Address by Foreign Minister Urmas Paet to the Riigikogu at the Second Reading of the Law for the Ratification of the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe
9 May 2006
Honourable Chairman,
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
The text of the Law for the Ratification of the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe before you is as laconic as possible. Just one short sentence, yet, at the same time, so meaningful. I am pleased, that the Riigikogu has dealt with the European Constitutional Treaty in such a persistent manner, and has arrived at the threshold of making a decision.
It is unlikely, that a more suitable day could have been found for the ratification of the European Constitutional Treaty in the Riigikogu than today – Europe Day. The proposal made by Robert Shuman, 56 years ago, in the name of peace, for the founding of a commonly organised Europe, was the beginning of a historic journey. The ratification of the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe is a symbolically significant step on that journey, in our European policy, and in the present development of both Estonia as well as the European Union. Estonia is thus giving a signal. We are clearly declaring what kind of a European Union we want.
In the course of the First Reading of the Law, on February 8, I introduced the structure and content of the Constitutional Treaty, as well as explained the changes in the functioning of the European Union, which would accompany its adoption. I stressed, then, that the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe is necessary so that the European Union could function better in the interests of its Member States and its citizens. I also emphasized that Estonia must have the right to express its opinion regarding the document, and thereby have its say in the formulation of Europe’s future. By supporting the Constitutional Treaty, we are clearly stating that we want to move forward, and to increase cooperation in those spheres in which it furthers the security and welfare of the people of the European Union.
Doubts have been expressed about the ratification of the European Constitutional Treaty, to the effect, that the Treaty, in its present form, might not necessarily receive the final approval of all Member States, and, thus, not enter into force. Various options have already been presented concerning what should be done in such a case. Beginning with the holding of talks for the formulating of a completely new treaty, to the picking out of those parts that are suitable for one state or another. Even at the First Reading, in February, the biggest portion of questions was, justifiably, connected with the future fate of the Constitutional Treaty, the prospects for it entering into force, and the other Member States’ attitude towards Estonia’s steps.
I repeat – the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe is a good treaty for both Estonia and Europe. This is the best treaty that could be achieved after a lengthy and complex negotiating process. It reflects the European Union’s present political reality, and to achieve it, all Member States have had to make some concessions. It is very unlikely, that in the course of new, possible negotiations we could achieve better results, but we would lose years.
If I stated earlier, that with the ratification of the Treaty Estonia is giving a signal, then it is also correct to say, that others are waiting for this signal. The feedback from our partners to the continuing of the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty in Estonia has been positive. Our activity has been interpreted as an essential signal indicating that the process is continuing, and that trust in the Constitutional Treaty is being revived.
Not only presently presiding Austria, but also the European Union’s three upcoming presiding countries of Finland, Germany, and Portugal are committed to promoting the Constitutional Treaty process. Estonia is, if you so decide today, the fifteenth Member State to ratify the Constitutional Treaty. Thus, the number of ratifying states will be 60 percent of the total number of Member States. To our north, in Finland, debates in parliament have paved the way for the government to present a ratification bill in the near future. Knowing the deep innate efficiency of the Finns, I presume that they will succeed in the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty by the time that they assume the duties of the European Union’s Presidency. It seems, that the Riigikogu's decision to go on with the Treaty’s ratification process has actually given some fresh impetus to the debate concerning Europe’s future.
Respected Riigikogu,
During the last few months, there has been a livening up of the discussions dealing with the future of the European Union, including the debate over the Constitutional Treaty. At the European Union foreign ministers’ meeting taking place at the end of this month, there are plans, as a preparatory step for the June European Council, to have an exchange of ideas on matters concerning the European Union’s future. If, as a result of the national debates, the period of reflection over the Constitutional Treaty needs to be extended, then the Council must do so. For now, the goal should continue to be the enforcement of the Treaty in its entirety, since it is valid and balanced as a whole.
There are many matters of policy with which the European Union can, on the basis of already existing treaties, deal with right away. Worth noting are the increasing of the competitiveness of the European Union’s products in the world, citizens’ safety in emergency and crisis situations, questions concerning migration.
