Estonian Parliament Approves Maritime Security Bill

Date: April 9, 2025

Location: Tallinn, Estonia

In a decisive move to enhance maritime safety, Estonia's parliament has unanimously passed a significant bill aimed at bolstering the country's maritime security. The legislation, approved on Wednesday, grants the Estonian military increased authority to use force against vessels that threaten vital naval sites or infrastructure.

This legislative action comes in response to last year's incident in which critical undersea cables connecting Estonia to Finland were damaged. Investigators suspect that the incident involved the anchor of the Eagle S, a Cook Islands-flagged oil tanker, linked to a controversial fleet suspected of transporting Russian oil.

During the parliamentary session, Meelis Kiili, the chairman of Estonia's national security committee, emphasized the urgency of the new law, citing the "real danger" posed by Estonia's eastern neighbor, Russia. Kiili's comments reflect heightened tensions in the Baltic region, which have escalated since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The lawmakers' concerns extend beyond mere incidents; they point to a broader context of what experts are calling a hybrid war between Russia and Western nations that includes assaults on critical infrastructure. The Estonian government has thus taken proactive measures to secure its maritime boundaries.

The bill received overwhelming support from the parliamentary members, with 62 out of 70 lawmakers present voting in favor. Several representatives, including lawmaker Peeter Tali, acknowledged that the security situation in the Baltic Sea, historically known for its tranquility, has deteriorated remarkably.

According to the explanatory note accompanying the bill, Estonia's defense forces previously had limited authority to use force purely for the defense of the nation's borders and to respond to direct threats to civilian lives. The new legislation allows military intervention if a civilian ship presents a danger, thereby broadening the conditions under which force may be employed.

Before the law can take effect, it must be signed by the president and formally published in the official journal. This step is crucial to finalize the legislative changes aimed at enhancing national security and safeguarding essential maritime infrastructure.

As Estonia, a member of both the European Union and NATO, continues to support Ukraine amid ongoing regional tensions, the new maritime security measures mark a significant step in reinforcing the nation's defenses against potential threats.