Prime Minister´s Ratas speech at the opening event of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the EU on 29 June 2017

Dear people of Estonia, dear Europeans,


On 20 August, Estonia will celebrate the 26th anniversary of the restoration of its independence. During this important time of regaining our freedom, Europe was there for Estonia and welcomed us. We needed this support and turned our gaze towards the West. There has been no reason to question this decision.


As early as 13 years after the restoration of Estonia’s independence – 13 years ago – Estonia became a member of the European Union. It has been an important goal for us. and the European Union has proven to be everything we hoped it would be. Europe is peace; Europe is freedom and shared values. It is our chosen path and joint decision. I would like to thank all the presidents, members of parliament, prime ministers and ministers of Estonia who have been in office since the restoration of independence for keeping Estonia on the European course.


Even in times when difficult issues have been discussed and important decisions made, the European Union has always been self-evident for Estonians. We know that cohesion comes at a price and we sometimes have to compromise to attain the greater good for all Europeans. When it comes to being together in the European Union, I am certain that the best is yet to come.



Dear audience,


The main aim of the Estonian Presidency is to achieve unity through balance. In the European Union, we must strike a balance between the east and the west, the north and the south, great and small, new and traditional, safe and daring. Estonia is a small country but we have our own unique set of experiences and many valuable ideas that we would like to share with Europe. This is why we wish to have a decisive approach during our Presidency and look at our common future together.


I am very grateful to Joseph Muscat, the Prime Minister of Malta which currently holds the presidency, Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, and Antonio Tajani, the President of the European Parliament, for their support and encouragement in our preparations for the Presidency. I would also like to take a deep bow to our members of parliament, ministers and hard-working civil servants for their admirable dedication and professionalism.



Dear people of Estonia,


For the next six months, all eyes in Europe are on Estonia. This is the time to show who we are, what we can do and how we live. However, it is also a time to listen carefully to what others have to say. Let us use these moments wisely and let us all make a contribution. The more familiar Europe is with our way of life and thinking, the greater Estonia is. The better we understand others, the more united Europe is.       


Our most important goal over the next six months and beyond is to make Europe more united and stronger. We wish to contribute to the development of the European Union and together tackle the challenges we face. If in six months, the Member States and institutions of the EU have fewer concerns and more joy, if Europe is more secure, close-knit and safer, it will mean we have succeeded.



Dear Europeans,


Next year, Estonia will celebrate its 100th birthday. I am certain that in 2024, when we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of our EU membership, many things will be different. However, some things will not change. Europe will still stand for peace, freedom and understanding.


Estonia is ready for the Presidency.