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The President of the Republic at the Conference Estonia and the European Union on November 1, 2001, in Tallinn
01.11.2001


Dear participants,
Members of the Parliament,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen!

Today we can recall that it was as early as in 1995 that the Riigikogu voted unanimously to start accession negotiations with the European Union. The Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States and the Republic of Estonia entered into force on 18 September 1995. Our decision was based on our deep historic experience, on our knowledge that Estonia had been part of the European civilisation for about a thousand years already since Christianization. Our decision was also based on the conviction that in the globalizing world Estonia would have no other alternative to secure its future outside the European Union. Taking these steps we followed our closest neighbours in the north and west, Finland and Sweden who had been successful members of the European Union. According to the latest data Finland is one of the most competitive countries in the world.

Estonia's application was accepted and Estonia was among the first with whom the European Union started accession negotiations. Today we can say that we have reached the final stage of the accession negotiations. A significant number of negotiation chapters has been closed down.

Nevertheless moving towards the European Union has not been without problems. This was also confirmed by falling support in opinion polls. One of the underlying reasons was scarce information. It is not that the people lack information about the European Union and its development perspectives. There is plenty of material available about the European Union as well. The problem might be in the lack of understanding what kind of position Estonia will have in the European Union, what kind of new windows of opportunity will open up, what kind of changes will be involved.

Any kind of decision about the future strategy can only lie on full information, substantial weighing of pros and cons. We believe there is a lot to be done in this respect. I hope that Estonia's mass media, especially our public television channel will also make a contribution. Discussions on the EU issues should be broadcast more often, information programmes would be welcome.

Just like our historic experience influences our movement towards the European Union, it will also influence our behaviour as a future Member State.

Our experience is the experience of a nation and a state that has long worked at achieving sovereignty. We have understood that only independent statehood is a guarantee to preserve the Estonian language, culture and nation. Thus, it is understandable that both our domestic and foreign policy are, first and foremost, oriented to serving their axiomatic pre-requisites. We have to be sure that the EU membership will ensure both the physical as well as cultural existence of our nation.

The principles and practice of the European Union show that they never hurt rights of small states and nations. There are important decisions to be taken and Estonia would like to make its voice heard. Decisions about the EU organisational structure and decision-making mechanisms have been accompanied by discussions on structural changes in the European Union.

Against this background allow me to express hope that the European Union will continue also in future as an organisation in which side by side with the maintenance of the identity of large states and nations also those of small countries and nations will be ensured; as an organisation in which the small will feel equal to the large. In our vision a union of the states will be the best.

Ladies and gentlemen!

This conference is yet another confirmation to our readiness to share the destiny of Europe together with others. Estonia's accession to Europe is, on one hand, restoration of historic justice and, on the other hand, a creative challenge to Estonia as a nation and state, allowing us to prove to ourselves and our partners that small states have their role to play in securing safe future for Europe and the world.

Thank you for your attention.


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