Agenda Profile: Urve Tiidus

Draft law amending the Radiation Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other acts (573 SE) - first reading

2025-02-19

15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary sitting

Political Position
The political stance is supportive, focusing on reducing the administrative burden for low-risk activities (e.g., the registration of dental equipment) and solving the national legacy issue. Emphasis is placed on the need to pick up the pace and ensure the safe storage of Paldiski's radioactive waste by 2040, which is framed as a politically necessary and achievable goal.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the scope of the Radiation Act, distinguishing between ionizing and ultraviolet radiation and highlighting specific statistical data concerning the number of radiation activity permits in Estonia (e.g., 400 dental devices). He/She accurately conveys the explanations provided by ministry representatives regarding the lack of connection between the Paldiski waste (low and intermediate level radioactive waste) and the future nuclear power plant.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, neutral, and procedural, typical of the presentation of a commission report. Emotional appeals are absent; the focus is on logical argumentation, the presentation of facts and figures (150 million euros, the 2040 deadline), and communicating the details of the commission's work.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's activity pattern is linked to active work within the Legislative Environmental Committee, having presented a report to the plenary session regarding the bill preparation meeting held on February 10th. They have been appointed as the representative of the steering committee for the processing of the draft legislation.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Insufficient data.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual and procedural, emphasizing that all the committee's procedural decisions (placing the draft bill on the agenda, concluding the first reading, appointing a representative) were made by consensus. Cooperation was carried out with representatives of the Ministry of Climate, who provided technical explanations.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is clearly on the final repository for radioactive waste located in Paldiski, which is linked to the legacy of the former nuclear submarine training center. The Paldiski location is considered geologically sound, and there has been no opposition to it.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations support reducing the administrative burden for low-risk activities by replacing permits with a cheaper, one-time registration. Furthermore, the necessity of securing the large investments (150 million euros) stipulated in the state budget strategy for the creation of Paldiski infrastructure is also emphasized.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues addressed include radiation safety and the public interest surrounding the irradiation incident involving auxiliary police officers, but this is done solely to define the scope of the draft bill regarding ionizing radiation.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft amendment to the Radiation Act (Bill 573 SE), the purpose of which is to reduce administrative burden and ensure the safe, permanent disposal of radioactive waste located in Paldiski. The speaker, a representative of the lead committee, supports the bill's continued processing and the conclusion of its first reading.

1 Speeches Analyzed