The government approves the principles of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

At a cabinet meeting today, the government agreed in principle on the programme of the Estonian i EU Council Presidency which will be based on four priorities. The final version of the Estonian Presidency programme is to be approved at the government meeting scheduled for 29 June.

The government has already approved the four priorities of the Estonian Presidency. They are:

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  an open and innovative European economy,
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  a safe and secure Europe,
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  a digital Europe and the free flow of data,
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  an inclusive and sustainable Europe.

Commenting on the priority for an open and innovative Europe, Prime Minister i Jüri Ratas i said: “A strong economy is based on an innovative and open economic model. Estonia aims to contribute to the stimulation of the European economy and the creation of jobs in new and growing industries.”

On the subject of a safe and secure Europe, the Prime Minister stressed that the Estonian Presidency wishes to offer concrete and modern solutions for improving safety and security in an open Europe. “In addition to modern IT solutions, Estonia will also promote the strengthening of cross-border cooperation, and prioritise increased defence cooperation.”

Giving his view on the priority of a digital Europe and the free flow of data, the Prime Minister noted that a quick, high-quality and widely-available internet connection is a cornerstone of a smart and data-based economy. “Estonia will aim to ensure that the options available to people in Europe are considerably broader. This will include the development of both e-commerce as well as e-services.”

Expanding on the priority of an inclusive and sustainable Europe, the Prime Minister noted that the foundation of social and economic success in the EU is its people. “In an inclusive Europe, Estonia will uphold the principle of ensuring equal rights for everyone.”

The provisional programme approved at today’s cabinet meeting has four priorities divided into 18 sub-chapters. The programme includes nearly 80 legislative proposals for promoting these priorities. The priorities have been discussed in committees of the Parliament of Estonia (Riigikogu) and they have been presented in public discussions in Estonia and Brussels. Based on these priorities, a programme of the Estonian Presidency, which has been previously coordinated with ministries, has been agreed on in principle.

From 1 July, Estonia will be holding the rotating six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union i. The Estonian Government is visiting Brussels to present the priorities of the Estonian Presidency to the European Commission.