The Estonian head of state remarked that the EU creates peace and is rooted in values whose protection and preservation are important to us. “In order for us to be important in Europe, Europe must first be important to us at home,” he counselled.
President Karis noted that Europe Day was being marked in Estonia for the 19th time. “The last two decades have seen a good deal of growth and a lot of success, and brought with them some useful lessons, all of which form part of the growing process,” he said. “What is important is that so many new possibilities have opened up to the people of Estonia in that time as their freedom of movement has greatly expanded. We can go and work or study in another country, thereby enriching ourselves and Europe. And for our entrepreneurs, the EU market has created new opportunities for growth and development.”
The head of state added that Estonia has recognised the value of belonging to the union during harder times in particular, such as the global financial crisis and the pandemic, and most keenly in Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine, which has brought full-scale war back to Europe. “Together we have helped Ukraine in a way we never could have by acting alone,” he stated. “Together we are launching initiatives which will support the security of us all.”
President Karis said that having enjoyed the benefits of belonging to the EU, Estonia supports the further expansion of the union. “We want others to enjoy those benefits, too,” he explained, “so as to expand the zone of stability, democracy and well-being that surrounds us.” He cautioned, however, that further progress in EU integration must be based on the efforts that the candidate countries themselves make. “The next expansion could well be extensive, which is why in the lead-up to it we must focus on issues that will help the European Union prepare for the next wave of its growth,” he advised.
President Karis praised Ukraine, noting that in spite of the incredibly difficult situation it finds itself in, the beleaguered country has demonstrated its resolve in implementing reforms. He expressed his hope that Moldova and the Western Balkan candidate countries would also move steadily closer to the EU.
