By Plenary Sessions: Marko Mihkelson

The speaker demonstrates authority regarding the work of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the organization of parliamentary diplomacy, detailing changes in the composition of delegations (PACE, Baltic Assembly). Furthermore, they possess specific knowledge concerning the history of the deportation of Crimean Tatars, including victim statistics (over 200,000 deported, with over 46% dying within the first year).

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in foreign policy legislation and parliamentary procedural rules, citing specific dates and committee decisions. This expertise encompasses the legal aspects of development cooperation, humanitarian aid, the recovery of foreign grants, and the denunciation of international treaties. Particular emphasis is placed on their knowledge of the Constitution (Article 87) and the principle of separation of powers concerning the initiation of foreign agreements.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in international security, geopolitics, and military strategy, drawing on historical parallels (Munich 1938, Churchill) and citing intelligence chiefs. He/She presents detailed knowledge regarding Russia's military enablers (North Korean ammunition factories, Iranian drones and missiles) and defense spending as a percentage of GDP.

The speaker demonstrates authority in foreign policy and the procedural rules of the Riigikogu, particularly concerning the work of the Foreign Affairs Committee. He refers to specific facts, such as meetings with election observers in Tbilisi and Dr. Hans Gutbrod’s thorough analysis regarding the systematic falsification of the Georgian elections. He is aware of the actions taken by the international community (the European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe) concerning the Georgian issue.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the Estonian parliament's historical decisions regarding the recognition of genocide, referencing the Riigikogu's previous actions concerning the Holodomor and the 2022 war crimes. Emphasis is placed on establishing a legal framework and the issue of international accountability, thereby linking legislative action with international diplomacy.

The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the legislative process, providing detailed reports on committee sessions, deadlines for submitting amendments, and the schedule for readings. They are familiar with the specifics of the Foreign Service Act, ministerial feedback, and understand that the proposed amendments will make conditions more favorable for spouses accompanying officials on foreign assignments. Furthermore, they are aware of the historical context of the law, including previous unsuccessful attempts.

The speaker demonstrates expertise on international security, the principles of the rule of law, and the utilization of frozen assets. Reference is made to the Constitutional Committee’s comprehensive work and the consultation with experts (both international and domestic) during the preparation of the draft legislation. Specific emphasis is placed on the knowledge related to channeling the interest income generated by frozen assets toward military supplies for Ukraine.

The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the field of foreign policy and international law, particularly concerning the processing of sanctions and international treaties. They utilize statistics regarding the volume of treaty processing (e.g., 8 ratified, 60 under negotiation) and reference specific international developments (the Belgian decision, Czech interest). Furthermore, they are highly familiar with the internal workings and structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mentioning specific officials and departments.

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the Foreign Service Act and parliamentary rules of procedure, citing the bill's long preparation process and a prior presidential veto. Detailed information is provided concerning committee sittings, the number of questions posed (15), and the officials involved, all of which underscores a thorough command of the subject matter. Specific legal terminology is employed, such as "authorizing norm" and "representative of the lead committee."

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in international security, the history of Russian aggression, and hybrid warfare tactics, citing examples dating back to the 2007 Munich speech. This expertise is grounded in direct contacts (Ukrainian commanders, a UN ambassador, the head of a Western intelligence service) and a detailed analysis of geopolitical alliances, detailing Russia's actions in Georgia, Syria, Catalonia, and during the US elections. Furthermore, the speaker is well-versed in defense spending levels (3% of GDP) and the operational challenges facing international organizations (OSCE, Council of Europe).