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	<title>Press releases - Riigikogu</title>
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	<description>Riigikogu</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:17:26 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Hussar to Grand Master of the Order of Malta: Russia is an aggressor and Ukraine must be helped on its feet</title>
		<link>https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/hussar-to-grand-master-of-the-order-of-malta-russia-is-an-aggressor-and-ukraine-must-be-helped-on-its-feet/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Maiki Vaikla]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:17:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Others]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press releases]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.riigikogu.ee/?p=182505</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Today, the President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar welcomed the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is Fra' John T. Dunlap in his visit to Estonia and invited the Order to close cooperation in supporting Ukraine both during Russia’s full-scale war and after its end.</p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/hussar-to-grand-master-of-the-order-of-malta-russia-is-an-aggressor-and-ukraine-must-be-helped-on-its-feet/">Hussar to Grand Master of the Order of Malta: Russia is an aggressor and Ukraine must be helped on its feet</a></p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hussar stressed that Estonia very much appreciated the long-term experience of the Order of Malta in responding to humanitarian crises and expressed his hope of finding new possibilities for cooperation with Ukraine in humanitarian and recovery projects.</p>
<p>“Our message to the whole world has remained the same for years—pressure on Russia and continued support to Ukraine must continue. Estonia has experienced how a poor country was built into a strong and developed nation in a short time after the collapse of the Soviet Union. But we had the support and solidarity of other developed nations. We must offer the same support to Ukraine,” Hussar said. The parties discussed launching a joint pilot project in Zviahel, Ukraine, with focus on developing the rehabilitation and social system of the region.</p>
<p>Grand Master Dunlap explained that the Order of Malta is currently working on 74&nbsp;different missions in Ukraine, and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to enhance cooperation with Estonia. He declared the Order ready to contribute to our local projects as well, referring to the cooperation agreement signed between Estonia and the Order today, which lays the foundation for possible expansion of the activities of Knights Hospitaller in health care provision in Estonia.</p>
<p><em>The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, i.e. the Order of Malta, is a Catholic order founded in 1099. As a sovereign subject of international law, the Order maintains diplomatic relations with 110 sovereign states, including 19 EU Member States and the European Union. The mission of the Order is to assist the poor and the suffering around the world.&nbsp; </em></p>
<p><em>Estonia established diplomatic relations with the Order of Malta in 2020. The Embassy of the Order was opened in Tallinn in 2023. The cooperation agreement signed today creates opportunities to cooperate in the fields of health care services, social welfare, volunteering, proactive disaster preparedness, humanitarian aid, and refugee integration in Estonia as well as Ukraine.</em></p>
<p>Riigikogu Press Service<br />
Maiki Vaikla<br />
<span class="icon-phone">+372&nbsp;631&nbsp;6456, +372&nbsp;5666&nbsp;9508</span><br />
<a class="icon-email" href="mailto:maiki.vaikla@riigikogu.ee">maiki.vaikla@riigikogu.ee</a><br />
Questions: <a class="icon-email" href="mailto:press@riigikogu.ee">press@riigikogu.ee</a></p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/hussar-to-grand-master-of-the-order-of-malta-russia-is-an-aggressor-and-ukraine-must-be-helped-on-its-feet/">Hussar to Grand Master of the Order of Malta: Russia is an aggressor and Ukraine must be helped on its feet</a></p>
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		<title>Riigikogu ratified prison rental agreement between Estonia and Sweden</title>
		<link>https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/plenary-assembly/riigikogu-ratified-prison-rental-agreement-between-estonia-and-sweden/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Karin Kangro]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:34:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Legal Affairs Committee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Plenary assembly]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.riigikogu.ee/?p=182467</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>At its sitting today, the Riigikogu approved the agreement between Estonia and Sweden that authorises the transferral of up to 600 prison inmates from Sweden to Estonia to serve their sentence.</p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/plenary-assembly/riigikogu-ratified-prison-rental-agreement-between-estonia-and-sweden/">Riigikogu ratified prison rental agreement between Estonia and Sweden</a></p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee <strong>Madis Timpson</strong> explained that the number of inmates was constantly falling in Estonia while the cost of maintaining prisons remained high. “Leasing out prison places will enable Tartu Prison to remain in operation, ensure that internal security jobs are preserved in the region, create new jobs, and bring in at least EUR 30–60 million in contractual revenue to the state budget. The agreement offers a solution to the temporary overload of the prison system in Sweden.“</p>
<p>According to the Agreement, Estonia is ready to accept Swedish inmates and enable the enforcement of their sentences in Estonia. The arrival of inmates is planned to take place gradually so that Tartu Prison has time to make the necessary preparations. The first Swedish inmates should be placed in Tartu Prison in August. In total, the agreement allows up to 600&nbsp;inmates to be transferred from Sweden to Estonia.</p>
<p>The Agreement sets out the rights and obligations, and regulates the enforcement of sentences, prison conditions, as well as the distribution of costs, and supervision. Estonia will only accept prisoners who meet certain criteria, which means that security risks along with possible prevention and mitigation measures have been identified in cooperation between the Police and Border Guard Board, the Estonian Internal Security Service, and the Ministry of the Interior. According to the Agreement, foreign inmates are sent back to Sweden at least one month before the end of their sentence and are released there.</p>
<p>The agreement was signed in Stockholm in June last year. The Swedish parliament ratified the agreement on 3 June. The Agreement will enter into force on the thirtieth day after both Estonia and Sweden have completed the necessary national legal procedures and have notified each other of this in writing. At its sitting today, the Riigikogu also passed the amendments in the national law (<a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/tegevus/eelnoud/eelnou/516a272e-3d13-4087-9bc3-b4c2531cff97/karistusseadustiku-kriminaalmenetluse-seadustiku-ja-vangistusseaduse-taiendamise-seaduse-eelnou-773-se/">773 SE</a>) needed to implement the agreement.</p>
