Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Markets and Companies, Technology

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"The Estonia-Bulgaria-Austria presidency trio has made our businesslike relations closer. We both stand for a strong Europe, where people have jobs and a feeling of security. A Europe better connected, where the economy is growing and innovation and research get more attention. Also the Neighborhood Policy and Western Balkans are important to both countries," Ratas said.

Austria, Estonia and the current Bulgarian presidency make up the presidency trio, which agrees about the topics that they will focus on more during the 18 months. All three presidencies have committed to fostering the establishment of the digital single market, EU enlargement and strengthening the neighborhood, as well as security. Austria will take over the presidency from Bulgaria at the beginning of July.

"Estonia stands to receive significantly more from the European Union than it pays into the common budget also in the next budgetary period. Estonia and the European Commission agree over many important issues, but the sharp reduction in cohesion policy funds is something that we are not satisfied with, although the Commission has partially taken our interest into account and the reduction is smoother than expected," Ratas said.

Van der Bellen and his spouse, Doris Schmidauer, are on an official visit in Estonia until June 3.

The Estonian and Austrian heads of state are to take part in an Austrian-Estonian business forum and the Lennart Meri Conference, where Van der Bellen is to read the opening remarks of the event. The two presidents are to visit the Estonian island of Saaremaa on Saturday.