Gov.ee news

Prime Minister Ansip praised the activity of the Latvian government in the implementation of structural reforms

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:29:00 +0200

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 10 March 2010 � At the meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Māris Riekstiņ�, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip said that the Latvian government has done a great job with conducting structural reforms.

�The Latvian government has managed to conduct several structural reforms and you must be praised for this,� said the head of the Estonian government when meeting with the Latvian Foreign Minister. Last year, Latvia conducted its major structural reforms in healthcare and education. As well as in the public sector, where both the number of public offices and officers were reduced. According to Ansip, Latvia has set a good example for other Member States of the European Union on how to save on public sector expenses.

At the meeting, it was declared that the economic situation is improving in both Estonia and Latvia. According to the flash-estimation of Statistics Estonia, Estonia�s gross domestic product increased last year by 2.6 per cent in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter, which, according to the data published by Eurostat, is the highest rate of growth in the European Union. Latvian GDP dropped by 3.2 per cent in the fourth quarter compared to the third. In the annual comparison, Latvian gross domestic product decreased in the fourth quarter by 17.9 per cent and Estonian by 9.4 per cent.

Credit ratings also indicate an easing in the economic condition of both countries. In February, the rating agency Standard & Poor�s shifted both Estonia�s and Latvia�s long-term perspective from negative to stable. According to both Ansip and Riekstiņ�, the cooperation of the two countries during the economic crisis has been great. Both were also sure that Estonia�s accession to the Eurozone will support the economy of the entire region.

The Prime Minister also gave the Latvian Foreign Minister a tour of Stenbock House and our e-sessions hall.

View photos of the meeting with the Prime Minister here: http://www.valitsus.ee/index.php?id=10028

Prime Minister Ansip: Estonia supports the intensification of relations between Serbia and the European Union

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:29:00 +0200

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 9 March 2010 � Today, Prime Minister Ansip met with Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić, with whom the relations between the two countries and the approach of Serbia to the European Union were discussed.

�Estonia strongly supports the further expansion of the European Union,� Prime Minister Ansip stressed. �We are ready to share our experience in joining the European Union with Serbia,� he said.

The Prime Minister noted that openness has been achieved in the relations between Estonia and Serbia, and this in spite of the differences of opinion in some issues. The Prime Minister pointed out that over the last few years both political contacts and mutual economic association have become more intense. It was also mutually stated that the there is great potential for the intensification of relations between the two countries. �Even now, Estonia has considerably closer economic relations with Serbia than with other West-Balkan countries, but these could be developed even further,� said Prime Minister Ansip. Estonia is especially interested in intensifying cooperation in the fields of IT and education, and in the energy sector.

See photos of the meeting at: http://www.valitsus.ee/index.php?id=10021

Today, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip met with his Czech colleague

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:28:00 +0200

Today, on the 7th of March, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip met in Prague with the leader of the Czech government, Jan Fischer, to talk about matters relating to the European Union, the economic situation and Estonia�s adoption of the euro in 2011.

The discussions at the meeting centred primarily on Estonia�s adoption of the euro. During the discussions the Prime Minister explained to his Czech colleague why it is important for Estonia to join the euro area as soon as possible. �The euro increases confidence in Estonia�s economic environment,� he stressed. �The adoption of the euro will encourage foreign investors and it will foster Estonia�s foreign trade, which will on the whole benefit Estonia�s new economic rise.�

The Czech Prime Minister was interested in how Estonia has managed to keep the government sector deficit under 3 per cent of GDP during the recession.

Ansip explained that reserves that were collected during good times, and that remarkable budget cuts and structural reforms have allowed for Estonia�s finances to be kept under control during the recession. �In Estonia, we have made decisions regarding finances and social policies that have influenced everyone,� he said. �I personally have lost 20 per cent of my salary, the public sector nearly 15 per cent � nearly everyone has contributed so we can get through these difficult times�, the Prime Minister added. �Without the support of the people, we could not have made these difficult decisions.�

�At the same time I consider it important that in these difficult times the government did not cut pensions, but increased them instead,� Ansip said. He added that this was the only possible solution in a situation where Estonia�s pensioners face a very high risk of poverty. �Instead of cutting the pensions we found other areas for saving, with the most cuts having been made in the public sector,� he explained.

�Naturally, we made these difficult decisions in the name of Estonia�s sustainability, not because of the euro. The euro is a bonus, which will benefit Estonia�s new economic rise,� he added.

Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer commended the Estonian government�s actions in fulfilling the Maastricht criteria and gave assurance that he supports Estonia�s adoption of the euro.

When speaking about the economic situation both Prime Ministers stated that the financial crisis has not had a lot of influence on the banking sector in either country. �During the crisis both Estonia and the Czech Republic have benefited from the fact that taxpayers money was not used to bail out the banking sector,� said Prime Minister Ansip.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister also explained Estonia�s interest in becoming the host country for the new IT-agency. The IT-services of Estonia�s public sector and the ID-card were also among the topics discussed.

The Prime Minister also congratulated the Czech Republic on its all-time best performance in the Vancouver Winter Olympics, where Czech athletes won a total of six medals.

Poland regards Estonia�s joining of the Eurozone as important for all of Central and Eastern Europe

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:57:00 +0200

Warsaw, 5 March 2010 � Today, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip met with the Polish head of government, Donald Tusk, with whom the great relations between the two countries were discussed. Prime Minister Ansip also introduced to his Polish colleague the aim of Estonia to join the Eurozone at the beginning of 2011. At the meeting, Estonia�s candidacy for the home country of the IT agency and the popular public e-services offered in Estonia were also discussed.

When speaking about Estonia�s goal of joining the Eurozone, the Prime Minister noted that many difficult decisions and a lot of hard work have been done in the name of the goal. "Estonia has had a clear strategy for achieving the Euro-goal and overcoming the economic crisis: a responsible financial policy, the efficient adoption of EU funds, reliance upon the savings collected in the good years, significant cutting of public sector expenses and structural reforms," listed Ansip. The Prime Minister stated that Estonia has fulfilled the Maastricht criteria by today.

Ansip also noted that the fast adaptation of the Estonian economy would not have been possible without support from the public. �I am grateful that the people of Estonia have been able to understand the decisions made during the hard times,� he said. The Prime Minister added that according to the Eurobarometer, the support of the people for the government has even increased during the hard times. �In Europe, Estonia ranks 8th in public support, with 47 per cent.�

The Prime Minister also noted that joining the Eurozone is not only Estonia�s wish, but also a responsibility taken when joining the European Union.

It was emphasised by both sides that the criteria for joining the Eurozone cannot be changed. Donald Tusk recognised the activity of Estonia towards achieving the Euro-goal. According to him, Estonia�s adoption of the Euro has a distinct meaning for all of Central and Eastern Europe. �The expansion of the Eurozone is very important for Poland as well, and our success depends on your success," said Tusk at the press conference that followed the meeting.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Ansip also discussed in greater detail Estonia�s wish to be the home country of the IT agency when it is established. Poland agreed that the earlier agreements of the European Union must be fulfilled and according to those, the agency to be established must be located in a new Member State. �Considering Estonia�s experience in the field of IT, you are a great candidate for the home country of the agency,� Tusk said at the press conference.

The Prime Minister also introduced to his Polish colleague the public IT services popular in Estonia; e-elections and the ID-card applications were also discussed in greater detail. The head of the Polish government noted that he is interested in the IT experience of the Estonian public sector.

When discussing the great relations between the two countries, both parties stated that these are very good. �Poland is probably the only major power who can understand Estonia without words,� said Prime Minister Ansip, referring to the countries� common experience in history. The Prime Minister also thanked Poland for security cooperation. Polish fighters have repeatedly defended Baltic airspace in the framework of the NATO air-policing mission.

Cooperation between Estonia and France is very good at the NATO and European Union level

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:55:00 +0200

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 26 February 2010 � Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and Pierre Lellouche, French Secretary of State for European Affairs, who is on a visit to Estonia, concluded at their meeting today that the cooperation between the two countries is very good at the NATO and European Union level.
The Prime Minister thanked the French representative for the participation of French fighter aircraft in the Estonian Independence Day parade on 24 February. �It is a visible sign of the fact that NATO is here and it means a lot to our people,� said Ansip. Since the beginning of January, France has been providing security for the airspace of the Baltic States with four Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft.

Another topic that was discussed at the meeting was the state of the economy of the European Union. French Secretary of State for European Affairs Pierre Lellouche recognised Estonia�s conservative budget policy. �It is very admirable,� said Mr. Lellouche. Prime Minister Ansip reconfirmed Estonia�s ambition to join the Eurozone on 1 January of next year and stressed that we meet in a sustainable way all of the financial and price stability criteria necessary for joining the Eurozone. �In the last ten years, our budget position has never exceeded the three percent of the gross domestic product criterion laid down in the Maastricht criteria,� stressed the Prime Minister and added that if Estonia joins the Eurozone it will give a boost to the economic development of the entire Baltic region.

