Session Profile: Urve Tiidus
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
2025-05-21
Political Position
The political focus lies on amendments to the Liquid Fuel Act concerning the gradual introduction of sustainable aviation fuels (biofuels) in commercial aviation. The position is moderately supportive, emphasizing that the initial 2% share was chosen to preserve the competitiveness of European Union operators. The handling of the matter is considered practically necessary due to organizational issues within the Transport Administration. The political framework is rather policy- and results-driven, focusing on achieving regulatory balance.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding aviation regulations and fuel safety, detailing the safety protocols for biofuel blending, outlining the percentage targets (2% initially, rising to 70% by 2050), and discussing the overall impact on commercial air transport. Technical terms like "sustainable aviation fuel" are employed, and reference is made to the European Commission's impact assessment. This expertise is further evident in the clear distinction drawn between the three types of sustainable fuels: biofuels, synthetic fuels, and recycled carbon-based fuels.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, neutral, and procedural, which is typical of a committee report. The focus is on logical argumentation and the presentation of facts, summarizing the questions raised within the committee (e.g., safety, pricing, competition) and the explanations received. Emotional appeals are not used; the emphasis is placed on objectively conveying the bill's procedural history and its substance.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action relates to legislative work, covering the reporting of the results from the Economic Affairs Committee meeting (May 12) and the adoption of procedural decisions. Note is made of the impact analysis having been received during the interim period between committee sessions. The speaker's activity is focused on ensuring the swift progression of the draft legislation in the Riigikogu plenary.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is indirect, reflecting the concern among committee members regarding the high price of biofuel and its impact on ticket prices, as well as the competitiveness of European Union air carriers compared to the Third World. Regarding procedural decisions, there was opposition within the committee (2 votes against the proposal to conclude the first reading and set the deadline for amendments).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is open and demanding, involving active communication with representatives of the Government of the Republic (Minister Sutt, Advisor Vöörmann) to obtain clarifications. The Commission demanded and received an additional impact analysis, which demonstrates a readiness for cooperation provided that the necessary information is submitted. Cooperation with Estonian aviation fuel suppliers is also noted.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is directed at the national level (Tallinn Airport, the Transport Administration) and international regulation (European Union regulations, obligations of Third Country air carriers). The regional focus on Estonia is manifested in the desire to see an impact analysis specifically concerning the most popular routes departing from Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views center on the impact of regulation on market competition and consumer prices, emphasizing the need to prevent commercial air transport from being paralyzed. It is recognized that the price of crude oil on the world market is the biggest driver of aviation fuel costs, which points to an acknowledgment of the significance of market forces.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the swift processing of the draft act amending the Liquid Fuel Act, in order to establish requirements for sustainable aviation fuels. The speaker is a rapporteur supporting the bill, who emphasizes the necessity of completing the procedure this spring. Procedural decisions included a proposal to conclude the first reading and setting the deadline for amendments as May 28.
1 Speeches Analyzed