The accession negotiations with the European Union having lasted for five years can be regarded as one of the most time-consuming and substantial undertakings of the Estonian state. In the course of those talks we proved not only to our future partners, but, in the first place, to ourselves that we are ready to meet new challenges, that, being a free nation, we are desirous and able to shape our future ourselves. The results of the enlargement process will enrich life and open up new opportunities both in Estonia and in the whole of the future European Union consisting of twenty-five countries.
All of us have had to adapt to the rules on the basis of which one of the world's most influential economic and political alliances is functioning. The deals made derived from, on the one hand, the lack of options for a country having been absent from the European development area for such a long time and, on the other hand, they serve tactical purposes, demonstrating Estonia's dialogue capabilities as a future Member State of the European Union. The Estonian negotiators have made a good work. The accession conditions achieved correspond to today's realities in the world, in the European Union and in the candidate countries.
The completion of the accession negotiations marks the end of one stage in Estonia's accession to the European Union. Before making the final decision in a referendum, all the pros and cons have to be weighed. The Estonian public is entitled to a comprehensive overview of all problems, risks and advantages concomitant with the accession.
Freedom by itself neither makes people happy nor nations successful. The deciding factor is, for what purpose and how freedom is being used. We are sure that the accession to the European Union is a reliable guarantee for the development of free society in Estonia and for Estonia itself to survive. Now, the people have their say.
Arnold Rüütel Toomas Savi Siim KallasPresident of the Republic Chairman of the Riigikogu Prime Minister
