Estonian MP Demands Foreign Minister Explain €13.5 Million Cost of Ukraine Recovery Conference

Varro Vooglaid, a non-affiliated member of the Estonian parliament (Riigikogu), has submitted a written inquiry to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna of the Eesti 200 party about the cost of an international conference on Ukraine's reconstruction, due to take place in Tallinn in January 2027. The MP wants the budget breakdown, funding sources and the expected benefit for Estonia to be disclosed.

In the inquiry, Vooglaid cites information published by Estonian public broadcaster ERR that hosting the conference will cost Estonia €13.5 million. The event is scheduled for 28–29 January. The government has approved its budget, and the Foreign Ministry is responsible for organising it.

The technical preparation is coordinated by a 16-person team led by Tiit Riisalo, a former economy minister and former party colleague of Tsahkna.

Comparison with the budget deficit

Vooglaid considers the spending excessive given a state budget deficit of more than €2 billion. As a point of comparison, he cites the savings the state expects from restricting health insurance for non-working mothers: €1.44 million in 2026 and €7.44 million over the period from 2026 to 2028.

The MP also notes that the conference will take place shortly before the 2027 parliamentary elections. He asks whether the governing parties' possible political interests were considered when choosing the date, and what measures are planned to prevent the event from being used for pre-election self-promotion at taxpayers' expense.

Eight questions for the minister

In total, Vooglaid has put eight questions to the minister. He asks for a breakdown of the budget by main expense categories and for an indication of how much of the money will come from the state budget and how much from European Union funds or other sources.

The MP also wants to know whether attracting private donations, sponsors and international partners was considered, on what grounds Riisalo was chosen to head the organising team, and whether an open competition was held. He also asks for Riisalo's remuneration and the team's total payroll costs.

Separately, Vooglaid demands an explanation of what specific, measurable benefit Estonia expects from hosting the conference and how that benefit compares with the €13.5 million cost.