Ratas in the Netherlands: we have the same values in the EU as well as NATO

The Hague, 20 November 2019 – Today, Prime Minister Jüri Ratas and Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, discussed bilateral cooperation and shared interests in the European Union and NATO.

“Estonia and the Netherlands, our close ally, have the same values in both Europe and the North Atlantic region,” affirmed Ratas after his meeting with Rutte. “Shared values lead to shared interests and therefore, we cooperate closely in matters of defence, economy, and the digital area.”

Ratas added that the Netherlands contributes strongly to the security of our region. “The Netherlands is part of the Baltic Air Policing mission as well as the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence mission in Lithuania,” said the prime minister. “We both agree that strong transatlantic cooperation is the best guarantee to our security and that the NATO summit taking place in London in early December should serve to further confirm that.”

The prime ministers also discussed the situation in Ukraine and Ratas expressed his support of Dutch efforts to take to court those responsible for the MH17 tragedy in 2014.

In addition, Ratas and Rutte touched on the goal of the European Union to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. “We agree that the future budget plan of the European Union must support these climate goals to the largest possible extent,” said Ratas. “Estonia considers it important for the new budget framework of the EU to grant sufficient flexibility for the Member States but also open up new possibilities to transition to a new climate-neutral economic model.”

Today, Ratas also met with Dutch entrepreneurs who are interested in the Estonian market or are already active here. “As Member States of the European Union and the euro area, we share a market, a currency, and economic policies,” said Ratas. “The Netherlands is an important trade partner and investor for Estonia and their interest in us is highly welcome. We must not forget that we have much to offer – we are a small, innovative, and rapidly growing economy.”

In the evening, Ratas will meet with Estonians and students living in the Netherlands.

Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJuEbEZ