Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Financial Services, Technology

Estonia's and Poland's parties discussed great relationships between the two countries.

Ansip introduced to his Polish colleague the aim of Estonia to join the eurozone at the beginning of 2011. At the meeting, Estonia's candidacy for the home country of information technologies (IT) agency and the popular public e-services offered in Estonia were also discussed.

When speaking about Estonia's goal of joining the eurozone, the Prime Minister noted that many difficult decisions and a lot of hard work have been done in the name of the goal.

"Estonia has had a clear strategy for achieving the Euro-goal and overcoming the economic crisis: a responsible financial policy, the efficient adoption of EU funds, reliance upon the savings collected in the good years, significant cutting of public sector expenses and structural reforms," listed Ansip. The Prime Minister stated that Estonia has fulfilled the Maastricht criteria by today.

Ansip also noted that the fast adaptation of the Estonian economy would not have been possible without support from the public.

"I am grateful that the people of Estonia have been able to understand the decisions made during the hard times," he said. The Prime Minister added that according to the Eurobarometer, the support of the people for the government has even increased during the hard times.

"In Europe, Estonia ranks 8th in public support, with 47%," Ansip pointed out.

The Prime Minister also noted that joining the eurozone is not only Estonia's wish, but also a responsibility taken when joining the European Union.

It was emphasised by both sides that the criteria for joining the Eurozone cannot be changed. Donald Tusk recognised the activity of Estonia towards achieving the Euro-goal. According to him, Estonia's adoption of the Euro has a distinct meaning for all of Central and Eastern Europe.

"The expansion of the eurozone is very important for Poland as well, and our success depends on your success," said Tusk at the press conference that followed the meeting.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Ansip also discussed in greater detail Estonia's wish to be the home country of the IT agency when it is established. Poland agreed that the earlier agreements of the European Union must be fulfilled and according to those, the agency to be established must be located in a new Member State.

"Considering Estonia's experience in the field of IT, you are a great candidate for the home country of the agency," Tusk said at the press conference.

The Prime Minister also introduced to his Polish colleague the public IT services popular in Estonia; e-elections and the ID-card applications were also discussed in greater detail. The head of the Polish government noted that he is interested in the IT experience of the Estonian public sector.

When discussing the great relations between the two countries, both parties stated that these are very good.

"Poland is probably the only major power who can understand Estonia without words," said Prime Minister Ansip, referring to the countries' common experience in history.

The Prime Minister also thanked Poland for security cooperation. Polish fighters have repeatedly defended Baltic airspace in the framework of the NATO air-policing mission.