The bill regulating the use of automatic number plate recognition cameras passed its second reading

At its sitting today, the Riigikogu passed an Act to strengthen civil protection, concluded the second reading of the Bill regulating the use of automatic number plate recognition cameras and concluded the first reading of nine draft Resolutions to extend the participation of Estonian servicemen in international military operations.

The Riigikogu passed the Act on Amendments to the Emergency Act and Other Acts (662 SE), initiated by the Government. It regulates the organization of national danger notification and sheltering of residents in situations of danger. The Act is one part of a package of amendments aimed at developing comprehensive national defence, increasing the preparedness of the Estonian people for potential future crises, and protecting people’s lives and health in the event of danger.

The Act regulates the organisation of sheltering by setting out the requirements to shelters and the principles for adapting sheltering locations. The explanatory memorandum notes that, since the security situation has changed due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the organization of sheltering in Estonia must also be improved and shelters must be built and sheltering locations adapted to better protect people in potential situations of danger.

The Act establishes a requirement under which shelters will have to be built, or existing spaces adapted as sheltering locations in large populous buildings. From 1 July next year, public shelters will have to be built in new buildings that are visited by crowds or have a closed net area of at least 10,000 square meters. According to the Act, a non-public shelter will have to be built when a residential building or another public or special building with a closed net area of at least 1,200 square meters, or an industrial or warehouse building with a closed net area of at least 1,500 square meters is built.

Originally, the Bill provided for the construction of non-public shelters by 1 July 2028. However, the National Defence Committee made an amendment to the bill for the second reading, bringing the relevant deadline forward by two years. After hearing the representatives of interest groups and the areas of government of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of the Interior, the Committee took the unanimous position that the deadline for the obligation to construct non-public shelters would have to be the same, i.e. 1 July 2026. Under the Act, spaces will also have to be adapted as sheltering locations in existing buildings wherever possible.

According to the Act, along with the building of shelters and sheltering locations in buildings, shelter plans will also have to be drawn up. Activities related to sheltering, including preparations for sheltering, informing the public, and raising awareness, will be organized by the Rescue Board in cooperation with local governments.

The Act also regulates the use of the national emergency notification system EE-ALARM, including the installation and commissioning of siren devices, and the rights and responsibilities related to it. According to the amendments, all possessors of mass media, electronic communications, information screens in public spaces, and national mobile applications with at least 10,000 end users will have to join the EE-ALARM system so that important information would reach people quickly in the event of a potential threat. The Rescue Board will coordinate the preparation for the transmission of immediate emergency notifications. The Act also grants the Board the right to test the national emergency notification system.

In addition, the Act provides for an obligation for all employees of state and local government agencies, as well as agencies providing critical services to undergo civil protection training so that they are able to respond quickly, help people, and keep essential services running in a crisis situation.

Mati Raidma from the Reform Party Group, Lauri Läänemets from the Social Democratic Party Group and Vladimir Arhipov from the Centre Party Group took the floor during the debate.

At the final vote, 66 members of the Riigikogu supported the passing of the Act.

Two Bills passed the second reading

The Bill on Amendments to the Police and Border Guard Act (670 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Peeter Tali, Ando Kiviberg, Anti Haugas and Mati Raidma , passed the second reading. It will establish a regulation for the use of automatic number plate recognition cameras in the activities of the Police and Border Guard Board.  The Bill will provide for the bases for the use of automatic number plate recognition cameras and for the processing and storage of and access to their data so that cameras would be used on the basis of a clear and understandable mandate under parliamentary control.

According to the Bill, images taken with cameras and data identified from them, such as the registration number and the time and place of taking the image, may be used in the prosecution of crimes, as well as in identifying and eliminating a heightened or significant threat or eliminating a disorder that contains such a threat, and in determining the location of wanted persons. According to the Bill, the photos will have to be deleted after 45 days, and it will have to be possible to exercise supervision over the viewing of the photos.

While the Bill originally provided for access to the data of automatic number plate recognition cameras only for the Police and Border Guard Board and security authorities, according to an amendment made for the second reading, the relevant data can also be used by the Tax and Customs Board, which also currently has access to the data.

During the debate, Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski took the floor on behalf of the Reform Party Group and Andre Hanimägi made a speech on behalf of the Social Democratic Party Group. Varro Vooglaid from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart from the Centre Party Group and non-attached Member of the Riigikogu Kalle Grünthal also took the floor.

The Centre Party Parliamentary Group moved to suspend the second reading of the Bill, but the plenary did not support the motion. 12 members of the Riigikogu supported suspension but 50 were against it.

The Bill on Amendments to the Securities Market Act and Amendments to Other Acts arising therefrom (regulation of derivatives and repo transactions) (633 SE), initiated by the Government, passed the second reading. It will improve the regulation of derivatives and repo transactions and bring it in line with international standards. As a result of the amendments, Estonian banks, financial institutions and large companies will have better access to international derivative and repo markets, which will help increase the international competitiveness of both Estonian companies and the entire business environment.

