules of procedure – whether the draft law's explanatory note and the opinions of the included institutions should be presented, and whether it is possible to move forward with the first reading with a rushed procedure. Possible amendment proposals (the joint proposal of the Centre Party and SDE factions to reject the first reading) were also under discussion. Ultimately, it was agreed that the draft law, which is not acceptable for the first reading, would be put to a vote, and a corresponding procedural decision was prepared for it; the session ended with the clarification that the first reading was completed and the deadline for submitting amendment proposals is set for June 3rd at 5:15 PM.

The second agenda item concerned the third reading of bill 561, which addresses the amendment of the Act on Social Support for People with Disabilities initiated by the Government of the Republic, and the amendment of other acts related to it. Helmen Kütt opened the debate on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction; discussion arose following five Social Affairs Committee sessions and focuses on how to improve the system’s operation and reduce the burden on families where specialized care services are currently inadequate. The bill did not add or reduce the number of specialized care service places, but has attempted to address concerns and allow 16-year-olds to apply for the service; questions were also raised regarding the sustainability of state funding and the accessibility of services.

The third agenda item concerned the third reading of the draft law 588 amending the Securities Market Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic, and amending other laws accordingly. Discussions were opened, and speakers engaged in a substantial substantive debate regarding how companies operating on the stock exchange ensure gender balance in management bodies. The draft provides for the possibility of choosing between two options: either at least 40% of the board members or at least 33% of the members of the board and supervisory board must belong to a less represented gender. The aim is to implement this by mid-2026 and, if necessary, to notify the Financial Supervision Authority. The discussion raised questions about the rational basis of the conditions, as well as issues of union support and nullity; some considered it a soft measure, while others saw it as totalitarianism and excessive government intervention in private companies. The boundary of the concept also brought out a compromise regarding the state's participation policy principles, which requires a similar order for state-owned enterprises, although this has not yet been implemented at the legislative level. The debate was characterized by sharply divergent viewpoints between gender balance and entrepreneurial freedom, but ultimately the draft was approved as a result of the final vote. The result of the final vote was: in favor 47, against 21, abstentions 1; draft 588 has been adopted as a law.

The agenda item concerned discussion of draft Resolution 601 of the Riigikogu submitted by the Isamaa faction, proposing that the Republic of Estonia initiate proceedings in the European Union to invalidate the obligation to prepare sustainability reports. Presenter Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa) emphasized that the obligation to prepare sustainability reports, introduced into Estonian legal order, imposes an administrative burden of approximately 36 million euros on businesses and damages their competitiveness. Isamaa's position was that this is an ideological bureaucratic pyramid that should be completely removed from the European Union legal environment.

During the debate, a sharp confrontation arose between the coalition and the opposition. Representatives of the Reform Party (Kristo Enn Vaga, Õnne Pillak) argued that the draft is unnecessary, as the Republic of Estonia had already previously (after Isamaa submitted the draft) confirmed its position that reporting should be made voluntary in the European Union, and that Isamaa is "walking through an open door." Reinsalu and other opposition members (Mart Maastik, Rene Kokk) however emphasized that the obligation remains in force in Estonian laws and that parliament needs to give a clear mandate for its complete annulment. The government was also criticized for concealing the financial impacts of other large administrative burden-generating regulations (e.g., the "Fit for 55" package). The leading committee (the economic affairs committee) proposed conducting a final vote. As a majority of the Riigikogu membership (51 votes) was required to pass the decision, the draft was rejected with 19 votes in favor.

The present agenda item concerns the second reading of the draft law amending the Identity Document Act and, in connection therewith, amending other acts 572. The rapporteur is Kalle Laanet, a member of the Constitutional Committee. The first reading took place on April 29th and concluded. In preparing for the second reading, the Constitutional Committee held a session on May 12th, decided to submit four amendments, and also reviewed the linguistic clarifications made to the draft law.

The amendments formed a significant part of the discussion: No. 1 replaces the reference to the name of a specific foundation in the Identity Document Act with a reference to a sectoral foundation, so that it is not sensible to highlight a specific name in the law, as the foundation may change over time; No. 2 stipulates that some provisions that have already been repealed by the act amending the Aliens Act and, in connection therewith, amending other acts, adopted on March 15, 2025, are excluded from the draft law; No. 1 is derived from a proposal by the Data Protection Inspectorate and specifies the authority provisions relating to datasets, so that the issuing authority is obliged to provide precise retention deadlines; No. 1 is based on the amendments coming into force on December 19, 2025, by which return certificates and permits will disappear from the Identity Document Act and be replaced by an EU return certificate; therefore, these changes to the provisions must be removed and the number of the added paragraph corrected.

The guiding committee's procedural decisions were as follows: the second reading of the draft law shall be placed on the Riigikogu’s agenda on May 19th; to conclude the second reading of the draft law and, if concluded, to propose placing the draft law on the Riigikogu’s agenda for the third reading on June 19, 2025, and to carry out the final vote.

The agenda concerns the first reading review of draft law 642 regarding withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention (the international treaty prohibiting landmines). The draft law's initiator is the Republic of Estonia’s Government, and the leading presenter is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna. Based on the changed security situation and Russia's aggression in Ukraine, a decision is presented to the Riigikogu (Parliament) which expands the flexibility of the Estonian Defence Forces and allows for the use and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines, if necessary, also in defense and crisis regimes. At the same time, it is emphasized that Estonia will continue to comply with international humanitarian law and apply other international norms. A diverse international notification and cooperation is proposed with neighboring countries Latvia and Lithuania regarding the procedure for withdrawing from the convention and notifying the depositary states.

Several representatives from various factions, including EKRE, the Reform Party, the Social Democratic Party, and others, reflect on the debate, with their speeches addressing the decision's historical context, the needs of national defense, and the legal and international consequences. Notably, it is emphasized that the withdrawal occurs primarily due to a deterioration in the security situation and that the decision to withdraw from the convention should be made during peacetime, but its entry into force depends on the development of the situation and the completion of a six-month notification period.

The seventh agenda item concerned the Minister of Energy and Environment’s presentation for 2025 on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035." The presentation was given by the Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt. It was noted that the presentation would last up to 30 minutes, and each member of the Riigikogu (Parliament) would have the opportunity to ask one oral question, followed by negotiations between parliamentary groups. This portion was intended to initiate discussions relating to basic principles and plans, and to set long-term goals in cooperation between the government and parliament.

First reading of the presentation: First reading of draft law 622, amending the Liquid Fuel Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The purpose of the draft is to establish oversight and responsibility related to the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels and to specify which authorities (the Transport Authority and the Environmental Agency) will implement these mechanisms. The draft follows the rules and structures of the European Union and takes steps to increase the preparedness of Estonian companies for market changes, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and ensuring a gradual wider adoption of sustainable aviation fuel. It is important to emphasize that the transition will be gradual and take into account the specific characteristics of the sector and market conditions; from this year, a 2% share of sustainable fuel will be in effect, and a flexible accounting method will be used for its implementation.

Today's agenda item concerns the draft Act amending the Accounting Act (600 SE), initiated by the Isamaa faction, which aims to reduce bureaucracy for entrepreneurs. This is the first reading of the draft in the Riigikogu, and the presenter is Member of the Riigikogu Mart Maastik. The draft differs from the government's plan in that Isamaa wants to postpone the obligation to submit reports by at least two years and emphasizes the need to streamline administrative burdens.

