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Taavi Rõivas and Donald Tusk. Tallinn, 9.01.2015. Photo: valitsus.ee

“The European Union must remain true to its policies and not make any compromises when it comes to sanctions, as long as the Minsk agreements are not fulfilled and Crimea remains annexed,” Prime Minister Rõivas said. “United and decisive Europe and good relations with the allies is the best strategy in order to respond to the Russian aggression.”

Tusk also confirmed the importance of European solidarity in the fact that the European Union must be united when it comes to protecting solidarity, freedom and democracy. He emphasised that Europe will not make any compromises in matters concerning the European Union’s fundamental values and security.

Rõivas, who will be heading to Ukraine and Georgia to a working visit on Monday, noted that at the Eastern Partnership Summit taking place in Riga in May, the European Union should lend a helping hand to its eastern partners by supporting reforms and smoothing the path of those nations towards Europe. “Estonia wants Georgia and Ukraine to achieve visa-free travel, since the two countries have fulfilled all of the set preconditions. I would very much like to hope that we would be able to provide a clear signal in May concerning visa-free travel for Ukraine and Georgia,” said Rõivas.

While discussing economic matters, both Rõivas and Tusk confirmed that in the interests of European sustainability, it is important to finally overcome the economic and financial crisis. In their opinion, this requires more investments, structural reforms, and holding a strict line when it comes to the monetary policy of the Member States. “It is important that all Member States fulfil their obligations. Estonia is a positive example to other Member States in terms of its economic growth, balanced budget and low debt,” Tusk said.

Tusk, who will be visiting Lithuania next week, recognised the three Baltic States for introducing the euro and added that at the unofficial meeting of the European Council taking place in February, it is important to discuss the questions concerning the management of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and further developments in greater detail.

“A combination of the stability of public finance, investments in development and structural reforms ensures the sustainability of the euro zone as well as the economic well-being of its members,” Rõivas said. “On the development path of the European Monetary Union it is important, first and foremost, to achieve trust regarding the fulfilment of already established rules and assumed commitments.”

Tusk also praised Estonia for its innovation, which is of critical importance in revitalising the economy. “Estonia is a source of inspiration, being one of the most innovative and technologically advanced democracies in the world, not to mention the leader of digital development in the European Union,” Tusk said, referring to the area of work of European Commission Vice-President for the Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip. The President of the European Council confirmed that the creation of the European Digital Single Market is a priority for him, and Rõivas expressed hope that this would also be one of the topics of Estonia’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2018.

While discussing the Energy Union, Rõivas and Tusk agreed that it is of critical importance for the citizens and companies of the European Union to have access to affordable, secure and sustainable energy.

Referring to the forthcoming working period, both Prime Minister Rõivas and President Tusk found that the European Energy Security Strategy, approved by the EU heads of state and government at the June meeting of the European Council, must be implemented by the institutions. Rõivas and Tusk also shared the view that 2015 should see the completion of negotiations between the EU and the USA over the Transatlantic Trade and Partnership Agreement.

Rõivas and Tusk condemned the terrorist attacks in Paris. “Terrorism is a serious danger to European security and the values of our democratic society,” the Prime Minister of Estonia said. Both confirmed that the terrorist act will not break the unity and determination of Europe. Estonia, together with the rest of Europe and the world, stands together with France in this tragedy.