On Friday, the Government Office gave the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu an overview of the preparations for Estonia’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2018. 150–200 events with 20,000–30,000 guests are planned to be held in Estonia during the Presidency.

“During the Presidency of the EU, the Riigikogu has an important role. After the general elections next year, both the members of the Riigikogu and the ministers have to take the responsibility to make the Presidency of the EU, that coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, one hundred percent successful,” Vice-Chairman of the EU Affairs Committee Marianne Mikko said.

Secretary General of the Riigikogu Maria Alajõe said that the Riigikogu will organise the meeting of the members of the parliamentary committees for the European Union affairs of parliaments of the EU (COSAC), one or two larger conferences and around five meetings of committees.

According to the Secretary of State Heiki Loot, nine meetings of the Council of Ministers, 200 workshops, 1600–1800 meetings and also a culture programme connected with the programme of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia are planned for the period of Estonia’s presidency.

Deputy Director for EU Affairs at the State Office Piret Lilleväli said that the detailed working programme for Estonia’s presidency will be prepared in the end of 2017 in cooperation with Great Britain and Bulgaria, who will hold the Presidency of the EU before and after Estonia. According to Lilleväli, the main theme of Estonia’s presidency could be information and communications technology, and it is already being dealt with in depth.

Photos of the sitting

The Riigikogu Press Service