Jewellery artist Darja Popolitova (born 1989 in Sillamäe, Estonia) is an artist, and a lecturer and doctoral researcher at the Estonian Academy of Arts. Her artistic practice lies at the intersection of modern art, video art and jewellery art, where she combines pseudo-magical narratives with digital technologies to create ironic and sensory commentaries on today’s life.

Her works have been exhibited internationally, including at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, the MO Museum in Vilnius, the Museum Arnhem in the Netherlands, and the London Design Festival. Popolitova has received several important cultural awards in Estonia, and her works are included in the collections of museums both in Estonia and abroad. In addition to her artistic work, she participates in curatorial projects and cultural initiatives, including the founding of the East-Viru Artists’ Club in 2024.

The 2026 Baltic Assembly Prize for Literature was awarded to poet Kārlis Vērdiņš and translator Valts Ernštreits for the collection of poems “Lībiešu balādes/Līvõd balādõd”, or “The Livonian Ballads”. The Baltic Assembly Prize for Science was awarded to Lithuanian researcher in the field of comparative historical sociology Dr Zenonas Norkus for his two research monographs on post-communist transformation.

The Baltic Assembly Prize consists of a monetary prize, a certificate, and a statuette, which are presented every year at the Baltic Assembly Session. This year, the Prize Awarding Ceremony will take place during the 45th Session of the Baltic Assembly, on 22 October in Tallinn, Estonia.

The members of the Joint Jury of the BA Prizes were artists and experts from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia: Ingrid Velbaum-Staub, Siim Preiman, Hent Kalmo, Donata Mitaitė, Ramutė Rachlevičiūtė, Valdemaras Razumas, Elīna Līce, Dace Bluķe and Maija Kūle.

The Baltic Assembly has been awarding the Prizes in literature, the arts, and science since 1994. The aim of the prizes is to recognise significant achievements and promote the development of these fields in the Baltic States.

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The European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) decided at its today’s sitting that Estonia’s positions in the negotiations on revisions of the EU Emissions Trading System must take into account Estonia’s specific circumstances and therefore added security considerations, the impact of the oil shale industry on security of supply and its socio-economic impact to Estonia’s positions.

According to Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali, the European Commission has proposed to amend the emissions trading system after 2030, and one of the most important parts of the package of changes is adjusting the emissions reduction trajectory. “Emissions reduction requirements must be based on how quickly the technologies that enable emissions reductions actually become available and economically viable. The European Union Affairs Committee pointed out that when setting the pace for the transition to a zero-emission industry, we must inevitably take into account Estonia’s particular circumstances – namely, security considerations, ensuring security of supply, and the socio-economic impact,” Tali explained. “I refuse to believe that the oil shale chemistry has no future in Estonia; we simply need to use our natural resources sensibly and in an environmentally sustainable manner.”

Under the current directive, the introduction of new units onto the market would essentially reach zero around 2039, according to the proposal, this trajectory would be extended to approximately 2047–2048.

It is noted in the position that for Estonia, the main issues are ensuring that free units continue for as long as possible, and the conditions associated with them. For example, in the oil shale industry, the next step in reducing emissions is carbon capture technology. This technology is not yet economically viable or ready for market. Therefore, such industries need an exemption so that they can continue to receive free units in the future. Furthermore, companies that have already invested in reducing emissions must not be placed at a disadvantage and should also receive free units after 2030.

According to the explanatory memorandum, the goal is to reach an agreement on a general approach among Member States this December.

Minister of Energy and the Environment Erkki Keldo presented the Government’s positions on the European Commission’s proposal to enhance the competitiveness of the EU Emissions Trading System and simplify monitoring, reporting, and verification procedures. The European Union Affairs Committee approved the positions in an amended form, taking into account the opinions of the Economic Affairs Committee and the Environment Committee.

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The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Making a proposal to the Government of the Republic to develop measures to ensure the availability of special care services” (916 OE), submitted by the Social Democratic Party Group, did not receive a majority vote of the Riigikogu. The draft Resolution was intended to make a proposal to the Government to submit to the Riigikogu a specific action plan aimed at improving the availability of special care services, reducing waiting lists, and ensuring the necessary funding.

According to the draft Resolution, specific measures had to be developed to increase the number of service providers and service places. Local governments, service providers, organisations representing people with disabilities, and representatives of family caregivers had to be involved in developing solutions.

