Today, 1 May, marking the 22nd anniversary of Estonia’s accession to the European Union, Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna said that membership has brought significant positive changes for Estonia while also strengthening the European Union as a whole. Drawing on this experience, the EU must continue its enlargement, act with greater unity and work towards a just and lasting peace in Europe, with the aim of shaping a continent that is united, democratic, respectful of human dignity and freedoms, open to the world, and capable of collectively defending its values, freedoms and interests.
“Joining the European Union has brought about far-reaching changes for Estonia over the past 22 years, guiding our development, expanding opportunities for people to travel, study and work, improving overall well-being and boosting economic growth,” Tsahkna said. “At the same time, it has strengthened our security and given Estonia a voice in decisions that matter for Europe and the world, allowing us to shape our shared future.”
Tsahkna stressed that the accession of Estonia and other Central and Eastern European countries has also delivered substantial benefits to earlier member states. “Enlargement has opened up new opportunities within the single market, increased its scale and strengthened the European Union’s global position,” he said.
According to the foreign minister, these experiences underline the need to move forward decisively with the enlargement process and to open the first negotiation clusters with Ukraine and Moldova, which have carried out the necessary reforms.
“Enlargement is the European Union’s most effective policy tool for ensuring that countries which uphold the principles of democracy, the rule of law and human rights do not remain in a so-called grey zone, but instead become part of the European Union and contribute to strengthening our shared security and peace, and to advancing freedom and prosperity – everything the EU was created for,” Tsahkna said.
The foreign minister noted that Estonia, as an EU member, has been a driving force behind several initiatives, such as promoting the free movement of data and advancing the introduction of a European digital identity.
“Over the past more than four years, during which Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has shaken the foundations of European security, Estonia has worked steadfastly to build a common European position in support of Ukraine and to increase pressure on Russia,” the foreign minister said. “We will continue along this path.”
On 9 May, Estonia, together with other EU member states, will celebrate Europe Day. Various events will take place across the country, organised by young people, state institutions, local authorities, embassies and the European Commission. In Tallinn, a large family day will be held at Freedom Square, featuring embassy and organisation stands, an engaging orienteering game and a free evening concert with Estonian artists An-Marlen & boipepperoni, Clicherik & Mäx and Lexsoul Dancemachine.
In Narva, a large free concert will also take place at Town Hall Square, featuring the winners of the Europe Day youth band competition: the Kohtla-Järve folk-rock band Virland, the Jõhvi rock band The Rising and the Narva pop-rock-folk group Between Two Stars.
More information on Europe Day events: https://euroopapaev.ee/
Timeline of Estonia’s accession to the EU: https://eu.mfa.ee/estonia-eu-timeline/
Additional information:
Communication Department
[email protected]