The debate focused primarily on the question of whether the sustainability reporting obligation should remain partially in force or become fully voluntary, and what impact the European Union's increasingly globalizing standards have on Estonian entrepreneurs. In addition, it was pointed out that the European Union sustainability reporting standards discussed by the Economic Affairs Committee in 2023 and the government's plans may overlap over time, but differ in terms of the timing of measures and their actual impact on entrepreneurship. Finally, the committee adopted decisions, and at the end of the speech, it was confirmed that the first reading will be concluded and the procedure will continue, including deadlines for submitting amendments.

The tenth agenda item concerns the debate on the first reading of the draft law 607, initiated by the Isamaa faction, to establish a tax freeze, and related thoughts concerning the faction's draft law 600, also in its first reading. The debate will be led by the bill presenters from the speaker's chair, and they will refer to the current economic situation and the need to finance defense expenditures, which is why the future of a tax freeze and certain tax benefits remains on the agenda. Simultaneously, the plans and justifications of the coalition and the government regarding the continuation or ongoing temporary effect of tax cuts or tax increases will be highlighted, and the long-term impact of the security tax and other taxes on the budget will be discussed.

Agenda item number 11 addressed the draft law amending the income tax act 597 for its first reading, initiated by the Estonian Conservative People’s Party faction. The draft’s purpose was to reduce the income tax rate to 20%, while government plans foresaw an increase in income tax to 24% from next year. The discussion brought out both the logic of the tax system and broader economic impacts: an increase in net income for wage earners, motivation for employees, and at the same time, the impact of the shadow economy and inflation on the state budget. Some emphasized that tax cuts could stimulate the economy and put more money in people's hands, while others warned of the loss of tax revenue and a weakening of budgetary and consumption capacity, which could further destabilize the business and legislative environment. As a final decision regarding the draft, it was decided to reject the draft in the first reading and to terminate the procedure under certain conditions.

We have reached the last item on the agenda: the first reading of the draft law amending the Value Added Tax Act, initiated by the Conservative People's Party of Estonia faction, number 596. The draft's aim is to lower the value added tax rate from 22% to 20%, which, along with opposing arguments, was presented as a way to reduce inflation, preserve purchasing power, and stimulate economic growth. It was also pointed out that, through a fairer tax system, lower input costs, and a better business environment, both citizens and businesses could become more resilient. It’s bold to say that the budgetary policy impacts are favorable in the long term, although initial revenue may fall and require substitute measures. The draft law stipulates a coming into force date of January 1, 2026, which provides a significant amount of time for adaptation and preparations.

The topic was accompanied by broader discussions between parties: the Reform Party, Estonia 200, and the Social Democrats voiced criticism regarding the tax increase and the budget's sustainability, while the Conservative People's Party and its allies considered the reduction to be correct and necessary to reduce price pressure on citizens. Speeches and comments followed from several colleagues, encompassing both the long-term impacts of the tax changes and international comparisons. Overall, the agenda was characterized by strong government and opposition interaction and a deep discussion on how taxes affect the standard of living and the state's accounting.

The discussion focused on Estonian war and peace issues within the context of maritime security and the recent operation to halt the Russian shadow fleet. Speakers debated who issued the orders and how coordination occurred, raising the question of who bears responsibility for the decision, given the risks and consequences generated for the population and the state.
Furthermore, reference was made to the legislative amendment adopted on April 9, 2025, in the Defence Forces Act and the Economic Zone Act (to strengthen maritime security), which aims to clarify the mandates of the Defence Forces and Border Guard, and the measures intended for military use, and emphasized the continued control of ships and the protection of critical infrastructure in cooperation with NATO and the European Union.

The Riigikogu discussion focused on the impact of the economic burden on entrepreneurship and society in the context of next year. The primary aim of the questions was to assess the government's actions regarding the size of expenses related to taxation, charges, and services, and their impact on already uneven inflation. In addition, waste circulation reform, the establishment of electricity charges, and the dynamics of negotiations at the European Union level regarding ETS2 (Emissions Trading System 2) and its impact on fuel and energy prices were discussed, as parliament has been given a mandate to postpone or annul ETS2. Questions also intensified regarding income tax benefits and the long-term, persistent nature of the tax burden.

In the second part, clarifying and expanding questions about ETS2 were raised, and attention was also drawn to the burdens related to waste reform and energy charges. A reasoned claim was made that the government's promises and previous decisions have caused a crisis of confidence, and the burdens may deviate from realistically well-considered and predictable frameworks if tax benefits and the distribution of income are discussed in parallel. Finally, it became clear that parliament is more strongly oriented towards postponing or annulling ETS2 and what impact these steps may have in both the short and long term.

The focus of today's discussion is the IMF’s overview and the future of Estonia’s tax system. The IMF pointed out that Estonia needs structural reforms and a thorough review of the tax system in order to ensure economic growth through a fairer and more diverse tax base and the finding of sustainable sources for financing defense spending and public services. The discussion emphasized that tax increases must go hand in hand with a comprehensive and sustainable discussion of the tax system and the opening up of issues concerning the taxation of assets, capital, and higher dividends, rather than just increasing VAT and visa fees. The need for potential bill reviews and audits was also highlighted, as well as the role of local governments in land tax and other local taxes in the context of changes made.

In the second chapter, explanations and answers were provided by the Minister of Finance: The IMF praises Estonia’s tax policy and the maintenance of competitiveness, but emphasizes that the need for budget balance and structural changes remains, and that finding balancing opportunities and considering alternatives, including greater attention to asset and consumption taxes, is necessary. The debate explored how consumption taxes form a larger portion of the state budget than income tax and whether this is a fair and sustainable way to avoid inequality and maintain competitiveness. The role of car tax and land tax was also discussed, along with exemptions for children and people with disabilities, and the opinions presented to the Chancellor of Justice regarding the constitutionality of car tax. An agreement was reached that the government will submit additional bills soon, but no decisions were taken immediately for closure.

Lauri Läänemets posed an inquiry to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas regarding the government’s actions, which, in Läänemets’s opinion, serve a narrow business interest at the expense of the public interest. The question centered on the government's decision to adopt the Enterprise and Economic Growth Council's proposal to designate 70% of Estonia’s forests as commercial forests. Läänemets asserted that this proposal is beneficial only to a few individual entrepreneurs (such as Raul Kirjanen) and that the government made the decision without considering the public interest or conducting an engagement process.

Prime Minister Kallas defended the council’s work, emphasizing that the private sector's contribution is valuable to the state. She affirmed that the government always seeks a balance between the economy and nature conservation. Kallas explained that the purpose of 70% commercial forest is not to weaken nature conservation, as 68% of the forests are already commercial forests, and the aim is to ensure predictability and clear rules. She added that 30% of land and sea are under protection.

Tiit Maran posed a clarifying question regarding the selection criteria for council members, the avoidance of conflicts of interest, and the consequences of enshrining the 70:30 principle. Kallas responded that the council consists of top entrepreneurs who are willing to contribute free of charge, and that the 70:30 principle will be debated in parliament via an energy and environment ministry bill, which will allow for public discussion.

The present question discussed Estonia’s readiness for national defence and focused on the attempt referred to as a failed operation involving a Jaguar tank. On one hand, questions were raised regarding the relocation and control procedures, and the functioning of the chain of command: was a political decision not made, or were the interior minister and defence minister unavailable, and how that is reflected in decision-making. On the other hand, international law, the mandate for the Defence Forces and Border Guard, and related topics such as naval vessel control, the lack of flag states for ships, and document checks were brought to the agenda. Attendees explained what actions Estonia is undertaking within the framework of infrastructure and international maritime freedom, and how communication directed towards the media and the public should be organised.

