Dear compatriots and friends of Europe,
On 1 May 2004, Estonia became a member of the European Union – that was exactly 4025 days ago.
The fact that we did not want to go ahead, isolated and alone as a country, was clear to us from the very beginning. We wanted to win back our natural belonging to the European cultural area, of which we were violently deprived for half a century 70 years ago. It was our right and the European Union was our opportunity. To return to our roots, to Europe.
Even then, there were people who questioned our need for another union, another diktat. Now, we have overcome several fears and prejudices. We have discovered some things about ourselves as well as others, and found that not only do we need Europe, but we also have something valuable to offer to others. A fresh look, adaptability, effectiveness and a desire to do better. We are small, but it has forced us to be smart. Outstandingly smart. Whether our e-state, outstandingly smart children or enterprises exporting innovative products and services – we have been able to grow into a compass for others.
The survey results from the end of last year confirm that we are satisfied with what we have achieved – the percentage of people regarding our European Union membership necessary is at the record level of 2007. 84 % of Estonian residents want to be citizens of the European Union; they believe that belonging to the European Union will help improve life in Estonia more than going about our business alone at the edge of the continent ever could. This is the sixth result in the European Union. We are most satisfied with belonging to the euro area (with a support percentage of 83).
4025 days ago, we made an informed decision – to step into an area of a common economy, values and culture, shared by 28 states and their residents. Just as the will to live and self-determination of our people has repeatedly been put to the test, wars that devastated Europe set the creation of the European Union into motion. Therefore, we know how to value this unique combination of the right for self-determination, common decision making and humane solidarity on which the European Union has been built. In the course of last year, we have felt the supporting consensus of other Member States regarding an issue very important to us – sanctions imposed on Russia have been a clear sign of the readiness of other Member States and people to stand for our common values and principles even when resulting in clear economic consequences. Our consensus has stood the test even better than anticipated.
Sanctions have never been an objective on its own. They are a message from the European Union, saying that interfering with the self-determination of independent states cannot be tolerated.
The wheel of time has turned and now, we ourselves are frequently in a situation where our willingness to help and cooperate is put to the test. Do and to what extent we have the understanding and the strength to help those in need in and outside the European Union? This is what will eventually define how much of the European values we still carry with us. If we want ourselves and our issues to be understood, we must also be understanding towards others.
In these 4025 days, we have both come home and come a long way. We have returned to our roots, to Europe, but Europe itself has developed into a place where our experience, effectiveness and smart solutions are also appreciated. Just like in a good partnership, our relationship with Europe can also only be strengthened through tests – whether with wider economic policy issues or the role of a prudent Presidency of the European Union awaiting for us on the 100th anniversary of Estonia. It is the only way that Estonia could become more like Europe and vice versa – Europe could become more like Estonia.
Dear friends, I wish us wisdom, dignity, determination and mainly Europeanness in facing all of our upcoming challenges.
Long live Europe!
Long live Estonia!