eesti keeles

Press Releases
Open in print mode

The President of the Republic met the EU Enlargement Commissioner
01.09.2003


President Arnold Rüütel this evening at Kadriorg met with EU Enlargement Commissioner Günter Verheugen. The focal point of their discussion was Estonian referendum due on 14 September.

The Commissioner of the European Union expressed his interest in what were the public sentiments in Estonia before the referendum. The President of the Republic stated that, in his view, the sentiments were despite the sceptical character of the Estonians predominantly positive. They also talked about the last research into issues concerning the EU accession. According to the Enlargement Commissioner, he understood what an important part President Rüütel played at the present historic moment and how much the people trusted him.

Günter Verheugen asked if Estonia had already thought about finding its candidate for the European Commission and professed that a small country, in order to have clout, should have a strong person on the Commission.

At the meeting, also the European Union's new neighbours policy, the relations between Estonia and Russia, and chances of the candidate countries left out of the present enlargement round to join the EU were under discussion. On top of that, they touched upon the forthcoming Intergovernmental Conference.


Office of the President
Kadriorg, September 1, 2003


© 2006 Office of the President l tel: + 372 631 6202 l fax: + 372 631 6250 l sekretarvpk.ee