Today's sitting focused primarily on tax reform and its impact on the economy. Aivar Kokk posed a question to the prime minister regarding the further planning of tax increases, discussing the conflict between promises and actual measures, and seeking clarification on why different taxes have arisen or will arise, and how this affects the incomes of people and businesses. The response included specific figures regarding the development of the tax burden for the years 2025–2030, and emphasized that with the abolition of the security tax and changes to income tax and VAT, it is hoped to reduce the tax burden, with separate goals being to improve the financial situation of people and working people. In addition, discussions were held on how changes accompanying the legislation might affect the state budget and what the updated timelines and conditions for promises are.

The seventh question concerned an incident involving a naval task force tanker at sea and the legal aspects related to it, as well as the operation's execution in Estonian territorial waters. The Riigikogu asked Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur about the legal basis for the actions and whether they were carried out based on a routine check or an extraordinary intelligence report; it was also asked who specifically made the relevant decision and whether it was driven by political decisions or a higher-ranking officer. In the first discussion segment, the minister referred to the framework for maritime protection and security and explained that each case is assessed separately and the navy carries out checks in accordance with the established legal framework and international law (UNCLOS).

The first topic concerns the 30/70 forestry principle: 30% of land and sea area under protection and 70% production forest, where forestry is managed sustainably. The discussion centered on ensuring clarity and balance regarding how the 30% protection is defined in law and how, if necessary, valuable areas to be placed under protection can be replaced with areas of lower value, without automatically leading to widespread clearcutting. Furthermore, it was confirmed that 70% does not automatically mean "clear-cutting" and that the importance of nature conservation and the sustainability of forest management are enhanced. The second topic addresses issues related to compensation for protected zones and buffer zones: fair compensation to landowners, taxation practices, and plans to supplement compensation mechanisms with Natura support and RMK compensation funds, and the possibility of using forest tenure models to compensate for lost income.

The Riigikogu held an information session on the topic of the incident in the Gulf of Finland, focusing on the possible nature of the boarding and its legal and organizational background. Varro Vooglaid posed a question to the Minister of Defence, Hanno Pevkur, asking whether the boarding was planned and who is responsible for the political approval of the decision and the action. The discussion also covered the details of the case: whether the plan was to board the ship with a crewed helicopter, what actions were carried out (e.g., anchor checks, document review within the framework of UNCLOS), and what was the ship's final course of action and the legal basis for the control carried out in the economic zone.

The first item on the agenda concerns the draft law 633 for the first reading of amendments to the Securities Market Act initiated by the Government of the Republic, and related laws. Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi delivered the presentation from the rostrum of the Riigikogu. The main objective was to improve the regulation of derivatives and repo transactions and to increase Estonia’s legal alignment with international standards, including matters of settlement and termination. This would mean better legal certainty for foreign investors and would increase the access of Estonian banks and other financial institutions to the international derivatives and repo transaction market, which in turn could enhance the competitiveness of our business environment. Several other amendments were also introduced, concerning the regulation of crisis measures, the criteria for the liquidation of small banks, the procedure for assessing collateral for housing loans, and the labeling and control conditions for green bonds. There was also discussion regarding the licensing procedures of the Financial Supervision Authority, to ensure the orderly process of voluntary termination. Initially, various members of the Riigikogu raised questions concerning the harmonization of valuations and the situation of small banks. Ultimately, the discussion moved forward and the committee will continue the thorough discussion and preparation for subsequent sessions.

The topic of the agenda item was the first reading of Bill 634 amending the Act on Payment Institutions and E-Money Institutions and the Act on Payment and Settlement Systems. Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi introduced the bill, which is based on the European Union's instant payment regulation. The main purpose of the bill is to expand the rights of payment institutions and e-money institutions, allowing them to obtain direct access to instant payment settlement systems without having to use credit institutions (banks) as intermediaries. This change should promote the availability of instant payments in euros (within 10 seconds) and increase competition and innovation in the payment services market. Ligi emphasized that obtaining direct access requires a permit from the Financial Supervisory Authority in order to mitigate the risks of money laundering and fraud. The rapporteur of the Finance Committee, Mart Võrklaev, confirmed that the committee supported the further processing of the bill and noted that the deadline for transposing the directive is April 9, 2025.

The first item is the first reading of the draft law amending the Law on Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The presentation was given by the Minister of Finance, Jürgen Ligi, who explained the purpose of the draft and, as a whole, the focus was on strengthening the money laundering prevention system: leading procedures are being amended, more precise criteria are being established for assessing the suitability of individuals in the management bodies of companies, and the legal framework of the register of beneficial owners is being improved. An important part of the discussion was the expansion of the rights of the Financial Intelligence Bureau to process data – the use of mass data, machine analysis, and text processing, together with strict restrictions (for example, the need for pseudonymisation and a separate permit to identify individuals). It was also emphasized that the new rights will not lead to the collection of personal data and will not impose additional burdens on the private sector.

The agenda item under consideration concerns the draft law 641 for ratification, on the first reading, of the agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Botswana for the avoidance of double taxation on income (and its protocol). The draft was introduced by the Minister of Finance, Jürgen Ligi, and the agreement is aimed at ensuring the stability of the tax environment for foreign market companies investing in Estonia, as well as for Estonian businesses expanding to foreign markets. Key aspects of the agreement include the allocation of rights to tax income sources, prevention of tax avoidance, and increased tax control through information exchange. The signing of the agreement on September 25th last year in New York and its basis in the OECD model agreement signals that Estonia continues to accept international tax discussions, adding Botswana to its long-standing list of 63. Important indicators include the taxation of dividends, interest, license fees, and technical or advisory services, as well as special provisions relating to income of government, central banks, or foundations. The agreement's information exchange mechanism is publicly robust, extending beyond the incomes of resident individuals and preventing tax evasion with increasing numbers.

In the second chapter, the importance of the draft concerning the potential for an Africa partnership and the involvement of Botswana, as a country with a growing economy, was considered. Emphasis was placed on the fact that countries desire a modern tax structure that reduces administrative burden and strengthens cooperation, citing Liechtenstein and Andorra as examples of agreements moving towards signature. The commission's discussion raised doubts about the potential future of tax revenues, but emphasized the growth potential of the IT sector and, consequently, the possibility of additional tax revenues. Finally, a consensus was reached to move forward with the draft’s first reading and the plan to place it on the plenary session agenda on May 20th, complete the first reading and appoint Riina Sikkut as the closed representative for the lead commission.

The Riigikogu discussed bill 645 last week, submitted by the Riigikogu Board for its first reading, which combines three government initiatives: the simplified tax law for entrepreneurial income, the security tax law, and the amendment to the income tax law. The presentation was given by the Minister of Finance, Jürgen Ligi, whose speech emphasized the aim of further simplifying tax funding and reducing the tax burden, as well as eliminating the temporary nature of the security tax. The bill envisions extensive changes: the abolition of income tax for individuals from the very first euro and the setting of a 24% tax rate, the elimination of the tax bracket system alongside the retention of a €700 tax-free allowance, and a 24% income tax and turnover-based system for businesses. Additionally, a 24% VAT rate is stipulated, and the dates of entry into force for the changes are established: VAT on July 1st of this year, and income tax from January 1st, 2026. The focus of the discussion was the impact on the economy and the budget: the estimated revenue loss is approximately €234 million per year, but discussions were held considering economic growth and defense spending in the long term. Reference was also made to the economic context of defense and security narratives, and the need to ensure long-term funding and plan procurements with a longer timeframe.

