Estonia's nuclear power push sparks debate over parliamentary control
Estonia’s plans for nuclear power are moving forward, but debates continue over who should have the final say. The government has approved a bill to create the country’s first full legal framework for nuclear energy. Meanwhile, lawmakers are divided on whether parliament should vote on future power plant projects. In June 2024, Estonia’s government backed the idea of introducing nuclear energy. The decision required that the Riigikogu’s role in approving nuclear projects be clearly set out in safety laws. However, the current draft of the Nuclear Energy and Safety Act (TEOS) does not include any parliamentary oversight.
The Social Democratic Party (SDE) has now proposed an amendment to change this. Under their plan, both the initial assessment and the final spatial plan for a nuclear site would need the Riigikogu’s approval before construction could begin. SDE MP Jaak Aab argued that the risks of building a reactor demand a final vote by elected representatives.
Not all parties agree. Reform Party MP Mario Kadastik questioned whether parliament should decide on each individual plant. He also dismissed calls for a public referendum on small modular reactors (SMRs). Kadastik added that his party has not yet taken a firm stance on the issue.
Even if the TEOS bill passes without changes, Estonia would not see nuclear power for at least another decade. The government has already sent the draft law to the Riigikogu for debate. The TEOS bill now sits before parliament, where its future remains uncertain. If the SDE amendment passes, the Riigikogu will gain a direct role in approving nuclear projects. Without it, the decision-making process will stay within the government and regulatory bodies.
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