Address by Estonian Foreign Minister Mrs Kristiina Ojuland at the Danish Institute of International Affairs
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Copenhagen, 12 April 2002
NO FEAR, NO TREMBLING: 2002 - THE YEAR OF DECISIONS
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In 1843, a book written by the renowned Danish philosopher and writer Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813-1855) entitled Frygt og Bæven (Fear and Trembling) was published. Fear and Trembling, also translated into Estonian in 1998, is a book about faith, sacrifice, and universal ethics. It deals with the facing and making fundamental decisions without fear and trembling.
In 2002, the European Union and NATO must make fundamental decisions that require reflection and courage. As my colleague Dr Per Stig Møller said this Monday at the conference of "The Baltic Sea Region in the Future of Europe", the year 2002 is a year for historic decisions. At the Prague summit in November, NATO will decide on enlargement. And at the end of this year, an equally important decision will have to be made on the enlargement of the European Union.
We know that in Europe, as well as across the Atlantic, these enlargements have brought forth mixed feelings. I am delighted to say, that from the very beginning, Denmark has shown courage and foresight by unwaveringly supporting these processes. Indeed, Denmark has been one of Estonia’s strongest supporters on our way into the EU and NATO.
Denmark has also provided Estonia with very extensive practical assistance. Thanks to this generous support, Estonia’s path since the re-establishment of independence in 1991, has been made easier and smoother. Allow me to express our gratitude for the farsightedness, decisiveness, and generosity of the Danish people and government and say two simple words to the whole Danish nation: "Stor takk!"
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me now turn to the first historic decision that the United States and its European allies have to make later this year in Prague. Both NATO and Estonia have come a long way since the end of the Cold War. From the very beginning, Estonia has set itself the goal of becoming a full member of NATO. We firmly believe that Euro-Atlantic cooperation will strengthen security, democracy, peace, and increase prosperity in Europe, and indeed, in the whole world.
In 1991 at Washington Summit the Membership Action Plan (MAP) was established. In September of last year, the Estonian government approved the third Annual National Programme (ANP): 2001/2002. This week, on the 8 of April, the Estonian Prime Minister, Mr. Siim Kallas and the Minister of Defence, Mr. Sven Mikser submitted a final report to the North Atlantic Council (NAC). This report received positive feedback. Of course, there are a few important areas that require further efforts and we will address them.
Estonia’s defence expenditure is currently 2% of the GDP. We are committed to maintaining this level for the foreseeable future. We have reviewed and reformed our defence forces in accordance with NATO requirements and norms.
Denmark has supported our NATO aspiration not only in words but also in deeds. Since 1994, we have been actively co-operating with Denmark in the field of defence and security. At the moment, we are working together on four main defence projects: the Baltic Battalion (BALTBAT), the Baltic Naval Squadron (BALTRON), the Baltic Air Surveillance Network (BALTNET), and the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) in Tartu. The fundamental goal of all these projects is increasing security and stability of the Baltic Sea region. The BALTBAT, however, has participated in many international peacekeeping operations: the IFOR/SFOR operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the UNIFIL (the United Nations Interim Force) mission in Lebanon, and the NATO-led SFOR mission in Bosnia. From the beginning of May, Estonian troops will train here in Denmark, in Kaarup. In May, they will be deployed to Kyrgyzstan as part of the Danish contingency force in the US-led operation “Enduring Freedom”. For the first time our troops will cooperate in the fight against new types of security and military threats.
In my view, one of the most important results of defence cooperation with Denmark is the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) in Tartu. Under the command of Danish Brigadier General Michael H. Clemmesen, the college educates officers who will ensure that the military and defence forces of the three Baltic states will be compatible with NATO forces by the next enlargement. All officers in this college are trained according to NATO standards and procedures. In June of this year, around Midsummer’s Day, the third Senior Staff Course and the first Colonel’s Course will graduate.