The first agenda item addressed the inquiry presented by Rain Epler (and associates) regarding the security of the southeastern border area. Parliament heard from Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who provided answers and clarifications concerning plans to strengthen border zone security and the state's measures regarding border area infrastructure, the preservation of the population, and the provision of communication services. Several technical and financially related steps were adopted, including timelines for border and infrastructure construction and the implementation of remote monitoring technology. In addition, the impacts of housing and regional development were discussed. The discussion also centered on how to ensure better communication services and internet connectivity in rural areas and what measures are being planned to promote the preservation of the population and the creation of jobs in border areas.

The presented inquiry concerned the future of Estonian agriculture, and within its scope, primarily addressed the future approaches, funding, and vitality of rural areas under the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Questions and answers presented from the Riigikogu speaker's chair encompassed both the structure of ministries and the state's guidelines for the next budget period, including critical attention to the issues of support models, competitiveness, and ensuring food production security. The inquirers, including Lauri Laats, Vladimir Arhipov, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Andrei Korobeinik, and Vadim Belobrovtsev, highlighted concerns in the context of national defense and food supply and requested clarification on how Estonia is preparing to implement the new instrument system and what the priorities are.

The second part of the discussion focused on reducing internal work and bureaucracy, changing corporate taxation, and addressing the impacts of the green transition in agriculture. The government presented its positions: significant structural changes are not planned, and work organization decisions remain within the authority of the ministry's leadership; the goal is to ensure stability and economic vitality for agricultural producers, including changes in tax arrangements (e.g., the elimination of the 2% profit tax for companies, expansion of the income tax-free minimum) and the sustainability of funding; furthermore, it was emphasized that the priorities for the next long-term period are: fair income, increased competitiveness, and the vitality of rural areas through knowledge, innovation, and digital transition. The discussion also encompassed the involvement of young people, harmonization of controls, and the protection of productive agricultural land, which are related to Estonia’s strategic resources and food security.

As the third item on the agenda, the inquiry submitted on March 26th by members of the Riigikogu – Andrei Korobeinik, Vladimir Arhipov, Aleksei Jevgrafov, and Lauri Laats – regarding the construction of Via Baltica was addressed. The inquirers highlighted the need to clarify whether and to what extent the road is planned to be built in a four-lane format, and what the development timeline and funding are. In speeches, emphasis was placed on defense and security aspects, as well as the role of European Union funding, and also on the differences in political culture between the Reform Party and the Centre Party concerning the fulfillment of promises related to Via Baltica. Speakers included both the inquirers and representatives of the government, including Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, and the discussion encompassed a series of historical and current phenomena: government priorities, budget operations and funding policy, the availability of European Union co-financing, and the potential for military mobility.

The Riigikogu discussed the draft law 590 for the first reading of the bill on ratifying the document amending the Constitution of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The draft law aims to ratify the amendments to the ILO Constitution, which will lead to broader representation on the governing body, a more inclusive process for appointing the Director-General, and enable amendments to the Constitution's most important principles with greater support from member states than previously. Such ratification expresses Estonia’s readiness to supplement the inclusion and legitimacy mechanisms necessary for adopting the organization's decisions and to strengthen Estonia’s foreign relations with the ILO. It is important to emphasize that ratification will not involve changes to national legislation or create additional costs for the state; the objective is international cooperation and mutual support.

The second paragraph outlines the ultimate goals of the amendments being considered: changing the composition of the governing body, making the process of electing the ILO Director-General more inclusive, and establishing rules for amending the ILO Constitution. The committee’s discussion focused on three key questions: why increase the number of members of the governing body, whether Estonia has experienced beneficial effects on its ILO membership effectiveness, and what the practical and financial impacts have been during membership. It was immediately noted that there are currently no additional costs for the state and that ratification of the amendments does not require internal changes within the country. In conclusion, the draft law aims to ensure broader involvement and transparency in ILO decisions and to strengthen Estonia’s role in international labour law discussions.

Under agenda item five, the draft law 624 for the first reading of the amendment to Section 4 of the Consumer Protection Act, initiated by the Republic of Estonia’s Government, was discussed. The draft law aims to modernize the norms concerning the submission and retention of purchase receipts and invoices, taking into account the rapid development of technology and the widespread use of digital solutions. The currently valid requirements for paper-based submissions have created both administrative burdens and environmental impacts, therefore the proposal is to amend the rules in a way that promotes digital channels and does not immediately force retailers to redevelop their software. At the same time, consumer rights are preserved: a paper receipt is still available to those who request it or who pay in cash and wish to continue receiving it, and the tracking of purchase data in digital form is convenient and secure for the consumer. The draft law was prepared in collaboration with the Retailers' Association and the Green Tiger Foundation; the aim is to reduce paper consumption and administrative costs while ensuring consumer protection and accessibility. The implementation of the designed changes is planned for January 1st of next year. Rimi’s example demonstrates the potential for the spread of digital receipts: in 2023, 31.7 tons of paper were saved in the Baltics. It remains important for society to ensure the consumer’s right to receive an invoice and to use purchase history, especially for older people, and to maintain the possibility of receiving posted paper receipts for those who cannot use digital channels.

Under agenda item six, the interpellation number 740, submitted on April 7, 2025, by members of the Riigikogu – Lauri Laats, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, Andrei Korobeinik, Vadim Belobrovtsev, and Aleksei Jevgrafov – regarding the use of foreign railway wagons in Ukraine, was discussed. The presenter was Riigikogu member Lauri Laats. The main problem was Ukrainian Railways’ ban on the use of foreign freight wagons on Ukrainian territory, which has resulted in the suspension of over 500 wagons belonging to Estonian companies, with a total value estimated at approximately 20 million euros. The interpellation aimed to gain clarity on how the Estonian state intends to protect its entrepreneurs, whether contact has been made with the Ukrainian side, and what the potential solution scenarios are.

The Riigikogu discussed Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry Erkki Keldo’s responses to Riigikogu members Jaak Valge and Leo Kunnase’s interpellation no. 742 concerning labor productivity, Estonia’s competitiveness, and cheap labor. The interpellation’s representative, Jaak Valge, sharply criticized the government's economic policy, highlighting the significant decline in Estonia’s labor productivity (70% of the EU average according to OECD data) and the fall in competitiveness to 33rd place. Valge and other opposition members (M. Helme, L. Laats, R. Kokk) claimed that the government’s plans to increase immigration (including the planned exception for skilled workers) are aimed at cheap labor, which inhibits wage growth and innovation and deepens the demographic and social crisis.

Minister Erkki Keldo denied the failure of economic policy and emphasized that immigration in recent years has largely been due to Ukrainian war refugees, who do not fit the profile of a typical foreign worker. He affirmed that Estonia’s immigration policy is conservative (quota of 0.1% of the population) and that wage criteria (the Estonian average or higher) exclude the import of cheap labor. Keldo emphasized the government's systematic work to create higher added value (e.g., applied research programs) and confirmed that security agencies conduct thorough background checks on immigrants. The debate was emotional and focused on conflicting statistical data, particularly the interpretation of unemployment and productivity indicators.