<p>52 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour and 42 against the <strong>Act on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Kingdom of Sweden on the Enforcement in Estonia of Swedish Sentences of Imprisonment</strong> (<a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/tegevus/eelnoud/eelnou/2b20b36b-00e5-4a4b-b6af-263de4ff65d2/eesti-vabariigi-ja-rootsi-kuningriigi-vahelise-eesti-vabariigis-rootsi-kuningriigi-vanglakaristuste-taideviimise-kokkuleppe-ratifitseerimise-seaduse-eelnou-682-se-ii">682&nbsp;SE</a>), initiated by the Government.</p>
<p>Riigikogu Press Service<br />
Merilin Kruuse<br />
<span class="icon-phone">+372&nbsp;631&nbsp;6592; +372&nbsp;510&nbsp;6179</span><br />
<a class="icon-email" href="mailto:merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee">merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee</a><br />
Questions: <a class="icon-email" href="mailto:press@riigikogu.ee">press@riigikogu.ee</a></p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/plenary-assembly/riigikogu-ratified-prison-rental-agreement-between-estonia-and-sweden/">Riigikogu ratified prison rental agreement between Estonia and Sweden</a></p>
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		<title>The Climate Resilient Economy Bill passed the first reading in the Riigikogu</title>
		<link>https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/the-climate-resilient-economy-bill-passed-the-first-reading-in-the-riigikogu/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Maiki Vaikla]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:51:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Plenary assembly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press releases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sitting reviews]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.riigikogu.ee/?p=182402</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Two bills passed the first reading, two bills passed the second reading, and a Resolution was adopted at today’s sitting of the Riigikogu.</p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/the-climate-resilient-economy-bill-passed-the-first-reading-in-the-riigikogu/">The Climate Resilient Economy Bill passed the first reading in the Riigikogu</a></p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>09The Climate Resilient Economy Bill and a Bill concerning the Electricity Market Act passed the first reading in the Riigikogu</strong></p>
<p><strong>The Climate Resilient Economy Bill</strong> (<a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/tegevus/eelnoud/eelnou/7e58c8fd-5d85-4fd7-a05c-ff856fbfdafe/kliimakindla-majanduse-seaduse-eelnou-928-se-i">928&nbsp;SE</a>), initiated by the Government, sets out a path for gradually reducing Estonia’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. The Bill will strengthen the resilience of the economy and society to climate change. It will establish a clear framework to guide economic development towards the adoption of clean energy, resource efficiency and climate-neutrality.</p>
<p>The Bill will support the competitiveness of businesses and promote innovation and the development of low-emission technologies.&nbsp; Greater valorization of local resources and the implementation of the principles of circular economy are important, as they help reduce costs and dependence on external inputs. The emphasis on environmentally sustainable development will also improve businesses’ access to financing and strengthen their position in international markets.</p>
<p>In drafting the bill, an effort has been made to strike a balance between various constitutional values as no fundamental right, interest or objective has automatic precedence over others. This means that when the principles of the Climate-Resilient Economy Bill are implemented, other interests and objectives, including those related to national defence, will also have to be considered. The Bill will define climate-related terms and set out climate targets and principles that support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation to the impacts of climate change.</p>
<p><strong>Rain Epler</strong> from the Estonian Conservative People&#8217;s Party Group, <strong>Urmas Reinsalu</strong> from Isamaa Parliamentary Group, <strong>Tiit Maran </strong>from Estonia 200 Parliamentary Group and <strong>Yoko Alender</strong> from the Reform Party Parliamentary Group took the floor during the debate. <strong>Peeter Ernits</strong> presented a comment on behalf of the Centre Party Group.</p>
<p>Isamaa Parliamentary Group, the Centre Party Group and the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 19 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 47 were against. The motion was not supported, and the first reading of the Bill was concluded.</p>
<p><strong>The Bill on Amendments to the Electricity Market Act and Other Acts</strong> (<a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/tegevus/eelnoud/eelnou/9aa6adac-e716-4dbf-a80e-990bc41dbd35/elektrituruseaduse-ja-teiste-seaduste-muutmise-seaduse-eelnou-892-se-i">892&nbsp;SE</a>), initiated by the Government, also passed its first reading at today’s sitting. It will transpose the amendments made with an EU directive with the aim of improving the organisation of electricity market so that the energy market would be well integrated.&nbsp; This will enable Member States to gain economic benefits from a single energy market under all market conditions, and at the same time also ensure security of supply and support the reduction of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions to achieve the Union’s climate neutrality target.</p>
<p>In the context of the energy crisis, the current structure of the electricity market has revealed various bottlenecks that are related to the impact of high and volatile fossil fuel prices in short-term electricity markets and are forcing households and businesses to face sharp price fluctuations and their impact on electricity bills. The amendments proposed in the Bill will ensure that consumers are protected against energy price crises and against disconnection from the grid during out-of-court dispute resolution proceedings.</p>
<p>The ability of network connection users to enter into flexible connection agreements in regions where the capacity of electricity network for new connections is limited also encourages network operators to develop sparsely populated areas, as they can be confident that reinforcement of the planned network is a priority. Flexible connections will be permitted as a permanent solution in areas where reinforcement of the network is not effective, and the expected restrictions applicable to flexible connection agreements will be made as visible as possible to network users applying for a network connection.</p>
<p><strong>Mart Maastik</strong> from Isamaa Parliamentary Group took the floor during the debate.</p>
<p>No motions to amend the Bill had been submitted and the first reading was concluded.</p>
<p><strong>Two Bills passed the second reading</strong></p>
<p><strong>The Bill on Amendments to the Electronic Communications Act and the Information Society Services Act</strong> (<a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/tegevus/eelnoud/eelnou/d75f5341-7254-4d16-8ccf-2418457d903e/elektroonilise-side-seaduse-ja-infouhiskonna-teenuse-seaduse-muutmise-seaduse-eelnou-862-se-ii">862&nbsp;SE</a>), initiated by the Government, aims to ensure more effective functioning of criminal proceedings and international cooperation.</p>
<p>The Bill will provide that providers of electronic communications services and information society services located outside the European Union but providing services within the European Union, as well as for service providers located in a European Union Member State but providing services in another Member State, will have an obligation to designate or appoint a company or legal representative in order to ensure the adoption and enforcement of decisions and orders for the purposes of criminal proceedings.</p>
<p>Information on the appointment of companies and representatives will be forwarded to the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority which, as a central authority, cooperates with the central authorities of other Member States and the European Commission.</p>
<p>No motions to amend the Bill had been submitted between two readings. The second reading was concluded.</p>
<p><strong>The Bill on Amendments to the Alcohol Act, the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Duty Act and the Statutory Fees Act</strong> (<a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/tegevus/eelnoud/eelnou/a0d9ba16-b14e-4ba5-a878-61a451879000/alkoholiseaduse-alkoholi--tubaka--kutuse--ja-elektriaktsiisi-seaduse-ning-riigiloivuseaduse-muutmise-seaduse-eelnou-881-se-ii">881&nbsp;SE</a>), initiated by the Government, also passed its second reading. It provides that the operation of the state register of alcohol will terminate on 1&nbsp;November. The purpose of the amendment is to reduce the administrative burden on economic operators and simplify bringing alcoholic beverages to the market.</p>
<p>In the future, producers and importers of alcoholic beverages will no longer have to enter their products in the state register of alcohol; instead, they will be able to bring them to the market directly, provided that the products meet the requirements and are safe. Several additional reporting requirements will also be eliminated, such as the obligation to submit laboratory test reports and wine movement reports.</p>
<p>An amendment will also reduce the administrative burden of the state because the Agriculture and Food Board will no longer need to maintain the register and will be able to direct the freed-up resources to supervision.</p>
<p>No motions to amend the Bill had been submitted and the second reading was concluded.</p>
<p><strong>A Resolution was passed</strong></p>
<p>Under <strong>the Resolution of the Riigikogu “Appointment of a Member of the Estonian Public Broadcasting Council from among the Members of the Riigikogu” </strong>(<a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/tegevus/eelnoud/eelnou/6d130682-7158-44a8-9793-96c1ef0dd802/riigikogu-otsuse-riigikogu-liikmest-eesti-rahvusringhaalingu-noukogu-liikme-nimetamine-eelnou-938-oe-i">938 OE</a>), submitted by the Cultural Affairs Committee, Member of the Riigikogu Evelin Poolamets is appointed as a new member of the Estonian Public Broadcasting Council. The amendment is necessary because the mandate of the current council member Varro Vooglaid ended prematurely due to his leaving the Estonian Conservative People&#8217;s Party Group on 14 May.</p>
<p>The Estonian Public Broadcasting Council consists of members of the Riigikogu and acknowledged experts in the field of activity of the Public Broadcasting. On the proposal of the Cultural Affairs Committee, the Riigikogu appoints one representative from each faction of the Riigikogu until the date of termination of the authority of the composition of the Riigikogu, and four experts from among the acknowledged experts in the field of activity of the Public Broadcasting whose authority continues for five years.</p>
<p>The council also includes Vadim Belobrovtsev from the Estonian Centre Party Group, Raimond Kaljulaid from the Social Democratic Party Group, Valdo Randpere from the Estonian Reform Party Group, Marek Reinaas from Estonia 200 Parliamentary Group and Priit Sibul from Isamaa Parliamentary Group. Paavo Nõgene, Raul Rebane, Rein Veidemann and Chairman of the Council Sulev Valner are members of the Council who are experts in the relevant field of activity.</p>
<p><strong>Urmas Reinsalu</strong> from Isamaa Parliamentary Group and <strong>Lauri Läänemets</strong> from the Social Democratic Party Parliamentary Group took the floor during the debate.</p>
<p>73 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the draft Resolution and no member of the Riigikogu was against and there were no abstentions. The Resolution was passed.</p>
<p>The sitting ended at 1.27&nbsp;p.m.</p>
<p><a href="https://stenogrammid.riigikogu.ee/et/202606091000"><em>Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)</em></a></p>
<p><em>Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/riigikogu"><em>YouTube channel</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p>Riigikogu Press Service<br />
Maiki Vaikla<br />
<span class="icon-phone">+372&nbsp;631&nbsp;6456, +372&nbsp;5666&nbsp;9508</span><br />
<a class="icon-email" href="mailto:maiki.vaikla@riigikogu.ee">maiki.vaikla@riigikogu.ee</a><br />
Questions: <a class="icon-email" href="mailto:press@riigikogu.ee">press@riigikogu.ee</a></p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/the-climate-resilient-economy-bill-passed-the-first-reading-in-the-riigikogu/">The Climate Resilient Economy Bill passed the first reading in the Riigikogu</a></p>
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		<title>Hussar to the Prime Minister of Latvia: We are committed to the timely completion of Rail Baltic</title>
		<link>https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/others/hussar-to-the-prime-minister-of-latvia-we-are-committed-to-the-timely-completion-of-rail-baltic/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Maris Meiessaar]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:08:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Others]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.riigikogu.ee/?p=182361</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Lauri Hussar and the new Prime Minister of Latvia Andris Kulbergs discussed defence cooperation and ways to ensure the timely completion of Rail Baltic at their meeting today.</p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/others/hussar-to-the-prime-minister-of-latvia-we-are-committed-to-the-timely-completion-of-rail-baltic/">Hussar to the Prime Minister of Latvia: We are committed to the timely completion of Rail Baltic</a></p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>President of the Riigikogu <strong>Lauri Hussar</strong> welcomed <strong>Andris Kulbergs</strong>, who has just become Prime Minister of our neighbouring country, on his first state visit and highlighted the long history of our cooperation. “Currently, security is the shared priority for Estonia and Latvia. We will continue to cooperate to ensure that our skies and our eastern border are protected,” the President of the Riigikogu said. Hussar underlined the need to continue helping Ukraine and exerting pressure on Russia. “Sanctions must be strengthened to make continuing this war of aggression as costly as possible for Russia. We see that as long as Putin believes in his victory, he will not come to the negotiating table,” Hussar noted.</p>