Also discussed at the meeting was the establishing of the European Union�s IT-system agency in the fields of justice and interior relations, since both Estonia and France have applied for the position of host country. Ansip and Lellouche affirmed both countries� willingness to cooperate and expressed hope that a solution will be found that is satisfactory for both countries.

During his visit to Estonia, Pierre Lellouche, French Secretary of State for European Affairs, will also meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet and Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo.
View photos of the meeting here: http://www.valitsus.ee/?id=9964

Prime Minister Ansip: Estonia is a reliable partner to its allies

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:32:00 +0200

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 26 February 2010 � At their meeting today, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and Mich�le Flournoy, Under Secretary of Defence for Policy of the United States, acknowledged that the relations between Estonia and the USA are strong and that mutual military cooperation between the two countries will also continue in the future.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister thanked the Under Secretary of Defence for Policy for the support that the United States has offered to Estonia. Prime Minister Ansip said that the support of the USA has been of decisive importance to our country�s independence and NATO enlargement was also possible mainly thanks to the support of the USA.

�You have always been our strongest supporter and our mutual cooperation is of great value to us. We now that we will never be alone,� said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Ansip said that Estonia is also a reliable partner to its allies. �Members of the Estonian Defence Forces serve alongside U.S. soldiers on NATO military operations, and serving with you is for many of our soldiers the high point of their career,� he added. �We will remain with our allies in Afghanistan for as long as you need our help,� the Prime Minister concluded. He said that since our country has received support from others in difficult times it is our duty to return the favour, now that we can provide help ourselves.

Mich�le Flournoy, Under Secretary of Defence for Policy of the United States, gave assurance that the United States of America places great emphasis on Estonia�s contributions to the providing of security. She also said that the USA is interested in continued cooperation, and stressed on a separate note the importance of sharing our experiences and knowledge in the field of cyber security.

View photos of the meeting here: http://www.valitsus.ee/index.php?id=9972

Prime Minister Ansip thanked the freedom-fighters

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:38:00 +0200

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 26 February 2010 � As is tradition, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip welcomed freedom-fighters to Stenbock House on the occasion of Independence Day, and thanked them for fighting in the name of Estonia.
�On the occasion of Estonian Independence Day that has just passed, it is appropriate to recall those who fought to have this country for us,� Ansip said.
When addressing the freedom-fighters, the Prime Minister also stressed the importance of the continuation of the Estonian state and the connection between generations. �I believe that it is important both for me and for you to know that the work done by us will be continued by future generations as well because the building up of a country is not a single act, but takes place every day.�

The Prime Minister also noted that all people present are joined by a common belief in Estonia. �Thank you for the battle held for the sake of the continuance of Estonia,� he said.

See photos of the meeting at: http://www.valitsus.ee/?id=9977

Prime Minister: Estonia supports the accession of Turkey to the European Union

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:46:00 +0200

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 25 February 2010 � Today, Prime Minister Andrus met with Egemen Bagis, Turkish Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator. They discussed both the accession negotiations of Turkey with the European Union and the bilateral relations between Estonia and Turkey. The Prime Minister confirmed the strong support of Estonia to the expansion of the European Union.

In the expansion of the European Union, in Ansip�s words, the key issue is the homework done by the candidate country �The consistency of reforms and the actual implementation of changes are important because it is only work like this that guarantees success,� he declared. �Experience shows that not only the new, but also the old Member States of the European Union have benefited from the expansions made so far,� he said. The Prime Minister also admitted that this has happened due to the accession of strong candidates who were able to successfully conduct domestic reforms. �Estonia supports the accession of Turkey to the European Union; it is a process from which all parties will benefit,� Prime Minister Ansip stressed.

Egemen Bagis pointed out that Turkey is actively engaged in the introduction of European Union standards in all fields of life. The Turkish market with a large population, the immediate proximity of energy resources and the significant position in the battle against illegal migration and drug transit are the fields of cooperation the potential of which could be exerted the more Turkey is integrated with the European Union.

