The President of the Riigikogu stressed that leaderships and citizens need to behave more responsibly during the current crisis. In Ergma’s words, the main task is to stop the eurozone debt crisis and to restore confidence in financial markets. “Estonia participates solidarily in all EU initiatives which are aimed at ensuring the stability of the eurozone. When acceding to associations, it is natural to share the responsibility with one’s partners there. The capacity and future of the eurozone is clearly an issue of Estonia’s national interest,” the President of the Riigikogu confirmed to the guests.

 

Estonia also supports implementation of the legislation and instruments already adopted at EU level which help ensure realisation of sustainable public finances and economic policy in member states. At the same time, compliance with the obligations assumed and the recommendations should be monitored regularly and strictly.

 

Buzek, who visits Estonia on the invitation of the Riigikogu, congratulated Estonia on the accession to the eurozone and he appreciated it as a particularly important and necessary signal for the whole union in current time. The President of the European Parliament recognised Estonia’s efforts in keeping the state budget under control and the high awareness of citizens in their attitude towards the inevitability of the cuts. He also touched upon the economic situation in the whole European Union at large, stating that operative solutions are needed in the financial and economic sector in countries that are in crisis. He pointed out that, in addition to quick solutions, the EU must act decisively also in a longer perspective in order to continuously remain at the forefront of the global economy and democracy.

 

The Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Taavi Rõivas and the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson also took part in today’s meeting.

 

Meetings with President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Prime Minister Andrus Ansip as well as a visit to the NATO Cyber Defence Centre are also planned.

 

Attention, journalists! After the welcoming speech at the Riigikogu, Buzek and Ergma will give a press conference in the White Hall of the Riigikogu at 3.30 p.m.

 

Photos of the meeting are available at: https://fotoalbum.riigikogu.ee/v/2011/eneergma/Jerzy+Buzek/

 

The Riigikogu Press Service

21 November 2011