<p>Hussar and Kulbergs also discussed the issue of the timely completion of Rail Baltic. “It is very important to us that Rail Baltic be completed on schedule,” Hussar affirmed Estonia’s commitment to the joint infrastructure project. “We must stand united to secure funding for the railway’s construction under the European Union’s new multiannual financial framework,” he said.</p>
<p>Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu <strong>Peeter Tali</strong> and President of the Baltic Assembly <strong>Timo Suslov</strong> also participated in the meeting.</p>
<p>During his two-day visit to Tallinn, Kulbergs will also meet with Prime Minister <strong>Kristen Michal</strong> and President of the Republic <strong>Alar Karis</strong>, and attend the meeting of the Prime Ministers of the Nordic Countries and the Baltic States (NB8).</p>
<p><a href="https://fotoarhiiv.riigikogu.ee/xv-riigikogu/xv-riigikogu-juhatus/kohtumine-lati-peaministri-andris-kulbergsiga/"><em>Photos</em></a><em> (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)</em></p>
<p>Riigikogu Press Service<br />
Maris Meiessaar<br />
<span class="icon-phone">+372&nbsp;631&nbsp;6353, +372&nbsp;5558&nbsp;3993</span><br />
<a class="icon-email" href="mailto:maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee">maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee</a><br />
Questions: <a class="icon-email" href="mailto:press@riigikogu.ee">press@riigikogu.ee</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/others/hussar-to-the-prime-minister-of-latvia-we-are-committed-to-the-timely-completion-of-rail-baltic/">Hussar to the Prime Minister of Latvia: We are committed to the timely completion of Rail Baltic</a></p>
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		<title>The Riigikogu sent the draft supplementary budget to its third reading</title>
		<link>https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/sitting-reviews/the-riigikogu-sent-the-draft-supplementary-budget-to-its-third-reading/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gunnar Paal]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:40:47 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Plenary assembly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sitting reviews]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.riigikogu.ee/?p=182400</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Riigikogu deliberated four Bills and heard the replies to an interpellation.</p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/sitting-reviews/the-riigikogu-sent-the-draft-supplementary-budget-to-its-third-reading/">The Riigikogu sent the draft supplementary budget to its third reading</a></p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>A Bill passed the second reading</strong></p>
<p><strong>The Bill on the State’s Supplementary Budget for 2026</strong> (<a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/tegevus/eelnoud/eelnou/8016218a-d6e9-4242-b77b-0d9619abf147/riigi-2026.-aasta-lisaeelarve-seaduse-eelnou-910-se-ii">910 SE</a>), initiated by the Government, passed its second reading in the Riigikogu. It will reduce state revenues by EUR 24 million and increase expenditures by EUR 4.4 million. According to the bill, investments will decrease by EUR 1.5 million and the budget for financing transactions will increase by EUR 37.9 million.</p>
<p>The bill will direct EUR 10.98 million in expenses and investments to Eesti.ai projects, which, among other things, aim to improve people&#8217;s AI skills and make the public sector more efficient. EUR 17 million will be allocated for the construction of the eastern border to pay for contractual obligations already undertaken. The investments of the State Real Estate Ltd and Hexest Materials Ltd will also be specified. The allocation to the Estonian Cultural Endowment will be increased by the amount of voluntary payments made to the state budget by gambling operators and the income tax paid on those payments.</p>
<p>The cancellation of the fuel excise duty increase starting from 1 May will lead to the largest decrease in revenue, amounting to EUR 36 million. To increase revenues, an additional 20 million in dividends will be taken from the State Forest Management Centre from net profit.</p>
<p>The budget deficit will remain at 4.3 percent of GDP, i.e. at the same level as in the Ministry of Finance’s spring forecast. Next year&#8217;s budget deficit will decrease by 0.1 percent of GDP as a result of the proposals.</p>
<p>For the second reading, the Finance Committee included a provision to increase the single parent&#8217;s child allowance from EUR 80 to EUR 100 starting from 1 September 2026. The amendment will result in additional expenditure of approximately EUR 600,000 for the state budget in 2026 which will be covered from the budget for IT investments in the area of government of the Ministry of Social Affairs, with projects being postponed until next year. Starting from 2027, the additional expenditure will be taken into account during the preparation of the state budget strategy for 2027–2030.</p>
<p>In the 2026 state budget adopted by the Riigikogu last December, revenues totalled EUR 18.6 billion and expenditures EUR 19.5 billion, while investments totalled EUR 1.3 billion and financing transactions EUR 1.5 billion.</p>
<p><strong>Aleksandr Tšaplõgin</strong> (Centre Party), <strong>Aivar Kokk</strong> (Isamaa), <strong>Urmas Reinsalu</strong> (Isamaa), <strong>Helmen Kütt</strong> (Social Democratic Party), <strong>Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart</strong> (Centre Party) and <strong>Vladimir Arhipov</strong> (Centre Party) took the floor during the debate.</p>
<p>Isamaa Parliamentary Group and the Centre Party Group moved to suspend the second reading of the Bill. The motion was not supported because 17 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of it and 41 voted against.</p>
<p>The second reading of the Bill was concluded and the deadline for submission of motions to amend was set for 5.15 p.m. on 10 June.</p>
<p><strong>Three Bills passed the first reading</strong></p>
<p><strong>The Bill on the Ratification of the Agreement on the Interpretation and Application of the Energy Charter Treaty</strong> (<a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/tegevus/eelnoud/eelnou/b8e3819e-296e-4b9a-9836-3398c895820c/energiaharta-lepingu-tolgendamise-ja-kohaldamise-kokkuleppe-ratifitseerimise-seaduse-eelnou-921-se-i">921 SE</a>), initiated by the Government. Estonia has signed the Agreement on the Interpretation and Application of the Energy Charter Treaty, but it still needs to be ratified.</p>