Many new measures in the justice and internal security sphere would help to better protect citizens and increase their sense of security. This realm would include more precise and efficient cooperation in crisis situations, both within the European Union itself as well as in the course of assisting citizens elsewhere in the world. Much more could be achieved if the fight against terrorism and illegal immigration would be intensified, among other things, by means of more efficient police cooperation. Europe could be shown the example set by the cooperation between the Estonian and Finnish interior and justice ministries in the matter of the mutual recognition of prohibitions on business, which is a substantial step in the increasing of certainty in the law in the business sector.
And tireless efforts must, of course, be made to increase the cohesiveness of the European Union’s external activities. This ensures the enhanced protection of our values, and more efficient reactions when solving crises occurring in various parts of the world. Europe’s significance in the world economy is dwindling, and this can also decrease the European Union’s capability to influence life in the international arena. Greater cooperation would help to at least preserve, if not strengthen, Europe’s capability to participate in world affairs.
The instruments of the Common Foreign and Security Policy as well as the European Commission’s means for carrying out external activities could, with greater cooperation, be much more productive. This applies to both the European Union’s Neighbourhood Policy, which plays such an important role in our immediate vicinity, as well as to the European Union’s irreplaceable function as a supporter of peace and development on a global scale.
Among other things, we are constantly following the development of a more cohesive energy policy and of energy security. The Constitutional Treaty provides new opportunities in the energy policy field, but even without the Constitutional Treaty, it is possible to develop an energy policy that would reduce risks for Member States. For a common European energy market to operate properly, a unified and well-functioning energy network is needed, which would help to operate economically and competitively in the internal market, to be mutually supportive in a time of need. In developing an energy infrastructure, we are expecting the European Union to make a greater contribution than it has up until now. The benefit for Europe would also be apparent, if energy suppliers were dealt with in the interests of the European Union as a whole.
Europe’s vision of the future must be based upon a European development model, which stresses economic development, protection of the environment, and social cohesion.
The European Union is facing serious demographic and social problems. To respond to these challenges, it is necessary to support policies, which make it possible to combine work and family life, to ensure life-long learning, and to promote inter-generational solidarity.
Permanently on the agenda is the matter of making the functioning of the European Union simpler, and of formulating policies, which are easier to comprehend. After all, we do not want people to lose their interest or trust in the European Union. The debate over the Constitutional Treaty and the general discussions concerning the future brought forth a great many problems, which definitely require solutions. There is still a lack of transparency and clarity concerning the formulation and making of decisions. The body of regulations, which is meant for the general and public good, is too complicated to be understood, and the institutions, which should help people to comprehend it, seem to be distant and not especially democratic.
I do not believe that a magic wand can be found, which would provide solutions for all these problems, but proposals that are headed in the right direction have actually been voiced. Appropriate examples of this are Commissioner Kallas’s recommendations concerning the disclosing of those who have received monetary aid, and the publicising of the activities of lobby groups. New initiatives have also been made for increasing the role of national parliaments.
I hope, that at the foreign ministers’ discussion, at the end of May, concerning the future of the European Union, the Member States’ joint positions will be such, that the chairman will be able, at the European Council, to formulate a strategy for moving on. The ratification of the Constitutional Treaty will strengthen Estonia’s position at these discussions, and can possibly even influence the making of decisions.
Members of the Riigikogu,
After the setbacks that struck the European Constitutional Treaty, it was natural, that the voices of pessimism concerning the future of the European Union became ever louder. Many apparently unanswered questions were raised repeatedly. The need to have a dialogue with citizens, that would be different from before, as well as to clarify the people’s opinions and needs, became very clear in the European Union. The present reflection period has actually produced answers for some of these questions.
In Estonia, opinion polls show, two years after joining the European Union, definite support for belonging to the European Union. This supportive percentage remains stably near 70. The number of people, who think that, during the membership their lives have improved, is twice as great as the number of those who think otherwise. Estonia is presently one of the European Union’s most dynamically developing Member States, who is thus demonstrating that, among other things, very rapid economic development is possible within the framework of the common regulations of the European Union. This is also a response to those who assume that membership in the European Union will dampen the pace at which Estonia developed till now. Since accession to the European Union, life has gotten better. In the attitudes regarding the European Union, there is more openness and interest.