At the meeting, economic cooperation between the two countries was also discussed. In 2009, Turkey was visited by almost 40 000 people from Estonia. Cooperation in the field of tourism and goods exchange can also be rated as good. But according to the Prime Minister, economic relations could be improved even further by way of establishing a direct flight connection. �I hope that the planned Istanbul-Tallinn direct flight will become a reality and the relations between the two countries will intensify even more,� he noted.

The great diplomatic relations between the two countries were also discussed, the foundation for which was laid already before World War II. The Prime Minister again stressed the importance of Turkey�s non-recognition policy towards the occupation of Estonia by the Soviet Union. It was jointly declared that cooperation is great both on the bilateral and international level, for example, in NATO. Among other things, Turkey has also protected the Baltic air space. Turkey also participates in the work of the NATO Cyber Defence Centre in Tallinn.

See photos of the meeting at: http://www.valitsus.ee/index.php?id=9955

Prime Minister Ansip thanked the recipients of the national awards for bringing honour and recognition to Estonia

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:21:00 +0200

Tallinn, Academy of Sciences, 24 February 2010 � In the hall of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip handed out this year�s national science, culture and sports awards and the Wiedemann Language Award. The Prime Minister thanked all the laureates for the advancement of our country and for bringing it honour and recognition.

�The deeds and achievements that are worthy of being highlighted today are your gift to Estonia,� said the Prime Minister who stressed that the persons who have earned the acclaim of our people and our country for their life�s work, are worthy of special respect and appreciation. �Without wanting to single anyone out, I nevertheless want to express my deepest respect to professors Marika Mikelsaar and Arvo Ots, for earning the Life's Work Award in the field of science,� said the head of the government.

The head of the Science Award Committee Richard Villems, academic and President of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, said that Marika Mikelsaar is undoubtedly the most cited Estonian female scientist. When accepting the award, Professor Mikelsaar said that her job has given her much gratification. �Perhaps we who have earned the Life's Work Award have managed to change common beliefs � if it was thought before that something is one way then we managed to prove scientifically that it can also be the other way,� said professor Mikelsaar. Professor Arvo Ots, who has worked for many years in the field of oil shale energy, said upon accepting his Life's Work Award: �I look boldly at the ceiling and I see that the lights are on and that is thanks to oil shale.� Ots also thanked the Government of the Republic and the committee who decided to honour him with the prestigious award.

Rein Kuusik, who received the annual award in the field of technical sciences and also spoke in the name of the other laureates, felt proud and excited about the fact that there are scientists among us who are capable of making contributions to global science. �We are very grateful and we also found new enthusiasm to continue with our work,� Kuusik said. Additional information about the laureates of the science award can be found at: http://www.hm.ee/index.php?0511489

According to Prime Minister Andrus Ansip in the field of culture interior architect Leila P�rtelpoja, film director Andres S��t and theatre researcher Lea Tormis have earned the respect of us all. When awarding the Life's Work Award to Leila P�rtelpoja, Minister of Culture Laine J�nes said that she could be associated with an entire era of Estonian interior architecture. �With reverence she found solutions for projects such as the interiors of Tallinn�s City Hall, Toompea Castle and for the restoration of the assembly hall of the main building of the University of Tartu after it was damaged by fire,� said J�nes. According to the Minister of Culture the other recipient of the Life's Work Award, Lea Tormis, has earned seemingly impossible acclaim among theatre people � an ideal critic whose opinion is undeniable and carries great authority, whose assessments are justified, honest and always put the greatest emphasis on the dignity of the actors. In her speech, Lea Tormis stressed the importance of responsibility. �Man can no longer see himself as ruler over nature, he has to take responsibility,� Tormis said. When accepting the Life's Work Award, film director Andres S��t said that he is grateful that destiny has given him the profession of film director and expressed his hope that his work is not yet done. Additional information about the national culture awards can be found at: http://www.kul.ee/index.php?news=6202

The national Ferdinand Johann Wiedemann Language Award was awarded at the hall of the Estonian Academy of Sciences to Ain Kaalep who, according to the Prime Minister, is a tireless guardian of our national eruditeness and master of native language use. According to Mati Hint, professor emeritus of the Tallinn University and laureate of the Wiedemann Language Award, who presented Ain Kaalep for nomination, Mr. Kaalep�s civic attitude deserves special recognition now, at a time when a dangerous and demoralising discussion regarding the diminishing importance of the Estonian language in scientific and higher education contexts has been started.