<p>Challenges have arisen for the European Union in situations where the Energy Charter Treaty has been interpreted as an instrument covering intra-EU relations, even though that has never been the intention of the Energy Charter. The EU, Euratom, and the Member States have not wanted to, and have not been able to, establish mutual obligations through the Energy Charter, because the Energy Charter has been designed as a foreign policy instrument for energy cooperation with third countries. The EU’s internal energy policy is based on extensive and detailed internal market provisions that regulate relations between Member States.</p>
<p>The European Union and the Member States are showing through the agreement that an arbitral tribunal established under Article 26 of the Charter cannot resolve disputes between an EU Member State and an investor from the EU in matters of energy cooperation; instead, such disputes must be resolved in accordance with EU law. Arbitral tribunals may hear cases in which the other party to the dispute is a third country or an investor from a third country. Arbitral tribunals do not have jurisdiction to resolve intra-EU disputes.</p>
<p>The purpose of concluding the agreement is to establish a clear international legal instrument that arbitral tribunals and other dispute resolution bodies must take into account in international disputes. The agreement follows a declaration concerning the legal consequences arising from the judgment of the Court of Justice in the Komstroy case (Moldova <em>v</em> Komstroy, case C-741/19).</p>
<p>Hungary is not a party to the agreement, as it did not agree to the legal basis of the European Union’s founding treaties referred to in the agreement. The first reading of the Bill was concluded.</p>
<p><strong>The Bill on Amendments to the Taxation Act, the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act and the Code of Civil Procedure and the Code of Enforcement Procedure Implementation Act</strong> (<a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/tegevus/eelnoud/eelnou/a35f2ed4-f2b2-4b84-99cd-2b30077de89b/maksukorralduse-seaduse-rahapesu-ja-terrorismi-rahastamise-tokestamise-seaduse-ning-tsiviilkohtumenetluse-seadustiku-ja-taitemenetluse-seadustiku-rakendamise-seaduse-muutmise-seaduse-eelnou-924-se-i">924 SE</a>), initiated by the Government, will specify the rights of the Tax and Customs Board and the Financial Intelligence Unit to obtain data necessary for tax controls and for carrying out anti-money laundering tasks, in particular regarding bank accounts and account data. It will be clearly provided that the Tax and Customs Board will also have the right to request information from credit institutions in tax proceedings and this right will also include bank secrecy.</p>
<p>&nbsp;It will be specified and delimited what data the Tax and Customs Board may request through the information exchange channel of the enforcement register. If the Tax and Customs Board requests information through the enforcement register, in the future, the order will have to include an explanation of the factual circumstances, including a justification as to why it was not possible to obtain the necessary data from the taxable person. This will make requesting data more transparent and help limit unjustified interference with individuals’ rights.</p>
<p>With regard to the Financial Intelligence Unit, it will be specified that it has the right to obtain account data, including account balances and account statements, through the enforcement register in justified cases. It will also be provided that a natural person must be notified of a request for an account statement after five years have passed once the grounds provided for in the law preventing notification have ceased to exist. &nbsp;This obligation will apply to queries that are made after the Act enters into force.</p>
<p>According to the bill, the current retention periods will be shortened in order to reduce the infringement of personality rights. &nbsp;Some of the provisions concerning data retention will enter into force later, on 30 June 2027.</p>
<p>The background to the amendments lies in the Chancellor of Justice&#8217;s observations that the Tax and Customs Board&#8217;s access to the enforcement register outside criminal proceedings is unclearly regulated in the current Act and that the Financial Intelligence Unit&#8217;s right to obtain bank account statements is not sufficiently clearly provided. The bill aims to write these rights more clearly and specifically into the Act.</p>
<p>In addition, the rights of the data subject when accessing data processing will be delimited, and the grounds for when and which rights the FIU may restrict will be established in accordance with European Union law. The regulation of the supervision by the Financial Intelligence Unit will also be revised and the wording of the provisions will be improved in light of a recent interpretation by the Supreme Court and the need to make the regulation of anti-money laundering supervision more precise in terms of terminology.</p>
<p><strong>Urmas Reinsalu</strong> took the floor behalf of Isamaa Parliamentary Group during the debate.</p>
<p>The first reading of the Bill was concluded.</p>
<p><strong>The Insurance Undertaking Crisis Prevention and Resolution Bill</strong> (<a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/tegevus/eelnoud/eelnou/d2a106fd-0989-472b-98ad-24eb0479add3/kindlustusandja-kriisi-ennetamise-ja-lahendamise-seaduse-eelnou-925-se-i">925 SE</a>), initiated by the Government, will transpose into Estonian law two EU insurance directives. The aim is to establish a framework for early intervention and crisis resolution in the financial difficulties of insurance undertakings and to update insurance regulation in order to strengthen financial stability, protect policyholders, and make the regulation more proportionate and future-proof.</p>
<p>The bill will simplify the requirements and market entry conditions particularly for small and non-complex insurance undertakings. For example, they will not have to draw up a liquidity risk management plan or climate change scenarios, and their risks and solvency will be assessed every two years, rather than annually. Nor will they need to assess macroeconomic factors.</p>
<p>The bill will extend the deadlines for supervision and public reporting for all insurance undertakings and update the capital and investment rules for insurance undertakings to encourage long-term equity investments and reduce the impact of market fluctuations.</p>
<p>The amendments will strengthen risk management and supervision and increase attention to taking climate and sustainability risks into account. Insurance undertakings will be required to develop climate change scenarios if climate change-related risks have a significant impact on them. Insurance undertakings will also have to draw up action plans on how to measure, monitor and reduce environmental, social, and other sustainability-related risks. In addition, insurance undertakings will have to increase the diversity and gender balance of the composition of their management bodies.</p>
<p>A regulation of crisis resolution in the insurance sector will create the opportunity to intervene early in the case of an insurance undertaking in difficulty in order to restore the insurance undertaking’s financial position before serious problems arise and, if necessary, implement measures that protect policyholders and financial stability. &nbsp;Crisis resolution will be initiated only if other solutions are insufficient and it is necessary in the public interest.</p>