The results of the Eurobarometer survey, released last week, concerning the future of the European Union, confirm the Estonians’ hopeful attitude towards the development of both their own country and that of the European Union. In Estonia, more than half of the people find that their own country and the whole European Union are developing in the right direction. In the Union generally, this indicator is about a third. The image of the European Union, in the eyes of those surveyed in Estonia, is better, than on the average, in all Member States. Plus, Estonians are more open to the further enlargement and reforming of the European Union, and wish that the whole European Union would think likewise. At the same time, the spheres in which we still have things to learn are becoming apparent. We have not yet fully comprehended the opportunities of the European Union’s large internal market, the significance of the global economy and global trade, and how immeasurably business prospects have broadened.
It is also significant, that information, based upon facts and analysis, is starting to accumulate about the effects of the enlargement, which took place two years ago, upon the European Union as a whole. Not even mentioning the fact that the uniting of Europe is an undisputable political achievement, the European Commission’s recent report shows convincingly that the enlargement of the European Union, in 2004, has also been very successful in an economic sense. The states that acceded are, due to rapid economic growth, reducing the difference in the welfare level between them and the wealthier states. The average rate of economic growth in the new Member States, during the years 1997-2005, has been 3.75% a year, in the old Member States 2.5%. The latter have also benefited, thanks to an expanding market, as well as improved trade and investment opportunities. In implementing the European Union’s aquis, the new Member Sates have been even more successful than the old ones, since, by March 2006, they had adopted 99% of the EU’s directives into their own bodies of law.
But the most valuable result is the fact that the accepting of new members into the European Union is helping to initiate and execute structural reforms encompassing the whole Union, which are inevitably necessary for remaining globally competitive.
Many of the misconceptions and fears, which, during enlargement, had upset citizens of the old Member States, have received a response, which leaves no doubt that a bigger and more integrated Europe can better fulfil the expectations of all the citizens of its Member States.
Analyses of the effects of the free movement of labour show, that one of the biggest fears concerning the uncontrolled movement of labour was groundless. On May 1, of this year, Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Finland actually ended the limitations that had been placed upon the movement of labour, while Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, and Luxemburg eased them. This will definitely have a therapeutic effect upon the functioning of the internal market and the development of legal labour relations.
I believe, that analysis like this concerning the actual effects of the last European Union enlargement, based upon statistics and facts, also dispels the disbelief, which brought about the negative reaction to the European Constitutional Treaty at the referendums in two Member States.
It is important for Estonia, that the positive balance of enlargement confirms the correctness of our support for the further enlargement of the European Union. The European Union must remain open to further enlargement. The opportunity for becoming a member of the European Union must continue to exist for those states, which can and wish to meet the accession criteria. We have the rare advantage of being able, on the basis of our own example, to be convinced as well as to prove, that the hope of becoming a member of the European Union, the hope of belonging to a union observing democratic values stimulates the carrying out of concrete reforms. And this is beneficial even before actually becoming a member, increasing stability and welfare on a larger scale than within just one state. This also pertains to those states with which the European Union is presently holding accession negotiations, or will do so in the future.
The prospect of accession brings nations closer to the European Union, stimulates reforms that are beneficial for all of Europe. Stability, development, and increased security in the European Union neighbourhood is, after all, one of our most important objectives. The tempo of enlargement is naturally affected by the ability to accept new states, but that is a matter of scheduling, not of principle. The further enlargement of the European Union also assumes the success of the Constitutional Treaty.
Respected Riigikogu,
The development of Europe's future requires long-term vision and consistent action. In the process of constructing a stronger, more efficient, and more democratic European Union, the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty is a very appropriate step. This is Estonia’s active contribution to the solving of the problems confronting the European Union. Thus, we are participating in the process, which is directly forming our future, and is creating the preconditions that will ensure Estonia’s development, welfare, and security for years to come.
I’m very happy, that the Riigikogu, as a whole, has so thoroughly participated in the debate concerning the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty. And in this process, it has been possible to specify quite a few of the objectives of our European policy.
