"The most important question the head of the EU Affairs Committee must ask themselves is whether EU regulations are adopted in a way to maximally protect Estonia's own interests," Uibo noted.

He said that under [previous chairman] Liisa Pakosta, the committee clearly took decisions based on Estonia's interests, while past compositions of the parliamentary committee tended to sometimes greenlight questionable rules, which had led society to feel like the EU gets to dictate what Estonia can or cannot do.

"We have the clear right to decide how to organize our life in a sovereign country, but it takes a bit of work. If we're not willing to put in this work, things that start to limit our lives may end up in legislation. I'm sure Peeter Tali will continue to promote the change in cast of mind initiated by Liisa Pakosta and do a fine job of it," the Eesti 200 whip said.

Eesti 200 must also find a replacement for Liisa Pakosta, who became minister of justice and digital affairs in the Kristen Michal administration, in the Riigikogu Legal Affairs Committee.

In addition to Tali being made chair, and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart (Center) was elected deputy chair.

The other committee's members are: Arvo Aller (EKRE), Enn Eesmaa (Independent), Rain Epler (EKRE), Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski (Reform), Katrin Kuusemäe (Reform), Hanah Lahe (Reform), Tiit Maran (SDE), Anti Poolamets (EKRE), Maido Ruusmann (Reform), Luisa Rõivas (Reform), Riina Solman (Isamaa), Aivar Sõerd (Reform), Kadri Tali (Eesti 200), Tarmo Tamm (Eesti 200), and Kristo Enn Vaga (Reform).

The European Union Affairs Committee is one of the Riigikogu's standing committees and has a decisive and coordinating role in EU matters.

The body mandates the government's positions on draft EU legislation, and Estonia's positions for meetings of the Council of the EU and the European Council.

The committee's positions are binding o the government, which must adhere to them in the context of EU discussions

Wednesday's vote was held on an extraordinary basis, since the Riigikogu is currently on its summer recess.

Editor's note: This piece was updated to include information on the vote and on the committee's makeup and role.

--

Follow ERR News on Facebook and Twitter and never miss an update!