European leadership attitudes shaped by ideals, according to Kersti Kaljulaid
Rewritten Article
The North-Eastern Perspective: Kersti Kaljulaid at the State of the Union, Florence 2017
Kersti Kaljulaid, the President of Estonia, graced the auditorium at the State of the Union Conference 2017 in Florence, Italy, on 5th May 2017. Sharing her insights about the future of Europe and the impending Estonian presidency of the EU Council, her speech was published in a concise and edited form on our website.
Ideals over Money: Trust in the Union
Kicking off her address, Kaljulaid presented evidence of how responsible national policies can lead to a wider understanding of the EU's values by the public at large. Highlighting the EU's multitude of opportunities for policymakers, she urged avoiding blaming Brussels for problems that may arise. Instead, Kaljulaid argued that trust in the EU among the Estonian populace remains high primarily due to repeated assurances of its reliability by the Estonian government.
Emphasizing the importance of ideals over financial gains, she noted that the overall success of the EU in economic convergence can't be pinned down solely to monetary factors. Taking a look at the differences between 2004 and present day, one can see that Estonian citizens are 2.4 times richer now compared to before EU membership. Furthermore, the cumulative growth of the ten member states who joined in 2004 has averaged 1.9 times, confirming that the EU has benefited all its new members.
Mixed Signals and Misinformation
Despite the obvious benefits, the popularity of the EU is waning in many countries. Kaljulaid attributed this to political messaging that creates uncertainty and distrust around the EU. She warned that while it is easy to criticize the EU, it is equally challenging to maintain a positive image while simultaneously doing so. Instead, people receive conflicting signals about the EU, leading to confusion rather than understanding.
Showing support and encouraging unity
Addressing the EU's role in accepting refugees, Kaljulaid highlighted that while Estonia lacked prior experience, they committed to their assigned quota. Building a refugee support system from the ground up within a year, Estonia's efforts were focused on clearly communicating the conditions of their country and the limitations of support they could offer. This proactive approach to uncertainty has paid off, as Estonia has managed to meet its refugee quotas effectively.
Heralding the EU's global contributions, Kaljulaid expressed optimism about the new EU global strategy, believing it will strengthen the EU's common foreign and security policy, boost its image domestically and abroad, and help solidify trans-Atlantic ties.
A Protestant Work Ethic for a Digital Union
In less than two months, Estonia will assume the presidency of the EU Council for the very first time. Embracing this responsibility with both enthusiasm and seriousness, Estonia's goals for the presidency are ambitious. Aiming to create a competitive, prosperous, and secure EU, Kaljulaid emphasized the need for openness, innovation, and a strong digital aspect in achieving these objectives.
Incorporating a Protestant work ethic into a digital union, Kaljulaid sought to move beyond technological aspects and focus on societal changes required for such a transformation. Envisioning a time when citizens would complain about having to communicate with their public sector in analogue, she believed this would demonstrate a societal shift towards trusting digital services.
Embracing Change and Inclusivity
Confidently advocating for an empathetic and constructive approach to the future of Europe, Kaljulaid acknowledged the challenges facing the Union. Despite existing threats, she maintained that Europe has an innate resilience to rebound from the pressures it faces. Her hope was to push beyond mere survival mode and move forward with progressive policies that will benefit European citizens.
Recognizing the need for adaptability to future global trends and the changing nature of employment, she called for a rethink of how we capture taxes in the digital age. To avoid disintegration and uphold the four freedoms of the EU, Kaljulaid emphasized the importance of creating a complete single market underpinned by a strong social dimension.
Ultimately, Kaljulaid urged Europe to seize the opportunity presented by technological change, using it as a catalyst for growth and human development. To come together, consolidate, and act is what Europe needs now more than ever, she concluded, as the search for solutions to our ever-evolving challenges is always better tackled collectively.
With less than six months left for Kaljulaid's presidency, her ambitions for Estonia and the EU remain ambitious but achievable goals, given the EU's multitude of advantages and fundamental tools for each member state's benefit. Let us work together diligently to face the challenges ahead and shape the future we desire for our continent.
- The Estonian government's trust in the European Union (EU) is a significant factor in maintaining high public trust among Estonians.
- Kaljulaid argues that the success of the EU in economic convergence can't be solely attributed to monetary factors; ideals also play a crucial role.
- The Estonian government's proactive approach to accepting and supporting refugees has enabled them to meet their assigned quotas effectively.
- Kaljulaid believes the EU's new global strategy will strengthen the EU's common foreign and security policy, boost its image domestically and abroad, and help solidify trans-Atlantic ties.
- In embracing the digital aspect, Estonia aims to create a competitive, prosperous, and secure EU, focusing on openness, innovation, and societal changes.
- Kaljulaid advocates for an empathetic and constructive approach to the future of Europe, pushing for progressive policies that will benefit European citizens.
- To avoid disintegration and uphold the four freedoms of the EU, Kaljulaid emphasizes the importance of creating a complete single market underpinned by a strong social dimension.
- The Estonian government's ambitions for their EU presidency remain ambitious but achievable given the EU's multitude of advantages and fundamental tools for each member state's benefit.
- Kaljulaid urges Europe to seize the opportunity presented by technological change, using it as a catalyst for growth and human development while coming together, consolidating, and acting collectively.
