Agenda Profile: Reili Rand

The political focus is on strengthening national security, particularly in the areas of maritime security and countering hybrid threats, framed as a necessary response to a changing global landscape. The speaker strongly backs legislative changes that would grant the Defense Forces specific authorities and enhance legal clarity for operations in maritime zones. This stance is rooted in both values and policy, underscoring the protection of the sea as a cornerstone of both the economy and freedom. Beyond legislative action, there is an emphasis on the need to invest in the development of the Estonian Navy through national defense funding.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in maritime security, hybrid threats, and national defense legislation, utilizing specific terminology such as "subsea infrastructure" and "international maritime law." Recent real-life incidents (broken cables, suspicious vessels) are directly linked to the necessity of clarifying legal norms. It is emphasized that Russia is capable of damaging subsea infrastructure and possesses the necessary capabilities to do so.

The address is formal, serious, and stressed as highly urgent, underscoring the critical importance of Estonian maritime security ("the cornerstone of security for all of us"). It employs both logical arguments (establishing legal clarity) and emotional appeals (the sea is our freedom and obligation). The style remains analytical, focusing on defining threats and proposing concrete legislative solutions.

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The primary threat and criticism are aimed at Russia, which is considered capable of damaging Estonia's subsea connections using hybrid methods. Criticism is also directed at the current legal ambiguity, which prevents the decisive action of the Defense Forces. Domestic political opponents or their positions are not criticized.

The Social Democrats support the passage of the draft bill on the first reading and call upon the Riigikogu to address it substantively and thoroughly in the National Defence Committee. This indicates a desire for constructive and detailed lawmaking at the committee level. The need to update international maritime law is also mentioned, but it is emphasized that Estonia must first put its own house in order.

The importance of Estonia as a maritime nation is emphasized, and specific coastal areas, such as Hiiumaa and Saaremaa, are highlighted, where the significance of the sea is particularly palpable. Internal Estonian connections, for instance, those with the islands, are also considered crucial, alongside the security of the Baltic Sea for both passengers and cargo.

Economic perspectives are closely tied to security, emphasizing that the sea represents both Estonia's economy and its source of sustenance. State investments in naval development are supported to ensure the seamless operation of critical supply lines, energy interconnectors, and communication cables. This perspective supports state intervention aimed at guaranteeing economic security.

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The legislative focus is on strengthening maritime security through amendments to the Defence Forces Organization Act and the Economic Zone Act (Bill 565 SE). The speaker is a strong proponent of the bill, stressing the necessity of establishing greater legal clarity and granting the Defence Forces concrete authority for decisive action. The objective is to refer the bill to the National Defence Committee for substantive deliberation.