The Bill will specify and harmonise the netting regime related to derivative and repo transactions and the qualifying parties who may enter into such contracts. The range of persons who can use financial collateral as a special type of collateral will also be expanded.

The bill will amend the Financial Crisis Prevention and Resolution Act which provides for crisis prevention and resolution measures applicable to banks. The amendments will ensure greater clarity for banks and the Financial Supervision Authority, which exercises supervision, about their rights and obligations. For some banks, the amendments may mean that there will be no need to prepare a contingency plan and the obligation to hold crisis buffers will be reduced.

The bill will also make the valuation of real estate collateral for housing loans more flexible. In justified cases, banks can make their assessment on the basis of statistical data, which is why it is not always necessary to order a separate valuation report. This will make it easier to transfer a home loan from one bank to another and will reduce the costs upon refinancing a home loan.

In addition, the insolvency regime will be amended to ensure that derivative and repo transactions are more clearly enforceable in bankruptcy and other similar situations. The regulation provides that, in a situation of insolvency, the trustee in bankruptcy cannot intervene in the conduct of such transactions.

Nine draft Resolutions passed the first reading

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the European Union Military Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI” (703 OE), submitted by the Government, passed the first reading. It will enable to participate with up to six servicemen in operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI next year.

The primary aim of the operation is to support the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya. This also includes conducting inspections of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya suspected to be carrying arms or related material to and from Libya. This spring, the operation’s mandate was expanded to include the creation of operational images necessary for the protection of critical undersea infrastructure.

In addition to this, the mission supports the implementation of UN measures to prevent the illicit export of petroleum from Libya, the capacity building and training of the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy, and the disruption of the business model of human smuggling and trafficking networks.

By participating in the operation, Estonia is contributing in solidarity with the other Member States to EU defence cooperation and security on the Union’s southern border.

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the European Union International Military Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES” (704 OE), submitted by the Government, passed the first reading. It will enable to participate next year with up to three servicemen in the EU military operation in the Red Sea region which has been established to safeguard freedom of navigation.

The purpose of the operation is to achieve naval presence and situational awareness and to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Mainly, vessels are protected against attacks and accompanied within the entire area of operations. The maritime security operation is strictly defensive in nature, i.e. no military strikes are organized within it.

Participation in the operation enables Estonia to contribute to the implementation of the EU common security and defence policy and to develop cooperation with strategic allies on the EU and NATO southern flank.

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in International Military Operations Led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or its Member State, or the European Union, and other International Military Operations Led by the United Nations, upon the First Contribution thereto” (705 OE), submitted by the Government, passed the first reading. It will enable the use of up to 100 servicemen in international military operations led by NATO or its member state, the EU, or the UN, except in collective self-defence operations, upon the first contribution thereto. The limit of the mandate granted by the draft Resolution is the same as this year.

The draft Resolution will ensure Estonia’s capability of deploying units of the Defence Forces to crisis and conflict regions quickly and flexibly where necessary in order to contribute to ensuring international stability and so to also protect Estonia’s security interests. Estonia’s specific contribution will depend on the needs of a specific operation, and the Government will decide it where necessary taking into account the position of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu.

Varro Vooglaid from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and Vladimir Arhipov from the Centre Party Group took the floor during the debate.

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique” (706 OE), submitted by the Government, passed the first reading. It will enable to participate with up to three servicemen in the EU Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique.

While it was previously a training mission, it was transformed into a military assistance mission last September. The updated mandate, valid until summer 2026, provides for advising the country’s armed forces in organizing the training cycle and ensuring sustainability. The military assistance mission operates with a smaller personnel and focuses more on providing strategic level advice in order to achieve a self-sustained rapid reaction force training capability in the country.

By participating in the mission led by Portugal, Estonia is contributing to meeting the objectives approved in the EU’s Strategic Compass where crisis management plays a significant role. It is also in Estonia’s interest to develop cooperation with strategic allies on the EU’s southern flank.

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Use of the Defence Forces  in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the Composition of the United Kingdom’s Joint Expeditionary Force” (707 OE), submitted by the Government, passed the first reading. It will enable to contribute with up to 24 servicemen to the composition of the United Kingdom’s Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) next year.

The JEF is a coalition of the willing, initiated and led by the United Kingdom, which is generally ready to contribute quickly and flexibly to operations from humanitarian crises to conventional warfare. The JEF is capable of operating on its own as well as as part of other larger military units and NATO. The use of the JEF is flexible – either all or some Member States can initiate actions and operations and participate in them.

Based on a joint decision of countries, the JEF focuses on ensuring security in the Baltic Sea region, the High North, and the Atlantic Ocean region, thereby directly enhancing the defence and deterrence posture in the Baltic states.

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Mission in Iraq” (708 OE), submitted by the Government, passed the first reading. It will enable to participate with up to three servicemen in the NATO mission in Iraq next year.