<p>The first reading of the Bill was concluded.</p>
<p><strong>An interpellation was replied</strong></p>
<p>Minister of Energy and the Environment <strong>Andres Sutt</strong> replied to the interpellation concerning the conflicts of interest arising from the “revolving door” effect within the area of administration of the Ministry of Climate (<a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/download/30043ace-88ee-4f0d-87f4-b41db48db570">No. 1004</a>), submitted by members of the Riigikogu.</p>
<p>The interpellation concerning the deterioration in the livelihoods and financial health of Estonian people (<a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/download/31cba984-0994-46f1-9374-6d9409627d2f">No. 960</a>), submitted to Prime Minister <strong>Kristen Michal</strong>, was excluded from the agenda. The deliberation was cancelled due to changes in the Prime Minister&#8217;s schedule and with the consent of the interpellators.</p>
<p>A sheltering exercise, which brought about a recess in the sitting of the Riigikogu, was held at Toompea Castle as part of the large-scale nationwide comprehensive defence exercise ILVES&nbsp;2026 (LYNX2026).</p>
<p>The sitting ended at 6.52&nbsp;p.m.</p>
<p><a href="https://stenogrammid.riigikogu.ee/et/202606081500"><em>Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)</em></a></p>
<p><em>Video recording will be available to watch later on </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/riigikogu"><em>the Riigikogu YouTube</em></a><em> channel.</em></p>
<p>Riigikogu Press Service<br />
Gunnar Paal<br />
+372&nbsp;631&nbsp;6351, +372&nbsp;5190&nbsp;2837<br />
<a href="mailto:gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee">gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee</a><br />
Questions: <a href="mailto:press@riigikogu.ee">press@riigikogu.ee</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/sitting-reviews/the-riigikogu-sent-the-draft-supplementary-budget-to-its-third-reading/">The Riigikogu sent the draft supplementary budget to its third reading</a></p>
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		<title>Mihkelson: Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine will not end with ordinary negotiations</title>
		<link>https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/foreign-affairs-committee-en/mihkelson-russias-war-of-aggression-in-ukraine-will-not-end-with-ordinary-negotiations/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Karin Kangro]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:21:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Foreign Affairs Committee]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.riigikogu.ee/?p=182359</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Marko Mihkelson said at the meeting with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Türkiye that Russia’s objectives in its war of aggression against Ukraine had not changed, and that the war could not be ended with ordinary negotiations.</p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/foreign-affairs-committee-en/mihkelson-russias-war-of-aggression-in-ukraine-will-not-end-with-ordinary-negotiations/">Mihkelson: Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine will not end with ordinary negotiations</a></p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>According to Mihkelson, the global security situation is turbulent, and the primary geopolitical challenge is Russia’s ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine. “It has been our understanding for a long time, and it still is today, that the war initiated by Russia is much more than just a regional conflict. The issue is not Crimea, Donbas, or some other region of Ukraine, but Russia’s wish to change the world order. Therefore, this war cannot end through ordinary negotiations,” he said.</p>
<p>According to Mihkelson, Russia has no desire to end military activities, and even the efforts of the United States have not stopped Russia for a single day. &#8220;Now is the decisive moment when the pressure on Russia must be increased – negotiations will only be on the table if Russia is pressured into this,&#8221; he said. “We know what it means to lose independence. And we also know that not every kind of peace is just or lasting.”</p>
<p>Speaking of the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara at the beginning of July, Mihkelson said that it was important for Estonia to achieve the best possible results at the summit through a strong and united message. “It is crucial that the summit demonstrated very strong unity among the Allies: that Article&nbsp;5 is firm and no one can divide us. It is also important how quickly the defence spending of the Allies reaches the desired level,” he said.</p>
<p>Mihkelson thanked Türkiye for strengthening collective defence and for participating in the Baltic air policing mission. Issues of defence cooperation between Estonia and Türkiye, including the state of defence procurements and collaboration between defence industry companies, were also addressed at the meeting. The discussions also covered parliamentary cooperation, the development of trade, cultural relations and tourism, the situation in the Middle East, and developments in Armenia.</p>
<p>In addition to Mihkelson, members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu <strong>Eerik-Niiles Kross</strong> and <strong>Luisa Värk</strong> also attended the meeting.</p>
<p>The delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Türkiye is in Tallinn to attend the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which takes place today and tomorrow. The security situation and changes in the international order, as well as further support for Ukraine and preparations for the NATO Summit will be discussed at the meeting. The delegations will also visit the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service, where they will discuss the developments in the security situation, and cybersecurity company CybExer Technologies.</p>
<p><a class="photos sprite fake" href="https://fotoarhiiv.riigikogu.ee/xv-riigikogu/xv-riigikogu-komisjonid/valiskomisjon-xv/eesti-ja-turgi-valiskomisjonide-kohtumine/"><em>Photos</em></a><em> (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)</em></p>
<p>Riigikogu Press Service<br />
Karin Kangro<br />
<span class="icon-phone">+372&nbsp;631&nbsp;6356, +372&nbsp;520&nbsp;0323</span><br />
<a class="icon-email" href="mailto:karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee">karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee</a><br />
Questions: <a class="icon-email" href="mailto:press@riigikogu.ee">press@riigikogu.ee</a></p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/foreign-affairs-committee-en/mihkelson-russias-war-of-aggression-in-ukraine-will-not-end-with-ordinary-negotiations/">Mihkelson: Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine will not end with ordinary negotiations</a></p>
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		<title>ILVES 2026 sheltering exercise started in the Riigikogu</title>
