Decoding Estoni@N Presidency of the Council

Decoding Estoni@N Presidency of the Council

Decoding Estoni@n Presidency of the Council 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERVIEW OF ESTONIAN MEP URMAS PAET (ALDE), MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGETS 4-7 PRIORITIES OF THE ESTONIAN PRESIDENCY 8 KEY ESTONIAN PRIORITIES VERSUS EU’S PRIORITIES FILES 9 POLITICAL CALENDAR FOR THE NEXT SIX MONTHS 10 WHAT ABOUT ESTONIA 11 INTERVIEW OF URMAS PAET Estonia will deal with several energy and the development of Defence cooperation and MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGETS, climate topics: review of the EU ETS, review the fight against terrorism? Do you consider ALDE of the Energy Efficiency Directive, renewable NATO membership as compatible with the energy, and electricity markets… what are the development of an EU Defence Union? main priorities of the country with regards to As the rapporteur for the European Defence these issues? Union reported at the European Parliament, I Europe needs to take several steps towards would like to stress that cooperation with NATO cleaner energy sources which must be both is key when speaking of the European Defence reliable and affordable. Union. Priorities of the Estonian Presidency of the Council During the Presidency, Estonia will go on with There are several issues where the EU could the EU commitment to the Paris Agreement improve its internal security cooperation as well and with the work on the main strands of the as its cooperation with NATO and could make it Urmas PAET joined the European Parliament EU’s energy and climate policy. Europe needs more practical with fast and clear decisions. in 2014. A former journalist, he served as Mi- to step up its game and should be ready to nister of Foreign Affairs from 2005 to 2014 The initial action plan for the EU common take the leadership in fighting climate change. and Minister of Culture from 2003 to 2005. defence policy, or defence union, must also Especially now as the US is withdrawing from the include NATO projects that concern combating Agreement. hybrid threats, promoting operational There is no doubt digital is going to be a top Another topic I cannot stress enough is the cooperation (including at our coasts), tackling priority for Estonia, especially with regards to necessity to build a strong Energy Union migration, reinforcing cyber security and unlocking data potential. What would you say and to achieve energy security which can be defence capabilities, strengthening the to stakeholders/Member States opposed to a made through regional cooperation and the technological and industrial base in the field legislative initiative on the free flow of data? diversification of sources, suppliers and routes. of defence, putting in place military exercises Yes indeed, Estonia has high expectations for as well as strengthening security and defence Estonia is looking to promote labour mobility Europe, especially in the digital field. One of capabilities of EU neighbours in the East and and free movement of person, in particular the priorities of the Estonian Presidency is the South. through the Services Package. How is the free movement of data. This is something that country looking to convince recalcitrant Moreover, the EU can financially support, concerns all European policies as well as the countries and stakeholders stating that this for example, the placement of international fundamental freedoms. We need to find ways liberalisation will increase unfair competition NATO battalions in EU Member States at its to ensure that data is used in a secure way for between Member States through social and Eastern border by backing the construction both our individual and collective benefit. It is Urmas PAET economic dumping? of the necessary infrastructure such as roads, crucial to remove location-based restrictions barracks and other facilities. At the moment, on the movement of data, to reach a common Estonia sees labour mobility within the EU as an the majority of this burden is on the shoulders understanding in issues related to data ownership opportunity rather than a threat. When people of a few, specific Member States who (due to and ensure a reliable exchange and preservation moves across borders, equal opportunities also their geopolitical location) need increased of data. means fair mobility, i.e. the way they use their presence of their allies. At the same time, this right to study, work or stay abroad without being We need to look ahead, think innovatively and increased presence in specific countries serves discriminated. seize the opportunities because freeing data will as a protection for all EU and NATO countries contribute to make our daily lives easier and to Last but not least, Estonia puts safety and and thus the solidarity-based distribution of boost the economy. security as a priority, with a specific focus on additional costs is justified. 5 The European Commission is planning several We support initiatives that make it easier for According to you, what is the greatest initiatives related to VAT and the fight against companies to operate in different member achievement of Estonia in its history? tax evasion, do you think the EU truly has an states. Doing things digitally will help The people. During difficult times, we stand added value in taxation issues? companies to carry out their operations more together and always strive forward. easily and faster. VAT is a consumption tax that is an integral What would you recommend us to eat in part of everyday transactions, including cross The European Commission will pursue Estonia? border transactions, and in general terms it ongoing trade agreements talks and launch is functioning similarly in all the 28 Member negotiations with Australia and New Zealand. Estonia has a great food culture. If you go out to States. The new initiatives are aimed at better In your opinion, what is the importance of trade eat, you will discover traces of Scandinavian and functioning of the (EU) internal market and are agreements for the EU? German cuisine. taking into account the changes in economy Trade can be a powerful engine for growth and (digitalisation and globalisation) over the past While in Estonia, don’t miss out on homemade can contribute to sustainable and inclusive dark bread with a nice layer of salty butter, two decades. The initiatives respond to the France has just brought to power a young development. EU needs to continue its work chanterelle sauce with fresh potatoes, ideas that the Commission has collected from pro-European politician. What is your feeling on free trade agreements with regions and mulgipuder (potato and barley porridge) and EU businesses, individuals and Member States about this election? Do you think that pro- countries in different parts of the world. other typical Estonian dishes. Give also a try to during the consultation process on the future of European speeches are key to tackle the rise of kama which is another example of traditional EU VAT. So, yes, in the area of VAT the EU does In March this year the UK triggered Article 50 extremism and populism? Estonian food. It is a mixture of roasted barley, have added value. to launch the Brexit negotiations. How do you rye, oat and pea flour that you mix with sour milk. think this will impact the European integration? France has had and will always have an Certainly, the fight against tax evasion and important role in shaping the future of the EU. You will also find many delicious food from our avoidance is the main concern for the EU also No doubt the light will be shed on the Brexit That is also one of the reasons why Russia had gardens and forests, such as blackcurrants, in the company taxation. Here more value talks during Estonia’s EU presidency period. For a fixed favourite during the French presidential blueberries, beetroot etc. could still be added by seeking the solutions the remaining 27 members states there needs elections. for the new types of economy such as sharing to be unity. Of which Estonian tradition are you the Macron had a clear victory and thus we should economy and the digital economy. And while proudest of? some improvements could be necessary in It is no exaggeration that the strength of the not over-mystify populist and extremist terms of cross-border tax rules, we should also EU, as well as the cooperation between Europe political forces and underestimate the political We have many great traditions but I’m very keep in mind the competitiveness of the EU at and the US, are vital for Estonia. All our foreign experience of the EU citizens, in this case of the proud of the Estonian Song Festival. It is held the global arena. policy measures should be focused on that goal. French society. every five years in the Tallinn Song Festival Therefore, the main aim during the Estonian Grounds. It is said that Estonians sang Could you briefly present your country? The European Commission is also considering Presidency of the Council should be to make themselves free, thus singing together is an adopting several initiatives in company law to the EU stronger with every decision and every Estonia is located in the north-eastern part of important part of our history. modernize EU legislation. Do you consider that negotiation. Europe. We have a population of 1,3 million If I plan to go to Estonia for one week-end, there is still too much administrative burden on people. Our capital Tallinn has a beautiful and what should I absolutely see/discover? businesses? well preserved medieval old town which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend time in the nature: take a walk in the forest, swim in the sea or the lake, and wander in Half of our country is covered by forest which we the bog.

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