EP president in Tallinn: EU must be close to its citizens

TALLINN  - President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani, who visited Estonia on Tuesday in connection with the country's upcoming EU presidency, said that the European Union must not distance itself from the citizens.

Eiki Nestor, a speaker of the Estonian parliament, said that the members of the delegation of the European Parliament were mostly interested in how Europe-minded Estonians are. "If at the time of Estonia's joining the European Union, two-thirds of Estonians were in favor of joining the union, now the ratio of supporters of the European Union is even higher. This is important to the president of the European Parliament and members of the political groups," Nestor said according to spokespeople for the Riigikogu.

Tajani emphasized the need for cooperation between the European Parliament and national parliaments. It is important because European citizens want to be protected by the European Union. Tajani added that the European Union needs to be brought closer to the citizens.

Members of the Estonian parliament gave an overview to the president of the European Parliament and representatives of the political groups of Estonia's parliamentary events during the upcoming presidency.

Participants in the meeting also included deputy speaker of the parliament Enn Eesmaa as well as heads of groups and committees Hanno Pevkur, Artur Talvik, Liisa Oviir, Andres Metsoja, Keit Pentus-Rosimannus and Tiit Terik.