It is clear that after September 11 NATO’s relations with non-allied countries and NATO member states have changed. It has become clear that in order for NATO to be an effective and successful security and defence organisation, intensive co-operation is essential between the United States, Europe, and third countries, including Russia. We welcome new NATO-Russia initiatives and hope to participate in this NATO-Russia dialogue once we become a full member of NATO. Indeed, the summit in Prague is not the end of our own dialogue with NATO but the start of more fruitful, extensive and genuine cooperation. It is obvious that we will continue with our efforts even after the Prague summit.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me now turn to the question of the European Union and the Estonian perspective on this issue.
As you know, the Laeken European Council agreed to conclude accession negotiations with the candidate countries that are ready by the end of this year. At the moment, Estonia is one of the front-runners in the accession negotiations, which we hope to finish during the Danish Presidency. This means, that Estonia can become a full member of the European Union already in 2004.
Everyone agrees, that the Danish Presidency is going to be one of the most demanding and challenging. The issues and problems we are dealing with right now are complex and difficult. However, I am confident that due to the vast experiences and knowledge of the Danish diplomats and civil servants, we can, together, overcome this last stretch of the negotiations successfully and efficiently. Today I am even more positive for Denmark has officially announced that during its Presidency the EU enlargement is going to be the number one priority.
In 1993, the Copenhagen European Council established the political and economic criteria for membership in the European Union. This year our gaze is turned, once again, towards Copenhagen. We hope that this year’s summit will acknowledge that we have met these conditions and are ready to join the Union. We hope that there is enough decisiveness in all parts involved for concluding the negotiations by the end of this year.
In the last round of negotiations, in Brussels on the 21 of March, we closed four chapters: Transport, Customs Unions, Justice and Home Affairs, and Free Movement of Persons. We also reached agreement on the veterinary and phytosanitary part of the Agriculture chapter. I think that in the course of our negotiations we have found realistic and sound compromises, which would be beneficial for both the European Union and Estonia. This sense of reciprocal compromise will hopefully prevail also during the remaining negotiations.
I am glad that Denmark has declared to open its labour market to Estonian workers upon our accession.
At the moment, our first aim is to find solutions in the chapters dealing with Taxation and Energy, which we hope to close before the end of the Spanish Presidency. The chapters on Agriculture, Regional Policy, Financial and Budgetary Provisions and Institutions will be settled in a later phase.
In October, the European Commission will publish its Regular Reports on Estonia and other candidate countries. Based on these reports, the member states will decide with which countries to conclude the negotiations and sign accession treaties next spring. I assure you that the Estonian government is doing its utmost to be ready for accession.
Today Estonia is known as a successful small democratic reform-state. Over the last few years, GDP growth in Estonia has been around 5-6%. And our government, as well as economic experts, are confident that our economy will continue to grow at the same pace this year.
I would like to emphasize one field that is becoming an Estonian trademark – IT technology.
In a very short period of time, the information technology infrastructure and IT usage in Estonia has reached the level of leading countries in the world. Target governmental policies and the readiness of people to adopt new technologies are taking Estonia to the leading position of the information society. Today we are at the top of the list on Internet users, as well as the total number of computers per capita, in Central and Eastern Europe. By now, more than 40% of Estonia’s population is connected to the Internet. About 25% of Estonians use Internet banking.
The Estonian government held its first paperless session two years ago, using a web-based document system. Instead of sitting behind stacks of documents at cabinet meetings, ministers now peruse draft bills and regulations at sleek computer terminals operated by smart-cards. I must mention that this is the first time in the world such a system is being used.
The introduction of the system, created by Estonian computer companies, will save approximately three million kroons (or 200 000 euros) a year in paper and copying cost. You can imagine what would be the save if the whole EU were to adopt the Estonian e-government project.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am confident that the next European Union enlargement will be beneficial for both “old” and “new” member states. It is a well-known fact that the past enlargements have boosted the economic growth and wealth, not just in the country concerned, but also in the whole EU. I think this fact should help to overcome scepticism and fear among those Europeans who are not so certain about the next enlargement.
