Priorities of the Estonian presidency of the European Council

03 July 2017
by eub2 -- last modified 03 July 2017

The motto of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is 'Unity through balance'. "We believe that Europe has plenty of common ground to come together to successfully tackle all the challenges and make the most of all the possibilities that face us today. We must facilitate openness in both our economy and society, while also ensuring safety and security. Our role is to find a balance between the different views, traditions and interests in Europe today to achieve the best possible outcome for European citizens." The four priorities of the Estonian Presidency are:

An open and innovative European economy

An open and innovative European economy means developing a business environment that supports knowledge-based growth and competitiveness.

To this end, we will focus on:

• protecting and promoting the EU's four freedoms – free movement of goods, persons, services and capital
• making sure that providing services and starting a business in the EU is as easy as possible, and advancing trade negotiations
• creating new funding opportunities for companies and ensuring a stable banking sector
• establishing a stable and well-functioning electricity market and empowering consumers
• ensuring fair competition by preventing tax evasion

A safe and secure Europe

Only by acting together and preserving its unity on the global stage can the EU keep its citizens safe and promote peace, prosperity and stability.

To this end, we will focus on:

• strengthening the fight against terrorism and organised crime, strengthening the internal security as well as the protection of the EU's external borders by improving cooperation and using cutting-edge information systems
• continuing the work tackling the migration crisis and reforming the Common European Asylum System
• supporting and strengthening relations with Eastern Partnership countries
• an increase in defence expenditure, developing European defence cooperation and the EU-NATO partnership

A digital Europe and the free movement of data

Europe must exploit the benefits of the technological progress that is resulting in constant change for citizens, businesses and governments.

To this end, we will focus on:

• developing cross-border e-commerce and e-services for the benefit of consumers, producers and businesses
• ensuring modern and secure electronic communications available everywhere across Europe as well as creating a favourable environment for new innovative services
• advancing cross-border digital public services to facilitate everyday life

An inclusive and sustainable Europe

An inclusive and sustainable Europe supports equal opportunities for high-quality education, employment, access to services and development of skills. A sustainable Europe cares about and is committed to achieving a cleaner environment.

To this end, we will focus on:

• modernising rules in order to promote labour mobility and free movement of persons
• ensuring equal opportunities in the labour market and social inclusion
• securing a more sustainable environment

Source: Estonia EU presidency