By Agendas: Margit Sutrop

Total Agendas: 48

Fully Profiled: 48

2025-10-09
Discussion of the Crucial National Issue 'The Future of the Estonian Economy'

15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in R&D funding and support schemes, citing specific metrics (1% of GDP) and initiatives (the 2% club). They are also highly familiar with the specifics of cooperation between academic institutions and businesses, exemplified by Finland's conditional grants and the defense research sector.
2025-10-07
First Reading of the 2026 State Budget Bill (737 SE)

The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise in higher education funding and policy, utilizing specific data (e.g., 10.6% growth, 13.7 million euros allocated for doctoral studies) and technical terminology (RES, operating support, doctoral studies reform). Particular emphasis is placed on the details of the doctoral studies reform and support for student well-being. The data presented is precise and quantitative.
2025-06-18
Draft law amending the Health Services Organisation Act, the Unemployment Insurance Act, and other related acts, and amending the Disability Support Act (604 SE) – third reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of medical ethics and law, referencing the Law of Obligations Act and clarifying how the draft bill differs from euthanasia or assisted suicide. Specific terminology is employed ("informed consent," "patient's advance directive") and the necessity of training for physicians (e.g., anesthesiologists, oncologists) is underscored. Specific experts and organizations, such as the Estonian Medical Association and Dr. Katrin Elmet, are also cited.
2025-06-18
Draft law amending the Basic Education and Upper Secondary Education Act and the Vocational Education Institutions Act (director certification and teacher career model) (653 SE) - first reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The expertise is evident in the details of the amendments to the Education Act, focusing on the public disclosure of school principals' certification results and the resulting conclusions. The reference to the discussions held in the Cultural Committee demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the draft bill's legislative history and specific procedures.
2025-06-12
Draft Law on the Organisation of Research and Development Activities and Innovation (554 SE) - Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the organization of research and development, funding models, and the field of research ethics. Specific terms such as the "Frascati Manual," "research integrity," and "authorizing norm" are utilized, and the philosophical and practical significance of definitions (e.g., the concept of a scientist) is emphasized. This expertise is also evident in the details, for instance, when explaining the division of research ethics into research ethics proper and professional ethics.
2025-06-12
Second reading of the draft law amending the Health Services Organisation Act, the Unemployment Insurance Act, and other related acts, as well as amending the Act on Support for Working Capacity (604 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of biomedical ethics and healthcare law, employing specific terminology such as "patient autonomy," "beneficence," "palliative care," and "ethics committee." This expertise is grounded in personal experience as a member of a hospital ethics committee and five years spent working in expert groups and ethics councils on the preparation of draft legislation.
2025-06-10
The Chairman of the Supreme Court’s overview of court orders, the administration of justice, and the uniform application of laws.

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in court administration and legal education, highlighting specific issues such as exam failures and the immediate workload overload experienced by new judges. This expertise is substantiated by a detailed proposal to establish a supervised practice system for judges, analogous to a medical residency program.
2025-05-15
The Minister of Education and Research's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in higher education policy and funding, using specific terminology such as "professional higher education" and "academic higher education." They reference an analysis conducted by academician Jaak Aaviksoo and focus on quantitative targets, such as achieving a 40% proportion in higher education. This expertise is also evident in the question concerning the allocation of resources among specific fields of study.
2025-05-13
Draft law amending the Basic Education Act, the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia, and other laws related thereto (establishing the obligation to attend school) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session