I thank you for your attention.
Honourable Chairman,
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
The text of the Law for the Ratification of the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe before you is as laconic as possible. Just one short sentence, yet, at the same time, so meaningful. I am pleased, that the Riigikogu has dealt with the European Constitutional Treaty in such a persistent manner, and has arrived at the threshold of making a decision.
It is unlikely, that a more suitable day could have been found for the ratification of the European Constitutional Treaty in the Riigikogu than today – Europe Day. The proposal made by Robert Shuman, 56 years ago, in the name of peace, for the founding of a commonly organised Europe, was the beginning of a historic journey. The ratification of the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe is a symbolically significant step on that journey, in our European policy, and in the present development of both Estonia as well as the European Union. Estonia is thus giving a signal. We are clearly declaring what kind of a European Union we want.
In the course of the First Reading of the Law, on February 8, I introduced the structure and content of the Constitutional Treaty, as well as explained the changes in the functioning of the European Union, which would accompany its adoption. I stressed, then, that the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe is necessary so that the European Union could function better in the interests of its Member States and its citizens. I also emphasized that Estonia must have the right to express its opinion regarding the document, and thereby have its say in the formulation of Europe’s future. By supporting the Constitutional Treaty, we are clearly stating that we want to move forward, and to increase cooperation in those spheres in which it furthers the security and welfare of the people of the European Union.
Doubts have been expressed about the ratification of the European Constitutional Treaty, to the effect, that the Treaty, in its present form, might not necessarily receive the final approval of all Member States, and, thus, not enter into force. Various options have already been presented concerning what should be done in such a case. Beginning with the holding of talks for the formulating of a completely new treaty, to the picking out of those parts that are suitable for one state or another. Even at the First Reading, in February, the biggest portion of questions was, justifiably, connected with the future fate of the Constitutional Treaty, the prospects for it entering into force, and the other Member States’ attitude towards Estonia’s steps.
I repeat – the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe is a good treaty for both Estonia and Europe. This is the best treaty that could be achieved after a lengthy and complex negotiating process. It reflects the European Union’s present political reality, and to achieve it, all Member States have had to make some concessions. It is very unlikely, that in the course of new, possible negotiations we could achieve better results, but we would lose years.
If I stated earlier, that with the ratification of the Treaty Estonia is giving a signal, then it is also correct to say, that others are waiting for this signal. The feedback from our partners to the continuing of the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty in Estonia has been positive. Our activity has been interpreted as an essential signal indicating that the process is continuing, and that trust in the Constitutional Treaty is being revived.
Not only presently presiding Austria, but also the European Union’s three upcoming presiding countries of Finland, Germany, and Portugal are committed to promoting the Constitutional Treaty process. Estonia is, if you so decide today, the fifteenth Member State to ratify the Constitutional Treaty. Thus, the number of ratifying states will be 60 percent of the total number of Member States. To our north, in Finland, debates in parliament have paved the way for the government to present a ratification bill in the near future. Knowing the deep innate efficiency of the Finns, I presume that they will succeed in the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty by the time that they assume the duties of the European Union’s Presidency. It seems, that the Riigikogu's decision to go on with the Treaty’s ratification process has actually given some fresh impetus to the debate concerning Europe’s future.
Respected Riigikogu,
During the last few months, there has been a livening up of the discussions dealing with the future of the European Union, including the debate over the Constitutional Treaty. At the European Union foreign ministers’ meeting taking place at the end of this month, there are plans, as a preparatory step for the June European Council, to have an exchange of ideas on matters concerning the European Union’s future. If, as a result of the national debates, the period of reflection over the Constitutional Treaty needs to be extended, then the Council must do so. For now, the goal should continue to be the enforcement of the Treaty in its entirety, since it is valid and balanced as a whole.
There are many matters of policy with which the European Union can, on the basis of already existing treaties, deal with right away. Worth noting are the increasing of the competitiveness of the European Union’s products in the world, citizens’ safety in emergency and crisis situations, questions concerning migration.
