Government Approves the Priorities for Estonia’s presidency of the Council of the European Union

The Government approved the priorities for Estonia’s presidency of the Council of the European Union i. These priorities focus on developing an innovative, secure, digital and inclusive Europe.

“Estonia's presidency will take place in the times of great challenges for Europe, which means an extraordinary responsibility for us. We must look for unity among the Member States and the EU must stay decisive,” said Prime Minister Jüri Ratas.

“During the presidency, we will have the chance to raise also topics that are important for Estonia, to start discussions of wider impact and to increase the international visibility of Estonia. This is a serious challenge, but I’m sure we will manage thanks to the comprehensive cooperation of politicians and officials.”

Klen Jäärats, the Director for European Union Affairs of Government Office, said that starting from this July Estonia will be leading all legislative work among Member States, but that it is up to the presidency to set its own priorities and specific goals.

“Priorities set by the Government are a political guideline from the Government for defining the programme for the presidency. A final, more detailed programme will be presented in June when Malta’s presidency is drawing to a close, and it will be preceded by wider discussions in the Riigikogu as well as with the general public,” Jäärats explained.

The overarching aim of the Estonian presidency of the Council of the EU is to ensure that the EU remains united and decisive.

The priorities of the Estonian presidency are:

AN OPEN AND INNOVATIVE EUROPEAN ECONOMY

An open and innovative European economy means developing a business environment, which supports growth and competitiveness. For this purpose, we will focus on:

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  protecting and promoting the EU´s four freedoms - free movement of goods, persons, services and capital
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  making sure that providing services and starting a business in the EU is as easy as possible, and advancing trade negotiations
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  creating new funding opportunities for companies and ensuring a stable banking sector
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  establishing a stable and well-functioning electricity market and empowering consumers
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  ensuring fair competition by preventing tax evasion.

SAFE AND SECURE EUROPE

Only by acting together and preserving its unity on the global stage can the EU keep its citizens safe and promote peace, prosperity and stability. For this purpose, we will focus on:

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  strengthening the fight against terrorism and organised crime, strengthening the internal security as well as the protection of the EU’s external borders by improving cooperation and using cutting-edge information systems
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  continuing the work tackling the migration crisis and reforming the Common European Asylum System
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  supporting and strengthening relations with Eastern partnership countries
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  an increase in defence expenditure, developing European defence cooperation and the EU-NATO partnership.

DIGITAL EUROPE AND THE FREE FLOW OF DATA

Europe must exploit the benefits of technological progress that is bringing continuous change to citizens, businesses and governments. For this purpose, we will focus on:

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  developing cross-border e-commerce and e-services for the benefit of consumers, producers and businesses
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  ensuring modern and secure electronic communications available everywhere across Europe as well as creating a favourable environment for new innovative services
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  advancing cross-border digital public services to facilitate everyday life.

INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE EUROPE

An inclusive and sustainable Europe supports equal opportunities for employment, access to services and development of skills. A sustainable Europe cares about and is committed to achieving a cleaner environment. For this purpose, we will focus on:

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  modernising rules in order to promote labour mobility and free movement of persons
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  ensuring equal opportunities in the labour market and social inclusion
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  securing a more sustainable environment.