"Today, on Europe Day, we celebrate peace, unity and freedom. Values that can never be taken for granted. Europe is our shared home, Europe is us. It is also our willingness to stand up for our freedoms. We must defend our freedoms steadfastly, because unfortunately there are those who would like to take them away from us. We stand together with countries that defend the rule of law and democracy. In today's world, this strength is invaluable," said Michal.
According to the prime minister, joining the European Union has been a success story for Estonia. "The lives of the Estonian people have improved significantly over this period. Both average wages and GDP in Estonia have more than quadrupled since accession. Our economy has been one of the fastest growing in Europe. The European Union has not just been a market or a source of funding – it is a space of opportunities for Estonian people and businesses," he said.
"With the support of the European Union, we have built numerous roads, railways and connections that link Estonia more strongly with the rest of Europe. Our businesses have access to a single market of half a billion people. Our people can study at Europe's best universities, travel and work freely across Europe. All of this broadens horizons and creates new opportunities here in Estonia," the prime minister said.
"Estonia, for its part, has provided Europe with highly valued experience in shaping a digital society, e-governance and a flexible business environment. We are also a champion for the use of AI in the European Union. "Our initiatives deserve to be followed across Europe," Michal noted.
The prime minister will visit the Academy of Security Sciences and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) in Narva. Last year, the latter opened a command centre in Narva-Jõesuu to better support border guards in Estonia and other Member States. From Narva-Jõesuu, Frontex manages its activities in a total of eight countries: Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Slovakia and Sweden.
The prime minister will visit the Ida-Viru Future Fair and meet local employers, and welcome the attendees of a concert at Town Hall Square starting at 17:00. Michal will meet Hendrik Agur, Director of Ida-Virumaa Vocational Education Centre, and local young people. He will also meet with the Mayor of Narva, Katri Raig, and Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner responsible for intergenerational fairness, youth, culture and sport.
The main organisers of the Europe Day events are the Government Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Commission Representation in Estonia, the State Shared Service Centre, the European Parliament Liaison Office in Estonia, the Ministry of Culture, the Integration Foundation, the embassies and cultural representations of European countries and many partners in smaller cities.
Read more about all events in Tallinn and other cities in Estonia at https://euroopapaev.ee/.
