Plenary Sessions

The agenda item concerned the inquiry no. 744 by Members of the Riigikogu, Lauri Laats, Andrei Korobeinik, Vadim Belobrovtsev, Aleksei Jevgrafov, and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, which addressed the notification of NATO member states regarding the loss of voting rights in Estonian local elections. On behalf of the inquirers, Lauri Laats introduced the inquiry, highlighting that as a result of amending the Constitution in an expedited procedure, the right to vote was also denied to NATO member state citizens (e.g., Iceland, Norway, USA, Canada) permanently residing in Estonia. Laats questioned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ previous position that allies had no expectations regarding the voting rights of their citizens, citing a clarification request from the Icelandic embassy.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna responded, emphasizing that the constitutional amendment was an initiative of the Riigikogu and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had no direct role in its preparation. He affirmed that allies have no legal basis to expect voting rights for their citizens, calling it a former privilege. Tsahkna noted that Iceland was the only country that requested clarifying information, and that notification occurred through regular public and diplomatic channels. Laats and Belobrovtsev criticized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' distancing from the issue and lack of basic courtesy towards allies, finding that in cases of rights restriction, allies should have been proactively notified.

The Riigikogu discussed, within the agenda item concerning parliamentary questions, the question submitted on February 13, 2025, by Members of the Riigikogu Lauri Laats, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Vladimir Arhipov, and Vadim Belobrovtsev regarding the care reform (question no. 719). The aim was to obtain explanations and an action plan from the minister concerning the implementation of the care reform, based on a review by the National Audit Office which pointed to problems with the reform's sustainability and financing. A key topic was that a place in a care home should be accessible for the price of an average pension, and the recently described price increases and financing models may jeopardize this objective; the discussion also included transparency in the formation of prices, the possibility for local governments to influence pricing, and the plan to conduct an impact analysis by the end of 2026.

Third on the agenda was a request for information submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Vladimir Arhipov, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Andrei Korobeinik, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Lauri Laatsi, Vadim Belobrovtsev, and Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, concerning the inquiry (No. 136) regarding survival policy, presented on March 26, 2025. The inquiry's focus is criticism of the coalition agreement’s inadequacy in the social sector and concerning issues related to people’s ability to cope. Several specific questions were raised: when is a plan for a social sector priority action plan to be prepared with the new government, how can the ability of families to cope be increased, and is the automatic linking of subsistence support with the indexation of the cost of living under consideration; simplifying the application process, digital solutions, and the state's ability to take into account actual needs and expenditures to reduce long-term survival problems. The second part of the discussion limited further steps and expectations concerning the final drafting of the coalition agreement and concrete actions. The concluding item for the third agenda point was the presentation of the minister’s responses and the coordination of further work on social sector topics.

The fourth item on the Riigikogu’s agenda was the question posed by Priit Sibula and Rain Epler regarding the Võru shooting range (no. 737), followed by the Minister of the Interior's response. The question’s presenters highlighted local concerns such as the situation at the Võru shooting range and potential wide-ranging state defense investment opportunities, which include recreational and training opportunities following the Finnish model, and cooperation between various agencies. The representatives emphasized the need to clarify the investment schedule, budget, and stage, and took up in their speeches topics relating to the renovation of the Põlva shooting range and the possibility of providing additional opportunities for service within the framework of the wide-ranging state defense for various regions.

This question combines local community and state-level needs: the main objective is to clarify how the development of the tactical building and indoor shooting range complex planned in the Võru area near the eastern border, and the cooperation affecting broader areas, will be realized, and when and how these projects may continue in the Estonian state budget and development plan. Several questions were raised regarding the investment schedule, the precise stage of preparation, alternatives (such as the renovation of the Põlva shooting range), and the inclusion of Finnish experience, as well as discussing how to create shooting ranges accessible for both defense and civilian use. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Minister emphasized the need to involve local governments within the context of the wide-ranging state defense plan and to consider future operations in various regions, for the sphere of defense and rescue services.

Under the fifth agenda item, a question time was held in the Riigikogu regarding entries in the population register, presented by Helle-Moonika Helme, Rain Epler, and Siim Polaku on April 17, 2025. The presentation of the question time was given by Riigikogu member Rain Epler. The question time focused primarily on the connections between name changes and gender data alterations in the population register and requested explanations and facts from officials regarding the interpretation of transgender name usage and other significant reasons. Four specific questions were presented: 1) how many name changes have been carried out with the reason “transgender” without the existence of a conclusive gender change document; 2) on what legal grounds have officials made changes to first names where the reason is “transgender”; 3) which circumstances are considered “significant” or “non-significant” reasons and where are these reasons listed; 4) on what basis do officials consider “transgenderism” to be an official gender, when Estonian laws define only male and female as genders. Minister Igor Taro answered these questions and provided explanations regarding the processes in the population register, the basis of the Name Act, and the concept of discretion. Following a thorough discussion, it was stated and, according to the final description, the question time procedure was concluded, but no new legislative decision was made. The debate involved various Riigikogu members (primarily Rain Epler, Martin Helme, Anti Poolamets, and others), who highlighted issues of legality, the limits of discretion, and the political assessment of gender-related topics. Overall, the discussion focused on the attempt to balance the rights of the individual and the national legal space, along with the consistency of data in the population register.

The agenda included an inquiry regarding potential amendments to the Weapons Act (no. 755), submitted by members of the Riigikogu Andre Hanimäe, Züleyxa Izmailova, Reili Ranna, Tanel Kiik, Helmen Kütt, Heljo Pikhof, Riina Sikkuti, and Anti Allas on April 22, 2025. The purpose of the inquiry was to clarify how the acquisition and use of weapons could be regulated more effectively and clearly, and what amendments would be justified in light of modern security and technological advancements. The background involved a significant discussion on balancing security and individual freedoms: whether and how there could be more weapons in Estonian society, and what impact this would have on safety, prevention, and accidents. The Riigikogu took the opportunity to immediately receive summaries and comments if needed, and the various possibilities were discussed step by step—from reducing bureaucracy to strengthening health checks and supervision. Another focus was on modernization and improving clarity, so that the law would be understandable to all parties involved and would meet the requirements of modern security.

The second paragraph: The debate focused primarily on the questions of whether there could be more weapons in Estonian homes and society; what changes to the law might lead to greater safety or rather, be associated with risks; how to reduce bureaucracy, and what the involvement of young people in national defense could be. It was emphasized that security consists not only of carrying weapons, but of broad-based national defense and fostering a desire to defend, as well as responsible and safe handling. At the same time, it was considered important that when implementing any changes, the focus would be on both the intended use and the quality of supervision, as well as the reasonableness of health checks and mental health assessments.

