Economics, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Legislation

The first day of the two-day meeting discussed in the new EU economic strategy Europe 2020, more specifically what the main aims of that strategy should be. Ansip stressed that achieving an agreement in these aims is very important, considering the further development of the EU.

“European Union citizens want to see practical deeds that help to lay foundation to a new economic growth,” said Ansip. “An agreement in common political targets enables us to carry on with practical steps.”

Ansip said that common aims create a frame for individual activities of member states, without reducing their decision-making rights. At the same time they support changes, simplify making decisions and give security to people.

“In Estonia, the European Union strategy has been of big help to the government,” said Ansip. “Based on that we have been able to fast increase financing R&D activities, for example.”

Ansip stressed also the need of creating a common, safe digital domestic market by 2020 in the EU. “Activities of the Eutopean Union domestic market are today hampered seriously by lack of e-services room. We need a European Union where citizens and businesses of member states can easily use public e-services and digital business services.”