The expertise is evident in the legislative procedure and in the context of the recent adoption of the Education Act (which mandates compulsory schooling). The speaker demonstrates awareness of the history behind the law's passage and is interested in the justifications for the changes (reduction of bureaucracy versus overlooked details).
2025-05-13
Draft law amending the Courts Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (to improve the administration of courts) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of court administration and resource optimization, highlighting the use of artificial intelligence for transcription and the problem of the shortage of legal assistants (or court lawyers). They draw a technical comparison with the practices of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) to assess the reliability of AI within the judicial system.
2025-04-23
Draft law amending the Health Services Organisation Act (advance directive of a patient’s end-of-life will) – first reading (604 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The presenters demonstrate a profound understanding of medical ethics, palliative care, and the complexities of legislation, referencing the core principles of modern medical ethics (autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence). One speaker specifically highlighted their experience serving on the ethics committees of two major hospitals (Kliinikum and PERH) and cited specific legal and medical terms such as "futile treatment" and "clinical context." They also showed awareness of international precedents (Latvia, Germany) and the historical medical paradigm (the spirit of Hippocrates).
2025-04-22
The Minister of Culture's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035" (including the implementation of "The Fundamentals of Estonian Sports Policy until 2030")

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates specific expertise in applying artificial intelligence within the cultural sector, citing examples such as the digitization of heritage, the translation of historical texts, and the restoration of damaged artworks. Technical and economic terminology is employed, including terms like copyrights, the reinforcement of stereotypes, and operating as a creative partner. Special emphasis is placed on the impact of AI on the employment opportunities available to jewelry artists.
2025-04-10
The Chancellor of Justice's proposal to align the Motor Vehicle Tax Act and the Road Traffic Act with the Basic Law.

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the process of creating the motor vehicle tax law, highlighting previous discussions about the possibility of monthly payments. They specifically refer to the objections of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA), which concerned the complexity of the systems, the need for reconfiguration, and the financial cost involved. This shows knowledge of both the history of the legislation and the technical obstacles.
2025-03-11
The Prime Minister's address for 2025 on the implementation of the long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035" (including an overview of the situation of research and development activities and the government's policy in this area).

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the financing, organization, and legal framework of research and development (R&D). Specific indicators are used (e.g., the 1% research agreement, the 0.2% GDP disbursement gap, the project success rate), and references are made to specific draft legislation and funds (TAIKS, Horizon, Marsden Fund). Details regarding the implementation and financing of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Estonia and the European Union are highlighted separately.
2025-02-26
Draft Law on the Organisation of Research and Development and Innovation (554 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in science organization, funding mechanisms, and the philosophy of science. They cover technical details, including the proportions of base financing, the coverage of infrastructure costs, the role of administrative contracts, and the balance between basic and applied research, while also referencing the positions held by science philosopher Ilkka Niiniluoto. Particular emphasis is placed on the complexity of research ethics and data protection regulations in the execution of scientific research.
2025-02-20
Discussion of the nationally important issue "Plan for the Future of Sport: How to Bring Medals and Get Children Moving"

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates specific knowledge in the field of sports science and educational programs, highlighting the achievements of the University of Tartu's Movement Lab and the "Movement-Inviting School" program. The specialized focus is on coach preparation, sports ethics, and the necessity of using science-based data in youth sports. Authority is shown in the evaluation of cooperation between academic and sports organizations.
2025-02-11
A debate on foreign policy initiated as a matter of significant national importance by the Foreign Affairs Committee.

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of foreign policy and diplomatic procedures, citing the specific Israeli-Palestinian conflict and last year's UN General Assembly vote. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of avoiding conflicting signals in the international arena, suggesting a detailed understanding of Estonia's diplomatic options.
2025-01-22
Draft law amending the Estonian Academy of Sciences Act (514 SE) – Second Reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of research and development funding, evidence-based policy advice, and legislation governing academic institutions. They are well-versed in the specifics of the legislative process, citing concrete provisions and procedures, and mention ongoing discussions concerning the latest OECD report and the financing of national studies.
2024-12-18
Draft law amending the Medicinal Products Act (hospital pharmacy) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in international pharmaceutical procurement mechanisms and the experiences of the Baltic states. Specific emphasis is placed on the information shared at the Baltic Assembly concerning the drug procurement practices of Latvia and Lithuania, referencing the exchange of experience.
2024-12-11
Third reading of the Basic Education Act bill (419 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates profound competence in the field of early childhood education, thoroughly addressing the integration of childcare facilities into the education system and the raising of qualification and language requirements. This expertise is supported by the use of PISA study data to substantiate the high quality of Estonian education and the need to improve the outcomes of children from other language backgrounds. He/She is aware of the long-term drafting process of the law and its legal basis.
2024-12-05
Draft law amending the Citizenship Act (522 SE) – First Reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the procedural history of the specific bill (amendment to the Citizenship Act), referencing at least five previous submissions during the current term. The expertise focuses on comparing legislative procedures and the bills themselves, requiring the presenter to provide a substantive analysis of the differences between the drafts.
2024-12-05
Second reading of the Basic Education Act bill (419 SE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of early childhood education, providing detailed information regarding the bill's legislative process (including amendment numbers and voting results) and financing (specifically, the local government contribution of 390 million euros, or 500 euros per child per month). They reference academic sources (Jaak Aaviksoo, Birute Klaas-Lang) and their own 15 years of experience analyzing kindergartens and supporting the language transition in Ida-Viru County. This expertise also encompasses pedagogical principles, such as child-centered education and specific qualification requirements (a Master's degree for directors).
2024-11-21
Draft law (447 SE) for amending the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia and amending other laws accordingly (establishing compulsory schooling) – Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

High level of expertise in the field of general and vocational education, bringing forth detailed statistical data (e.g., 83% attainment level in 2022, every fifth young person lacking qualifications). The analysis utilizes academic literature when discussing the causes of school dropout (individual characteristics, family, school, community). Furthermore, philosophical questions concerning the system are addressed, such as the concept of the self-directed learner and the inherent imbalance of the education system.
2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (527 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topic of suffrage and individuals with undetermined citizenship, correcting the opposing side's misconception about the creation of new categories of eligible voters. They know precisely that foreigners holding long-term residence permits (citing, for example, Pakistan and Abkhazia) are already entitled to vote, thereby debunking the threatening narrative concerning the emergence of a new group.
2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the history of the constitution and the necessity of amending it, based on the changed demographic and security situation. He/She links the current draft bill with previous legislative decisions, such as the transition to Estonian-language education and the possibilities for acquiring citizenship. He/She uses specific figures concerning parliamentary support (85 MPs), which demonstrates an awareness of the legislative process.
2024-11-14
Draft law amending the Estonian Academy of Sciences Act (514 SE) – first reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the specifics of science administration and legislation, precisely explaining the enactment of the Academy's statutes, the awarding of scholarships, and changes to the management structure. Technical terms such as "eestseisus" (governing body/presidium) are used, and reference is made to autonomy models similar to those of public-law universities. The speaker is also aware of the long delay concerning the Research and Development and Innovation Organization Act (TAIS).
2024-09-19
First Reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the Adult Education Act and Related Amendments to Other Acts (465 SE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the regulation of adult education and micro-degrees, aware that these degrees were being issued several years before the legislation was enacted. This expertise is evident in the detailed legal question posed concerning the validity of previously issued degrees and their recognition by employers.
2024-09-11
Minister of Defence's 2024 Report on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"

Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topics of the defense industry, innovation, and scientific cooperation, utilizing specific terminology such as "defense industry output" and "research-intensive enterprises." They also broaden the scope of knowledge to include the role of social and humanities sciences in building national defense will.
2024-06-11
First Reading of the Riigikogu Draft Statement "On the Crisis of Democracy in Georgia" (449 AE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the mechanisms of Estonian foreign policy and the logistics of diplomacy (ambassadorial accreditation in several countries). Particular emphasis is placed on personal advisory experience in Georgia in the fields of higher education, science, and value development.
2024-06-10
First Reading of the Draft Act on the 2024 Supplementary Budget (456 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of research and development (R&D) funding and budgetary accounting. They employ technical terminology such as the "Frascati Manual" and cite specific data (0.77%), thereby challenging the Ministry of Finance's accounting methodology. The expertise is aimed at contrasting international standards with national definitions of expenditure.
2024-05-30
Discussion of the nationally important issue: "How can the state avoid living in debt?"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in fiscal policy and economic development, linking budget balancing mechanisms with strategic growth areas such as R&D. Comparative analysis is used, referencing the situation in Sweden and assessing the Estonian private sector's contribution to research and development.
2024-05-14
First Reading of the Draft Basic Education Act (419 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

Demonstrates profound expertise in early childhood education, values education, and the financial aspects of education policy. Supports arguments using specific statistical data (e.g., Jaak Aaviksoo's analysis, the €460 million cost incurred by local governments) and references international comparisons (Norway, Armenia). Serves as the rapporteur for the Culture Committee, which confirms their leadership role and detailed knowledge of the bill's content and legislative procedure.
2024-05-07
Second Reading of the Draft Act Amending the 2024 State Budget Act (389 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of education funding and tax policy, utilizing specific data and statistics. Precise salary figures are provided (€1,820 minimum, €2,094 average), along with the proportions of the differentiation fund (20%, with a desired increase to 25%). The negative technical impact of the "tax hump" on incomes ranging from €1,200 to €2,100 is also explained, as well as the financial benefits for teachers if this measure were eliminated.
2024-05-07
First Reading of the Draft Resolution (410 OE) of the Riigikogu titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Find a Solution for the Construction of an Extension to the National Opera Estonia"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates awareness of the project’s institutional background, referencing Kultuurkapital funding and the opposition of the National Heritage Board (Muinsuskaitseamet). They are also familiar with the public discussion, citing an ERR news report regarding restrictions on extensions and precedents for building in the bastion zone.
2024-04-18
Discussion of the matter of significant national importance, initiated by the Environmental Committee, titled "The necessity and possibilities of introducing nuclear energy in Estonia"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates awareness of the primary concerns associated with the adoption of nuclear energy, identifying safety (in the context of atomic energy) as a historically significant value and a source of concern in many countries. This expertise is evident in the framing of the debate through the consideration of energy needs, environmental concerns, and safety values.
2024-04-16
The Minister of Culture's 2024 Report on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035" (including the implementation of the "Estonian Sports Policy Fundamentals until 2030")

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of research funding and academic support, specifically mentioning Ministry of Culture programs, the creative economy, and ETAG grants. He/She identifies as a "university person" and uses comparisons (the humanities' slice is tiny) to support his/her position.
2024-04-10
First reading of the Draft Resolution (365 OE) of the Riigikogu concerning the resolution titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Eliminate the Russian-Language Versions of the Websites of Ministries and Other Government Agencies."

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker establishes authority in the fields of communication science and information behavior, citing their personal educational background and consultations with researchers at the University of Tartu. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of continuous monitoring to understand where people source information and what specific data they trust, particularly within the context of crises. Specific terminology, such as "misinformation," is employed, and the role of platforms (TikTok, Google) in information acquisition is referenced.
2024-04-10
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Initiate Drafts of Legal Acts Ensuring the Clarity and Predictability of the Development of the School Network" (285 OE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session

The speakers demonstrate a profound knowledge of education legislation, the complex mechanisms of school network funding (e.g., the rurality coefficient, the equalization fund), and budget specifics. Their procedural competence is particularly strong, as they accurately describe the progression of the Culture Committee debates, the Ministry’s positions, and reference the Supreme Court ruling concerning the management of the proceedings. Specific data is provided regarding the financial scope of the measures (e.g., 2.4 million euros allocated for primary school support).
2024-03-19
The 2024 Report by the Minister of Health on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of healthcare resource planning, citing projections from the University of Tartu's Faculty of Medicine regarding the 10% projected decrease in the number of doctors. They highlight specific shortfall areas, such as psychiatry and radiology, using the technical term "radiation apparatuses."
2024-03-12
First Reading of the Draft Act amending the State Budget Act (391 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the processing of the state budget and the financing of constitutional institutions. This expertise is evident in their ability to inquire about specific procedural details concerning the substance of negotiations and the achievement of compromise.
2024-03-07
Debate on the matter of national importance, "The Future of Estonian Energy 2035," initiated by the Estonian Reform Party parliamentary group.