The first item on the agenda concerned the presentation by the Ministry of Justice and Digital Transformation regarding its 2025 submission, "Fundamental Principles of Criminal Policy Until 2030," and its implementation. The presentation was delivered with a brief overview and factual perspective, during which members of the Riigikogu had the right to pose one question, and parliamentary groups had the opportunity to discuss and, if necessary, clarify questions with the minister. This was also an opportunity to demonstrate how important a science-based and data-driven approach is to crime prevention and policy based on that data. In addition, the broader role of prevention work, evidence-based practices, and digital technology in criminal policy was addressed, and several points highlighted trends related to the health and safety of young people, as well as progress in combating corruption.

Justice and Digital Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta presented a report to the Riigikogu on the implementation of "Principles of Legislation Policy until 2030." The Minister began on a positive note, highlighting an OECD study, according to which Estonia ranks fourth among 36 countries in terms of transparency and impact assessment in legislation, and ninth in terms of stakeholder involvement. Last year, 47% of Estonian domestic laws (186 laws) were amended, and the number of extremely urgent bills decreased.

The report focused on two main themes: the quality of constitutional conformity analysis and the reduction of excessive administrative burden. The Minister emphasized the importance of constitutional conformity analysis in preventing excessive restrictions on freedoms and stated that the quality of the analysis has improved, but is not yet good enough. She supported the proposal by advocate Hannes Vallikivi to change the structure of explanatory memoranda so that constitutional conformity analysis is always in a separate chapter. To reduce administrative burden, the Minister introduced a new, more robust government approach that requires the submission of a bill reducing burden for each new initiative creating administrative burden ("one-in, one-out" principle), abandoning the previous principle of voluntariness. The review of 4000 regulations and the consideration of artificial intelligence in legislation were also mentioned.

During the debate, members of the Riigikogu criticized, especially Varro Vooglaid, the fact that, despite the existing rules of legislation and regulatory technique (HÕNTE), constitutional conformity analysis is still lacking in many government bills. Vooglaid demanded that the obligation to perform the analysis remain absolute and made a proposal that the Riigikogu leadership would not place inadequate bills on the agenda. The Minister responded that, in the case of extremely technical amendments (e.g., changing the name of an institution), a brief justification for the lack of analysis is sufficient to avoid pointless "word-spinning". Riina Solman raised the issue of clarity in the chain of responsibility in legislation, in the context of the Pihlakodu case.

The Riigikogu debated the third reading of bill 555, or the Act amending the Electricity Market Act, initiated by the Republic's Government. The main procedural controversy focused primarily on the topics of ensuring islanding capability, the role of oil shale energetics and its balance with burdens intended for consumers and grid operators. The bill’s aim was to create a framework that would guarantee the stability of electricity supply even during times when external connections or renewable energy production cannot handle the system without disruption; for this purpose, regulated capacity, storage capabilities, and potential taxes were planned. The debate deepened divergent understandings regarding the impact of lines and fees on consumers, energy security, and the Estonian economy as a whole.

Another aspect was the openly intended discussion: the discussion moved between companies and political forces and exerted pressure to pay for investments and guarantee base capacity and stabilization measures when wind or sun do not provide enough energy. The final session concluded with a vote, as a result of which bill 555 was adopted as law. This marked a significant step in Estonian energy policy, but still highlighted political disagreement regarding the burdens and investment involved.

The present agenda item was the third reading of the draft law amending the Emergency Situations Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The draft’s purpose is to clarify the obligations of providers of vital services in crisis situations, focusing particularly on cybersecurity and risk management, and to improve preparedness in the area of civil protection. A broader discussion was also raised regarding the necessity of the systemic functioning of civil protection, including shelters and bomb shelters, and the obligations for public training. The question was brought up as to how quickly and to what extent the state, the public sector, and vital services should be prepared for crises, and the government and the Reform Party’s decision-making speed was criticized, as some political forces believe that this has left improvements to civil protection neglected.

The presentation and discussion topic was the second reading of bill 541 — the Act amending the Planning Act and other laws (accelerating the adoption of renewable energy). The main objective of the bill is to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, and to achieve this, various legal acts have been amended and supplemented: the Electricity Market Act (terms for granting subsidies, regulations concerning federal and local levels), the Environmental Charges Act (wind turbine charges and impact planning), and the Planning Act (simplifying the procedure for local detailed plans, ensuring the effectiveness of environmental impact assessments in plans). In addition, changes relating to the impacts of wind turbines and other renewable energy objects, extending deadlines for commencing production, and transitional regulations were of central importance. The thorough discussion and opinions of participants from the first reading have been consolidated for collaboration: the ministry and the commission have presented and considered various amendment proposals, and stakeholder groups and various market participants have been involved.

The paragraph emphasizes that the framework is created for the future undersupply of wind energy and requires amendments to the Electricity Market Act and other legal acts, but simultaneously it is important to ensure involvement and transparency for market participants and to coordinate all changes at both the state and local government levels. The second part of the discussion focused on the role of local governments and involvement mechanisms, the timelines for planning procedures, and the transitional provisions for entry into force, with coordination and public display, and the opportunity to submit opinions playing an important role. Overall, the discussion reflects an effort to find a balance between accelerating the development of renewable energy and, at the same time, assessing the interests of consumers and local communities.

The fourth agenda item concerned the second reading of the draft law 519 amending the Unemployment Insurance Act and related laws, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The core of the draft law involves replacing unemployment benefits with a basic rate of unemployment insurance compensation, starting January 1, 2026, which would be 50% of the minimum wage from the previous calendar year. For example, in 2024, this would have been 374 euros and 50 cents. The eligible group of recipients must have worked at least eight months within the last 36 months; the compensation is paid for up to 180 days (a longer period in some cases). In addition, the commission added clarifying provisions: cross-border data exchange, transition to reserve service, and amendments to the Disability Support Act regarding rounding rules. The Social Commission also raised the issue of inclusivity and invited parties with differing viewpoints to the session of April 21, where the commission then listened to their views. Financial impacts and administrative burden issues were also central topics: supplementary funds (approximately 1.7 million euros) and the involvement of local governments. The draft law concludes with a plan to continue the second reading and to prepare for the third reading next week.

This agenda item concerns the draft act amending the Electricity Market Act, Bill No. 556, for its second reading before the Riigikogu. The draft centers around several issues of technological neutrality, financing of grid developments, and connection infrastructure, affecting both producers and consumers. The involvement of committees and interest groups was extensive: amendments were submitted by various factions and interest groups, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs' comments are available on the draft's card. Discussions primarily covered restrictions on technology adoption, given the role of "incidental generation" (random electricity) in ensuring grid stability, and the potential implementation and distribution of underload fees. The issue of direct line length restrictions and feasibility analyses for various connections was also addressed.

