Agenda Profile: Kalev Stoicescu

The speaker strongly supports the governing coalition’s current national defense policy, which guarantees defense spending of 3.4–3.5% of GDP and the execution of a 1.6 billion euro ammunition procurement optimally within seven years (until 2031). He/She vigorously opposes the opposition’s draft bill 540 OE, deeming it premature and unrealistic, as it would require the completion of the seven-year plan in four years, thereby violating budgetary discipline and EU rules. The political framework is strongly policy- and results-based, emphasizing the need to finance comprehensive national defense (including civil protection).

The speaker demonstrates high expertise in the fields of national defense, the timing of military procurements, and budgetary policy. He/She quotes in detail the legal positions of the Ministry of Defense and the Chancellery of the Riigikogu regarding EU budgetary rules, the utilization of structural funds, and the majority required for the adoption of the draft bill. Specific knowledge is separately highlighted concerning specialized military topics, such as infantry mines (the Ottawa Convention) and the development of naval capabilities.

The speaker’s style is formal, analytical, and procedure-oriented, especially when acting as the rapporteur for the steering committee. The tone is cautious and measured, emphasizing fiscal discipline and realistic planning, exemplified by the metaphor that "the hen should cluck only after the egg is laid." There is a strong appeal to logic, relying on legal opinions, protocols, and the government’s strategic decisions.

The speaker is an active member of the National Defence Committee, who was appointed as the rapporteur for draft bill 540 OE and presented the committee's position of non-support. He participated in the committee meeting on January 13th and distinguished his role as the committee rapporteur from his personal or factional position.

The opposition’s (Isamaa) critique of Draft Bill 540 OE is strong and grounded in both policy and procedure. The criticism centers on the bill being premature, given that the government has already planned the investment, and on its proposal of unrealistic funding sources that conflict with EU law. Furthermore, they argue that the bill focuses too narrowly on ammunition, neglecting broader capability developments (air and naval forces, civil protection).

Within the committee, the speaker adheres to consensus procedural decisions (inclusion on the agenda, designation of the rapporteur, confirmation of the voting requirement). As a rapporteur, he/she attempts to maintain neutrality by presenting both supporting and non-supporting viewpoints, and refrains from expressing his/her personal opinion before the faction's address.

The focus is heavily directed toward national security and defense, given the country's position as a border state to Russia, the "serial aggressor." Recent regional events are mentioned (the destruction of underwater infrastructure in the Gulf of Finland), alongside references to defense policy developments in neighboring countries (Lithuania, Finland). The need for a strong defensive line along the northeastern and southeastern borders is specifically highlighted, drawing a comparison to the Surovikin Line utilized on the Ukrainian front.

The speaker emphasizes strict fiscal responsibility and budgetary discipline, opposing rushed expenditures. He warns that the adoption of the draft legislation would necessitate amendments to the state's budgetary strategy and the State Budget Act, and would violate the rules on budgetary position stipulated in the European Union's economic governance regulation. He stresses that the use of EU structural funds and CO2 auction revenue is restricted by EU legislation.

Within the social sphere, Civil Protection is viewed as a non-military capability essential to comprehensive national defense, requiring funding that amounts to hundreds of millions of euros. This is being put forward as a crucial investment in civil capabilities.

The primary legislative focus is the rejection of the opposition's Riigikogu draft decision 540 OE. The speaker supports the existing government plan, which has already established the program "Ensuring Stocks: Ammunition" under the activity-based budget. He emphasizes that adopting the draft would require an amendment to the law and a majority vote of the Riigikogu membership (51 votes in favor).