PM: Estonia a good example of how a small country can achieve greatness on global stage

TALLINN – In her speech at a flag hoisting ceremony in Tallinn's Freedom Square to celebrate Europe Day and the 20th anniversary of Estonia's accession to the European Union and NATO, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that Estonia's story is a good example of how a small country can achieve greatness on the global stage.

The premier stressed that the European Union has given a lot to 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. As a member of both NATO and the European Union, our military defense capabilities are stronger than ever," Kallas said.

"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 noted.

Over the past 20 years, Estonia has also been actively shaping Europe.

"Our story is a good example of how a small country can achieve greatness on the global stage," Kallas said. "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 premier said, acknowledging everyone who has worked hard to achieve this.

Kallas said the European Union is more united and stronger than ever before.

"Together we have come further than we could ever have gone alone," she said.

Before the flag ceremony, the prime minister presented the European of the Year award to the secretary general of the Ministry of Defense, Kusti Salm, and the European of the Years award to former president Toomas Hendrik Ilves in Vabamu Museum.

After the flag ceremony, the prime minister welcomed all the guests, including Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who is visiting Estonia, in the courtyard of Stenbock House.