The agenda item concerned the first reading of draft law 623 amending the State Secrets and Classified Foreign Information Act, the Public Procurement Act, and the State Duty Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. Justice Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta presented the draft, whose main objective is to reduce bureaucracy and improve the competitiveness of Estonian companies, particularly those operating in the defense industry, in public procurement. The most significant changes include the possibility of applying for a classified information processing permit proactively, without a specific procurement in existence, and the abolition of the requirement for a supporting authority. In addition, processing permits are divided into two categories (A and B), where category B allows the use of another authority's secure area, saving companies costs. The draft also raises the fine for violation of requirements to 100,000 euros and establishes a state duty of 6,000 euros for applying for new permits, to balance the state's costs and the flexibility of applications. The Constitutional Committee supported the further processing of the draft.

The agenda item considered by the chairperson concerns the first reading of bill 594, an act amending the excise tax act and the value-added tax act, initiated by the Conservative People's Party of Estonia parliamentary group. The bill proposes several reductions in excise rates and a lowering of the value-added tax rate to 5%, in order to reduce the pressure of energy prices on consumers and businesses and to curb cross-border trade. Specifically, it addresses proposals to amend the excise rates for leaded and unleaded gasoline engines, aviation fuel, liquefied petroleum gas, motor fuel gas, diesel fuel, light and heavy heating oil, shale oil, and natural gas, as well as value-added tax rates. The law is scheduled to come into force on August 1st, with the aim of alleviating the impact of energy prices, increasing consumer purchasing power, and improving the competitiveness of businesses.

The first reading discussed the draft law to declare the security tax law invalid, initiated by the Conservative People's Party of Estonia faction, number 595. The event focused primarily on criticism of tax policy and the coalition's promises of tax cuts, contrasting them with the actual tax changes and budget forecasts. The debate was characterized by accusations directed at the government and the coalition regarding the impact of the tax changes – discussions revolved around whether the security tax was indeed a temporary measure, and whether the funds were being distributed appropriately and were going towards national defense or elsewhere (such as infrastructure support and subsidies). It was also noted that the draft law had not been in the Riigikogu for two months, and the parties highlighted the coalition's difficult negotiations and the political communication games hidden within them. The second part addressed other agenda items (596 and 597), but it was not possible to open their proceedings, and the focus remained on moving forward with the processing of one main draft law.

Today, a question was presented to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas in the Riigikogu concerning the expansion of bureaucracy and the competitiveness of the economy. The questioner, Riigikogu member Jaanus Karilaid, highlighted two main concerns: first, the growth of norms and controls in the public sector, which makes the business environment more cumbersome and hinders economic expansion; second, the backlog of road repairs and the lack of electrical capacity outside of Harjumaa, which prevents the creation of new factories and jobs. This related issue also concerns the responsible minister, Erkki Keldo, and the long-standing problems associated with it. It is a readiness to address structural changes to ensure a competitive business environment.

The Prime Minister responded, emphasizing that the problems lie to a greater extent in the norms and the control system itself, and not only in the actions of people. She described how the government monitors progress online on valitsus.ee, which shows the bureaucratic requirements eliminated and decisions made. She cited examples of simplification but also emphasized the need for larger reforms: streamlining planning procedures, abolishing the alcohol register, and simplifying workplace regulations; continuing the development of the road and electricity networks, eliminating phantom capacity and fixing network connections according to the Finnish model. In addition, she mentioned that public sector wages are growing more slowly than the general wage increase and referred to upcoming circumstances, including the issues of public holidays and the symbolic advisor, emphasizing the dignified use of symbols and the separation of personal viewpoints from official policy.

Today's Riigikogu session primarily addressed people’s ability to cope, and the distribution of economic growth and wealth within society. The discussion highlighted the impact of economic growth on different income brackets and how created wealth is distributed throughout society. Members of the Riigikogu spoke about how growth doesn’s necessarily mean an improved quality of life for everyone, and that reducing poverty and inequality requires continuous adjustments to both tax and social policies. Lauri Läänemets particularly drew attention to the logic that increased economic growth tends to benefit only a few percent of the population, and the distribution of assets is unequal – 10% of the population holds a significant portion of the assets. This context prompted discussion on how temporary tax breaks and tax incentives, along with permanent measures to increase income, could lead to a better balance and increase the purchasing power of the average family.

Furthermore, the topics of corruption and political party funding were raised: the opposition presented claims regarding the Center Party’s connections to corruption and asked what steps the government intends to take to reform political party funding. In response, it was emphasized that anti-corruption work is being carried out by the Ministers of Justice and Digital Transformation, and bills regarding political party funding will reach Parliament after thorough discussions. The reliability of pension payments and the functioning of the digital state were also touched upon: in addition to the timely payment of pensions, there is a need to invest in social sector information systems and ensure the reliability of direct routes and payment solutions. Overall, the aim is to tune the economy to grow in a way that benefits everyone equally, while at the same time ensuring transparent, efficient, and secure services for all citizens.

Thirdly, emphasis was placed on issues related to practical infrastructure and the development of the digital state. For the smooth functioning of pension and benefit payments, it is essential to gradually modernize state information systems, and during budget negotiations, we expect to request sufficient funding to ensure that applications and payments don't get interrupted. This issue highlighted that ensuring the core value of the digital state – accessibility and reliability of services – requires ongoing attention and optimization to ensure that critical taxes and social benefits reach people on time, and that systems can handle larger loads. All these subtopics form a unified picture: the desire to better distribute created wealth, reduce inequality, and ensure functioning and transparent public services.

The concluding mark of this session has been procedural and reflected the need for clarifications and transparency of information: in addition to substantive answers, there was also discussion on how to approach discussions about prices, taxes, and services in the future, and what investments should be prioritized in order to increase citizens' trust in the functioning of the state.

The third question concerned the deployment of Estonian soldiers to Ukraine. The discussion focused on Estonia’s participation in foreign missions, the command model, and security risks: to what extent, if at all, Estonia should cooperate with allies, in what form (professional soldiers versus mercenaries), and what the potential consequences would be for Russia. As the topic involves military-technical contribution and the maintenance of international peace, the discussion raised numerous questions from both government and opposition representatives: what is the government's position, what is the associated risk, and how are the interests and legal framework of citizens reflected? On the one hand, it was emphasized that Estonia will not participate in the combat phase temporarily; on the other hand, it was confirmed that professional soldiers are involved in peace and deterrence missions and that the decision originates from the government cabinet. The entire discussion reflects the balancing of family and national security through cooperation with allies, and the need for a thorough security analysis.

The Riigikogu discussed food security within the framework of the fourth question, addressed to Regional and Agricultural Minister Hendrik Terras. The dependence of Estonian food production on imports and the competitiveness of local producers have received increased attention in recent years, and in response to the question, emphasis was placed on the need for a clear and sustainable plan to ensure food security. The discussion highlighted that dependence on imports and climate and geopolitical risks increase vulnerability; it was noted the need to create a robust strategy for supporting producers, ensuring supply security, and crisis preparedness.

