The Riigikogu passed with 77 votes in favour the Act on Amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act and the Maritime Safety Act (82 SE), initiated by the Government. The Act brings national law into conformity with the European Parliament and Council directive which provides for the liability insurance of shipowners for maritime claims. The Directive is part of the so-called third maritime safety package and its main aim is to better ensure the covering of the damages caused by marine casualties by tightening the requirements relating to the payment of compensations. The Act enters into force on 1 January 2012.

The Act on Amendments to the Estonian Development Fund Act (102 SE), initiated by the Economic Affairs Committee, was passed with 78 votes in favour. The aim of the Act is to subject the activities of the Development Fund which are related to governing of venture capital to the requirements of the Investment Funds Act, and to enable the state to acquire units or shares of the venture capital fund established by the Development Fund. In addition to the above, the principles of financing the operating expenses, including the development monitoring of the Development Fund are amended and the content of the acts performed in connection with the development monitoring is specified.
 
The Resolution on the extension of the time limit of the use of the Defence Forces in the performance of the international duties of the Estonian state in the peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo (118 OE), submitted by the Government, was passed with 65 votes in favour. The Resolution extends the time limit of the use of up to three members of the Defence Forces in the composition of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) until 31 December 2012.
 
The Resolution on the extension of the time limit of the use of the Defence Forces in the performance of the international duties of the Estonian state in the post-conflict peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt and Syria (121 OE), submitted by the Government, was passed with 69 votes in favour. The Resolution extends the time limit of the use of up to three members of the Defence Forces in the UN-led peacekeeping mission (UNTSO – United Nations Truce Supervision Organization) in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt and Syria until 31 December 2012.
 
The Resolution on increasing the holding of the Republic of Estonia in the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (125 OE), submitted by the Government, was passed with 70 votes in favour. The Resolution increases the holding of the Republic of Estonia in the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to the extent of 247 shares. Under the latter, contributions will be made to the share capital of this bank to the extent of 1 787 810,70 USD during four years as of 2012. The capital of the bank is increased with the aim of reacting to the increased loan needs of customers after the economic and financial crisis when the private capital flows have diminished by several times, ensuring at the same time the continuing financial strength of the bank. Estonia supports the decision to increase the capital of the bank because it is consistent with Estonia’s interests.
 
The Resolution on appointment of a Member of the Riigikogu a member of the Supervisory Board of the National Library of Estonia (142 OE), submitted by the Cultural Affairs Committee, was passed with 65 votes in favour. According to the Resolution, Member of the Riigikogu Mart Meri was appointed a member of the Supervisory Board of the National Library of Estonia instead of Jaak Allik who had resigned from the council on his own initiative.
 
The Resolution on appointment of a Member of the Riigikogu a member of the Estonian National Broadcasting Council (143 OE), submitted by the Cultural Affairs Committee, was passed with 68 votes in favour. According to the Resolution, Member of the Riigikogu Jaak Allik will become a member of the Estonian National Broadcasting Council instead of late Peeter Kreitzberg. One member of the Riigikogu voted against the Resolution and one member abstained.
 
On the motion of the Finance Committee, the second reading of the Bill on Amendments to Legislation relating to Membership in International Monetary Fund (132 SE), initiated by the Government, was concluded. The aim of the Bill is to transfer the proprietary obligations of the Republic of Estonia assumed with membership in the IMF to Eesti Pank. The Bill is also intended to specify the rights and duties of Eesti Pank in representing the Republic of Estonia in the IMF. The Bill was sent to the third reading.
 
 
The Riigikogu Press Service
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