The award was accepted by Ain Kaalep�s daughter. Via phonogram, Ain Kaalep thanked the Government of the Republic and the members of the committee for the award, which crowns his work of so many years. According to Kaalep, it is a special honour for him to receive the Wiedemann award since it was Ferdinand Johann Wiedemann who brought Estonian language research to the world stage and left the legacy of developing it to future generations. Additional information about the Wiedemann award can be found at: http://www.hm.ee/index.php?0511457

�Today, on our country�s birthday, we want to remember those people who have had a remarkable influence on Estonian sports, the top athletes of 2009, an Olympic hero of the past and two men who have written about sports for more than half a century,� said Minister of Culture Laine J�nes when handing out the national sports awards. The Prime Minister expressed his thanks and congratulations to our first Olympic victor in athletics and now passionate proponent of orienteering J�ri Tarmak, who received the Life's Work Award for sports, and to Juhan Maidlo and Erlend Teem�gi whose keen eyes and witty writing have brought us closer to the deeds and achievements of our athletes.

Sports organizer Mati Lilliallik, who spoke on behalf of the nominees, said that, in his opinion, the highest recognition should be attributed to the persons who nurture the spirit of sports � trainers, teachers and role models. �I call on everyone to get out and move, to engage in sports and to adopt a healthy attitude towards life � in the name of a more sporting Estonia. Congratulations, Estonia!� Additional information about the national sports awards can be found at: http://www.kul.ee/index.php?news=6203

�I thank all of you in the name of the Government of the Republic for your great and fruitful work,� said Prime Minister Andrus Ansip in his thank-you speech to the laureates at the hall of the Estonian Academy of Sciences. �All Estonians are proud of you!�

Prime Minister Ansip: Estonia�s Success Comes from Common Sense

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:25:00 +0200

Tartu, Vanemuine Concert Hall, 23 February 2010 � In a speech given at a reception of the Mayor of Tartu celebrating the anniversary of the Republic, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip said that owing to the steadfastness and joint effort of the people, Estonia is becoming a symbol of common sense and wise management, a positive sign not only for the European Union, but the entire world.

�As a state and as a nation we have made incredible achievements over the last year," said Ansip, noting that our conservative fiscal policy and ability to quickly react in changed circumstances are awe-inspiring. "Estonia has done quite the impossible. This will be crowned by the introduction of the euro in Estonia,� said the Head of Government in his most important speech of the year.

In his speech Ansip reminded the audience that three years ago the economic growth rate was 7 percent, employment was rising and unemployment falling. �Based on common sense the Government decided to increase the reserves to an unprecedented extent. This was by far not a universally shared or the only imaginable policy at the time. To the contrary, a fleet of critics preached of how pointless it was to gather reserves in some foreign bank and that we should start new spending projects worth billions and take huge loans as a state to finance them. The Government went the other way, the way of common sense, and gathered reserves in good times,� recalled Ansip and added that the Government reformed the labour market and sickness benefits and pushed public spending into strict boundaries. �I want to thank the people of Estonia who understood us,� said Ansip.

The Head of Government reminded the audience in his speech how a year ago loud voices called for cutting pensions. �It was claimed that without cutting them it would be impossible to improve the fiscal position and that Estonia would fail. We succeeded,� assured the Prime Minister. Since 2004 the Government has managed to more than double pensions. Nevertheless, a Eurostat survey says that 39% of the population aged over 65 years live at risk of poverty in Estonia. �Is it populist to raise pensions by five percent in difficult times? In the European cultural space it is not traditional to cut pensions before one has run out of every other possible choice,� said Ansip.

According to him, this policy, in addition to ensuring stability, has another substantive reason: cutting pensions would alleviate the pressure on critically revising all public expenditure. According to Ansip, a pension cut would have saved merely 2 billion kroons, but in reality the state managed to improve its fiscal position by 19 billion kroons without touching pensions. �I seriously doubt that the labour market and sickness benefit reform would have been carried out had we cut pensions,� he said.

According to Ansip, in these difficult times we have saved and robustly developed in various fields. In spite of difficult times we have taken a long step towards becoming a Nordic society. The number of lethal traffic accidents has decreased, the crime rate has not exploded in spite of the crisis, and the living standard has been stable. The Prime Minister finds that in comparison with previous years there is more affection and less upstart egoism. "And why? The main reason is the common sense of our people,� said Prime Minister Andrus Ansip in the anniversary speech.