Session Profile: Lauri Laats

The speaker stresses the need for the maximum and most efficient utilization of European Union cohesion policy funds. They point to the findings of the National Audit Office as the reason why certain resources are left untapped. The speaker is highly critical of the current government's handling of this funding, emphasizing that the money must serve as an engine for economic growth and must be deployed transparently and swiftly. The stance is results-oriented and demanding in practice: there is a clear need to increase accountability and responsibility and to ensure promises are met. No specific party affiliation is indicated, but the criticism centers on the government’s management and the efficiency of fund usage.

The topics addressed include the financing of the European Union's Cohesion Policy funds, specifically covering their utilization during the 2014–2020 and 2021–2027 periods. The speaker cites data from the National Audit Office and presents precise figures (e.g., 300 million euros unused in the 2014–2020 period; 48 million used out of 3.7 billion euros in the 2021–2027 period). This demonstrative scientific approach and the numerical details indicate a robust, fact-based discussion regarding the utilization of the funds.

A data- and fact-based, formal, and question-centric style. It utilizes references to the National Audit Office (Riigikontroll) as authoritative sources and presents a direct question to the management, stressing the necessity of clarifying the situation. The tone is measured, critical yet non-hostile, and the discussion relies on facts and figures.

Not enough data.

The criticism is directed at the government's and ministries' current practices regarding the use of funds and their failure to fulfill promises. The speaker demands accountability and clear reporting in light of the work done by the National Audit Office; the critical tone suggests an emphasis on opposition oversight and the enforcement of obligations.

The focus is placed on the expectation of previous commitments and the involvement of ministries, yet specific forms of cooperation or compromise measures are not presented. It indicates that all ministries should act diligently, but does not put forward precise cooperation strategies or mechanisms.

Insufficient data.

The core of economic development involves accelerating the utilization of funds and ensuring their effective implementation; it is stressed that cohesion policy instruments must serve as the engine for economic growth. This approach supports the active deployment of investments as a means of stimulating the economy, while also emphasizing the need to eliminate wasteful spending and increase performance-based implementation.

Insufficient data.

The address focuses on the control and oversight of budget and fund utilization; specific legislative bills or procedures are not mentioned. The legislative agenda is characterized by a general focus on improving fund utilization and transparency.