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The President of the Republic's Academic Council discussed the EU Accession
13.06.2003


The President of the Republic's Academic CouncilToday the President of the Republic discussed with the Academic Council potential upcoming EU accession. The participants reached a comclusion that the accession had no alternative and there was no reason to think that a delay could improve Estonia’s position.

Otto von Habsburg, President of the International Paneuropean Union, attended the meeting as a guest. In his speech he was pleased about the upcoming accession of Estonia and other Baltic states and reinforced that if we wanted to create a Europe really worth the name of Europe, also small states should play a significant role. He stressed that Estonia should have capable officials representing it in the European Union, empowering Estonia with more say in the matter.

Academician Endel Lippmaa stressed in his presentation that no political structure would be eternal or irreversible but in the first half of this century the combination of the European Union and NATO would be the best stability and security guarantee for our nation, economy and statehood. According to Academician Lippmaa, to shape the structure of large systems and unions and to guide realistically their further development, wise participation is far more effective than outside criticism.

Also the position outlined by eurosceptic professor Igor Gräzin was listened to. He argued that a sincere and open discussion on the future of Estonia would be very important. Professor Gräzin also said that President Rüütel had been the the first and up to the present time the only one ready to listen to views not unambiguously supporting the European Union. Professor Gäzin surmised that EU negotiators have been motivated by personal hopes to get a well-paid job in Brussels in future. Professor Gräzin proposed to postpone the accession, at least for two-three years.


Office of the President
Kadriorg, June 13, 2003


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