On Tuesday, 16 May at 10 a.m., the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) will hold the deliberation on the Estonian presidency of the Council of European Union as a matter of significant national importance. Reports will be made by Prime Minister Jüri Ratas and Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Toomas Vitsut.

Vitsut said that Estonia would hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time, and therefore it was an interesting challenge. “The Presidency is not only a responsibility, it is also a possibility,” Vitsut said. “The success of the Presidency is an issue of reputation for the whole Estonia.”

Vitsut pointed out that the support of the people of Estonia for EU membership continued to be high; according to the last Eurobarometer survey, it was 67 percent. Belonging to the European Union is supported by 57% of Europeans.

In his speech, Vitsut will focus on the economy and the labour market of the EU, and the security and defence issues. He will also speak about the role of the Riigikogu during the Estonian Presidency of the EU Council.

Prime Minister Jüri Ratas will give an overview of the priorities and objectives of Estonia’s Presidency of the Council of European Union.

The main topics of Estonia’s Presidency are Europe with open and innovative economy; safe and secure Europe; digital Europe and free movement of data; and inclusive and sustainable Europe.

Discussion on the Estonian Presidency of the EU Council can be followed online in live broadcast on the web page of the Riigikogu. Latest information can be found on our Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Riigikogu Press Service
Epp-Mare Kukemelk
+372 631 6356, +372 51 53 903
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