The draft Resolution also provided for regular scrutiny: every quarter, the Government would be required to report to the Riigikogu on service waiting lists, the creation of new service places, funding, and the fulfilment of the obligations arising from the Supreme Court’s 2026 judgment.

Furthermore, the draft Resolution proposed allocating sufficient funds in the 2027 state budget to finance special care services in order to create the necessary number of additional service places, including places for 24-hour special care services.

Special care services are intended for people who, due to their mental health, require guidance, counselling, assistance, and supervision in everyday life and who cannot be provided with the necessary assistance through other social welfare measures.

Lea Danilson-Järg from Isamaa Parliamentary Group, and Signe Riisalo from the Estonian Reform Party Group took the floor during the debate. Tanel Kiik made a speech on behalf of the Social Democratic Party Group.

16 members of the Riigikogu supported the draft Resolution in the final vote. At least 51 votes would have been needed for the Resolution to be passed.

One draft Resolution was not deliberated

Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Making a proposal to the Government of the Republic to change the legislation governing sexual offences committed against children” (891 OE), submitted by the Social Democratic Party Group, was not deliberated today due to the absence of the presenter.

After the sitting, members of the Riigikogu are planning to form the Indigenous People Support Group on the initiative of Member of the Riigikogu Anti Poolamets.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Video recording will be available on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

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The historical photographs on display provide a glimpse into the lives of the nearly 40,000 Estonian war refugees who arrived in Germany after the mass flight of 1944. The photos depict daily life in refugee camps, the restoration of Estonian-language education and cultural life, and the efforts to preserve national identity.

Karl Nikolai Hintzer (1895–1967) was a photographer and teacher. In 1941–1944, he worked as a photographer for the newspaper Postimees. After the mass flight of 1944, he settled in Germany and soon became the most important photo chronicler of Estonian refugee camps. Hintzer visited nearly 30 camps, documenting the daily lives of Estonians, their cultural events, schools and education, national holidays, and community activities in exile.

“These photos tell not only the story of the Estonians’ flight, but also of their resilience. In the refugee camps, people did not sit idly, waiting for better times; instead, they built strongholds of the Estonian spirit: schools, choirs, and associations. Karl Hintzer’s camera lens captured the moment when the people who had lost their homeland decided that they would never lose their national identity. That is precisely why these images still speak to us today and remind us that freedom and national continuity cannot be taken for granted,” Anti Poolamets, a member of the Riigikogu’s Estonian Diaspora Support Group, said when introducing the exhibition.

The exhibition’s curator Harry Liivrand, and Iivi Zájedová, project manager at the World Estonian Council and Chair of the 1944 Mass Flight Committee, will also speak at the opening.

The opening of the exhibition will be followed by a piano concert in the Riigikogu café, where researcher of the Estonian History Museum Carolin Krajňák will play piano music by Estonian composers living abroad. Krajňák will also give a brief overview of the fates and creative activities of Estonian female musicians who fled to the West in 1944.

The event is organized by the Estonian Diaspora Support Group of the Riigikogu in cooperation with the Estonian World Council and Tammepuu Eesti Klubi. The exhibition is curated by art historian Harry Liivrand.

The photo exhibition in the exhibition hall on the second floor of Toompea Castle will be open until 22 October. The exhibition can be visited from Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors need to present an identity document to enter Toompea Castle. Please let us know in advance if you plan to visit the exhibition by emailing info@riigikogu.ee or calling (+372) 631 6300.

Photo gallery of the exhibition and its opening (photos: Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

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At the beginning of the sitting, new ministers took the oath of office before the Riigikogu and assumed office: Minister of Defence Martin Herem and Minister of Economy and Industry Liina Vahtras.

A Bill passed the second reading

The Bill on Amendments to the Cybersecurity Act (897 SE), initiated by the National Defence Committee, passed the second reading in the Riigikogu. It will specify the terms used in the Act following the transposition of the Network and Information Security Directive 2 as well as the scope of the implementation of security measures for network and information systems.

The Bill will harmonise the terms of the Network and Information Security Directive 2 and the Cybersecurity Act and will provide parties with a clearer understanding of the scope of the Information System Authority’s supervision regarding network and information systems. In addition, the security requirements established by the implementing regulation of the directive will be more clearly linked to the services covered by the implementing regulation.

The European Union’s Network and Information Security Directive 2 transposed into Estonian law aims to harmonize the rules for managing cyber threats and enhance the level of cybersecurity in the EU.

