Agenda Profile: Marek Reinaas
Draft law amending the Competition Act (654 SE) – first reading
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is currently on implementing the Regulation concerning foreign subsidies that distort the European Union's internal market (654 SE). Support for the draft legislation is strong, highlighting its technical nature and the necessity of designating a national contact point (the Competition Authority) to ensure compliance with EU requirements. The approach is clearly policy- and procedure-based, concentrating on carrying out administrative duties.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrate knowledge of EU law, competition law, and administrative procedure, utilizing terms such as "directly applicable regulation," "thresholds," and "foreign subsidies." Their expertise is evident in the explanation of the technical nature of the draft legislation and the precise definition of the Competition Authority's role in obtaining information for the European Commission. It is also highlighted that, due to the established thresholds, there are extremely few cases (such as mergers or public procurements) regulated by this specific regulation in Estonia.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, substantive, and explanatory, centering on logical and procedural arguments. Procedural speakers stress consensus ("consensus decision"), whereas the minister's responses are specific and illustrative (e.g., the Tallinn-Helsinki tunnel example). Emotional or narrative elements are missing; the focus is on legal precision.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The scope of activities includes participation in and presenting a report to the Riigikogu plenary session (September 10), as well as previous activities within the Economic Affairs Committee (June 16 sitting). The speaker presents the committee's procedural decisions and answers questions, demonstrating active engagement in executing the stages of the legislative process.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Insufficient data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensus-based, since the Economic Committee’s decisions regarding the inclusion of the draft bill on the plenary agenda and the conclusion of the first reading were unanimous. Cooperation with the European Commission is also emphasized, with the Competition Authority designated as the contact point for gathering information.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international (EU regulation) and national (Competition Authority) issues pertaining to the protection of the internal market. Regionally, the Tallinn-Helsinki tunnel is mentioned as an example to illustrate the potential impact of foreign subsidies (e.g., from the Chinese state) on major infrastructure projects.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize the necessity of protecting the domestic market from the distorting effect of foreign subsidies, supporting regulatory intervention. Ensuring fair competition in the case of large mergers and public procurements is supported, although it is acknowledged that such instances are few in Estonia due to the high thresholds established by the EU.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the Draft Act on Amendments to the Competition Act (654 SE), which designates the Competition Authority as the contact point for implementing the relevant EU regulation. The speaker supports this draft and is actively driving the process forward, stressing its technical and procedural significance for the effective fulfillment of European law.
4 Speeches Analyzed