Education and Science, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Integration

During the discussion, Paet stated that from January 1, 2011, Estonia will be among 11 most integrated European countries. “From the beginning of next year, Estonia will adopt the euro, being a part of the Schengen area will make it easier for Estonians to travel and membership in the EU, NATO, WTO and in OECD will encourage foreign entrepreneurs to invest in Estonia,” he said.

The students of Columbia displayed interest in Estonia’s moves to overcome the economic crisis and in its taxation system. Other issues discussed were Estonia’s economic relations and the EU’s relations with the United States as well as Estonia’s IT experiences, matters regarding immigration and co-operation in the field of higher education, LETA informs.

The Estonian minister of foreign affairs also met with Estonians residing in New York. “Standing for Estonia’s freedom, continued awareness-raising of its origins and character has made the Estonian community stronger and contributed to maintaining the national spirit,” said Paet.

It has been estimated that slightly more than 25,000 persons of Estonian origin reside in the United States, mostly on the East Coast in New York and New Jersey, in Chicago in Mid-West and on the West Coast.