By Gabriel Ani
Stenbock House, 9 May 2024 – Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and members of the government on Thursday participated in a flag hoisting ceremony in the Freedom Square.
According to a press statement released by the Estonian Prime Minister’s Office, the event was held to celebrate Europe Day and the 20th anniversary of Estonia’s accession to the European Union and NATO.
According to Prime Minister Kallas, the European Union has greatly benefited Estonia. “We know from experience how important it is to have allies and friends. Thanks to our membership of the European Union and NATO, we will never again have to pay the heavy price of being alone,” Kallas noted. She emphasized that as a member of both NATO and the European Union, Estonia’s military defence capabilities are stronger than ever.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the economic benefits of EU membership. “We have been able to make significant investments in our state and infrastructure and thanks to our membership of the European internal market, we have vastly expanded our economic opportunities, supported innovation and opened the doors to Estonian entrepreneurs and products all over Europe,” she said.
Over the past 20 years, Estonia has not only benefited from but also actively shaped Europe. “Our story is a good example of how a small country can achieve greatness on the global stage,” said Kallas. “We are heard and seen extremely well today and our allies view us as reliable partners whose opinions are taken into account. This experience will now allow us to help other countries, including Ukraine, on their way to the European Union,” the Prime Minister added, acknowledging everyone who has worked hard to achieve this.
According to the Prime Minister, the European Union is more united and stronger than ever before. “Together we have come further than we could ever have gone alone,” said Kallas.
Before the flag ceremony, the Prime Minister presented the European of the Year award to Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Kusti Salm and the European of the Years award to President Toomas Hendrik Ilves in Vabamu Museum.
After the flag ceremony, the Prime Minister welcomed all the guests, including Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, who is visiting Estonia, in the courtyard of the Stenbock House. This event marks a significant day in Estonia’s history and its continued commitment to the European Union and NATO.