One of the issues that Denmark is planning to take forward during its Presidency is the European Union’s Northern Dimension. This year, the participating countries need to decide, in what form to further develop this co-operative effort. This means, that they will have to start formulating a new appropriate Action Plan. We are pleased with the role that the Council of the Baltic Sea States has been playing in the implementation of the Northern Dimension idea. Estonia, as one of the founding members of this Council, is interested in close regional co-operation with all the countries in the Baltic Sea region, including Russia. We have always been open to closer cooperation with Russia and hopefully with the EU assistance and because the change of the political will in Moscow, this cooperation will increase to a higher and more substantial level after we join the EU but also NATO. I totally agree with the opinion of Dr Møller that the co-operation in the Baltic Sea region can and should serve as a model for the rest of Europe.
Finally, I would like to mention one important process, which is expected to come to an end during the Danish semester - the ratification of the Treaty of Nice. We hope that by the end of the year all Member States will have ratified the Treaty and there will be no delay in concluding the accession negotiations.
I believe that the future shape of the European Union is neither static nor unchangeable. The evolution of the European Union over the past fifty years or so, has proven that the European Union is a living organisation that is capable of change and transformation. I think this inherent flexibility is one of the most important assets of the Union.
We hope, that the Convention on the Future of Europe will take into account the views of all the nations of Europe and reach a realistic and workable consensus. I assure you that with this aim in mind, we are ready to give our creative contribution to the work of the Convention. We look forward to close cooperation and exchange of views with Danish representatives in this body.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year we face important decisions on the future of Europe, and Euro-Atlantic security and defence co-operation. I believe that these historic decisions will determine the direction in which international co-operation develops. This will, in turn, affect the future of Europe and, indeed, international security, world peace, and the prosperity of all nations.
Estonia’s journey towards full NATO and European Union membership started several years ago. Now we are in the final stretch of this journey. Denmark has helped and supported us throughout. And the progress that Estonia has made proves that this assistance has been used wisely and prudently. Now we are looking forward into the future, to working together with Denmark and other European countries as equal partners. Hopefully Estonia will become the second Baltic Sea country to be a member of both NATO and the European Union. Denmark’s experience and knowledge continue to be very valuable for us. Various problems and stumbling blocks no doubt still await us, but I believe that an ever stronger NATO and European Union will make it easier to overcome these difficulties. I believe the Europeans should once again listen to Kierkegaard's words and seek solutions which will take us all beyond fear and trembling.
Thank you.
Copenhagen, 12 April 2002
NO FEAR, NO TREMBLING: 2002 - THE YEAR OF DECISIONS
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In 1843, a book written by the renowned Danish philosopher and writer Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813-1855) entitled Frygt og Bæven (Fear and Trembling) was published. Fear and Trembling, also translated into Estonian in 1998, is a book about faith, sacrifice, and universal ethics. It deals with the facing and making fundamental decisions without fear and trembling.
In 2002, the European Union and NATO must make fundamental decisions that require reflection and courage. As my colleague Dr Per Stig Møller said this Monday at the conference of "The Baltic Sea Region in the Future of Europe", the year 2002 is a year for historic decisions. At the Prague summit in November, NATO will decide on enlargement. And at the end of this year, an equally important decision will have to be made on the enlargement of the European Union.
We know that in Europe, as well as across the Atlantic, these enlargements have brought forth mixed feelings. I am delighted to say, that from the very beginning, Denmark has shown courage and foresight by unwaveringly supporting these processes. Indeed, Denmark has been one of Estonia’s strongest supporters on our way into the EU and NATO.
Denmark has also provided Estonia with very extensive practical assistance. Thanks to this generous support, Estonia’s path since the re-establishment of independence in 1991, has been made easier and smoother. Allow me to express our gratitude for the farsightedness, decisiveness, and generosity of the Danish people and government and say two simple words to the whole Danish nation: "Stor takk!"
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me now turn to the first historic decision that the United States and its European allies have to make later this year in Prague. Both NATO and Estonia have come a long way since the end of the Cold War. From the very beginning, Estonia has set itself the goal of becoming a full member of NATO. We firmly believe that Euro-Atlantic cooperation will strengthen security, democracy, peace, and increase prosperity in Europe, and indeed, in the whole world.
In 1991 at Washington Summit the Membership Action Plan (MAP) was established. In September of last year, the Estonian government approved the third Annual National Programme (ANP): 2001/2002. This week, on the 8 of April, the Estonian Prime Minister, Mr. Siim Kallas and the Minister of Defence, Mr. Sven Mikser submitted a final report to the North Atlantic Council (NAC). This report received positive feedback. Of course, there are a few important areas that require further efforts and we will address them.
