It's final: Estonia will assume EU presidency in 2nd half of 2017

  • 2016-07-27
  • BNS/TBT Staff/Tallinn

It was officially confirmed yesterday that Estonia's presidency of the EU will be moved up by six months, into the second half of next year.

"The EU will need next year a presidency willing and able to identify member states' common interests and goals, and achieve consensus in many complex issues. Estonia will assume the presidency at a time when the EU is faced with making fundamental choices regarding its future. We shall manage the organising of the EU presidency half a year early just fine and we will not make any concessions on quality," Prime Minister Taavi Roivas stated.

Estonia affirmed that it was prepared to take over the presidency sooner than expected right after the UK's vote to leave the EU. The country also began planning for the new period immediately.

"Considering the situation after the British referendum, the government was convinced already at the end of June that Estonia was ready to face the challenge of assuming the presidency earlier if necessary," the prime minister disclosed. "The presidency is not something with which to play hot potato or haggle about its timing due to domestic affairs — if it's necessary then it has to be done. Now we have final clarity and can continue with already started preparations at an accelerated pace."

The UK revealed on July 20 its decision to not take up its presidency scheduled for the second half of next year. Estonia's presidency was originally set to follow in the first half of 2018.

As consensus was not reached on the possibility of Belgium taking over the UK's presidency, a suggestion was made to bring forward all planned EU presidencies by one slot. Following the new schedule, Estonia will acquire the presidency from Malta and will be followed by Bulgaria and Austria in 2018.