Four Bills passed the first reading

The Bill on Amendments to the Health Insurance Act and the Health Services Organisation Act (referral for psychiatric care, online consultation, and non-specialised doctors) (922 SE), initiated by the Government, passed the first reading in the Riigikogu. It will establish the legal basis for the use of online consultations, introduce a requirement for a referral letter in psychiatry, and specify the framework governing the practice of non-specialised physicians.

The bill will establish a legal framework that will enable online consultation to be used more widely than at present. According to the explanatory memorandum, this will support cooperation among healthcare professionals and enable patients and referring physicians to receive feedback within a set timeframe regarding the need for further treatment or a specialist consultation.

As another amendment, appointments with a psychiatrist will be made on the basis of a referral. While previously a person could consult a psychiatrist directly, in the future the patient’s condition will first be assessed by a family physician or a mental health nurse, and the Health Insurance Fund will cover the cost of a psychiatric consultation only if a referral is present. The aim of the amendment is to provide psychiatric care more quickly to patients who need it most.

In addition, the bill will specify the regulations concerning non-specialized physicians. Under an amendment, non-specialised physicians will not be allowed to perform activities falling within the competence of medical specialists, and healthcare providers will not be allowed to assign such tasks to them. The bill will also simplify reporting by hospitals, as it will remove the obligation to submit separate budget data to the Ministry of Social Affairs that is available in the balance statement of the Ministry of Finance.

Helle-Moonika Helme from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group took the floor during the debate.

The Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group moved to reject the Bill at the first reading, but the motion was not supported. Five members of the Riigikogu supported rejection but 43 were against.

The Bill on Amendments to the Law of Obligations Act (895 SE), initiated by the Government, passed its first reading. Its aim is to improve consumer awareness and encourage consumers to make more sustainable consumption decisions. To this end, the requirements for providing pre-contractual information will be amended so that consumers can gain a better understanding of the characteristics of products before making purchase decisions.

The amendments will transpose the requirements of a European Union directive into Estonian law, specifying the obligations of businesses and the rights of consumers with a view to promoting more environmentally friendly consumption. Under the bill, the obligation for businesses to provide consumers with additional information before a contract is concluded will be extended. In future, consumers will have to be informed about the availability of free software updates and the reparability of products.

The reparability score is a score based on EU requirements that indicates how easy it is to repair a product. At present, the obligation to provide a reparability score applies to smartphones and tablets. If a reparability score is not applicable, the business will have to provide information about the availability of spare parts and repair and maintenance instructions and about any potential repair restrictions. Consumers will also have to be provided with information about environmentally friendly delivery methods, where these are offered.

In addition, the bill provides that businesses will have to adopt a harmonised notice and label reminding consumers of their rights in the event of non-conformity of goods. Where a producer offers a commercial guarantee of durability for products, information to this effect will have to be provided to the consumer via harmonised labelling. Shops and online stores display a standard notice regarding consumers’ statutory rights.

Rain Epler from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group took the floor during the debate.

The Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group moved to reject the Bill at the first reading, but the motion was not supported. Seven members of the Riigikogu supported rejection but 39 were against.

The Bill on Amendments to the Plant Protection Act (919 SE), initiated by the Government, also passed the first reading. It will introduce more flexible regulations on plant protection training. Under the bill, the primary prerequisite for obtaining a plant protection certificate will not be merely completing plant protection training, but also possessing the relevant knowledge, as evidenced by successfully passing the plant protection training examination.

The bill also provides for the possibility of using plant protection products from unmanned aerial vehicles. The use of plant protection products from airplanes and helicopters remains prohibited but spraying them from drones will be permitted under certain conditions. In addition, the bill will ease the annual training requirement for persons conducting technical inspections of plant protection equipment and make procedural processes more flexible.

 The Bill on Amendments to the Veterinary Act and Amendments to Other Associated Acts (918 SE), initiated by the Government, also passed the first reading. It will make the microchipping and registration of dogs, cats, and ferrets mandatory from the middle of next year.

The bill provides that, from 1 June next year, all dogs, cats, and ferrets will have to be microchipped and registered in the national pet register to be established under the Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board. The bill will grant current pet owners a transition period until 1 January 2029 to microchip and register their pets.