		<link>https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/others/ilves-2026-sheltering-exercise-started-in-the-riigikogu/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gunnar Paal]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:37:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Others]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.riigikogu.ee/?p=182338</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>A sheltering exercise, which led to a recess in the sitting of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia), began at Toompea Castle as part of the large-scale nationwide comprehensive defence exercise ILVES 2026 (LYNX2026).</p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/others/ilves-2026-sheltering-exercise-started-in-the-riigikogu/">ILVES 2026 sheltering exercise started in the Riigikogu</a></p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The sheltering exercise means that the members of the Riigikogu, the staff of the Riigikogu Chancellery, and guests in the building – that is, everyone in Toompea Castle – must go to the nearest shelter located within the building complex.</p>
<p>Due to the exercise, a recess was declared in the sitting of the Riigikogu. During the exercise, guests cannot enter the Riigikogu buildings.</p>
<p>The purpose of a sheltering exercise is to assess how quickly and smoothly everyone in the castle can reach the shelters located within the building on a typical workday, and to identify any shortcomings in the current sheltering plan that may need to be addressed.</p>
<p>“Conducting this exercise does not mean that Estonia’s security situation has recently deteriorated sharply. This is an exercise that has been planned long in advance,” President of the Riigikogu <strong>Lauri Hussar</strong> said. “I very much hope that we will never actually have to experience such sheltering or such a situation. But at the same time, we must under no circumstances become so comfortable, lazy or indifferent that we would not think through and practice for such situations and would not be prepared for them if necessary.”</p>
<p>The nationwide comprehensive defence exercise ILVES&nbsp;2026 takes place across Estonia from&nbsp;8 to 12&nbsp;June, and thousands of people from more than 150&nbsp;organisations are participating in it. The exercise involves state agencies, local governments, companies and volunteers, and its goal is to practice leadership and cooperation in resolving various crisis situations and ensuring the continuity of the state and society.</p>
<p>Preparations for ILVES&nbsp;2026 have been ongoing for almost a year. The exercise will focus on how to successfully deal with influence activities by a hostile state, including situations like information operations, large-scale public disorder, sabotage, explosions and drone threats. The Emergency Act provides for the regular organisation of such exercises and drills, and states that nationwide crisis-management exercises must be carried out at least once every four years.</p>
<p><em>Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu/</em></p>
<p>Riigikogu Press Service<br />
Urmas Seaver<br />
+372&nbsp;631&nbsp;6350, +372&nbsp;503&nbsp;9907<br />
<a href="mailto:urmas.seaver@riigikogu.ee">urmas.seaver@riigikogu.ee</a></p>
<p>Questions: <a href="mailto:press@riigikogu.ee">press@riigikogu.ee</a></p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/others/ilves-2026-sheltering-exercise-started-in-the-riigikogu/">ILVES 2026 sheltering exercise started in the Riigikogu</a></p>
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		<title>The Foreign Affairs Committees of the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Türkiye meet in Tallinn</title>
		<link>https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/foreign-affairs-committee-en/the-foreign-affairs-committees-of-the-parliaments-of-estonia-latvia-lithuania-and-turkiye-meet-in-tallinn/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Karin Kangro]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:30:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Foreign Affairs Committee]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.riigikogu.ee/?p=182315</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Today and tomorrow, the delegations of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will meet with their counterparts from the Parliament of Türkiye in Tallinn, Estonia, to discuss the security situation and further support to Ukraine.</p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/foreign-affairs-committee-en/the-foreign-affairs-committees-of-the-parliaments-of-estonia-latvia-lithuania-and-turkiye-meet-in-tallinn/">The Foreign Affairs Committees of the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Türkiye meet in Tallinn</a></p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) <strong>Marko Mihkelsoni</strong> said that the meeting will address security situation and changes in the international order that pose several existential threats to our region. The delegations of the Foreign Affairs Committees will hold separate discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs <strong>Margus Tsahkna</strong> on further support to Ukraine, and with Director of International Centre for Defence and Security <strong>Kristi Raig</strong> on the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara. The delegations will also meet with Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence <strong>Kaimo Kuusk</strong>.</p>
<p>During the visit, the delegations will also visit the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service, where they will discuss the developments in the security situation, and cybersecurity company CybExer Technologies.</p>
<p>Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson and members of the Committee <strong>Ester Karuse</strong>, <strong>Eerik-Niiles Kross</strong> and <strong>Luisa Värk</strong> will attend the meeting on behalf of the Riigikogu.</p>
<p>Riigikogu Press Service<br />
Karin Kangro<br />
<span class="icon-phone">+372&nbsp;631&nbsp;6356, +372&nbsp;520&nbsp;0323</span><br />
<a class="icon-email" href="mailto:karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee">karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee</a><br />
Questions: <a class="icon-email" href="mailto:press@riigikogu.ee">press@riigikogu.ee</a></p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/foreign-affairs-committee-en/the-foreign-affairs-committees-of-the-parliaments-of-estonia-latvia-lithuania-and-turkiye-meet-in-tallinn/">The Foreign Affairs Committees of the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Türkiye meet in Tallinn</a></p>
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		<title>The Riigikogu made the Government’s positions on the European Union’s drone action plan stricter</title>
