Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Proposal to the Government of the Republic to initiate proceedings in the European Union to invalidate the obligation to prepare sustainability reports" (601 OE)
2025-05-21
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
Strong opposition to the European Union's sustainability reporting requirement, arguing that it constitutes burdensome, expensive, and unnecessary bureaucracy that does nothing to make the world greener. The political focus is on preserving business competitiveness and avoiding regulatory nonsense, stressing that the achieved outcome is what matters, not partisan glory. The aim is to completely abolish the requirement, not merely postpone it.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise concerning the CSRD sustainability reporting regulations, highlighting their complexity and significant financial burden—citing, for instance, Tallink's hundreds of thousands of euros in costs and the stringent conditions tied to loan applications. They use a detailed personal anecdote about exporting laminated timber 20 years ago to illustrate the sheer bureaucratic inefficiency inherent in green certification processes. Furthermore, they stress that preparing these reports absolutely necessitates trained specialists and external consultants.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is pragmatic, straightforward, and at times combative, blending personal experiences (a business example) with logical arguments concerning costs and benefits. It employs rhetorical questions and stresses the urgent need to act against the extinction of entrepreneurship. The tone is critical toward the coalition, accusing them of envy and engaging in empty "green talk."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
They have actively participated in the work of the Riigikogu committees, specifically mentioning discussions in the Economic Affairs Committee (twice) and ELAK. Concrete proposals have been submitted for abolishing the mandatory requirement for sustainability reports or making them voluntary.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is directed at coalition members (Õnne Pillak, Kristo Enn Vaga), who are accused of claiming authorship of the draft bill and misrepresenting the results of the committee vote. The critics accuse opponents of supporting bureaucracy and being driven by partisan envy, which is hindering a good outcome. They oppose those who only talk about "their own green agenda" and refuse to acknowledge the problem of bureaucracy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It calls for setting aside partisan infighting and voting for the Isamaa bill, emphasizing the importance of finding consensus and delivering results. It acknowledges that other parties (the Center Party, the Social Democrats) are also addressing similar issues, and views solving the problem as a shared success.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international (European Union regulations, export to Great Britain) and national issues (the competitiveness of Estonian business). It uses examples from Estonian forestry, laminated timber production, and PRIA applications, which indicate regional economic activity.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly advocates for entrepreneurial freedom and opposes burdensome regulation that diminishes competitiveness. It is stressed that bureaucracy is costly (to the tune of hundreds of thousands) and impedes access to loans, benefiting only consultants, not producers. Supports long-term businesses (such as forestry) which are inherently sustainable, provided they are free from unnecessary red tape.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is to initiate and support the draft bill (601 OE) aimed at repealing the mandatory requirement for sustainability reports, having personally proposed this motion in the committee. It also mentions the submission of similar draft bills concerning light personal vehicles in Tallinn and other local municipalities.
4 Speeches Analyzed