A statutory fee of 12 euro will apply upon the initial registration of an animal and upon a change of owner; state agencies and shelters will be exempt from this fee. If an animal is microchipped and registered before the amendments come into force, the register data will be automatically transferred to the new register, and the animal owner will incur no additional costs.

A draft Resolution was dropped from the proceedings

The Riigikogu rejected the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Making a proposal to the Government of the Republic to develop legislative amendments to prevent the dissemination of non-consensual and artificially generated images depicting identifiable individuals, and to effectively protect victims” (893 OE), submitted by the Social Democratic Party Group. The draft Resolution called for the Government to draft amendments that would provide a clear, technology-neutral and effective basis for preventing the spreading of non-consensual AI-created revealing or sexually suggestive images, and for better protection of the victims. According to the presenters, it should be ensured that the dissemination of intimate artificial images without a person’s consent is unequivocally prohibited and punishable.

Andre Hanimägi took the floor on behalf of the Social Democratic Party Group in the debate.

18 members of the Riigikogu supported the draft Resolution in the final vote. At least 51 votes would have been needed for the Resolution to be passed.

The Minister of Culture delivered the annual report

The Riigikogu heard this year’s report on the implementation of the long-term national development strategy “Estonia 2035” by Minister of Culture Heidy Purga. Purga gave the parliament an overview of both what had been done last year and future plans. She emphasised that investing in culture, sport and integration was not a non-essential expense for the state that could be put on hold in difficult times; rather, it is an investment in Estonia’s security, people’s health, and the future of the economy.

“Culture shapes our language and identity, as well as our creativity, critical thinking, and ability to understand one another.  Sport and physical activity strengthen people’s physical and mental health and, thereby, the resilience of the entire country. A shared cultural and information space has a direct impact on how cohesive our society is and how well we cope with crises,” Purga said. She stated that at the heart of it all were people: cultural workers, creative professionals, group leaders, coaches, teachers, and volunteers. “Culture requires freedom, talent, and dedication, but it also requires wise investments. Without them, culture might not reach people, communities, or future generations.”

According to Purga, Estonia’s strength cannot be measured solely by economic indicators or national defence spending. “The strength of our country is also reflected in whether children have the opportunity to experience culture and be physically active, whether people feel supported within their communities, and whether we share a common language and information space, and mutual trust,” she said.

Purga also stated that a country was not held together solely by borders. “Our country is held together by the stories we tell, the values ​​we share, and the belief that our shared Estonia is worth preserving,” the minister said. She added that, therefore, culture, sport, and integration needed to be viewed not as an expense, but as a prerequisite for Estonia’s enduring survival and progress.  “These are not peripheral issues or add-ons for times of convenience—they are choices that determine how cohesive, healthy, and secure Estonia remains, even in more challenging times.”

Mihkel Lees from the Reform Party Group, Vadim Belobrovtsev from the Centre Party Group, Tõnis Lukas from Isamaa Parliamentary Group, Siim Pohlak from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, Riina Sikkut from the Social Democratic Party Group and Kadri Tali from Estonia 200 Parliamentary Group took the floor during the debate.

The sitting ended at 7.31 p.m.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

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In the draft, the Riigikogu calls on the allies and partners to prioritise the delivery of air defence systems and missiles to Ukraine in the conditions of the approaching winter and increased horror in the sky and emphasises that Ukraine’s defence industry needs to be supported and the economic capability of the country ensured with a long-term financial aid.

Countries are called to ensure the critical stocks for Ukraine for the coming winter. The draft also promotes increasing economic pressure against Russia, a more efficient application of sanctions, and the prosecution of violators.

The Riigikogu condemns the terror, including sabotage, cyberattacks, torchings, murders, and other violent acts perpetrated by Russia in European countries and calls on allies to fight against Russia’s state-organised terror as a united front. The Riigikogu condemns the planning and organisation of the 20 September “elections” by the Russian State Duma in the temporarily occupied territories as a gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The Riigikogu reaffirms its support for Ukraine’s accession to NATO and the European Union, also highlighting political unity, democracy, rule of law, human rights, and the continuation of the necessary reforms in the country. It also emphasises the importance of combating corruption, strengthening democratic institutions, and respecting the rights of the opposition and political pluralism.

The Riigikogu calls for the completion of the establishment of the special international tribunal and compensation mechanisms for the crime of aggression, and stresses that a lasting peace in Europe cannot be born out of rewarding the aggression or restoring the spheres of influence. “A fair and lasting peace requires the preservation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as reliable security guarantees that prevent any new aggressions from the part of the Russian Federation,” the draft reads.