Many new measures in the justice and internal security sphere would help to better protect citizens and increase their sense of security. This realm would include more precise and efficient cooperation in crisis situations, both within the European Union itself as well as in the course of assisting citizens elsewhere in the world. Much more could be achieved if the fight against terrorism and illegal immigration would be intensified, among other things, by means of more efficient police cooperation. Europe could be shown the example set by the cooperation between the Estonian and Finnish interior and justice ministries in the matter of the mutual recognition of prohibitions on business, which is a substantial step in the increasing of certainty in the law in the business sector.
And tireless efforts must, of course, be made to increase the cohesiveness of the European Union’s external activities. This ensures the enhanced protection of our values, and more efficient reactions when solving crises occurring in various parts of the world. Europe’s significance in the world economy is dwindling, and this can also decrease the European Union’s capability to influence life in the international arena. Greater cooperation would help to at least preserve, if not strengthen, Europe’s capability to participate in world affairs.
The instruments of the Common Foreign and Security Policy as well as the European Commission’s means for carrying out external activities could, with greater cooperation, be much more productive. This applies to both the European Union’s Neighbourhood Policy, which plays such an important role in our immediate vicinity, as well as to the European Union’s irreplaceable function as a supporter of peace and development on a global scale.
Among other things, we are constantly following the development of a more cohesive energy policy and of energy security. The Constitutional Treaty provides new opportunities in the energy policy field, but even without the Constitutional Treaty, it is possible to develop an energy policy that would reduce risks for Member States. For a common European energy market to operate properly, a unified and well-functioning energy network is needed, which would help to operate economically and competitively in the internal market, to be mutually supportive in a time of need. In developing an energy infrastructure, we are expecting the European Union to make a greater contribution than it has up until now. The benefit for Europe would also be apparent, if energy suppliers were dealt with in the interests of the European Union as a whole.
Europe’s vision of the future must be based upon a European development model, which stresses economic development, protection of the environment, and social cohesion.
The European Union is facing serious demographic and social problems. To respond to these challenges, it is necessary to support policies, which make it possible to combine work and family life, to ensure life-long learning, and to promote inter-generational solidarity.
Permanently on the agenda is the matter of making the functioning of the European Union simpler, and of formulating policies, which are easier to comprehend. After all, we do not want people to lose their interest or trust in the European Union. The debate over the Constitutional Treaty and the general discussions concerning the future brought forth a great many problems, which definitely require solutions. There is still a lack of transparency and clarity concerning the formulation and making of decisions. The body of regulations, which is meant for the general and public good, is too complicated to be understood, and the institutions, which should help people to comprehend it, seem to be distant and not especially democratic.
I do not believe that a magic wand can be found, which would provide solutions for all these problems, but proposals that are headed in the right direction have actually been voiced. Appropriate examples of this are Commissioner Kallas’s recommendations concerning the disclosing of those who have received monetary aid, and the publicising of the activities of lobby groups. New initiatives have also been made for increasing the role of national parliaments.
I hope, that at the foreign ministers’ discussion, at the end of May, concerning the future of the European Union, the Member States’ joint positions will be such, that the chairman will be able, at the European Council, to formulate a strategy for moving on. The ratification of the Constitutional Treaty will strengthen Estonia’s position at these discussions, and can possibly even influence the making of decisions.
Members of the Riigikogu,
After the setbacks that struck the European Constitutional Treaty, it was natural, that the voices of pessimism concerning the future of the European Union became ever louder. Many apparently unanswered questions were raised repeatedly. The need to have a dialogue with citizens, that would be different from before, as well as to clarify the people’s opinions and needs, became very clear in the European Union. The present reflection period has actually produced answers for some of these questions.
In Estonia, opinion polls show, two years after joining the European Union, definite support for belonging to the European Union. This supportive percentage remains stably near 70. The number of people, who think that, during the membership their lives have improved, is twice as great as the number of those who think otherwise. Estonia is presently one of the European Union’s most dynamically developing Member States, who is thus demonstrating that, among other things, very rapid economic development is possible within the framework of the common regulations of the European Union. This is also a response to those who assume that membership in the European Union will dampen the pace at which Estonia developed till now. Since accession to the European Union, life has gotten better. In the attitudes regarding the European Union, there is more openness and interest.
