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The President of the Republic Opening the Building of the Representation of the Republic of Estonia to the European Union in Brussels on 26 May 200426.05.2004
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Estonia has got for its representation in Brussels a new handsome building. This is already our fourth base of operations here, with the European Union. What we have today instead of the one-time three-room apartment furbished for the needs of the Representation in March 1992 is a modern gorgeous house.
For the European Union, the Representation of the Republic of Estonia is like our business card. What I mean by that are our capable staff members but also the building itself with its interior and atmosphere. As a part of our motherland, it represents our people, their values and culture. It will definitely help to better understand Estonians and to more successfully put into practice our aspirations.
However, not a single goal can be achieved by presence alone, as if by magic. Even great people in a well-organised working environment do not necessarily guarantee success. The European life model, on top of that, contains openness and willingness to learn. Ideas and originality - that's how we could characterize our presence here.
We must be able to put Estonia's interests into context of Europe's shared interests and to consistently explain our positions. In order to succeed in this, our whole state apparatus has to continuously carry out effective homework. Estonia is ready for and capable of making continuous efforts. Our preceding work done over the last decade, which has returned us to Europe, provides proof of that. Our hitherto accomplishments also support our belief that Estonia will do fine in the European Union. And the European Union will do fine as well!
Today's festive occasion is an important milestone in Estonia's second, symbolic coming to Europe. This coming began in early 1990s, after the restoration of our national independence, when the Republic of Estonia started anew establishing its diplomatic missions and conducting foreign relations.
Today, we have good reason to thank all these people who have made selfless contributions to enhance the international standing and to expand the scope of relations of our nation. The effectiveness of their work makes us believe that Estonia's second coming to Europe is successful and final, and there will be no need for a third coming.
I wish you success in your work for the benefit of the Republic of Estonia and the European Union.
Honourable Mr Ambassador,
Distinguished Guests,
Permit me at this point to present our Representation with a gift.
Well-known Estonian graphic artist Viive Tolli has given her work the name: Täidan, täidan laeva. (A rhyme belonging to an Estonian children's play, approximately: I am loading, loading a ship).
The ship on this picture is a Ship of Wishes.
I would like this ship, during life loaded with very many wishes coming from heart, to carry us safely. So that storm winds couldn't drive us upon the rocks and the ship wouldn't wreck due to overloading.
May this picture give pleasure and food for thought to the occupants and visitors of this house!
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