The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu will discuss the sending of the draft Statement to the plenary assembly for debate and vote at its sitting tomorrow.

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Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur emphasised that the aim of increased defence spending was to safeguard freedom and peace.  “We have decided to direct a portion of this defence expenditure toward supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom, because we cannot speak of developing Estonia’s defence capabilities without Ukraine,” he said. He pointed out that the most important lesson was that one cannot start preparing for war when the war begins.

“After four years at the Ministry of Defence, I can confidently say: Estonia is stronger, Estonia is better armed, Estonia is better protected, and Estonia has never been as closely linked to its allies as it is now. But we are not ready, because national defence is never finished,” Pevkur said. He outlined how our defence capability had improved over the last four years.

“The last few weeks have been rather turbulent for Estonia’s national defence – and for me personally as well. I decided to take political responsibility and hand over the baton as Minister of Defence. The political heat has been particularly intense in recent weeks, yet I leave with my head held high, knowing that I have contributed my utmost to the development of Estonia’s national defence and to aiding Ukraine,” Pevkur said.

The minister noted that ammunition worth hundreds of millions of euro had been supplied to Ukraine with Estonia’s help. “I believe that with this, we have saved hundreds, if not thousands, of Ukrainian lives.  It is regrettable that some companies have failed to fulfil their promises, and I sincerely hope that Datasel itself realises that its actions mean the loss of a Ukrainian defender every single day. “

Pevkur expressed the hope that precisely that realization had prompted Datasel to send a letter to members of both the government and the Riigikogu, affirming its desire to resolve the dispute through negotiations. “If they can also prove it through their actions, that would be very good,” he said. He added that if the European taxpayer or Estonia had been defrauded during the provision of aid, it was up to the prosecutor’s office and investigative bodies to establish that.

Minister of Defence also emphasised that freedom entailed responsibility – for individuals, politicians, civil servants, and the media alike.  He stated that it was necessary to distinguish the essential from the non-essential, to set aside populism and the deliberate spreading of Kremlin propaganda regarding national defence, to act like a statesman rather than undermining our unity, and to focus on how to provide greater assistance to Ukraine.

During the debate, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart took the floor on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party Group, Martin Helme on behalf of the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, Urmas Reinsalu on behalf of Isamaa Parliamentary Group and Raimond Kaljulaid on behalf of the Social Democratic Party Parliamentary Group.

The Riigikogu concluded the first reading of two Bills

The Bill on Amendments to the Citizenship Act and Amendments to Other Associated Acts (932 SE), initiated by the Government, provides that, in the future, children born in Estonia to stateless parents will acquire Estonian citizenship through naturalization if at least one of the parents has legally resided in Estonia for at least five years by the time of the child’s birth and the other parent also resides in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit.

Under current law, children born in Estonia to stateless parents remain stateless. The Minister of the Interior said at the sitting that about seven such children were born each year. As a result of the amendment, it will be possible to apply for Estonian citizenship by naturalization for children up to the age of 15, that is, for a total of around one hundred children born over the last 15 years.

The bill also aims to ensure that applicants for Estonian citizenship have a genuine and direct link to the Estonian state, and to verify that they comply with Estonian laws and adhere to its constitutional order.  The bill will specify the requirement to reside permanently in Estonia when applying for Estonian citizenship and also specifies the provisions concerning the revocation of Estonian citizenship and the conditions under which a person is deemed to have ceased to be an Estonian citizen.

During the debate, Martin Helme took the floor on behalf of the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and Helir-Valdor Seeder on behalf of Isamaa Parliamentary Group. Minister of the Interior Igor Taro also took the floor.

The Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and Isamaa Parliamentary Group moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 22 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 61 voted against. Thus, the motion was not supported, and the first reading of the Bill was concluded.

The aim of the Bill on Amendments to the Medicinal Products Act (903 SE), initiated by Member of the Riigikogu Diana Ingerainen, is to improve opportunities for healthcare professionals, including nurses, to access up-to-date and evidence-based information on prescription medicines.

Under the amendment, the Medicinal Products Act will be amended to allow pharmaceutical advertising organized by pharmaceutical companies to be directed at nurses, in addition to physicians, assistant pharmacists, and pharmacists.  The amendment will enable pharmaceutical companies to involve nurses in their advertising and public information activities; the role of nurses in advising on the use of medicines and monitoring treatment regimens for patients with chronic conditions has grown significantly in recent years.

