Strict budgetry is good policy

TALLINN - On October 21, at his meeting in Berlin with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip focused on euro zone issues.
The heads of state conceded that the crucial issue of the successfulness of both the European Union as well as the euro is the good public finances of the Member States and the ways of ensuring it. They also discussed the issues which are going to be discussed at the meeting of the European Council in October, and bilateral and international cooperation between the two states.

The prime minister thanked Chancellor Merkel for Germany’s support to Estonia’s drive to become a member of the euro zone as well as for their contribution to the Baltic air security in the framework of NATO cooperation.
Speaking of reform of the rules of the euro zone, the prime minister emphasized that Estonia shares the same position as Germany. Both states are in favor of a strict budgetary policy. The heads of state found that good public finances of the Member States serve as the basis for the competitiveness of the European Union. Merkel welcomed Estonia to the euro zone, noting that the joining of a state that respects strict financial policy principles as support of the discussion on the monetary policy of the euro zone. Ansip assured that Estonia would support proposals strengthening coordination of budgetary and macroeconomic policies. The prime minister also pointed out the leading role of the German chancellor in leading the euro zone out of the crisis.

As for European Union issues, the prime minister indicated that one of Estonia’s priorities is the issue of the single market. “Instead of a split market, Estonia wants a single market with clear regulations that are understandable to everyone,” Ansip emphasised.

Speaking of security cooperation, the prime minister thanked Chancellor Merkel for Germany’s contribution to Baltic air defense. “In 2011 Germany will take over Baltic air security for the fourth time. Your planes in our sky are real proof of NATO’s security guarantee to the people of Estonia.”