Riigikogu
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Riigikogu

Foreign relations of the Riigikogu are coordinated by the Foreign Affairs Committee and the delegations of the Riigikogu. The President of the Riigikogu, other committees and the parliamentary groups, as well as individual members of the Riigikogu (e.g., through the parliamentary friendship groups) also conduct foreign relations.

Under the Foreign Relations Act, the President of the Republic, the Government of the Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other state agencies and local governments, according to their competence, also represent the Republic of Estonia in foreign relations, in addition to the Riigikogu.

The Riigikogu:

  • passes Acts and resolutions relating to foreign relations;
  • ratifies and denounces treaties;
  • adopts statements, declarations and communications concerning foreign policy or accedes to them;
  • conducts relations with the parliaments of other states and with interparliamentary organisations, and forms foreign delegations;
  • decides upon the use of the defence forces in performance of international duties of  Estonia;
  • during its spring session, discusses the foreign policy of the state and its implementation on the basis of a report from the Government of the Republic.
King Carl XVI Gustaf and President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar

King Carl XVI Gustaf and President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar

Foreign Affairs Committee:

  • coordinates the foreign relations of the Riigikogu;
  • presents draft legislation concerning the formation of the delegations of the Riigikogu;
  • monitors the activities of the delegations and parliamentary friendship groups.

Kohtumine Eestis mitteresideeruvate suursaadikutega

Delegations of the Riigikogu:

  • are formed to communicate with interparliamentary organisations;
  • develop interparliamentary relations;
  • participate in international forums in order to shape the positions supporting the interests of Estonia.

Besides the Foreign Affairs Committee and the delegations, the President of the Riigikogu, other committees, the parliamentary groups and individual members of the Riigikogu (for example through the parliamentary friendship groups) are also involved in the foreign relations of the Riigikogu.

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Last updated: 25.09.2023

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