The Bill on Amendments to the Higher Education Act (873 SE), initiated by the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, was also on the agenda. The first reading was deferred due to the absence of the presenter.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

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In their speeches, President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar and President of the Republic Alar Karis discussed the tasks facing the Riigikogu and the role of the Parliament in the upcoming session.

The Riigikogu heard replies to six interpellations

Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas replied to the interpellation concerning salary disparities between teachers in state-run and local government schools (No. 1029), submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Madis Kallas, Andre Hanimägi, Anti Allas, Jaak Aab, Riina Sikkut, Helmen Kütt, Züleyxa Izmailova, Reili Rand and Lauri Läänemets.

 The interpellators wished to gain an overview of how discussions regarding the salaries of teachers, nursery school teachers and teachers at hobby schools were conducted, from the perspective of both state schools and local authority schools.

Kallas explained that the collective agreement concluded in 2024 had been initiated by the Estonian Education Personnel Union, which had also submitted the initial draft. “That initiative did not come from the Ministry of Education and Research – although it could well have come from the Ministry of Education and Research – but in that capacity, the Ministry of Education and Research represented state schools in its role as the owner of schools and employer; however, it did not represent local authority schools or private schools. As a result of the education agreement, collective agreements have so far been reached only at the level of state schools and in some local governments—such as the city of Tartu, where the tradition dates back to 2011,” Kallas stated. 

“We spent almost a year negotiating the collective agreement for state schools and actually reached agreement on some very important issues concerning the working conditions of teachers employed in state schools. For example, we agreed in more detail on the calculation of teachers’ workloads, specifically how we calculate a teacher’s full-time working hours in state schools and what is included in that,” Kallas said.

For a full-time teacher, the weekly workload of contact lessons is generally 21 hours in basic school and 21 courses per year in upper secondary school. Dedicated mathematics and Estonian language teachers have a lower contact lesson workload— 18 hours per week or 18 courses per year, respectively. The agreement also specified the calculation and remuneration of working time for mentoring, class teacher duties, and the supervision of student projects, in order to standardize teachers’ contributions beyond subject lessons.

Kallas explained that no additional budgetary funds had been allocated to state schools as a result of the collective agreement. “Since the share of the differentiation fund increased significantly last year, state schools covered that minimum wage—specifically the higher minimum wage—using the differentiation fund.  This was an agreement reached within the framework of the collective agreement negotiations. She added that, by now, all owners of school had the freedom to decide how to allocate the minimum rate and the differentiation fund among themselves.  Payments must not fall below the minimum threshold, but everyone is permitted to pay above the maximum threshold, and the differentiation fund may in fact be used for this purpose.  In fact, state schools used the differentiation fund for that purpose. 

“Collective agreement negotiations are a separate matter; the Ministry of Education cannot involve local governments in them, as they are conducted between the employer and the employee. Negotiations on teachers’ salary are a separate process that is not linked to the collective agreement,” Kallas said. “Every year, I have set myself the goal of increasing the number of local governments that participate in these salary negotiations,” Kallas said.

According to Kallas, she had gone into the budget negotiations for salary negotiations with an additional request to raise teachers’ salaries. “In order for teachers’ salaries to rise to 120 per cent of the Estonian average – that is, for a teacher’s estimated salary to be 120 per cent of the Estonian average – teachers’ salaries would need to increase by 14 per cent next year, which would require approximately 95 million euro,” Kallas explained. She stated that they did not have such options within the state budget, because, amidst a highly strained wartime situation, they were striving to keep the growth of the debt burden under control—that is, to avoid increasing the budget deficit. “Before we even begin to discuss additional requests, the budget forecast indicates that next year’s state budget will be 4.4 per cent in deficit. If we start adding further requests on top of that, we will very quickly exceed even the currently permitted budget deficit limits.  “So, it is complicated— teacher salary negotiations within the framework of budget negotiations.  One thing that is certain, and which has already been agreed upon, is that the differentiation fund will increase by 1 per cent, to 23 per cent. This growth is taking place, but the increase in the minimum rate has not yet been agreed upon,” Kallas said. 

Kallas also replied to the interpellation concerning vocational education on the island of Hiiumaa (No. 1010).  