The results of the Eurobarometer survey, released last week, concerning the future of the European Union, confirm the Estonians’ hopeful attitude towards the development of both their own country and that of the European Union. In Estonia, more than half of the people find that their own country and the whole European Union are developing in the right direction. In the Union generally, this indicator is about a third. The image of the European Union, in the eyes of those surveyed in Estonia, is better, than on the average, in all Member States. Plus, Estonians are more open to the further enlargement and reforming of the European Union, and wish that the whole European Union would think likewise. At the same time, the spheres in which we still have things to learn are becoming apparent. We have not yet fully comprehended the opportunities of the European Union’s large internal market, the significance of the global economy and global trade, and how immeasurably business prospects have broadened.
It is also significant, that information, based upon facts and analysis, is starting to accumulate about the effects of the enlargement, which took place two years ago, upon the European Union as a whole. Not even mentioning the fact that the uniting of Europe is an undisputable political achievement, the European Commission’s recent report shows convincingly that the enlargement of the European Union, in 2004, has also been very successful in an economic sense. The states that acceded are, due to rapid economic growth, reducing the difference in the welfare level between them and the wealthier states. The average rate of economic growth in the new Member States, during the years 1997-2005, has been 3.75% a year, in the old Member States 2.5%. The latter have also benefited, thanks to an expanding market, as well as improved trade and investment opportunities. In implementing the European Union’s aquis, the new Member Sates have been even more successful than the old ones, since, by March 2006, they had adopted 99% of the EU’s directives into their own bodies of law.
But the most valuable result is the fact that the accepting of new members into the European Union is helping to initiate and execute structural reforms encompassing the whole Union, which are inevitably necessary for remaining globally competitive.
Many of the misconceptions and fears, which, during enlargement, had upset citizens of the old Member States, have received a response, which leaves no doubt that a bigger and more integrated Europe can better fulfil the expectations of all the citizens of its Member States.
Analyses of the effects of the free movement of labour show, that one of the biggest fears concerning the uncontrolled movement of labour was groundless. On May 1, of this year, Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Finland actually ended the limitations that had been placed upon the movement of labour, while Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, and Luxemburg eased them. This will definitely have a therapeutic effect upon the functioning of the internal market and the development of legal labour relations.
I believe, that analysis like this concerning the actual effects of the last European Union enlargement, based upon statistics and facts, also dispels the disbelief, which brought about the negative reaction to the European Constitutional Treaty at the referendums in two Member States.
It is important for Estonia, that the positive balance of enlargement confirms the correctness of our support for the further enlargement of the European Union. The European Union must remain open to further enlargement. The opportunity for becoming a member of the European Union must continue to exist for those states, which can and wish to meet the accession criteria. We have the rare advantage of being able, on the basis of our own example, to be convinced as well as to prove, that the hope of becoming a member of the European Union, the hope of belonging to a union observing democratic values stimulates the carrying out of concrete reforms. And this is beneficial even before actually becoming a member, increasing stability and welfare on a larger scale than within just one state. This also pertains to those states with which the European Union is presently holding accession negotiations, or will do so in the future.
The prospect of accession brings nations closer to the European Union, stimulates reforms that are beneficial for all of Europe. Stability, development, and increased security in the European Union neighbourhood is, after all, one of our most important objectives. The tempo of enlargement is naturally affected by the ability to accept new states, but that is a matter of scheduling, not of principle. The further enlargement of the European Union also assumes the success of the Constitutional Treaty.
Respected Riigikogu,
The development of Europe's future requires long-term vision and consistent action. In the process of constructing a stronger, more efficient, and more democratic European Union, the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty is a very appropriate step. This is Estonia’s active contribution to the solving of the problems confronting the European Union. Thus, we are participating in the process, which is directly forming our future, and is creating the preconditions that will ensure Estonia’s development, welfare, and security for years to come.
I’m very happy, that the Riigikogu, as a whole, has so thoroughly participated in the debate concerning the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty. And in this process, it has been possible to specify quite a few of the objectives of our European policy.
I thank you for your attention.
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