Agenda Profile: Meelis Kiili
Second reading of the draft law amending the Defence Organisation Act and the Economic Zone Act (strengthening maritime security) (565 SE)
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly supportive of strengthening the protection of critical subsea infrastructure and granting the necessary authorities to the Defence Forces. Rapid entry into force of the legislation is emphasized, citing the ongoing damage to infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The approach is clearly policy-driven and focuses on ensuring national defense and security. The objective is to grant the Defence Forces the powers required for the protection of underwater infrastructure.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in maritime security, international maritime law (UNCLOS Article 19), and legislative procedure. He/She accurately references the views of experts (e.g., Dr. Heiki Lindpere) regarding the lack of a continental shelf law and the need for legal protection of underwater infrastructure. Technical terms such as continental shelf, territorial sea, and normative technical specifications are used.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The address maintains a formal and procedural tone, concentrating on a detailed report of the National Defence Committee's work and clarifying the procedural steps involved. Logical arguments are employed, referencing specific dates and participants. However, it simultaneously stresses the urgent necessity for the law's swift enactment, citing critical security considerations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's activity pattern demonstrates active participation in the committee's work, citing two recent sessions (March 17 and 24, 2025). This activity involves broad consultation with representatives from ministries, the Navy, the Defence League (Kaitseliit), and private sector entities (Telia, Elering). The focus has been on the swift and consensual processing of the draft legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual and inclusive, emphasizing unanimity within the National Defence Committee regarding the completion of the second reading of the draft legislation. Close cooperation was maintained with the Ministry of Defence, copyeditors, and experts (e.g., Dr. Lindpere) during the preparation of the amendments and the coordination of the explanatory memorandum.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed at Estonia’s exclusive economic zone and territorial sea in the Baltic Sea, emphasizing the protection of critical infrastructure in this area. The international context is also mentioned, referencing the agreement with Finland concerning the maritime boundary.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations are linked to the protection of critical infrastructure (cables, pipelines), indicating support for regulations that ensure the stability of economic activity and energy supply. Companies directly connected to economic interests (Telia Eesti, Elering) were consulted.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amending the Defence Forces Organization Act and the Economic Zone Act with the goal of strengthening maritime security. As a representative of the leading committee, the speaker is an active supporter and facilitator of the bill, focusing also on technical regulatory clarifications and faster entry into force. He supports the proposal to conclude the second reading of the bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed