Session Profile: Tarmo Tamm
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
2025-09-10
Political Position
The political position is one of strong support for the bill initiated by the Government of the Republic, which brings Estonian law into compliance with EU directives, thereby underscoring the importance of ensuring legal certainty and meeting climate objectives. The speaker stresses that fulfilling EU obligations is a sovereign decision for Estonia, and that the levy is applied equally to all European Union vessels. The rationale for the bill is clearly rooted in policy and existing obligations, as failure to adopt it would result in fines and place shipping companies in an unfavorable position.
29 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of environmental law, particularly the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and its extension to maritime transport. They utilize technical terminology and reference specific legal instruments (delegated regulations, implementing decisions) and procedural steps. Furthermore, they provide financial estimates (approximately 8 million euros in CO2 tax) and are aware of the specific derogation granted to ice-class vessels.
29 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly formal, procedural, and explanatory, focusing on facts and legal justification. When answering questions, the tone is calm and defensively reasoned, emphasizing that the shipping companies were aware of the taxation and that this is not a retroactive obligation. At the end of the speech, the tone becomes corrective, refuting the opposing party's claims regarding letters received by the Commission.
29 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker’s activity profile is tied to the role of rapporteur for the Environment Committee, presenting reports concerning the handling of the draft legislation and the committee sessions (June 17, August 25). The speaker actively participates in plenary debates, repeatedly responding to questions and offering clarifications. Furthermore, they are involved in scheduling the draft bill (second reading on September 10, third reading on September 17).
29 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The objection is directed at Andres Metsoja’s amendment proposal, which was rejected due to legal incompatibility with EU law and which would place Estonian entrepreneurs at a disadvantage. The speaker criticizes Urmas Reinsalu for presenting inaccurate claims regarding the letters received by the Commission, accusing him of "mixing some things up" and misleading [others].
29 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes cooperation with stakeholders (the Estonian Shipowners' Association, Viru Chemistry Group, the Power Plants Association) during the Environment Committee meetings. He/She supports the government's balanced approach, where the CO2 tax is compensated by crew wage support and environmental measures. He/She considers the compensation measure a reasonable way to take with one hand and give with the other.
29 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international (EU directives) and national issues that concern Estonian shipping companies and their competitiveness within the EU market. A specific regional peculiarity is mentioned for ice-class vessels, which is linked to Estonia's climatic conditions. Finland is also cited as an example, where similar support schemes are in place.
29 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker supports an environmentally friendly economic policy, which includes mandatory EU CO2 taxation, but stresses the necessity of compensatory measures (wage support for ship crews and a 25 million euro environmental measure). He/She considers the wage support to be a fundamentally beneficial measure for the Estonian state, aimed at preventing shipping companies (such as Tallink) from re-registering under the flags of other countries.
29 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
29 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on amendments to the Atmospheric Air Protection Act, which are necessary for meeting the EU's climate targets, incorporating maritime transport into the ETS, and phasing out free emission allowances in the aviation sector. The speaker, who is a proponent of the draft bill and the committee rapporteur, stressed the need for the procedure to be carried out quickly and correctly to guarantee legal certainty.
29 Speeches Analyzed