Prime Minister Ratas to Merkel: A safe and successful Europe is our common interest

Prime Minister Jüri Ratas i said at the meeting with Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel i that a safe and successful Europe is in the interest of both countries, and this can be strengthened by a unified, strong and economically successful European Union.

“We are grateful for Germany’s contribution to the security of the Baltic region both within the European Union and NATO i. I am glad that Germany has committed to achieving the objective to spend 2% of GDP on defence. Germany is definitely one of the most important allies, but also one of the most crucial trading partners, for Estonia,” Prime Minister Ratas said.

Topics of the meeting between Prime Minister Ratas and Chancellor Merkel focused on migration issues, security, the regulation of internal market and social affairs, and climate and energy policy in the light of the upcoming Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Prime Minister also introduced the priorities of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union to the Chancellor.

“During the Estonian Presidency, we want to maintain the competency and unity of the European Union and achieve tangible results for all Europeans,” Ratas noted. “To ensure that the European Union advances in a united manner, we need to find a balance between the various interests that have emerged with regard to several complex issues.”

When speaking about the migration crisis, Ratas emphasised that it is important to strengthen protection of external borders of the European Union, and to maintain control in order to tackle this issue. “It is neither possible nor necessary to lock Europe up, however, both physical and digital capabilities supporting border security should become stronger,” he said. “We need to use modern technological solutions and improve the exchange of information between the countries, and it is equally important to enhance the implementation of common decisions.” The Prime Minister also recognised Germany’s great efforts in tackling the migration crisis.

The Prime Minister said that as for energy policy, Estonia supports a more integrated and stronger Europe. “The European Union needs to continue with developing a single energy market, improving energy security, and establishing cross-border energy links. This work should result in an energy system that is accessible, affordable, sustainable, and secure, for European companies and citizens. It is perfectly clear that the European Union is not withdrawing from the current Paris Agreement, and that the Estonian Presidency will continue implementing it,” the Prime Minister explained.

The meeting also focused on the situation in Ukraine, relations with Russia, and the Eastern Partnership of the European Union. Ratas said that it is in the interest of the European Union to strengthen stability, welfare and security in the immediate neighbourhood of the European Union by supporting the efforts of Eastern partners, in relation to Europe and to structural reform. “By helping the Eastern partners we also directly contribute to the security and stability of Europe,” Ratas said.

At the meeting, Ratas and Merkel recognised the Erasmus programme, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, as serving as an excellent example of outstanding cooperation at EU level, widening the horizons of young people and bringing those young people new knowledge.