The Minister responded that a four-component principle has been developed to strengthen food security: firstly, improving the balance between food consumption and production, and exploring development opportunities, especially in the field of vegetables and berries; secondly, the sustainability and crisis safety of companies, including the creation of battery storage and the provision of generators to continue production in the event of power outages; thirdly, securing foreign trade and supply chains and maintaining our own inputs production and supply; fourthly, reserves and crisis food, national reserves and the functioning of crisis shops in crisis situations. He specified that crisis plans have been developed for crisis situations and long-term supply security has been established. There, it was clarified that the functioning of shops and supply channels during crisis periods must ensure people's food security.

The central topic was the introduction of foreign labor and the related questions of long-term sustainability for the labor market and economy. The question was posed to the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications, Erkki Keldo, by Member of Parliament Tõnis Lukas. The discussion highlighted that the Estonian economy needs skilled labor from abroad, but at the same time emphasized that importing cheap labor can harm local workers and the long-term sustainability of society. In addition, the role of the education system was discussed, including reform of vocational education and identifying labor market needs and bottlenecks based on OSKA forecasts. Advocates of the topic stressed that problems need to be solved on a larger scale: with a strong, training-based investment and controlled immigration policy, rather than simply changing quotas.

Today's discussion focused on security programs and Estonia’s role in international operations, particularly within the context of what is happening in Ukraine. The question of what country could serve as the framework nation (the country under whose authority Estonian units are planned and which exercises control) and how possible participation in ensuring Ukraine’s security would take place was addressed. From the two-way discussion, it emerged that the composition and mandates of the contingent depend on a broader international agreement and the progress of the Defence Forces’ planning; the final form of the contingent and the framework nation will become clear within the context of planning and security and foreign policy decisions, and with parliamentary authorization. Estonia’s broader participation in international operations and its impact on allied joint and deterrent capabilities, as well as Europe and the United States’ efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, were also discussed.

The eight questions focused primarily on coping and related issues within the context of the special anti-corruption commission's work. Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart made several proposals for holding public hearings – including discussing the Porto Franco case and involving former party colleagues to clarify the background of decisions, and more broadly, reviewing corruption suspicions related to Tallinn and the decisions of the city government. In addition, the issue of funding for the offshore wind farm project was highlighted, as well as other Tallinn-related reports that were discussed or expected to be discussed during the Coalition's time. The discussion eventually moved to a broader range of coping-related topics: how the coalition has been able to improve living standards, and what long-term border and tax policy steps could influence people's daily coping.

The question concerned a question posed to Regional and Agricultural Minister Hendrik Terras regarding ferry connections to the larger islands (Saaremaa and Hiiumaa). The discussion focused on ensuring the quality of life for local residents, guaranteeing mobility, and securing the future of the economy, including how issues of ferry line prices and accessibility affect the islanders and their ability to plan their daily lives. Local municipalities’ appeals were also raised, noting that the state already plays a significant role in funding ferry lines, and the possibility of improved cooperation and opportunities were discussed, including ideas for free ferry transport and the risks to service quality.

The present meeting minutes addressed the topic of sending Estonian Defence Forces personnel to Ukraine. The Riigikogu assessed the possibility and extent to which Estonia should participate in a peacekeeping or peace enforcement mission together with its allies. Varro Vooglaid posed a question with a critical analysis of the government’s expressed readiness, emphasizing the decision-making power derived from the Riigikogu’s constitution, according to which the decision on foreign missions should be made by the Riigikogu, not the government. He pointed out that the readiness was not based on specific and essential conditions, and presented three noteworthy assumptions regarding the involvement of the United States, NATO Article 5, and Russia’s position. In the second part, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas responded, confirming that the decision on foreign missions falls within the competence of the Riigikogu and that the government will submit the mandate for discussion and parliamentary approval.

The second part focused on the coordination of Estonia and its allies and the objective of achieving a long-term, just peace. Kallas emphasized that the number of mandates for the Defence Forces will be 128 in 2025, and the actual deployment depends on the Riigikogu’s corresponding decision; in addition, Estonia has participated and is preparing to participate in peacekeeping and security missions together with partners. She noted that if a lasting and just peace emerges and if allies, including the United Kingdom, France, and potentially the United States, are prepared to guarantee that peace, then these countries will be involved in cooperation with the European Union, and Estonia will continue to ensure security through its contribution. Finally, no concrete decisions were made within the framework of this matter; the discussion will continue, and the decision will likely be adopted in the Riigikogu’s subsequent proceedings.

The agenda included the third reading of bill 544, amending the Local Government Council Elections Act and the Churches and Congregations Act, initiated by the Isamaa faction. The session chair opened discussions, but as no one expressed a desire to speak, they were immediately closed. The lead committee proposed conducting a final vote on the bill. Before the vote began, it was emphasized that a majority of the composition of the Riigikogu was necessary to pass the law. In the final vote, 70 members of the Riigikogu participated: 64 voted in favor of the bill, 6 voted against, and there were no abstentions. Bill 544 was adopted as a law, after which the session chair expressed satisfaction with the broad parliamentary support for the bill initiated by the opposition.

The focus of this agenda was the Minister of Finance’s presentation on the implementation of the state’s long-term strategy “Estonia 2035” for 2025, and an overview of the development of the public service in 2024. The purpose of the presentation was a consolidated description of the situation, reforms, and investments for various sectors, and a discussion in the Riigikogu regarding the decisions and priorities accordingly. In addition, the topics of economic, security, climate, tax, and budget policy, as well as the transparency of state governance, including financial literacy, the pension system, and the future of the second pillar, were addressed.

Several factions were represented in the debate, and faction leaders raised questions about the use of ReArm and EU funds, state structural changes, and the tax structure. Ultimately, a vote took place regarding the accumulation of bank taxes and other expenses, and a decision was made to extend the session to continue negotiations and discussions until the agenda was exhausted.

The topic of the third agenda item was the second reading of draft law 553, amending the Hunting Act, initiated by the Isamaa faction. The presentation was delivered by a representative of the Environment Committee, and the overview of the session focused on the preparation for the second reading and the technical and procedural aspects of the amendments. As background, it is noted that the wolf hunt, suspended due to a court ruling at the end of last year, triggered a wolf crisis in Estonia: the wolf population grew, but the financial and legal mechanisms for hunting were inadequate. The first reading was completed on January 28th, and Andrus Seeme submitted one amendment proposal; this was followed by a meeting to involve stakeholders on February 18th, and several technical amendments with the Ministry of Climate. Regarding the core content, it is stipulated that an injured animal may be tracked and culled when moving from one hunting area to another, and although the amendments are primarily technical, various discussion points were addressed, including weapon loading, the use of night sights, and the consent of the neighboring hunting area. Finally, the committee decided to fully consider the draft and proceed with the following steps in the procedure: inclusion on the plenary agenda for May 6, 2025, completion of the second reading, and the final vote on May 14, 2025.

