The supplementary budget issued in response to the continuing coronavirus pandemic passed its Riigikogu vote on April 14 by 73 votes to 9, meaning the EUR 641-million aid package, aimed at mitigating the effects of the pandemic, and ensuing restrictions, on the health care system, education, business and the populace as a whole, would enter into effect.
The supplementary budget, the second of its kind, covers wage support measures and changes to the sick pay benefits regime, as well as additional provisions for mental health care, special care and rehabilitation, and additional funding for medicines, vaccination, crisis management and support for tourism, culture.
Suspended payments in the so-called second pillar of the pension scheme, referring to voluntary contributions and totaling EUR 117 million, are also accounted for in the package.
The regular state budget is drawn up in the autumn, with a December vote in mind, in order to enter force for the following year. (ERR/Business World Magazine)