The agenda concerns a question raised by Anti Allas, Ester Karuse, Andre Hanimäe, and Helmen Küti regarding the illegal alteration of nature protection regulations. The question highlights a critical issue: why were restrictions on protected areas changed without the knowledge and unfairly to landowners, and why were the procedures of the Nature Conservation Act and the requirements of Natura 2000 not adequately implemented. The content of the question is based on an infringement procedure initiated by the European Commission in 2021 and the subsequent actions of the state regarding changes to protected areas and the execution of procedures. Concerns were raised about how to resolve the damage incurred by landowners, and when and how clarity will emerge from European Commission reports, and what compensation or remedial mechanisms the state is prepared to implement. Preparatory legislative amendments and their impact on protected areas, property rights, and local residents were also discussed at the table.

The agenda item addressed the inquiry of the members of the Riigikogu concerning the delay in confirming the Development Plan for the Environmental Sector 2030 (KEVAD) and Estonian environmental policy. The inquirer, Tiit Maran, drew attention to the fact that, despite extensive preparatory work and the existence of a 73-page draft, the development plan has not been submitted to the Government of the Republic for confirmation in almost two years. Maran asked whether the Ministry of Climate intends to move forward with the document or if it will simply disappear into a drawer.

The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, explained that the delay was due to the creation of the Ministry of Climate and the reorganization of the ministry's strategic performance areas. The former environmental sector has been divided between two new performance areas, meaning the KEVAD draft is no longer comprehensive and performance area-based. The Minister confirmed that the work done in preparing the development plan is valuable and will be used in future, more compact development plans, such as the "Development Plan for the Energy Sector 2035," the "Development Plan for Forestry 2035," and the "Plan for the Restoration of Estonian Nature." The debate quickly focused on the government’s forestry policy, particularly the plan to define 70% of forest land as available for management. The opposition sharply criticized this direction, claiming that it serves narrow business interests and would lead to forests turning into "tree farms." Minister Sutt rejected these accusations, emphasizing that the 70% figure provides investment certainty and that forest management must follow the Forestry Act and the principles of intergenerational management. The opposition expressed concern that significant environmental decisions are being made without a broad-based and comprehensive strategic document.

An inquiry regarding electricity generation capacity was submitted on April 8, 2025, by Riigikogu members Jaak Aab and other members of the Social Democratic Party to Minister Andres Sutt. The inquiry's focus is on the necessary development of generation capacity in Estonia, its faster implementation, and increased equipment reliability, as well as network markets and price imbalances. In 2024, Estonia consumed approximately 8 terawatt-hours of electricity, of which 5.4 TWh was produced. Forecasts indicate that consumption will exceed 10 TWh by 2030, and larger network connections with neighboring countries will not be completed on schedule in the near future. A fundamental requirement is the promotion of inclusive and distributed renewable energy production and ensuring equipment reliability, while safeguarding the interests of people and industry.

The agenda includes the Minister of Education and Research’s 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035" and a discussion of related reforms and potential challenges. The speaker is Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas, whose speech focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence and the need to protect the Estonian language and culture, the role of the AI-Jump program, and strengthening the educational activities underlying the Estonian language. In addition, the transition to Estonian-language instruction, reforms to vocational and applied education, a system for developing adult skills, and the accessibility, quality, and funding of higher education were highlighted. Various parties emphasized regional differences and the impacts of both the internal and external environment on the education system, including the recognition of ENIC/NARIC diplomas, the network and management of schools, and the planning of funding. Different parties raised questions and criticisms, and the discussion also covered youth work, vocational education, and higher education, including the impact of the regional network on the development of Hiiumaa, Narva, and other areas. Overall, the agenda was based on cooperation and consistent implementation of reforms driven by strong technology and language solidarity.

The first part provides an overview of the third reading of bill 519, amending the Unemployment Insurance Act and other related laws, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The bill aims to adjust the basic rate of unemployment benefits based on the unemployment insurance basic rate, and at the same time, to establish supplementary allowances for young people and other groups in certain situations. Discussions and consultations have been the topic—the factions see that the involvement of parties and a tripartite agreement (employers–trade unions–state) is important, but a lack of expected transparency and consensus has generated criticism.

The agenda item was the third reading and final vote on draft law 553 to amend the hunting law, initiated by the Isamaa faction. During the discussions, the focus was on the need to manage populations of large predators, primarily wolves, and their connections to environmental policy.

Andres Metsoja (Isamaa) emphasized that the draft law is necessary because the wolf population in Estonia and Europe is too large and is encroaching on people's economic and living spaces. He noted that the legislature must be able to express its will clearly, regardless of court decisions. Tiit Maran (Social Democratic Party) supported maintaining a wolf population within a socially acceptable range (20–30 packs), but used the metaphor of the wolf as a "canary in a coal mine," referring to deeper problems in Estonian forestry. In Maran’s opinion, conflicts between wolves and people are due to a scarcity of prey animals, which in turn is related to overharvesting and the lack of undergrowth in forests. He warned against ecologically foolish decisions that will increase social tensions in the future. Yoko Alender (Reform Party) supported the draft law, noting that it is a small but important improvement that will help maintain balance between nature and people and is also in the wolf's own interest, preventing it from becoming a target of anger. The draft law passed the final vote.

The third agenda item concerned the third reading of the draft law amending the Electricity Market Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The draft focuses on regulating grid development and connection fees, and the network usage fee, to increase supply security and provide developers with a clear and predictable investment right. The most important questions discussed were how fixed connection fees and grid development obligations would affect consumer costs, and whether these solutions would encourage the development of dispatchable power (to reduce dependence on dispatchable sources and reduce risks in the operation of the grid and electricity market). The Estonian discussion noted the need to balance the pace of the green transition with ensuring energy security, taking into account potential beneficial funding for carbon capture technologies and the potential of existing resources.

In a second part, different viewpoints were highlighted, and the regional context was also mentioned: the Reform Party emphasized transparency and supply security, while EKRE, Isamaa, and SDE made additional observations regarding consumer burden and economic balance. News from Latvia, regarding the suspension of wind farm development on state land, prompted the idea that more sensible decisions could reduce the growth of costs and risks in Estonia as well. Finally, a clear conclusion was made that draft law 556 was passed as a law, signifying a significant change in the organization of the Estonian electricity market.

The fourth agenda item concerned the bill amending the Law on Churches and Religious Congregations [re-examination], which had been returned to the Riigikogu by the President. The presiding officers explained the procedure: first, a presentation by the representative of the Constitutional Committee (up to 20 minutes), followed by a presentation by the representative of the Legal Committee (up to 20 minutes). A member of the Riigikogu could pose one question to either presenter. Following that, deliberations would take place, in which all members of the Riigikogu, as well as representatives of committees and factions, could participate; the essential question being the unreasonableness of the restrictions, and the discussion must remain focused on disclosing the reasons. Finally, a vote would take place, the substance of which is the decision to re-adopt the bill in its original form. Such a vote is complex: those who believe that the Riigikogu has properly processed the bill and that amendments are not necessary should vote in favour; otherwise, if milder forms or substantive changes are required, one must vote against. Following the initial explanation, members of the Constitutional and Legal Committees continued, and a final vote was then carried out.

A small but important discussion concerned the second reading of draft law 559, regarding the accession of the Republic of Estonia to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). The leading committee carried out the procedures following the period between the first readings: the draft law was concluded in the first reading, and the deadline for amendments was April 24th; a so-called linguistic correction added the word "and" to the text. The leading committee decided on May 5th to submit to the Riigikogu board a proposal to place the draft law on the plenary agenda for a second reading on May 14th, to confirm the text and explanatory memorandum of the draft law, and to conclude the second reading and conduct the final vote. For the draft law to pass the vote, a majority of votes in favor is required. Strong critical views were presented during the debate: criticisms from the opposition forces claimed that accession to IDEA is essentially meaningless and rather a matter of image regarding the appearance of democracy. The discussion highlighted the need for sustainable democracy and electoral assistance and proposed alternative reforms such as citizen initiatives, referendums, greater autonomy for local governments, and more transparent and reliable electoral systems. All of this concluded with a final vote, the results of which showed that the draft law was adopted.

