Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met Swedish Minister for European Union Affairs Cecilia Malmström in Brussels on Monday, 19 November, within the framework of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC).
The ministers discussed the preparations for December’s European Council, and agreed that the European Union’s Growth and Jobs Strategy (the Lisbon Strategy) is well purposed, as it brings about real results and its goals do not need to be reworded. “A strong internal European market, openness in the world, and free trade are key words for both Sweden and Estonia in the upcoming discussions on globalisation,” said Paet. He also added that the development of electronic environment is of interest to Estonia and also incorporates very well into the existing goals of the strategy. Electronic environment strongly influences Estonia’s modern economic operations, such as improving the accessibility of public services and the security of information society.
The ministers confirmed that in addition to Sweden and Estonia having excellent relations, their understandings and attitudes over larger issues standing before the European Union are also very similar. Estonia and Sweden both believe that ratifying the Reform Treaty as quickly as possible will give Europe the institutions and resources it needs to preserve its competitiveness. The Estonian foreign minister added that the Reform Treaty text will be handed over to Estonia’s Riigikogu promptly after it is signed in Lisbon in mid-December.
At their meeting, they also discussed the European Union’s budgetary policy. “We need an updated budget in order to deal with new priorities and challenges like energy, climate, global economy, migration, and international crime. We shouldn’t have to wait until the end of the budgetary period in 2013 to make the necessary changes to have a transparent and up-to-date budget,” Paet said.
In talking about French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s suggestion of a “committee of wise men,” the ministers brought up the importance of defining the group’s mandate. They emphasized that an individual very familiar with the features of the Baltic Sea region should definitely be included in the group.
Sweden’s Presidency in the second half of 2009 and the Baltic Sea Strategy initiated by Sweden were also discussed. The Swedish Minister for European Union Affairs said the Baltic Sea, bordered by eight European Union members and environmentally very delicate, is one of Europe’s most dynamic and quickly-developing areas. “In order to ensure balanced development in the region, the Baltic Sea needs specific attention, which is why we welcome the fact that an upcoming Presidency will make this one of its top priorities,” Paet confirmed.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Riia Salsa Spokesperson, Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU +32 473 800 358
