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) - First Reading
2024-12-17
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
Strongly supports the processing and completion of the first reading of the draft act (546 SE) concerning the implementation of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy. The political position is aimed at mitigating concerns, emphasizing that social conditionality does not constitute an additional burden for Estonian entrepreneurs, as the requirements are already in place. The position is primarily focused on policy and procedure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates expertise regarding the social conditionality of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and its implementation in Estonia. To support arguments, references are made to the supervisory competence of the Labour Inspectorate and occupational safety requirements. It relies on external expert opinion, citing the position of the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce that the conditionality is not burdensome.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and procedural concerning the commission's report, emphasizing decisions reached by consensus. In the substantive address, the tone is rational and reassuring, focusing on logical arguments intended to dispel fears (e.g., the threat of penalties). It employs a contrast between the Estonian cultural sphere and Southern European countries to highlight local accountability.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Active in legislative committee work, serving as the Chairman of the Rural Affairs Committee and as a representative of the lead committee. Modes of operation include forwarding the results of committee sessions (December 10) and consensus procedural decisions to the Plenary Assembly. Delivers procedural and substantive reports before Parliament.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The subject counters the concerns or fears voiced by colleagues regarding the excessive burden of social conditionality or the threat of punitive measures. They criticize the tendency to "preemptively manufacture" punishment and exaggerate issues that are inconsistent with the cultural context of Estonian society. The critique is aimed at prejudices and inflated expectations, and is not personal.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Very cooperative, emphasizing the consensus nature of procedural decisions made in the Rural Affairs Committee (e.g., concluding the first reading). Quotes external stakeholders, such as the Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, to demonstrate broad support for the bill. Makes a firm proposal to the plenary to conclude the first reading.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on implementing European Union policy at the Estonian level, analyzing its impact on Estonian businesses and the cultural environment. It utilizes a comparison of the Estonian cultural space against that of Southern European countries to highlight local specificity and accountability. There is no narrow regional focus; the emphasis remains on the national agricultural sector.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports regulations ensuring occupational safety and worker protection (social conditionality), but stresses that these should not impose an undue burden on businesses. It favors the effective enforcement of existing requirements (within the scope of the Labour Inspectorate's authority) rather than devising new punitive measures. It demonstrates an affinity for the interests of agricultural entrepreneurs, referencing the stance of the Chamber of Commerce.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It addresses social issues through occupational safety and employee protection, linked to the European Union's social conditionality. It emphasizes that unethical practices between employer and employee are not tolerated in Estonian society as a whole. It links social responsibility to the cultural environment and existing legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the successful passage of Draft Bill 546 SE (the EU CAP Implementation Act and Amendments to the Feedingstuffs Act). [The office/We] act as a supporter of the draft bill and a representative of the leading committee, focusing on the conclusion of the first reading. The objective is to ensure the smooth and non-additionally burdensome implementation of EU requirements.
2 Speeches Analyzed