“The European Union is constantly evolving, and for 20 years, we have played a significant role in shaping this development. We are trusted partners; our opinions are valued, and our views are considered,” emphasised Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. "Estonia's accession to the European Union has been a success story, enabling us to now assist other countries, including Ukraine, in their journey towards EU membership."
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Estonian economy and average salaries have increased nearly four times since joining the European Union. "With the support of the European Union, we have made substantial investments in various areas of our country's development and infrastructure, ensuring a high quality of life and safety for our people in Estonia."
She also noted that joining the European Union and the Schengen Area provided the people of Estonia with the freedom to travel, study, and work in other Member States as well.
“Let us remember that the European Union is not 'them' out there in Brussels. The European Union is us,” emphasised Kaja Kallas.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna highlighted the security aspects of European Union membership and underscored Estonia's commitment to promoting EU openness. “Belonging to the European family has provided Estonia with the assurance that we will never stand alone again. Today, this assurance is particularly crucial now, as Russia's ongoing brutal aggression in Ukraine has proven that gray areas in Europe only motivate Russia to continue with the imperialist war of conquest. Therefore, we firmly support the continuation of the European Union's open-door policy and are ready to share our experiences of EU accession with other countries aspiring to join the European Union family, including Ukraine, Moldova, and several Balkan countries,” said Tsahkna. “We look forward to soon congratulating Ukraine and other candidate countries on their accession to the European Union, just as we received congratulations 20 years ago today, on May 1, 2004!”
Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, pointed out that despite Estonia's lengthy membership, the country continues to find great role models within the EU to guide its social development. “Estonia's EU membership serves as daily affirmation of our belonging to Europe alongside other independent and successful nations. Over the past 20 years, our membership has significantly contributed to the development of Estonian society and the state, as well as to enhancement of our people's well-being. However, there is still much work to be done. Our overall well-being has increased, but it has not been equally distributed to everyone. Therefore, our EU membership serves as a daily reminder of the ongoing need for effort – because as a nation, we don't measure ourselves against other countries who were forced with us under Soviet occupation, but rather against Northern and Western Europe. In this comparison, we are fortunate to have numerous role models to inspire us in advocating for equality, rights, and democracy.” He added that today it is also Estonia's responsibility, drawing on our own experiences, to offer support to those aspiring to join the European Union, including Ukraine.
Prime Minister's greeting: https://youtu.be/_KUXE2B6Ehg
