Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Technology, Telecomunications, Transport

Torsten Albig and Andrus Ansip. Tallinn, 8.05.2013. Photo: valitsus.ee

Estonia and Schleswig-Holstein have longstanding and close partnership relations in the areas of the environment, economy and agriculture. In order to fight against organised and drug-related crime, the police organisations cooperate very closely and share their experience. Cultural contacts are actively being promoted too and good twinning relations have been built between twenty or so cities in Estonia and Schleswig-Holstein.

Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein Torsten Albig expressed his interest in Estonia’s e‑services and in cooperation for the development of digital solutions.

Prime Minister Ansip confirmed that Estonia would be very willing to share its knowledge and emphasized at the same time that cross-border digital solutions would make administration notably more efficient in the region. “Estonia as an e-state flagship is interested in the simplified management of public affairs everywhere in Europe and we whole-heartedly support the creation of a common digital market in the European Union,” said Ansip at the meeting.

The issues of the European Union economy and the Union itself were also discussed at the meeting. The prime ministers acknowledged that Estonia and Germany share similar values and positions in several economic issues. Ansip said that the foundations of actual economic growth are structural reforms, prudent economic policy and a moderate sovereign debt.