Estonia’s defence expenditure is currently 2% of the GDP. We are committed to maintaining this level for the foreseeable future. We have reviewed and reformed our defence forces in accordance with NATO requirements and norms.
Denmark has supported our NATO aspiration not only in words but also in deeds. Since 1994, we have been actively co-operating with Denmark in the field of defence and security. At the moment, we are working together on four main defence projects: the Baltic Battalion (BALTBAT), the Baltic Naval Squadron (BALTRON), the Baltic Air Surveillance Network (BALTNET), and the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) in Tartu. The fundamental goal of all these projects is increasing security and stability of the Baltic Sea region. The BALTBAT, however, has participated in many international peacekeeping operations: the IFOR/SFOR operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the UNIFIL (the United Nations Interim Force) mission in Lebanon, and the NATO-led SFOR mission in Bosnia. From the beginning of May, Estonian troops will train here in Denmark, in Kaarup. In May, they will be deployed to Kyrgyzstan as part of the Danish contingency force in the US-led operation “Enduring Freedom”. For the first time our troops will cooperate in the fight against new types of security and military threats.
In my view, one of the most important results of defence cooperation with Denmark is the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) in Tartu. Under the command of Danish Brigadier General Michael H. Clemmesen, the college educates officers who will ensure that the military and defence forces of the three Baltic states will be compatible with NATO forces by the next enlargement. All officers in this college are trained according to NATO standards and procedures. In June of this year, around Midsummer’s Day, the third Senior Staff Course and the first Colonel’s Course will graduate.
It is clear that after September 11 NATO’s relations with non-allied countries and NATO member states have changed. It has become clear that in order for NATO to be an effective and successful security and defence organisation, intensive co-operation is essential between the United States, Europe, and third countries, including Russia. We welcome new NATO-Russia initiatives and hope to participate in this NATO-Russia dialogue once we become a full member of NATO. Indeed, the summit in Prague is not the end of our own dialogue with NATO but the start of more fruitful, extensive and genuine cooperation. It is obvious that we will continue with our efforts even after the Prague summit.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me now turn to the question of the European Union and the Estonian perspective on this issue.
As you know, the Laeken European Council agreed to conclude accession negotiations with the candidate countries that are ready by the end of this year. At the moment, Estonia is one of the front-runners in the accession negotiations, which we hope to finish during the Danish Presidency. This means, that Estonia can become a full member of the European Union already in 2004.
Everyone agrees, that the Danish Presidency is going to be one of the most demanding and challenging. The issues and problems we are dealing with right now are complex and difficult. However, I am confident that due to the vast experiences and knowledge of the Danish diplomats and civil servants, we can, together, overcome this last stretch of the negotiations successfully and efficiently. Today I am even more positive for Denmark has officially announced that during its Presidency the EU enlargement is going to be the number one priority.
In 1993, the Copenhagen European Council established the political and economic criteria for membership in the European Union. This year our gaze is turned, once again, towards Copenhagen. We hope that this year’s summit will acknowledge that we have met these conditions and are ready to join the Union. We hope that there is enough decisiveness in all parts involved for concluding the negotiations by the end of this year.
In the last round of negotiations, in Brussels on the 21 of March, we closed four chapters: Transport, Customs Unions, Justice and Home Affairs, and Free Movement of Persons. We also reached agreement on the veterinary and phytosanitary part of the Agriculture chapter. I think that in the course of our negotiations we have found realistic and sound compromises, which would be beneficial for both the European Union and Estonia. This sense of reciprocal compromise will hopefully prevail also during the remaining negotiations.
I am glad that Denmark has declared to open its labour market to Estonian workers upon our accession.
At the moment, our first aim is to find solutions in the chapters dealing with Taxation and Energy, which we hope to close before the end of the Spanish Presidency. The chapters on Agriculture, Regional Policy, Financial and Budgetary Provisions and Institutions will be settled in a later phase.