Today, the Riigikogu discussed the draft law 584 for the third reading, amending the whistleblower protection act and the international sanctions act (EU restrictive measures directive), initiated by the Republic's Government as the first item on the agenda. Discussions took place between factions, and the bill was presented on behalf of the EKRE faction by speaker Anti Poolamets. The topic concerns the protection of whistleblowers and legal mechanisms related to the implementation of restrictive measures, but critics have emphasized the potential impact of bureaucracy and anonymous whistleblower roles on both the private and public sectors. The overall atmosphere was thoughtful, and the focus was on how the new regulation fits within the context of implementing European Union directives and protecting civil rights.

The Riigikogu held the first reading of draft law 609, amending the Competition Act and related laws, initiated by the Estonian government. Justice and Digital Affairs Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta delivered a presentation from the Riigikogu rostrum, explaining the draft’s objectives, justifications, and the context of adopting European Union competition rules. Key topics included the requirement to adopt the ECN+ Directive, the operation of competition oversight, the use of evidence in both oversight and administrative penalty proceedings, and the privilege against self-incrimination (for natural persons versus legal persons) and the protection of procedural rights. In addition, the differences between administrative proceedings and administrative penalty proceedings were addressed, along with the significance of the proportionality test and the fundamental principles that ensure a fairer and more effective competitive situation for consumers and smaller businesses.

The discussion centered on agenda item three, which concerned the question posed by Tanel Kiike, as the inquirer, regarding amendments to the Employment Contracts Act and their potential impact on both employees and employers. On one hand, it was raised that the planned forms of hourly contracts and restrictions on flexible working hours could lead to greater instability in work results and income, and require additional security in social guarantees. On the other hand, the need to maintain a tripartite dialogue and the involvement of parties was emphasized, in order to find a balance between employee protection and business flexibility. The discussion highlighted that the proposed solution would apply to a broader target group and requires a clear agreement between two adults, which, in turn, ensures legal certainty and, if necessary, the opportunity to decline extra hours.

Inquiry No. 720 addressed the social care reform and its implementation in Estonian social policy. The presenters were Riina Solman, Mart Maastik, and Helir-Valdor Seeder, expressing widespread concern about the reform's impact on the elderly, the availability and cost of nursing home places, and the division of supervision, responsibility, and accountability. The purpose of the inquiry was to obtain clarification on how the reform has begun to function and what its short-term and long-term effects have been: prices, availability, workforce issues, the development of home care, and the financial burden on municipalities. The initial responses and discussion focused on whether the original promise of "nursing home places for the average pension" is feasible and what the actual results have been regarding the number of nursing home places, the role of local municipalities, and the participation of private entrepreneurs in the market. The second part focused on issues of control and accountability, and in the final stage, specific measures and further steps were brought up, to which the minister provided answers and explanations.

This agenda item encompassed the debate regarding Riigikogu question №726 concerning the financial well-being of pensioners, touching upon both the stability of income and livelihood, as well as ongoing reforms in that area and their funding. The speaker was Riina Solman, who presented the question along with several sub-questions and questions from a third party (including Tõnis Lukas, Urmas Reinsalu, Aivar Kok and Andres Metsoja). In the initial introductory explanation, the poverty and impact of inflation on Estonian pensioners were highlighted, and reference was made to conclusions drawn from comparisons with the European Union and the UN regarding the indexing of pensions.

The respondent was the Minister of Social Affairs, Karmen Joller, from whom explanations were expected regarding the sustainability of indexing and plans relating to the cessation of indexing of the average pension. Additional topics that emerged included the long-term care reform and the availability of nursing home places for the average pension, the issues of advance directives and euthanasia, the inclusion of older people in the labor market, and the need for funding for the development of information systems to ensure the payment of pensions. The balance between taxes and expenditures in social policy was also discussed, along with the need for additional measures to improve the financial well-being of pensioners affected by inflation.

In conclusion, the agenda item involved a continued debate and considerable public interest, and during the discussion, it was emphasized that no concrete new political decisions were made, but rather responses were provided and the need for further work and accelerated IT developments to ensure the timely payment of pensions was highlighted.

This agenda item concerns the inquiry (no. 713) presented on January 27, 2025, by six members of the Riigikogu – Riina Solman, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Mart Maastik, Tõnis Lukas, Priit Sibula, and Aivar Kok – regarding rural areas. Riina Solman is the representative in the inquiry. The central theme is the vitality of rural areas, the availability of services, and ensuring regional balance; the discussion covers the closure of grocery stores, the availability of services, and the impact of internal migration on rural areas, as well as what steps the government intends to take for the balanced development of these areas. Within the inquiry, emphasis was placed on ensuring the presence of four key components in rural areas: roads and accessible infrastructure, schools and kindergartens nearby, stores selling essential goods, and basic medical services; there was also mention of restructuring infrastructure and services, as well as involving local governments and communities.

A second key moment addressed various cooperation measures between the state and ministries to ensure the vitality of rural areas and regional policy; these included Leader-type funding, loans from the Rural Development Foundation, guarantee agreements, cooperative models for mobile shops, and pop-up offices to promote digital services; the promotion of public service accessibility was also under discussion, as was how to maintain regional balance in key policy meetings. The third section reflected the discussion on the impact of state services and infrastructure on life in rural areas and opportunities to reduce any negative impact, including minimizing contact in central locations and implementing flexible solutions such as digital services, public transport, and social transport. Overall, this agenda item, compared to the past, focuses on strengthening the vitality of rural areas, cooperation between ministries, and seeking ways to maintain and improve life in the countryside without it being neglected.

Following the response to the inquiry and the discussion, it was highlighted that decisions may not be adopted specifically and the topic will be continued in further discussions; ministries will cooperate to develop mitigating measures and guidelines through mutual cooperation, involving local governments and communities.

The seventh agenda item concerned the inquiry regarding the construction of the Rohuküla railway, submitted by several members of the Riigikogu (regime crisis: continuation of the Haapsalu – Rohuküla section, financing of the Turba–Risti section, and related regional political priorities). In the discussion, it was noted that, in a broader context, the plan for the Riisipere–Rohuküla section is also important, as is the subsequent implementation of the five main directions of the public transport reform. The planned development of the railway in Western Estonia is linked to both local life and the economy, as well as the unique characteristics of the archipelago, and solutions are distributed over time based on the possibilities and priorities of the state budget.

The second part of the discussion focused on the previous government's decisions regarding the financing of the Turba–Risti section, and questions regarding whether the Haapsalu and Rohuküla section can continue, and whether its financing will be permitted again in subsequent state budget strategies. It was also brought out what other regional political measures the government intends to implement to promote the regional development of Western Estonia.

