Estonia welcomes EU Presidency with grand opening events

Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 04:11:29|Editor: huaxia
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TALLINN, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Grand opening events were held here on Thursday to serve as a kick-off for the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1 until Dec. 31 this year.

Speaking at the opening ceremony with the attendance of President Kersti Kaljulaid, Prime Minister Juri Ratas said the next six months for Estonia is "the time to show who we are, what we can do and how we live."

"However, it is also a time to listen carefully to what others have to say. Let us use these moments wisely and let us all make a contribution. The more familiar Europe is with our way of life and thinking, the greater Estonia is. The better we understand others, the more united Europe is," said Ratas.

In his speech, Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, hailed Estonia's determination and creativity in realizing the vast project of digitalization as "an example to follow for all Europeans with aspirations", terming the country "the leader of the IT revolution on a global scale".

For his part, Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, expressed his belief that the first ever Estonian Presidency will "contribute to a more prosperous and more secure future for all Europeans".

Under the theme of "Unity through balance" for the EU Presidency, the opening ceremony and concerts offered traditional Estonian songs as well as modern Estonian heavy metal music.

Ratas, Tusk and Juncker also attended the public opening concert held at Freedom Square at the city center.

After the Brexit vote in 2016 and Britain's subsequent relinquishment of its scheduled presidency in the Council of the European Union, Estonia takes over the Britain's six-month slot instead for the second half of this year. Enditem

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