Prime Minister Ratas discusses future of Europe with EU counterparts

Stenbock House, 8 May 2019 – Prime Minister Jüri Ratas is spending today and tomorrow in Sibiu, Romania, where he will be discussing the future of Europe with European Union heads of state and heads of government. This evening, Prime Minister Ratas will be appearing at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, where he will be giving a speech at the conference on the future of Europe.


Prime Minister Jüri Ratas finds it symbolic that the leaders of EU Member States will be discussing plans for the future on 9 May, when Europe Day is being celebrated. ‘Over the past few years, European Member States have shown unity and strength in resolving many questions and challenges. When looking to the future, we must focus more on our people, so that they would all enjoy a better life in Europe,’ stated Ratas. ‘Estonia’s 15 years in the European Union have boosted our standard of living and increased our wages and pensions several-fold. Estonia’s economy has also experienced exponential growth, and the development of our rural areas has found significant support. Now, we must continue working, so that it would be the same going forward,’ stated the Prime Minister.


Ratas also cited the significance of the strengthening of Europe’s global competitiveness and the importance of standing for common interests and values around the world.


At the unofficial summit taking place tomorrow, 9 May, the leaders of Member States will be discussing the EU’s goals for the next five years in the field of security, economy, environment and international cooperation.


At the beginning of the meeting, a regular exchanging of ideas between state leaders and President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani is planned.


After the discussion held at Sibiu, President of the European Council Donald Tusk will be offering leaders a plan for the Strategic Agenda for 2019–2024, which the leaders of Member States are planning to accept during their meeting in June. This will begin to direct all of the European Union’s works for the next five years, after the new composition of the European Parliament and European Commission begins work.


Additional information: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/et/meetings/european-council/2019/05/09/