The Riigikogu passed with 66 votes in favour (1 abstention) the Food Act and Associated Acts Amendment Act (878 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic. The main purpose of the Act is to bring the Food Act into conformity with the EU regulations. The financing of the formerly voluntary Novel Food Committee, is stipulated from the budget of the Veterinary and Food Board. The Act also regulates the placing on the market of a novel food: an enterprise who wishes to place a novel food on the market of the European Communities, must submit an application to the competent institution of the relevant Member State. In Estonia the application must be submitted to the Veterinary and Food Board.

The Riigikogu concluded the second reading of the following Bills:

The second reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Environmental Charges Act (876 SE), initiated by the Environment Committee;

thesecond readingof the Bill on Amendments to the Identity Documents Act and State Fees Act (879SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic;

The second reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Local Governments Organisation Act (812 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Jarno Laur and Mark Soosaar;

The second reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Bank of Estonia Act (720 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Liina Tõnisson and Mart Opmann.

The first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Electronic Communications Act, Information Society Services Act, Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Code of Misdemeanour Procedure (913 SE), initiated by the Estonian Centre Party Faction, Estonian Reform Party Faction and Estonian People’s Union Faction, was also concluded. The motion made by the Res Publica Faction to reject the Bill at the first reading was not supported. 15 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 48 members of the Riigikogu against it.

The Riigikogu Press Service

1 June 2006

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