As the sixth item on the Riigikogu’s agenda, the Riigikogu considered the draft resolution 643 of the Culture Committee, for its first reading, aimed at appointing two new, nationally recognized expert members to the Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) supervisory board. The Culture Committee decided to submit the draft resolution on May 6th, according to which two new members will be appointed to the board, with terms of office lasting five years. It is also noted that the terms of office of Peeter Espak and Viktor Trasberg expire on May 26th of this year, and therefore new experts are needed. The draft’s details emphasize that the ERR supervisory board consists of members of the Riigikogu and recognized experts in the field of public broadcasting, and the Riigikogu appoints members as representatives of parliamentary groups and from a group of four recognized experts. The organization of the competition and the assessment of candidates were carried out in accordance with the decision of the April 15th sitting; 13 candidates were expected by April 29th, and as a result of the vote held on May 6th, Paavo Nõgene and Raul Rebane were put forward for interviews. It is specifically mentioned that the existing recognized experts, Sulev Valner and Rein Veidemann, will continue and their terms of office will last until 2027. Finally, it is emphasized that the draft resolution of the Riigikogu will be adopted by a majority of affirmative votes, and the vote resulted in 50 in favor, 11 against, and 0 abstentions.

The Isamaa faction’s presented Riigikogu decision "To make a proposal to the Republic's Government to present a negative supplementary budget bill to reduce government expenditures in 2025" had its first reading, which addressed the content and main objectives of the bill. Urmas Reinsalu acted as the representative of the bill and proposed establishing a negative supplementary budget and taking measures to reduce government expenditures in order to lessen the impact of inflation on society. The government's current tax policy was also criticized, and a plan was presented not to increase indirect taxes, but instead to implement a financial mechanism to compensate for tax increases according to the principle of tax peace.

The second section focused on the argument about the impact of inflation and the cost of living on Estonian people and the interaction of the government's tax policy. Isamaa emphasized that the current tax increases are increasing inflation and therefore it is necessary to reduce government expenditures and keep increases in indirect taxes to a minimum. References were also made to observations from the National Audit Office and other analyses, which show an increase in government expenditures, and a decisive emphasis was placed on the fact that negative supplementary budget funds should be used to amend the state budget and reduce expenditures by approximately 300 million euros. Finally, it was seen that the bill was further processed in the finance committee and, in reaching the final decision in the Riigikogu, the decision was to reject the bill, which was reflected in the vote results.

The present agenda item concerned draft resolution 619 submitted by the Conservative People's Party of Estonia’s parliamentary group, which aimed to task the Government of the Republic with initiating negotiations with the European Commission to obtain an exemption from the obligation to purchase CO2 quotas for energy production companies. This was the first reading. The draft resolution was introduced by Member of the Riigikogu Rain Epler, and the discussion primarily focused on the European Union's climate and energy policy, and Estonia’s opportunities and risks in relation to the removal of the quota marking. The interests of neighboring countries Latvia and Lithuania were also addressed, and as a final conclusion, the need to reach a common position with the European Commission was noted.

Following this, the Riigikogu session addressed the second reading of bill 561, concerning the amendment of the law on social support for people with disabilities, initiated by the Republic's Government, and the amendment of other laws associated with it. The bill’s purpose was to amend and organize special care services more flexibly, and to improve the functionality of related laws. The Riigikogu designated the social affairs committee as the lead committee, and the first reading took place on January 29, 2025. Discussions primarily focused on age limits for children and the order of special care services, as well as how the changes would impact local municipalities and the accessibility of services in different regions, including rural areas. Efforts were made to find a balance between the concerns of parents and the accessibility of services, and stakeholder groups and government agencies – the Association of Cities and Municipalities of Estonia, the Chamber of People with Disabilities of Estonia, and the Association of Estonian Physicians – were included in the discussions to find a path toward consensus-based solutions.

The Riigikogu discussed the draft law amending the Securities Market Act, and related laws, initiated by the Republic’s Government, for a second reading (588). The draft law’s purpose is to adopt the EU directive to improve gender balance in the management bodies of listed companies, with the goal of a 40:60 gender representation. Member of the Finance Committee, Riina Sikkut (SDE), emphasized in her presentation that the representation of women in management bodies is extraordinarily low in Estonia, therefore regulatory intervention is necessary. Although amendment proposals did not arrive by the deadline, the Ministry of Finance submitted one amendment proposal, comprised of three parts, based on the opinions of interest groups (the Bar Association, Port of Tallinn, Chamber of Commerce and Industry). The main amendment concerned the deadline for submitting information to the Financial Supervision Authority, which was moved to June 30, 2026.

The subsequent debate was ideologically charged, with conservative MPs (EKRE, Isamaa) criticizing state intervention in the private sector and the establishment of gender quotas, considering it to be devaluing women and repeatedly asking for a definition of the "underrepresented gender" in the light of transgender ideology. Riina Sikkut defended the draft law, explaining that it deals with biological sex (men and women) and that the underrepresented gender is defined at the company level, not at the population level. She emphasized that quotas are necessary to overcome attitudinal barriers that prevent qualified women from reaching leadership positions.

11. Agenda item addressed the draft law 587 for the first reading of the accession to the protocol amending the convention concerning offenses and certain other acts committed on board aircraft, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The aim is to create a clear and legal framework that gives the state the power to deal with offenses committed on board and to provide greater safety and order in aviation. Estonia has not previously acceded to the Montreal Protocol (the protocol amending the 1963 Tokyo Convention), therefore there is insufficient legal clarity as to who and how will hold offenders accountable. Statistics show that a large proportion of cases do not reach proceedings and cabin crew and salon personnel suffer under the needs of emergency medical care and safety. Accession to the protocol will bring clearer rules of jurisdiction, conditions for preliminary investigation and procedure for handing over fellow passengers, as well as the right of the airline to claim damages, regardless of the aircraft's state of registration. In addition, it was emphasized that accession does not require amendments to national legislation or additional state budget commitments, but will provide the aviation sector with uniform and significantly improved safety standards and opportunities for cooperation with other countries. The second part addressed how to resolve passenger behavior risks in this context and the response of law enforcement when a flight lands in Estonia and the offender is on board, and how to avoid double proceedings in cooperation with other countries. Finally, examples were highlighted such as smoking in the toilet, e-cigarettes, failure to fasten seatbelts and consumption of alcohol, which can endanger cabin and flight safety and against which the new protocol would provide better tools. Consensus was that the draft law does not require changes to national laws, but emphasizes better safety and legal certainty, and the agreement on the next steps was clearly stated: the first reading of the draft law is concluded and the discussion is continued according to the board’s proposals.

