Estonia: Audit finds major errors in 2023 state budget act

The National Audit Office of Estonia (Riigikontroll) found significant errors in the 2023 state budget act despite the overall accuracy of the state’s financial accounts, ERR reports. Key issues included incorrect recording of transactions in the budgets of the ministries of economy, regional affairs, and agriculture, leading to a discrepancy of EUR 122mn. Additionally, the…

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Estonia: Several countries interested in renting prison space: ministry

Several countries have expressed interest in renting Estonia’s empty prison space, according to the Ministry of Justice, ERR reports. A ministry official said that neighbouring countries had shown interest, and that European statistics indicated a demand for prison space. However, legislative amendments were needed before renting out prison space, the official added. Earlier reports suggested…

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Estonia: Parliament select committee discusses presidential funding scandal

The state budget control select committee of Estonia’s parliament, the Riigikogu, held an extraordinary session on 8 August 2023 to discuss a controversy over alleged “horse trading” by the Office of the President, ERR reports. Earlier, presidential adviser Toomas Sildam had an informal discussion with Merike Saks, secretary general of the Ministry of Finance, in…

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Estonia: Insufficient data on state support to companies: audit

Data available on state financial support to Estonian companies are incomplete and thus less usable, according to an analysis by the National Audit Office (Riigikontroll), ERR reports. Märt Loite, auditor general at Riigikontroll’s analysis department, sent a note to Finance Minister Mart Võrklaev (Reform), highlighting concerns regarding the integrity and usability of the data. In…

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