Minister of Culture Heidy Purga replied to the interpellation concerning the protection of young athletes, and codes of conduct for coaches (No. 1009).

Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa Pakosta replied to the interpellations concerning the penal policy for organized telephone scams, and damage to the sense of justice (No. 1005), discussions in the European Union on restrictions on young people’s use of social media, and Estonia’s positions (No. 1006) and the transfer of prisoners from Sweden to Estonia (No. 1013).

Interpellation concerning the transfer of prisoners from other countries to Estonia (No. 1020), submitted to Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa Pakosta, was removed from the agenda for the day at the request of the interpellators.

Helmen Kütt took the floor during the open microphone session.

The sitting ended at 8.47 p.m.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Video recording of the sitting will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

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In his speech at the opening sitting of the autumn session of the Riigikogu, Hussar said that the Riigikogu Hall was the place where the future of the Estonian people and the Estonian state was debated. “There is room for sharp disagreement here. This is a natural part of democracy. However, our differences must not be exploited by those whose aim is to weaken democracy in Estonia. That is why we must also be mindful of our own choice of words,” he pointed out.

According to Hussar, there should be less unrestrained populism in Estonian politics and public debate. “Different political forces must propose different solutions. However, when deliberately simplified answers are offered to complicated questions, when constitutional principles are reduced to empty slogans, or when polarisation in society becomes a tool for political success, we ultimately undermine the credibility of the entire democratic system,” he noted.

Hussar said that democracy did not simply mean that decisions must reflect the will of the people. “It also entails the protection of minority rights, a balance of powers, respect for the Constitution, and a willingness to listen even to those who disagree with us. That is why it is important that there be less confrontation and more substantive discussion in our public sphere. Fewer slogans and more accountability for the decisions we make here in the Riigikogu,” he underlined.

Hussar recalled that during the spring session, the Riigikogu had adopted one hundred legal acts, and a great many decisions had been made across coalition and opposition lines. “This shows that, despite our political differences, it is possible to find issues on which we place Estonia’s interests above party interests. This is an important sign. A sign that parliamentary cooperation is possible, and that members of the Riigikogu understand their responsibility. We will need this cooperation during the upcoming session as well,” he said.

Hussar highlighted that in addition to its other tasks, in accordance with the Constitution, the Riigikogu faced two important tasks: to elect a new Chancellor of Justice for Estonia and to adopt the next year’s state budget. He also pointed out that the committees of the Riigikogu had a responsibility to keep the spotlight on issues where the Estonian public needs clarity and answers. “Even uncomfortable issues need to be discussed. Parliamentary oversight must be substantive, fact-based, and consistent,” he said.

Hussar also emphasised the responsibility regarding Estonia’s security and said that one of the tasks in that context was to help Ukraine hold out and defend its country. “A Ukrainian victory is not just in Ukraine’s interests – it is a matter of European security and our own security. Estonia must continue to support Ukraine until Russia realises that it cannot achieve its objectives through military force and is genuinely prepared to come to the negotiating table. Our goal must be a just and lasting peace, not a pause before the next aggression.”

According to Hussar, it is also necessary to be prepared for the possibility that Russia will not confine itself to military force. “Hybrid threats, information and influence operations, and attempts to divide society are part of today’s security environment. Their aim is to sow fear and division, undermine trust in democratic institutions, and influence our decisions. We must not underestimate this,” he emphasised.

The President of the Riigikogu added that it was particularly important to stand up against this at the heart of Estonian democracy – in the Riigikogu. “Our words and decisions will not remain confined within the walls of this building. They are also heard and used by those who wish to weaken Estonian society. Therefore, we need more responsibility in our political discourse. We do not need to have the same opinions. But we must have a common understanding that Estonia’s democracy, constitutional order, and national security have to be safeguarded,” Hussar said.

Speech by the President of the Riigikogu

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

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The extraordinary elections of the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the National Defence Committee were brought about by the transfer of Kalev Stoicescu to the Rural Affairs Committee. According to the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, the chair and deputy chair of a committee are elected simultaneously.

In addition to Tali and Kunnas, the National Defence Committee includes Raimond Kaljulaid, Meelis Kiili, Kristo Enn Vaga, Enn Eesmaa, Vladimir Arhipov, Alar Laneman, Mati Raidma, Priit Sibul, Õnne Pillak and Toomas Uibo.

The post Peeter Tali became the Chairman of the National Defence Committee appeared first on Riigikogu.