In October, the European Commission will publish its Regular Reports on Estonia and other candidate countries. Based on these reports, the member states will decide with which countries to conclude the negotiations and sign accession treaties next spring. I assure you that the Estonian government is doing its utmost to be ready for accession.
Today Estonia is known as a successful small democratic reform-state. Over the last few years, GDP growth in Estonia has been around 5-6%. And our government, as well as economic experts, are confident that our economy will continue to grow at the same pace this year.
I would like to emphasize one field that is becoming an Estonian trademark – IT technology.
In a very short period of time, the information technology infrastructure and IT usage in Estonia has reached the level of leading countries in the world. Target governmental policies and the readiness of people to adopt new technologies are taking Estonia to the leading position of the information society. Today we are at the top of the list on Internet users, as well as the total number of computers per capita, in Central and Eastern Europe. By now, more than 40% of Estonia’s population is connected to the Internet. About 25% of Estonians use Internet banking.
The Estonian government held its first paperless session two years ago, using a web-based document system. Instead of sitting behind stacks of documents at cabinet meetings, ministers now peruse draft bills and regulations at sleek computer terminals operated by smart-cards. I must mention that this is the first time in the world such a system is being used.
The introduction of the system, created by Estonian computer companies, will save approximately three million kroons (or 200 000 euros) a year in paper and copying cost. You can imagine what would be the save if the whole EU were to adopt the Estonian e-government project.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am confident that the next European Union enlargement will be beneficial for both “old” and “new” member states. It is a well-known fact that the past enlargements have boosted the economic growth and wealth, not just in the country concerned, but also in the whole EU. I think this fact should help to overcome scepticism and fear among those Europeans who are not so certain about the next enlargement.
One of the issues that Denmark is planning to take forward during its Presidency is the European Union’s Northern Dimension. This year, the participating countries need to decide, in what form to further develop this co-operative effort. This means, that they will have to start formulating a new appropriate Action Plan. We are pleased with the role that the Council of the Baltic Sea States has been playing in the implementation of the Northern Dimension idea. Estonia, as one of the founding members of this Council, is interested in close regional co-operation with all the countries in the Baltic Sea region, including Russia. We have always been open to closer cooperation with Russia and hopefully with the EU assistance and because the change of the political will in Moscow, this cooperation will increase to a higher and more substantial level after we join the EU but also NATO. I totally agree with the opinion of Dr Møller that the co-operation in the Baltic Sea region can and should serve as a model for the rest of Europe.
Finally, I would like to mention one important process, which is expected to come to an end during the Danish semester - the ratification of the Treaty of Nice. We hope that by the end of the year all Member States will have ratified the Treaty and there will be no delay in concluding the accession negotiations.
I believe that the future shape of the European Union is neither static nor unchangeable. The evolution of the European Union over the past fifty years or so, has proven that the European Union is a living organisation that is capable of change and transformation. I think this inherent flexibility is one of the most important assets of the Union.
We hope, that the Convention on the Future of Europe will take into account the views of all the nations of Europe and reach a realistic and workable consensus. I assure you that with this aim in mind, we are ready to give our creative contribution to the work of the Convention. We look forward to close cooperation and exchange of views with Danish representatives in this body.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year we face important decisions on the future of Europe, and Euro-Atlantic security and defence co-operation. I believe that these historic decisions will determine the direction in which international co-operation develops. This will, in turn, affect the future of Europe and, indeed, international security, world peace, and the prosperity of all nations.
Estonia’s journey towards full NATO and European Union membership started several years ago. Now we are in the final stretch of this journey. Denmark has helped and supported us throughout. And the progress that Estonia has made proves that this assistance has been used wisely and prudently. Now we are looking forward into the future, to working together with Denmark and other European countries as equal partners. Hopefully Estonia will become the second Baltic Sea country to be a member of both NATO and the European Union. Denmark’s experience and knowledge continue to be very valuable for us. Various problems and stumbling blocks no doubt still await us, but I believe that an ever stronger NATO and European Union will make it easier to overcome these difficulties. I believe the Europeans should once again listen to Kierkegaard's words and seek solutions which will take us all beyond fear and trembling.
Thank you.
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