Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Legislation

"I'm very glad and consider this a great recognition to Estonia's diplomacy towards Europe as a whole," Maasikas said in a comment. "Besides officials and politicians, the third sector, businesspeople and people from many different walks of life play an important role in it. As a result of the work of all of them, Estonia stands stronger than ever before in Europe."

Maasikas' blog "Gondori kroonika" (A Chronicle of Gondor) with its undiplomatic candor is an insight into the day-to-day work of the EU that is highly valued by many, European Movement Estonia said.

"As Estonia will become the presiding country of the EU in 2018, we found unanimously that Matti Maasikas is a worthy candidate for the title of European of the Year. Matti Maasikas has worked for years for Estonia to be more visible in Europe and for our interests to be taken into account in further development of the EU," board member of European Movement Estonia Riivo Sinijarv commented the jury's decision.

Maasikas is a seasoned diplomat with many years' experience of work in Brussels. He worked in the office of Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn in 2009-2010 and was one of the advisers to European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in 2010. He was appointed Estonia's ambassador to the EU in 2011. President Toomas Hendrik Ilves this year conferred on him the Order of the White Star, 3rd class, in recognition of services rendered.

The award ceremony took place in Tallinn's central Vabaduse (Freedom) Square on Sunday in conjunction with celebrations of Europe Day.