12. Agenda item concerned the draft law 610 for the amendment of the Nature Conservation Act, initiated by the Republic’s Government, and the amendment of other laws associated with it (Nature Assessment), for its first reading. The presenter was Andres Sutt. The main point was the expansion of the separate procedure scheme for Nature Assessments to cover all activities that may have an impact on the conservation objectives of a Natura 2000 area, but lack a broader environmental impact. Restrictions on felling rules were also clarified, and opportunities were discussed through assessment and compensation systems to reduce the administrative burden on authorities and forest owners. The discussion unfolded against the backdrop of EU infringement proceedings, and questions were raised concerning fundamental rights, transparency, and the skills needed to carry out Nature Assessments, as well as how experts are involved and how their independence is ensured. In summary, the draft law aims to reduce bureaucracy and time consumption, improve clarity in protected areas, and ensure the protection of forest habitats in Natura 2000 areas, while maintaining a balance with opportunities for economic activity. As is known, concerns arose and were accompanied by the possibility of legal proceedings, and the culmination of the discussion was a consensus decision to bring the draft law to the agenda of the plenary session on May 14th and designate Tiit Maran as the representative of the leading commission. Finally, a decision was adopted to continue the proceedings in the first reading, but the draft law received a negative vote, and the balance of interests of member states and citizens remains a subject of ongoing discussion and further comments.

The meeting discussed the first 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. Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt presented the draft, whose main objective is to organize and modernize the system of environmental permits, reducing bureaucracy and administrative burden. The changes include increasing threshold capacities and quantities, eliminating registration obligations, and shortening processing times. For example, waste management will be simplified (double notifications will be eliminated and on-site composting of up to one ton of organic waste will be permitted without registration), blue economy (cultivation of algae and carp with registration), and animal husbandry (automatic monitoring of notification of deep-pit manure). During the discussion, the minister was asked about the number of animal sheds using deep-pit manure and the historical origins of the regulations were debated. Environmental Committee rapporteur Hanah Lahe confirmed that the committee unanimously supported concluding the first reading of the draft, emphasizing that oversight of low-environmental-risk activities will remain the responsibility of local governments.

The Riigikogu debated the first reading of Draft Act 612 on amendments to the Nature Conservation Act, the Hunting Act, and the State Assets Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt introduced the draft legislation, the aim of which is to strengthen the effectiveness of nature conservation, reduce bureaucracy, and improve legal clarity. Key amendments highlighted included the exclusive right of the Environmental Board to propose taking natural objects under protection, the creation of exceptions for security and public interest projects (e.g., Rail Baltic, military training areas), and the obligation of local governments to compensate for restrictions they impose. Local governments were also granted greater autonomy in deciding to reduce the building exclusion zone in densely populated areas.

The sharpest debate arose regarding the procedure for the acquisition and compensation of immovable property. The draft legislation stipulates that if the protection regime becomes stricter on land already under protection, only 50% of the land's value will be compensated. The opposition (Isamaa, EKRE, SDE) criticized this provision, deeming it an infringement of the fundamental right to property and unequal treatment compared to other cases of expropriation in the public interest, where the compensation rate is higher. Minister Sutt defended the 50% rate, explaining that the value of property with restrictions is inherently lower and that the owner must be aware of the potential for restrictions to be tightened. Three factions submitted a motion to reject the draft legislation, which was voted down (27 in favor, 47 against). The first reading of the draft legislation was concluded.

The proposal initiated by the Isamaa faction to align the state budget law with the Estonian Republic’s constitution (bill 580) was presented, along with its first reading. The purpose of the bill is to increase the transparency and understandability of the state budget, to make the process of handling the state budget clearer, and to specify the allocation of expenditures. This type of legislative amendment intends to differentiate, within each state budget program, labor costs, maintenance costs, social benefits, investment subsidies, other subsidies, financial expenses, and other expenses (including depreciation), and to extend the same breakdown to the budgets of constitutional institutions. Furthermore, it is desired to specify the breakdown of state budget funds and to differentiate, for each legal entity, the state budget supports, limiting the authority of the minister and granting this right to a collective body – the Republic's Government. In this regard, it is foreseen that the same breakdown will be presented for all state budget programs and that the interpretation of the budget will be uniform and clear to all members of the Riigikogu.

The first agenda item concerned the Riigikogu draft resolution 586, presented by the Isamaa faction, to establish circumstances for investigating the planned construction of offshore wind farms. The presenter, Mart Maastik, gave a brief overview of the purpose, tasks, and scope: to determine why 2.6 billion euros from public funds were considered for allocation, whether the plan was in line with the public interest, good business practices, and anti-corruption rules, and to identify responsibility and, if necessary, make amendments to legislation or administrative practice for future planning of major investments under the direction of the Riigikogu. The dates for completing the final report were also noted, initially set for 1st May 2025, with a possible extension to 1st July. In addition, questions were raised regarding the continuation of zoning plans in the Gulf of Riga and Saaremaa, and it was debated whether such a commission was consistent with Estonia's energy security and fair competition interests.

The second item on the agenda’s course was focused on whether the establishment of an investigative commission was necessary and what potential answers and limitations there might be. Ultimately, it was decided to reject the leading commission's proposal in the first reading, as a result of which the procedure for draft resolution 586 ended.

The second agenda item concerned the first reading of the draft law amending the State Audit Act and other laws, presented by the Conservative People's Party-Estonia faction, draft law 599. The session ended on these remote distances: with the presenter, Martin Helmet, absent, the procedure was not opened and the session ended, and the agenda was not continued. This situation indicated that without the presenter's presence, it was not possible to move on to the procedure, and the session ended peacefully.

Therefore, the agenda reflects two main themes: the commission formation draft and the decision to reject it in agenda item 16, and the termination of the meeting due to Martin Helmet’s absence in agenda item 17. Overall, the agenda items’ discussions with different objectives demonstrate the parameters of investigative oversight regarding major investments, as well as the conditions for termination of procedural issues in moving topics.

The question regarding cooperation and control focused on the diminishing economic value of rural people's property and land in protected areas, and how state restrictions and the practice of placing land under protection affect private ownership. Anti Allas posed a question to the Prime Minister regarding the Environmental Agency’s behavior, comparing the situation to those people whose kitchen gardens are no longer able to function – describing, within a broader context, how conservation goals and local management practices can clash. The debate also addressed the information process, the use of portals, and the sense of fairness towards rural people, whose property and income can easily diminish due to restrictions.

The second question in the Riigikogu primarily focused on the state's budgetary cuts and their allocation across different sectors, including the plan to redistribute 200 million euros from the European Union cohesion policy funds to the defense sector. The discussion touched on the usefulness of budget cuts for various ministries, as well as whether and how it would be possible to critically prioritize an increase in defense capabilities while also considering the critical funding needs of other sectors. Attention was also paid to the connections between energy efficiency and the renovation of apartment buildings, and the lack of digital and IT investments in ensuring pension payments.

In the second hearing, questions arose regarding the financing and prioritization of infrastructure development for the Rail Baltica project, including cooperation with Latvian partners, and the need to secure additional European funding. Overall, the discussion focused on reflecting on the conditions of two main thematic and funding streams: the reallocation of resources in the name of defense needs, and simultaneously the continued need to ensure critical social and infrastructural services and the sustainable development of projects.

The Estonian parliament's opening address touched upon the thematic concept of "Ligi and sheep" and discussed the responsibility associated with officials and politicians, and the question of who those "sheep" are who are debated in the Riigikogu or government. Seeder raised the point that the opposition between officials and politicians has likely led to a tangled way of thinking, and stressed the need to specifically clarify who forms the “sheep’s wool.” At the same time, reference was made to comments from the external environment and historical examples, which emphasize a balanced approach, and there was also a broader discussion about ensuring the quality of state governance through cooperation between officials and the government.

