The National Defence Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee held a joint meeting to look at the updated draft of the National Security Concept. The Concept includes the principles and objectives of the Estonian security policy, the description of the security environment, and the list of activities, divided into nine sub-objectives.

The Chairman of the National Defence Committee Marko Mihkelson said that it was important to set the schedule for updating the National Security Concept. He suggested that this could be done by every Riigikogu.

Mihkelson also thinks that a review process of the document should be initiated; in the future, the Prime Minister should explain the progress made in implementing the National Security Concept to the Riigikogu twice during the parliamentary term.

The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Sven Mikser saw it as a positive that the National Security Concept is based on the broad concept of security, and provides the framework for the functioning of the Republic of Estonia, whether facing national, regional, or global challenges. The Concept is being drafted under the coordination of the Government Office for the first time.

Mikser believes that the National Security Concept should formulate the main direction for drafting the strategic plans of national foreign and defence policy, and allow the legislator to monitor their implementation.

Members of the Committees highlighted certain aspects that should receive more attention before the document is adopted. By next Monday, they will present their proposals in writing, for the interests of sparking further discussion.

The draft document was presented by the leader of the working group Margus Kolga, and the Government Office Director of National Security and Defence Coordination Unit Kristjan Prikk.

The current National Security Concept was adopted by the Riigikogu in 2010.

Photos of the sitting.

Riigikogu Press Service
Epp-Mare Kukemelk
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