The first agenda item addressed the inquiry presented by Madis Kallas and associates regarding the reorganization of the Kehtna Vocational Education Centre and the Vana-Vigala Technical and Service School. The inquiry raised regional challenges and concern for preserving the vitality of the region, emphasizing that halting the school's operation could irreversibly impact the area. Five key questions were presented, aiming to clarify the minister's plan and possible steps concerning the future of the vital institution for the region, involving the community and ensuring service continuity.

The second part involved a discussion on reducing regional inequality in the context of vocational education. Minister Hendrik Terras provided a thorough response and confirmed that a guideline for assessing regional impacts has been drawn up, and accordingly, the Ministry of Education and Research has prepared its own separate summary, which played a role in the decision-making process. He also spoke about how community opinion was taken into account in the decision and that the process should not be halted, but should continue smoothly, involving local governments and the community. Furthermore, he indicated that a substantial approach to regional policy is part of the government's action plan, despite the direct mention of the term "regional policy" not appearing in the coalition agreement.

The agenda item under discussion concerns a question posed to a member of the Riigikogu regarding the future of the ferry connection in the context of Hiiumaa and Saaremaa. Ferry traffic is vital for local life – it connects the islands to the mainland for work, school, medical care, and business activities, and forms part of the community's social life. While the connection is technically in good condition, it was noted that dependence on political decisions and funding models causes justified concern regarding ticket prices and reliability. The questioners emphasized the need to view ferries in the context of a regional "road extension" and asked whether the state could assume the entire subsidy and make ferry trips free for everyone. The questions also considered the new ship (replacement of Regula), the procurement timeframe, and future state budget proposals to increase ferry traffic frequency and reliability.

The second part of the discussion focused on funding and long-term vision: what would the state's annual cost be for free travel, and when would it be possible to begin procuring a new ship for the ferry lines? Furthermore, it was discussed more broadly how to involve local governments and coordinate budget and investment decisions to strengthen the vitality of the islands and ensure the sustainability of the connections. Finally, plans were made to visit Hiiumaa and Saaremaa to gather more detailed development information and involve the communities in the decision-making process.

The main question of the current agenda was the state question "The Drawbacks of Wind Power" initiated by the Conservative People's Party of Estonia’s faction and the related discussion in the Riigikogu. Four speakers were invited to the agenda (energetics expert Margus Sild, member of the NGO Nature and People Urmas Maranik, doctor Anti Kukkela and member of the EKRE faction Rain Epler), who will be heard for up to 20 minutes, and 25 minutes have been allocated for questions and answers. The initiators suggested extending the session until its conclusion, but no later than 2:00 PM, in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the parliamentary building, and the Riigikogu was to vote on this proposal. If the proposal is adopted, the session will be extended, there is no objection, and ultimately, no decision will be made at the end of the discussion. According to the initial result, the session adopted the extension with 28 votes in favor, 0 against and 3 abstentions. Subsequently, the speakers' presentations continued and members of the Riigikogu attempted to clarify the effects of wind energy and the necessary solutions for ensuring energy security during the discussion, raising points for and against regarding the balance of production and consumption, storage possibilities, network operation and environmental and economic impacts.
Generally, the agenda evolved into a multifaceted and largely critical discussion of wind energy within the broader picture of renewable energy, focusing on risks, costs, technical solutions (storage, hydro-, hydrogen-based energy storage, balancing of the electrical grid), judicial and planning processes and the protection of the interests of local communities. The key turning point was primarily the question of whether and to what extent wind farms and other energy sources are sufficiently balanced and what anticipated impacts (health, environment, property values) should be foreseen and compensated.

Agenda item number 1 concerns the third reading of the draft law amending the Tobacco Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. Members of the Riigikogu were invited to a discussion to adopt the necessary amendments and transpose the European Union directive, and to strengthen the protection of young people’s health. A representative guided discussion focused primarily on the impact of flavour bans on young people's consumption and addiction prevention, and on how the marketing and design of new products may be targeted at young people. Riina Sikkut represented the Social Democratic Party and emphasized the need for restrictions related to flavours and the transposition of the directive, as well as the societal responsibility to protect the health of young people.

The focus of this agenda item was the second reading procedure of bill 583, concerning Estonia’s accession to the optional protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the approval of an amendment to Article 20(1) of the Convention. The Riigikogu heard a presentation from the chair of the Social Affairs Committee, Signe Riisalo, through whose presentation the substantive content of the protocol, the nature of this international mechanism, and the most important discussion points were highlighted: whether the protocol covers all people or only women, and how equal rights and legitimate access operate in practice. The discussion was initiated with questions regarding data collection and scope, and the debate revolved around the idea that the international optional protocol would give women the right to file complaints with the UN if domestic channels lack effective protection. The second reading was carried out unanimously, designating Signe Riisalo as the rapporteur and instructing her to bring the bill to the full agenda of the Riigikogu and finally carry out the final vote.

The agenda item concerned Draft Resolution 629 of the Riigikogu, which appointed new members of the Bank of Estonia Council from among the members of the Riigikogu. Aivar Sõerd, a member of the Finance Committee, presented a report, explaining that the appointment of substitute members was necessary because Andres Sutt and Igor Taro had assumed positions as members of the Government of the Republic, which suspends their mandates on the Bank of Estonia Council, as the law prohibits government members from serving on the council.
The Finance Committee made a consensus proposal to appoint Tarmo Tamm (replacing Igor Taro, upon the proposal of the Eesti 200 faction) and Mart Võrklaev (replacing Andres Sutt, upon the proposal of the Reform Party faction) as members of the Bank of Estonia Council. Both candidates confirmed that they met the requirements. During a brief discussion, Helir-Valdor Seeder raised a question regarding the possible connection between Mart Võrklaev’s appointment and the introduction of the car tax, to which the rapporteur responded that the committee had not discussed the matter. Since this was a draft resolution concerning the appointment of a council member, the discussion took place in a single reading without the possibility of submitting amendments. The draft resolution was put to a secret final vote, resulting in the decision being adopted with 61 votes in favor.

The fourth agenda item concerned the preparation of the second reading of the draft law amending the Act on the Election of Municipal Councils and the Act on Churches and Religious Communities, bill number 544. The Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, Ando Kiviberg, presented an overview of the session where the opinions of interest groups were discussed, the procedure for amendments was handled, and procedural decisions were made. The bill involved an amendment to the constitution regarding the transitional period, which restricts the right to vote in local elections with current citizenship requirements, and linked the two laws together in a single amendment proposal.

Under agenda item five, the second reading of draft law 555 amending the Electricity Market Act was considered following the Riigikogu’s first reading. The core topics were closely related to the arrangement for procuring and accounting for balancing power (frequency reserves) and defining the mechanisms necessary to continue islanding. The draft law aims to ensure the security of the electricity network and price stability through balancing and to preserve the operational capacity of the oil shale power plants – further noting that the discussion of the regulation took place against the background of an engagement plan and feedback from interest groups. Attention was focused on both regulatory issues (whether the fee is a public-law tax or a system service price) and technical issues (accounting arrangements, supervision and measuring instruments).