Nelson’s fourth question addressed the nature and legal basis of a network of public space cameras. The discussion centered on criticism arising from Madis Hindre's article, "A Database Even the Prime Minister Didn’t Know About: Cameras Record 20 Million License Plates Each Month," which stated that the network collects data on all traffic participants, not just offenders, and that there is a lack of a clear legal basis. A common emphasis was placed on the fact that data collection and recording must occur according to law, which stipulates what data is collected, who has access, how long it is stored, and how it is subsequently deleted. Representatives of legal and data protection authorities confirmed that the practice is not legally justifiable and needs to be rectified. Consequently, the Minister of the Interior announced the suspension of the camera network’s use until a legal basis exists and a thorough debate begins.

The second part of the discussion focused on the issue of responsibility and the future framework: if similar technology is used in the future, there must be clear rules that protect privacy and intimacy while simultaneously enabling effective crime detection. The discussion proceeded to examine how and under what conditions data is collected, who has access to it, and how it is deleted. Generally, the need was emphasized to establish a future legal framework in collaboration with the government and parliament, which would direct both technological development and the balancing of fundamental freedoms.

During the course of this agenda item, Member of the Riigikogu Raimond Kaljulaid (opposition) posed a question to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas regarding the delay in the management of the Ministry of Defence and especially the confirmation of implementing acts critical to the defence industry. Kaljulaid pointed out that although the Riigikogu adopted the legislative amendments at the end of last year and they came into force on January 1st, the Minister of Defence has been delaying the confirmation of the implementing acts for almost six months (133 days), which is hindering the development of the Estonian defence industry. Kaljulaid sharply criticised the Ministry of Defence's "dawdling" and asked the Prime Minister when she would show the Defence Minister a red card. Prime Minister Kallas acknowledged the existence of the delay and its regrettable nature, but explained that officials had cited the need for specific technical and engineering expertise in developing complex requirements (e.g., for weapons factories) as the reason for the delay. Kallas promised to have an educational conversation with the Minister of Defence, emphasising that time is the government's most valuable asset and that progress must be rapid in defence matters. In a follow-up question, Reili Rand inquired whether this was an exceptional delay or if there are other significant omissions in the defence sector. The Prime Minister reaffirmed her support for the Minister of Defence and stressed the need to complete matters quickly and correctly in order to strengthen Estonia's defence capability.

The agenda covered the consolidation of hospital information systems and Health Insurance Fund contracts, which affect the accessibility, quality, and funding of healthcare services. Fragmented information systems (such as ESTER and Watson) create significant administrative costs, increase workload, and threaten data security and the workflow of medical teams. The central focus of the discussion was creating a unified or coordinated solution, phasing out outdated systems, and establishing a coordinated pricing model and funding model at the national level to reduce costs and improve reliability and cybersecurity.

The second part focused on insurance and funding, and what to expect until 2027 and by the time of the elections. Discussions revolved around maintaining the insurance of doctors’ and nurses’ salaries and addressing the Health Insurance Fund's budget deficit, which impacts the volume of hospital contracts and the accessibility of primary care services. There was also discussion about improving work organization and developing e-consultations to reduce toxic work environments and ensure patients receive the right care in a timely manner. Expectations were also being formed for the coalition agreement regarding families and the expansion of care home services.

The focus of the seventh question was on taxes and tax changes, including proposals related to vehicle tax and the objections to them. Urmas Reinsalu presented a critical view of the government's tax package and made a specific proposal to abolish vehicle tax, citing the burden of obligations associated with implementing climate goals. The second part addressed issues related to Natura areas and forestry, where concerns were raised regarding draft laws 610 and 612 SE and the suspension of management over an area of 40,000 hectares; it was brought up how these restrictions affect the economy and how they or their interpretation could be clarified. In addition, the procedure for conducting the session and the nature of the information hour were discussed as a tool for obtaining information and debates about how to obtain yes/no answers to specific questions.

In summary, the focus was on two main themes: (1) taxes and the vehicle tax issue, including plans for income tax, value-added tax, and corporate taxation, as well as doubts and considerations regarding the potential abolition of vehicle tax; (2) restrictions on forestry and Natura areas and their possible impact on the economy, along with discussions of the government and coalition's positions and future principles (e.g., 70% of forest management). In addition, organizational and information development issues were highlighted, how the format of the information hour and the form of answers can influence the impact and results of the discussions.

This agenda item addressed the expansion of legal entity liability and related legal and practical issues in the care home sector. The discussion began with a question posed by Member of Parliament Arvo Aller, focusing on the amendment to the Penal Code adopted in November 2023 and its impact on the legal entity liability in situations where management omissions have contributed to the commission of crimes (for example, within a care home context). Minister Liisa-Ly Pakoste explained the purpose of the provision, emphasizing that a causal link must be proven; the discussion also covered the nuances and limitations concerning how and to what extent the organization and supervision of care homes might give rise to liability. In addition, the broader debate touched on whether and to what extent technical measures (such as cameras) should ensure safety and what the balance is between consumer rights and privacy protection.

The Riigikogu initiated the first reading of bill number 632, which is the Act amending the Courts Act and other related acts (enhancing the administration of courts), initiated by the Government of the Republic. The bill is an important part of a broader judicial reform, and its main objective is to ensure the independence, efficiency, and transparency of the court system: court administration will be transferred to the court’s own administration, not to an executive branch body. An interesting aspect is also the strengthening of the Riigikogu's role within the reform and the consolidation of strategic decisions within those bodies dealing with court administration and development. In addition, four pillars are described through which the judicial reform will be implemented: (1) transferring court administration from the ministry to the courts themselves, (2) improving court proceedings and laying the groundwork for digitization and the use of artificial intelligence, (3) equalizing workloads and structural changes, (4) discussion topics that should not fall within the jurisdiction of the court.

The court reform also creates greater frameworks for digital development and emphasizes that technological solutions should be usable in application courts where they are actually used, and judicial decisions remain the basis of human protection. The bill aims to simultaneously ensure the transparency of court funding and budgets, increasing the Riigikogu's role in funding and ensuring that expenses and resources move purposefully under the court's responsibility. It is also emphasized that although digital solutions and artificial intelligence may help accelerate and improve proceedings, the ultimate decision-making authority remains with the courthouse and judges. Finally, attention is drawn to cost balance: the changes are designed to be cost-neutral, and €350,000 will be allocated to cover job and economic costs through the transfer from the Ministry of Justice and Digital Transformation, which should increase transparency and clarity in court funding.

First reading: Draft law number 644 amending the Basic Education Act and the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia, and amending other laws related thereto (establishment of compulsory schooling), and amending the draft law. The main objective of the draft is to reduce bureaucracy related to the organisation of catering in childcare facilities, excluding the licensing requirement arising from the Food Act for those entrepreneurs who provide catering in childcare facilities. The amendments were prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Research, the Regional and Agricultural Ministry, and the Rural Affairs Committee. Initial discussions took place extraordinarily on May 27th, during two sessions. The Rural Affairs Committee chairman was responsible for the presentation, and the proposal to conclude the first reading was confirmed unanimously.

The first reading of the draft resolution 581 of the Riigikogu, "Organizing a Referendum on the Cessation of Electricity Production from Oil Shale," presented by the Estonian Centre Party faction and delivered by Lauri Laats, took place during consideration of the third agenda item. The core issue addressed was whether a referendum should be held in Estonia on ending electricity production from oil shale by the year 2040. The discussion focused on energy security, dependence on raw materials, potential economic and social impacts, and the context of the European Union's green transition and the ENMAK development plans. Questions were also raised regarding public involvement, the conditions for organizing referendums, the legitimacy of a referendum, and possible alternative solutions, such as carbon capture technology and the modernization of oil shale power plants.