Fifteenth Riigikogu, third sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the technical aspects of the energy sector, using terms like "storage technologies" and "transmission grids." In defining the problem, academic authority is relied upon, referencing Professor Lust from the University of Tartu. The expertise specifically focuses on resolving the instability of renewable energy and the pace of its development.
2024-03-05
2024 Report by the Minister of Education and Research on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Eesti 2035" (Education Reforms)

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of education statistics, specifically highlighting concrete data concerning the qualification levels of mathematics teachers. They cite precise figures (e.g., 313 teachers with secondary education, 5 with basic education) and directly link student dropout rates and the choice of humanities to a lack of mathematical aptitude. This indicates a deep understanding of the substantive and pedagogical issues within education.
2024-02-13
Debate on Foreign Policy as an Issue of Significant National Importance, initiated by the Foreign Affairs Committee

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session

The first speaker demonstrates expertise in Estonian-Chinese economic relations and trade statistics, highlighting specific export figures (94 million euros) and referencing past failures (2011 losses). They also possess knowledge of foreign strategies (Germany’s 2023 China strategy) and security risks (Balticconnector, hidden China-Russia cooperation).
2024-02-07
First reading of the Draft Act (192 SE) on Amendments to the Research and Development Organisation Act.

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting.

The speaker demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the legislation governing the organization of research and development (TAIKS) and its funding mechanisms. Specific data is presented, such as the 5% share of base funding allocated to national studies and the success rate of competitive funding in the humanities (every 11th grant is awarded). Problems related to the evaluation of scientific monographs and the fulfillment of doctoral education objectives are also highlighted.
2024-02-07
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Study Allowances and Study Loans Act (288 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting.

The speakers exhibit expertise regarding the financial aspects of student loans, particularly concerning the effect of interest rates and repayment periods. They cite specific calculations, such as 17,000 euros in interest costs on a 30,000 euro loan. The rapporteur for the lead committee demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the procedural and conceptual deficiencies of the draft legislation, referencing the principle of equal treatment and the lack of an impact assessment. Furthermore, knowledge of the positions and plans of the relevant ministry (the Ministry of Education and Research) is also evident.
2024-02-07
First reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Higher Education Act (291 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding higher education policy, curriculum structure (language restrictions in Master’s and doctoral programs), and the international competitiveness of research. Arguments are supported by specific data, such as the high employment rate of graduates (over 70%) and the high citation impact of Estonian research according to Essential Science Indicators (ESI) data. The importance of mobility programs (Erasmus) and international cooperation in raising the quality of education is emphasized.
2024-01-23
Overview of the state of Research and Development and government policy in this field.

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of science policy and science statistics, citing data from Essential Science Indicators (ESI), referencing academics (Allik, Lauk, Tamm), and mentioning specific scientific disciplines (medicine, genetics, economics). He/She uses data to illustrate Estonia's scientific productivity (4th place globally by citation count) and the problem of the aging academic staff. Special emphasis is placed on the necessity of developing artificial intelligence (AI) and social sciences (including educational science).
2024-01-18
Debate on the National Issue of Crucial Importance: "Strong Rural Schools and a Strong School Network"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the history of education and contemporary policy issues, referencing figures like Forselius and Ignatsi Jaak, as well as awards for values education. They employ technical terminology (spatial analysis of the school network, seamless education) and focus heavily on the quality of education and teachers' working conditions. Their expertise also encompasses the role of the school maintainer/administrator and the link between education and children's subsequent success in the "exam of life."