This agenda item concerns draft law 584 (second reading) amending the whistleblower protection law and the law on international sanctions, initiated by the Republic of Estonia’s Government. Regarding the draft law, primary attention was paid to the transposition and implementation in relation to the directive on restrictive measures of the Union, and in addition, the practice of the previously adopted "whistleblower" law, which came into force on January 1st, was analyzed. The Legal Affairs Committee made consensus amendments, including changing the consideration of the date of entry into force and removing the original deadline to adhere to the usual entry into force of a law. Following work in the committee, it was decided to conclude the second reading and a third reading was planned, which was initially attempted to be completed the same week, but was eventually postponed.

Ongoing negotiations regarding roof posts ended in dispute: the EKRE faction submitted a proposal to terminate the second reading, but the voting results showed that the proposal did not receive the necessary support and the second reading concluded. The culmination of the debate was a critical objection, characterizing the draft law as having a "Stalinist flag," and the arsenal of speakers took a critical position on both the text and its interpretation, ultimately leading to the closure of the agenda.

Under agenda item seven, the draft law amending the Emergency Situations Act, bill number 589, was considered for its second reading. The first reading concluded on March 25th, and no amendments were proposed; the National Defence Committee reviewed the draft bill prior to the second reading on April 14th and 21st. Present at the committee as representatives were the cybersecurity legal advisor from the Ministry of Justice and Digital Transformation, Guido Pääsuke, and as representatives of stakeholders, the head of the legal services department of the Bank of Estonia, Marek Feldman, the food sector leader of the Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce of Estonia, Meeli Lindsaar, and the managing director of the Association of Estonian Hospitals, Epp-Triin Võsu; linguistic and normative technical clarifications were made in accordance with the representative of the initiator. At the April 21st session, the National Defence Committee approved the text and explanatory memorandum of the draft bill’s second reading with a vote of 7 in favor and 1 abstention. A key objective of the bill for everyone is to ensure the functioning of vital services even if the data or equipment necessary for their operation is located in a foreign country: to achieve this, there must be at least two technologically different electronic communications services. Furthermore, the task of the State Information System Agency to supervise these information systems is abolished if they are located in a foreign country. The plan confirmed during the committee’s proceedings was to place the draft bill for its second reading on the agenda of the full Riigikogu on April 23rd and, at the same session, to recommend concluding the second reading.

The draft law 604 amending the law on the organisation of healthcare services, initiated by the Republic's Government, was considered on first reading. The content focuses on advance directives concerning patient end-of-life wishes. The draft law aims to give a fully competent adult the right to provide a clear instruction regarding what medical assistance they wish to receive or avoid when they are unable to make decisions themselves. It is important to emphasize the voluntary nature of the advance directive, its recording in a digital health record, consultation with a doctor if necessary, and that it does not pertain to assisted suicide or euthanasia. The drafting and adherence to advance directives are primarily intended for situations where a person has a temporary or permanent serious illness and is unable to express their will. Increased public awareness, training for medical personnel, and the involvement of various interest groups were also highlighted.

The discussion addressed Estonian strawberries and related competition issues, particularly within the context of regional and European-level regulation of plant protection products. In addition, Veterans' Day, inflation, food prices, and the impact of tax changes were raised as broader issues affecting the population. The need to improve the competitiveness of Estonian agricultural producers was highlighted as a central theme, along with the need to discuss potential rule changes at the European level to harmonize regional conditions and reduce restrictions in Estonia compared to the practices of neighboring countries and other Baltic Sea region countries.

In the second part, the discussion focused on how the state and entrepreneurs should proceed to find practical solutions – including the roles of the regional and agricultural ministers, and the work of the entrepreneurs' council, which should compile a list of existing obstacles and represent proposals for rule changes at the European level. Tax changes and the impact of inflation on consumers were also addressed, and the discussion remained open, emphasizing the need to utilize available tools to improve the competitiveness of local products and alleviate the greater harm to consumer purchasing power.

The second question addressed socialism within a right-wing government. As the discussion was directed to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, the question was posed by Riigikogu member Martin Helme, and the topic was the suitability of socialism and its potential impact on the policies of a right-wing government. The conversation was intense and touched on tax policy, tax system reforms, and healthcare funding – including promises to introduce various schemes: abolishing corporate income tax, eliminating income tax on the first euro, and raising the income tax-free minimum to 700 euros by 2026. Warnings and criticism regarding the statements were also raised, and attention was given to criticism of cross-party cooperation within the right-wing government.

Furthermore, attention was focused on practical, smart solutions: discussions revolved around how to maintain a solidarity-based healthcare system and ensure that vulnerable groups are not overlooked, while also assessing the possibilities of sweeping reforms and incorporating private funding. The discussion highlighted differing views on social equality and individual contributions and raised questions about how to better direct necessary resources – with the assistance of both the state and the private sector.

The third question addressed the issue of the gender pay gap, emphasizing the importance of greater transparency and fair compensation for the same work and qualifications. Estonia’s continuing trend was highlighted: although the pay gap has been decreasing over time and last year’s figures were increasingly positive, a significant difference between women and men still remains, and Brussels has intervened with the pay transparency directive. The discussion focused on the rapid adoption of this directive as well as the need for substantive steps to help bring salaries to the same level fairly and understandably.

The second topic concerned the sharing of care and household work, or the reduction of the care gap. The Riigikogu pays attention to the proportion of unpaid work that falls on women’s shoulders and the impact this has on birth rates and children’s futures. Questions were raised about what specific steps the government plans to take to make the societal division of labor fairer and more equitable, and what role the state will play as an example in both family and working life.

The fourth question directs the discussion, “The Impacts of Government Policy on Society,” toward Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. The central focus is the final price of electricity for consumers and plans to introduce new fees, as envisioned by the government, for both producers and consumers. The most significant of these is the “island stability fee,” the amount of which could reach up to 40 million euros, and the “balancing reserve fee,” whose actual cost will likely fall short of the discussion’s projections and whose size could significantly impact consumer final prices (forecasts of 120–150 million euros annually starting in 2026, approximately 20% of the final price, when considering 2024 consumption). In addition, the market entry and subsequent postponement of the Kiisa power plant to 2028 will be discussed, along with its impact on consumers and producers. The committee chair’s proposals and the government's approach to this topic will be debated, involving the bill presenter, ministries, and participants in the energy market.

