Agenda Profile: Urmas Kruuse
Draft law amending the Act on the Implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union and the Feed Act (546 SE) – Second Reading
2025-01-21
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the draft legislation (546 SE) amending the Law on the Implementation of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy and the Feed Law. This support is justified by the necessity of bringing the legislation into compliance with EU amendments, enhancing practical implementation experience, and establishing greater legal certainty. The political position is distinctly policy- and procedure-focused, highlighting the potential for reducing bureaucratic burden. The speaker dismisses claims regarding the demise of agriculture, stressing the sector's vitality and efficiency.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise regarding the implementation of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the criteria for distributing subsidies, and the associated administrative procedures. They utilize technical terminology and reference specific regulatory bodies (the Labour Inspectorate, PRIA), and are aware of the specific detail that agricultural diesel is taxed at the European minimum rate. The process of drafting secondary legislation (regulations/decrees) following the adoption of primary laws is addressed separately.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is formal, analytical, and often defensive, responding to colleagues' questions with facts and procedural explanations. He/She leans toward logical arguments, emphasizing the purpose of the laws (for protection) and the functioning of administrative practice (e.g., the non-a priori application of sanctions). Sometimes the responses are sharp when the questions are unclear or contain elements of fiction.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active leader in the legislative process, serving as either a representative or the chairman of the Rural Affairs Committee, and is presenting the draft bill for its second reading. He/She referenced the committee session held on January 13th and provided a specific schedule for finalizing the bill (second reading on January 21st, third reading on January 29th).
11 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is addressed directly, but procedurally, refuting claims regarding an increased administrative burden or the immediate withdrawal of subsidies in the event of violations. The speaker defends the content of the draft bill (e.g., the regulation of equids) and criticizes the questioners for posing unclear or unrealistic questions, but refrains from personal attacks.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes cooperation with the sector, noting that the regulations are developed in collaboration with businesses and coordinated with them. He/She highlights that several changes, including the issue concerning equids, have been initiated and implemented based on proposals put forward by the businesses themselves.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (Estonia's implementation experience in agriculture) and the international level (achieving alignment with EU regulations). It is noted that Estonian agricultural enterprises are larger compared to the European average and have historically been compelled to operate more efficiently.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for boosting competitiveness by increasing efficiency and sees the necessity of supporting smaller businesses and young farmers through specific criteria and higher initial grants. They stress the role of tax policy in establishing a competitive edge, specifically citing the taxation of agricultural diesel at the EU minimum rate.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
When addressing social topics, employment relations are discussed, confirming that employer-employee relations in Estonia are clearly regulated by legislation and fall under the supervision of the Labour Inspectorate. It is emphasized that these laws are designed to protect both businesses and employees.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary priority is the adoption of Draft Law 546, which amends the Act on the Implementation of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy and the Feed Act. The speaker is a strong proponent of the draft law and is responsible for its proceedings, highlighting as key achievements the reduction of administrative burden (e.g., eliminating the one-year application cycle) and the establishment of legal clarity.
11 Speeches Analyzed