Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
Third reading of the draft law amending the Defence Organisation Act and the Economic Zone Act (Strengthening Maritime Security) (565 SE)
2025-04-09
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is currently centered on strengthening the nation’s maritime security and executing strategic objectives, a necessity driven by the complex situation and prevailing uncertainty. The Isamaa party supports the bill in question (565 SE) as a practical measure for the application of force, but deems this solution insufficient for achieving the overall strategic mandate. The party is demanding faster action from the government regarding the expansion of the contiguous zone and the development of international law, stressing that these matters have been stalled for several years now.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority in the field of maritime security and international law of the sea, utilizing technical terms such as *customary law*, *contiguous zone*, and *exclusive economic zone*. The expertise is directed toward strategic task formulation and the implementation of legal solutions (e.g., expanding the contiguous zone) to achieve effective control. Specific emphasis is also placed on the need to address the anchorages of the Russian shadow fleet within the exclusive economic zone.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, businesslike, and urgent, highlighting the strategic necessity while simultaneously emphasizing the sluggishness of government action. The speaker employs logical and legal arguments, referencing international practice and specific government decisions (the 2022 cabinet meeting). The tone is critical of the government's pace, yet supportive of the substantive objective of the draft legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed against the Government of the Republic, accusing it of acting too slowly and dragging its feet on crucial maritime security initiatives. The critique is rooted in policy and procedure, stressing that the government’s pace has been insufficient for the substantive resolution of these problems. The speaker regretfully notes that our economic waters have become an anchorage for the Russian shadow fleet, pointing to the direct consequences of the government's inaction.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation model emphasizes the importance of international partnership, deeming the achievement of an agreement with the Republic of Finland particularly crucial. This cooperation is necessary for expanding the contiguous zone area and enforcing effective control throughout the entire Gulf of Finland. This collaboration is viewed as the foundation for the case-by-case supplementation of international customary law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is clearly directed toward the security and control of the Gulf of Finland, treating it as an area of strategic importance. Emphasis is also placed on defending Estonia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which has become an anchorage for the Russian shadow fleet. The focus remains on international and regional cooperation with Finland.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on strengthening maritime security and enabling the use of force within the exclusive economic zone (supporting Bill 565 SE). A broader priority is the expansion of the contiguous zone, which constitutes a sovereign decision aimed at securing additional intervention capabilities in the Gulf of Finland. The speaker supports these measures but urges the government to show faster initiative in implementing the new legal framework.
1 Speeches Analyzed