Estonia and Slovenia Role Models to Each Other
Prime Minister Janez Jansa and his Estonian counterpart Andrus Ansip praised each other's countries as they addressed the press following talks in Ljubljana on Tuesday. While Jansa quoted Estonia as a role model in reducing administrative barriers, tax reform and investment in R&D, Ansip hailed Slovenia as the most successful newcomer to the EU.
The talks between the pair cantered on bilateral cooperation and preparations for Slovenia's EU presidency. Jansa said the visit happened at an important moment for the EU, in particular for new members, referring to the Schengen expansion.
"This will enhance the actual feeling of integration in the EU. I find that after the elimination of customs this is the second such major achievement for the EU and in fact guarantees integration processes in the EU will expand further in the future," Jansa said.
He and Ansip assessed that Slovenia and Estonia were the best-performing EU newcomers, while they also noted that they shared views on all major EU issues, such as enlargement and the ratification of the reform treaty.
Ansip, who assured Jansa his full support for Slovenia's spell as EU presiding country in the first half of 2008, said the Slovenian presidency would be important for the ratification process. He also called for Croatia's speedy accession to the EU and progress in talks with Turkey.
The Estonian prime minister also urged the EU to do more for integrating the energy sector, saying Baltic countries wished to establish energy connections with Finland and Poland.
Turning to bilateral cooperation, Jansa said the countries posted more than 35% increase in trade following his visit to the Baltic states in 2005. "These figures are still relatively low, but the trends are extremely positive." According to Economy Ministry data, trade amounted to 17.1m last year.
"Estonia is the best EU member when it comes to trends in investment in research and development," Jansa said and added that its "realistic approach" entailed not only a steady increase in funds, but also making sure these were spent productively.
Asked to comment on Estonia's plans for the changeover to the euro, Ansip said his government was keen to adopt the euro as soon as possible, while he did not specify further. According to him, Estonia meets all Maastricht criteria, except for inflation.
This is a burning issue everywhere since countries cannot affect price hikes on the global markets so "it is no wonder inflation is on the rise in Slovenia as well," said Ansip, who discussed Slovenia's experiences in adopting the European single currency with central bank governor Marko Kranjec and Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk on Monday.
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