		<link>https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/european-union-affairs-committee-en/the-riigikogu-made-the-governments-positions-on-the-european-unions-drone-action-plan-stricter/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Maris Meiessaar]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:17:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[European Union Affairs Committee]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.riigikogu.ee/?p=182298</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia), taking into account the proposals of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu, amended the Government’s positions on the European Union’s action plan on drone and counter drone security, making them more demanding.</p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/european-union-affairs-committee-en/the-riigikogu-made-the-governments-positions-on-the-european-unions-drone-action-plan-stricter/">The Riigikogu made the Government’s positions on the European Union’s drone action plan stricter</a></p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>According to Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee <strong>Peeter Tali</strong>, the European Union must act immediately and decisively to establish credible drone capabilities. “In the long term, this is of key importance for both Europe’s competitiveness and its defence capabilities. The rapid development of drone-related curricula, the introduction of engineering and robotics education at the earliest possible stage of schooling, and cooperation among Member States in shaping educational models are of great importance,” Tali said.</p>
<p>“That is why the European Union Affairs Committee added a clause to Estonia’s positions stating that it must be possible to apply for financing for the development of drone-related curricula, centres of excellence, and regional testing capabilities from the existing European Union programmes as well as from the funds of the next budget period, 2028–2034,” explained the Chairman.</p>
<p>Tali also believes that the opportunity to participate in the development of testing capabilities of counter-drone measures is of significant importance to Estonia. “The European Union wishes to support the creation of testing centres for drone and counter-drone technologies in Eastern Europe. This initiative is very important to us, considering the overall security situation, and especially the events of the past six months, not to mention that it would be a great opportunity for our defence industry companies. However, we believe that the testing centre should definitely be located not in Eastern Europe, but in countries on the European Union’s eastern border, that is, in Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, or Romania. We actually have drones flying, and Putin’s regime is actually using electronic warfare tools,” he explained.</p>
<p><strong>Regina Tagger</strong>, Adviser of public sector innovation at the Strategy Unit of the Government Office, presented the Government’s <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/tegevus/dokumendiregister/dokument/32f16e78-1c8b-464f-b3dd-17c9f2e19441/">positions</a> on the European Union’s Action Plan on Drone and Counter Drone Security at the sitting of the European Union Affairs Committee. The European Union Affairs Committee approved the positions by consensus, taking into account the <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/tegevus/dokumendiregister/toimikud/e284c9d6-bb3e-4af7-baaa-03f308d5d04b/">opinion</a> of the National Defence Committee.</p>
<p>Riigikogu Press Service<br />
Maris Meiessaar<br />
<span class="icon-phone">+372&nbsp;631&nbsp;6353, +372&nbsp;5558&nbsp;3993</span><br />
<a class="icon-email" href="mailto:maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee">maris.meiessaar@riigikogu.ee</a><br />
Questions: <a class="icon-email" href="mailto:press@riigikogu.ee">press@riigikogu.ee</a></p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/european-union-affairs-committee-en/the-riigikogu-made-the-governments-positions-on-the-european-unions-drone-action-plan-stricter/">The Riigikogu made the Government’s positions on the European Union’s drone action plan stricter</a></p>
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		<title>Members of the Riigikogu observe parliamentary elections in Armenia</title>
		<link>https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/others/members-of-the-riigikogu-observe-parliamentary-elections-in-armenia/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Merilin Kruuse]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 05:18:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Others]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.riigikogu.ee/?p=182263</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Head of the Estonian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE PA) Mati Raidma and members of the delegation Heljo Pikhof and Kersti Sarapuu will observe the parliamentary elections in the capital of Armenia Yerevan on Sunday, 7 June.</p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/others/members-of-the-riigikogu-observe-parliamentary-elections-in-armenia/">Members of the Riigikogu observe parliamentary elections in Armenia</a></p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>“Armenia has substantially amended the regulations related to elections to address, in particular, such issues like vote-buying, voter pressure, and the misuse of administrative resources. It is our task as observers to monitor how these new laws operate in practice, taking into account the highly polarised political environment marked by harsh rhetoric between the candidates,” Head of the Estonian delegation <strong>Mati Raidma</strong> said.</p>
<p>Nearly a hundred parliamentarians from more than 30 national parliaments will observe the parliamentary elections in Armenia as a part of the OSCE&nbsp;PA election observation mission. On the election day, the observers will monitor the election procedures, the counting of votes and the legitimacy of conducting the elections. The purpose of the mission is to make sure that the elections adhere to the democratic commitments contained in the OSCE’s 1990 Copenhagen Document.</p>
<p>Election observation missions have been an important part of OSCE’s activities since 1993. The OSCE mission is observing elections in Armenia for the 12th time since 1995.</p>
<p><em>The observers’ preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at a press conference on Monday, 8&nbsp;June. The press conference can be followed on the </em><a href="https://www.oscepa.org/en/"><em>website of the OSCE&nbsp;PA</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p>For more information, please contact:<br />
Mati Raidma <span class="icon-phone">+372&nbsp;507&nbsp;4112</span><br />
Heljo Pikhof <span class="icon-phone">+372&nbsp;511&nbsp;9637</span><br />
Kersti Sarapuu <span class="icon-phone">+372&nbsp;503&nbsp;9113</span></p>
<p>Riigikogu Press Service<br />
Merilin Kruuse<br />
<span class="icon-phone">+372&nbsp;631&nbsp;6592; +372&nbsp;510&nbsp;6179</span><br />
<a class="icon-email" href="mailto:merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee">merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee</a><br />
Questions: <a class="icon-email" href="mailto:press@riigikogu.ee">press@riigikogu.ee</a></p>
<p>Link uudisele: <a href="https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/press-releases/others/members-of-the-riigikogu-observe-parliamentary-elections-in-armenia/">Members of the Riigikogu observe parliamentary elections in Armenia</a></p>
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