3 November

Speaking at Sorbonne University in Paris, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that taking into account the economic situation in the European Union, it is essential to plan many steps ahead and not allow the financial problems to become a political crisis. “The only solution to the economic troubles is responsible budgetary policy and structural changes,” he stated. Paet also emphasised the role and responsibility of the countries that are experiencing difficulties in finding solutions to their own problems. “Despite the current difficulties and emotions, we must not forget the principles on which the European Union has been founded and developed. Our previous accomplishments should not be called into question lightly,” he added.

Paet stated that for the sake of the European Union’s economic growth and the creation of jobs, it is extremely important to focus on the development of the EU’s internal market. “One goal of the EU’s economic policy must be to strengthen the internal market that unifies the member states and to further develop a well-functioning digital internal market,” he added.

Last night Foreign Minister Urmas Paet participated in a ceremony honouring Arvo Pärt, during which French Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand presented the Estonian composer with the highest decoration in France, Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the very good relations between Estonia and France are demonstrated by the Estonian cultural festival “Estonie tonique” currently taking place in Paris, which is the largest bilateral cultural co-operation project between the countries to date. “This is also the biggest Estonian cultural festival ever to take place outside of Estonia,” Paet added. The festival will feature about 200 Estonian performers and over fifty cultural events will take place.