Within a series of five questions, the nature and prevention measures of phishing scams were discussed, along with the tools available to the Ministry of the Interior to combat them (including the PPA's role and international cooperation, including PhishOFF). Speakers highlighted the importance of protecting and informing a vulnerable elderly target group, as well as the scale of international crime and the need to act in larger centers. Attention was also paid to the effectiveness of population protection notification systems and the issues surrounding the replacement and installation of sirens in the Maardu area, where a suitable solution is being sought and needs-based information is guaranteed. In conclusion, emphasis was placed on prevention, notification, and cooperation between different institutions and sectors to reduce phishing scams and strengthen the protection of residents.

Today’s commentary revolves around the sixth question, where the Riigikogu posed questions to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas regarding the government reshuffle and coalition negotiations. The questioner, Rain Epler, highlights signs of a potential dual-coalition scenario: coalition negotiations with Eesti 200 and broader discussions to include Isamaa in the new government. He also refers to statements that may indicate an opening to offering Isamaa a position, raising questions about the ethics and future direction of coalition alliances. The presented criticism and discussion lead away from the government reshuffle, focusing instead on the need for legal and economic decisions to comprehensively strengthen a more robust and clearer economic policy and the effectiveness of the state's operations.

The seventh question addressed livelihood and its importance in the context of social and healthcare funding. We discussed what the reflections of 2025 will be for the elderly, people with special needs, and young families, and how coalition agreements and budget allocations affect the most vulnerable groups in healthcare. Attention was also paid to the qualitative challenges of medical organization, such as the length of doctor's appointment waiting lists, and the question was raised as to what the government's message is for ensuring livelihood and what changes are foreseen in the coming years. Helmen Kütt raised critical questions and emphasized the need for a clear and consistent message where livelihood and the functioning of the social sector would be guaranteed both in the short and long term.

The second part of the discussion turned to the decision-making process taking place in the cooperation between government coalitions and the Riigikogu and the government. The Prime Minister confirmed that work is ongoing in the coalition and final decisions will reach the public in cooperation with partners. The continuation of pension indexing, changes to the minimum wage, and general trends showing improvements in livelihood despite rising prices were discussed. The need for investment in IT and system solutions was also highlighted to ensure that social sector services function effectively and on time, and the funding of the education sector and the direction of student livelihood issues were discussed in the context of budget debates.

The agenda for today’s meeting concerned the development of drone capabilities on Estonia’s borders. Member of the Riigikogu Priit Sibul posed a question to the Minister of the Interior, Igor Taro, and the focus was on the impact of a drone wall on border guard activities and the border, funding, and actual implementation. The questions included whether funding had been requested for a drone wall or rather for cooperation between different countries, and what the actual status is—whether and when drone detection and countermeasure capabilities might reach the border. Subsequently, the scope of planned technical solutions and funding was examined, and how they fit into the broader border protection architecture, including customer support, information technology, and a future drone defense network.

The task was also to consider how Estonian entrepreneurs can participate in this field and whether and how joint European funds and national co-financing will contribute to fulfilling policy objectives. The discussion also included legal questions and regulations regarding data collection that may be associated with drone and surveillance systems. Finally, the Minister raised the need for framework agreements and further stages that must be implemented to ensure security and effectiveness on the border.

The information hour’s nine questions focused on the personnel problems and crime situation in the Police and Border Guard Board’s (PPA) Eastern Prefecture in Ida-Virumaa. Member of the Riigikogu Aleksei Jevgrafov highlighted before the Minister of the Interior Igor Taro the high number of registered crimes (violent crimes, drug offenses) in the Eastern Prefecture’s working area, as well as Estonia’s largest vacancy (49 missing officials), which poses a threat to response capabilities. Jevgrafov asked the minister for specific solutions to improve the situation. Minister Taro acknowledged the exceptional challenge of Ida-Virumaa, referring to both the high level of crime and the complex problem of finding personnel, highlighting obstacles related to language skills and background checks in recruitment. As a solution, the minister mentioned the additional funds allocated to the Academy of the Ministry of the Interior and the Narva practical base, which should help train more police officers.

In a clarifying question, Jevgrafov focused on the salary of police officers, suggesting that the minimum wage should be significantly higher (at least 600 euros more) and that an additional 200 euro bonus should be added for employees working in remote areas. Minister Taro refuted the claim that salary is the main motivator, emphasizing the mission-critical nature of police work, but confirmed that the ministry is aware of the salary problem. He noted that inflation has nullified the effect of previous salary increases and that the ministry has made calculations to go to budget negotiations with salary component requests, while also emphasizing that the real possibilities for a salary increase depend on the country’s financial limits.

Finally, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart posed an additional question about the PPA’s number recognition camera network, which takes millions of pictures per month. She doubted the system’s legal basis and potential conflict with the constitution. Minister Taro explained that this is not facial recognition technology and that the data is strictly used for the detection of serious crimes, access is limited and under internal control. He added that the network has largely developed on the initiative of local governments and the need to modernize the legal space is being investigated.

The Minister of Culture, Heidy Purga, presented a report to the Riigikogu regarding the implementation of the state’s long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035," focusing on the Ministry of Culture's area of responsibility, particularly culture and sport. The Minister emphasized the central role of culture as a driver of national identity and economic development, highlighting the high rate of cultural participation among Estonians (79% of residents in 2023) and investments in cultural facilities and the film sector. Regarding sports policy, the discussion covered the support of the Team Estonia program, the positive economic impact of hosting international sporting events, and concern over the low levels of physical activity among children and young people. The Minister also highlighted the success of developing the creative industries and the plan to digitize cultural heritage.

During a round of questions and discussions, issues were raised concerning the low salaries of cultural workers and coaches, regional inequalities in access to cultural life (especially in rural areas), the impact of artificial intelligence on culture and copyrights, and questions regarding the financing of nationally important cultural objects (such as the annex to the Estonia Theatre) and sports infrastructure. The Minister confirmed that salary increases are a priority but could not provide specific commitments due to the budget situation. The fragmented nature of language policy was also discussed, along with the need to find new models for financing the sports and cultural sectors, particularly through the involvement of the private sector.

The second item on the agenda concerns bill 613 (first reading) amending the Civil Code, as initiated by the Government of the Republic, and consequently amending other laws. The bill aims to ensure that every individual legally residing in the European Union has access to a basic account and to reduce the discretion of banks in relation to clients who may be subject to restrictions due to money laundering risks. A focus is also placed on legal certainty and the availability of services – the state should ensure that transfers, cash payments, and card payments can be made without having an account, and that banks cannot impose time-limited restrictions in general terms based solely on an assessment.

Another important aspect concerns the implementation of the regulation: which banks must provide basic account services, amendments to the powers of the Financial Supervision Authority in oversight, and the preparation of oversight and offline card payment mechanisms to ensure essential services (offline payments with a PIN code). The bill also sets specified requirements for cash payments and establishes the legal framework for the law’s entry into force and the timeline for changes (expected to be 1st July 2024).