NATO Mission aims to address threats to the Alliance from the south and assists Iraq in building sustainable, transparent, inclusive and effective security institutions. To enhance their capabilities in countering terrorism, preventing Daesh from returning, and stabilizing the country, NATO advises Iraqi security structures and trains Iraqi instructors who provide training within the country’s security structures.

By participating in NATO operations in the southern direction, Estonia contributes to ensuring security and supports the fight against terrorism.

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the Composition of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Readiness Units” (709 OE), submitted by the Government, passed the first reading. It will enable to contribute with up to 76 servicemen to the composition of the NATO readiness units next year.

In connection with the establishment of a New Force Model, the concepts of both the NATO Response Force and the NATO Readiness Initiative in their current form were eliminated from last July and they are replaced by a lighter and more mobile NATO rapid reaction force which is in readiness to carry out military operations. The Rapid Reaction Force conducts operations in all domains and is composed of forces from NATO allies, tasked with conducting deterrence and defence operations when necessary.

Estonia is ready to contribute to NATO readiness units next year with a minehunter and staff officers.

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the UN Peacekeeping Operation in Lebanon” (710 OE), submitted by the Government, passed the first reading. It will enable to participate with up to three servicemen in the UN peacekeeping operation UNIFIL next year.

The area of operation of the UN peacekeeping operation is between the Litani River and the Blue Line. The operation is mandated to monitor the situation, to contribute to the cessation of hostilities and to the ensurance of international peace and security, and to support the Lebanese government in cementing its governance in the southern part of the country.

Estonia is closely monitoring the developments in the Middle East and the security policy impact of the events there on the stability in the Middle East and other parts of the world. With its participation in UN operations, Estonia contributes to UN’s activities in securing peace.

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Extension of the Time Limit for the Use of the Defence Forces in the Fulfilment of the International Commitments of the Estonian State in the Post-Conflict Peacekeeping Operation in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria” (711 OE), submitted by the Government, passed the first reading. It will enable to participate with up to six servicemen in the UN peacekeeping operation UNTSO in the Middle East next year.

UNTSO is the first UN peacekeeping operation to focus purely on observation. Its area of operation includes Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria and the operation’s headquarters are in Jerusalem.

Estonia is closely monitoring the developments in the Middle East and the security policy impact of the events there on the stability in the Middle East and other parts of the world. The participation in the operation gives serviceman the opportunity to gain versatile staff work experience.

Two drafts were dropped from legislative proceedings

The Riigikogu rejected the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Making a proposal to the Government of the Republic to abandon the implementation of the Rail Baltic project in Estonia and withdraw from all international agreements related to the project“ (650 OE), submitted by the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group. It was intended to instruct the Government to abandon the implementation of the Rail Baltic project in Estonia and withdraw from all international agreements related to the project. According to the proposers, the project has become significantly more expensive, will not be completed on time, and will not pay for itself.

Mart Maastik from Isamaa Parliamentary Group, Mart Helme from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group and Lauri Laats from the Centre Party Group took the floor during the debate.

At the final vote, 15 members of the Riigikogu supported the draft Resolution while at least 51 votes would have been needed for the Resolution to be passed.

The Riigikogu also rejected the Bill on Amendments to the Motor Insurance Act (649 SE), initiated by Isamaa Parliamentary Group. It was intended to exempt trailers with a maximum mass of up to 3.5 tons from the obligation to have motor insurance.

The Economic Affairs Committee moved to reject the Bill at the first reading. 44 members of the Riigikogu supported rejection and six voted against.

The Riigikogu heard the report by the Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture

At the end of the sitting, Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras gave the Riigikogu an overview of the implementation of the long-term national development strategy “Estonia 2035”. He mentioned viable regional development and secure food security as the two pillars of the government area. “These are not separate issues. These are the circulatory and immune systems of our country on whose functioning Estonia’s long-term survival depends,” he said.

According to the minister, the reality we live in today has changed. “We are surrounded by geopolitical instability which requires unwavering commitment to national defence.  Climate change is no longer an abstract threat but a daily challenge in our fields.  With these factors combined with a cooling economy, it is clear that every decision and every euro must be weighed wisely,” he emphasized.

According to Terras, one way is to continue as before, hoping that the problems will resolve themselves, while the other is to make wise and sometimes difficult choices. “This is a path where we recognize that we cannot afford everything everywhere, but what we do, we do thoughtfully and strategically and in the right location. This is a path where regional policy is a common policy for the entire Government and every sectoral policy is also regional policy,” the minister said.

According to him, regional mobility reform, an expanded approach to food security, support for science-based agriculture, and the development of a guarantee scheme for farmers are concrete steps on this path. “These are investments in Estonia’s resilience,” Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture said. He called on members of the Riigikogu to support those initiatives when they would reach Parliament in the coming months.

Urmas Kruuse from the Reform Party Group, Arvo Aller from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Group, Anti Allas from the Social Democratic Party Group and Urmas Reinsalu from Isamaa Parliamentary Group took the floor during the debate.

The sitting ended at 7.57 p.m.

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

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

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
[email protected]
Questions: [email protected]