The European Committee of the Regions and the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Date: 2017-02-10
Institutions: European Committee of the Regions
Subjects: EU action, Estonia, European Committee of the Regions, Presidency of the Council of the EU

The European Committee of the Regionsand the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European UnionCdR_3210/09-2017/ENEdited by the Directorate for Communication of the European Committee of the RegionsSeptember 2017Created in 1994 following the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, the European Committee of the Regions is the EU’s assembly of 350 regional and local representatives from all 28 Member States, representing over 507 million Europeans. Its mission is to involve regional and local authorities and the communities they represent in the EU’s decision-making process and to inform them about EU policies. The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council are obliged to consult the Committee in policy areas aﬀecting regions and cities. It can appeal to the Court of Justice of the European Union if its rights are infringed or it believes that EU law infringes the subsidiarity principle or fails to respect regional or local powers.Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 101   |   1040 Bruxelles/Brussel   |   BELGIQUE/BELGIË   |   Tel. +32 22822211www.cor.europa.eu   |         @EU_CoR   |         /european.committee.of.the.regions   |         /european-committee-of-the-regionsPictures : © European Committee of the Regions; © Enterprise Estonia,

cover: © Janek Joab; © Oliver Moosus

© European Union, 2017
Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged
Printed in Belgium

QG-04-17-669-EN-C
ISBN 978-92-895-0934-3
doi:10.2863/140976

QG-04-17-669-EN-N
ISBN 978-92-895-0933-6
doi:10.2863/021745

 
Table of contents

1. 

2. 

Foreword by Karl-Heinz Lambertz, president of the European Committee of  
the Regions   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 3

Introduction by Jaak Aab, Estonian minister for public administration   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 5

3.  What is the European Committee of the Regions?    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 6

4.  The Priorities of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2017  

by Matti Maasikas, Deputy Minister for EU Affairs   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 8

5. 

Some thoughts on the future of the European Union – by Uno Silberg, member of  
the Estonian national delegation   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 10

6.  Europe in my hometown – by Urmas Sukles, member of the Estonian national delegation   .  . . 11

7.  Members of the Estonian national delegation of the European Committee of the Regions  .  . 12

8.  Opinions of the European Committee of the Regions drafted by Estonian members    .  .  . 14

9. 

Future is digital – by Siim Sikkut, Government CIO, Ministry of Economic Affairs and 
Communications, Republic of Estonia    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 16

10.  The importance of digital services at local level – by Mart Võrklaev, member of  

the Estonian national delegation   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 18

11.  The European Union’s climate and energy objectives under the Estonian Presidency - 

inclusive and sustainable Europe – by Andres Jaadla, member of  
the Estonian national delegation   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 19

12.  The merger of two associations of local municipalities in Estonia – by Taavi Aas,  

president of the Association of Estonian Cities, and Kurmet Müürsepp, president of  
the Association of Municipalities of Estonia   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 21

13.  Calendar   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 23

14.   Contacts   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 24

.

a
.
s
d

l
i

u
B
&
t
r
A
-

l
r
p
s
l
ë
o
N

l

u
a
P
r
e
i
l
e
t
A

:

e
r
u
t
c
e
t
i
h
c
r
a
d
x
u
a
e
r
u
B

’

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreword

BY KARL-HEINZ LAMBERTZ, PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

Estonia takes over the helm of the EU Presidency during unprecedented times. The EU must concen-
trate on what unites us which is why the Estonian EU Presidency's motto – "Unity through Balance" – is 
most welcome. The Estonian priorities – building an inclusive and sustainable Europe; an open and 
innovative European economy; a digital Europe; and a safe and secure Europe;  - show that not only do 
we continue to share many challenges but the most pertinent issues of our time matter especially for 
Europe's local and regional governments. 

Creating sustainable jobs and growth is one our Committee's main priorities. We need local investment 
to tackle social and regional disparity and demonstrate that the EU can positively improve the lives of 
all citizens. It means using EU policies to attract private investment and, with the tough EU post-2020 
budget talks soon to commence, we therefore need a stable EU cohesion policy. If Europe is to be 
more integrated, more cohesive and more united, cohesion policy needs to be strong, more visible and 
more effective.  Digitalising Europe can help tackle regional differences, open up the single market and 
transform our economy. We need to overcome the digital divide which is hampering social progress 
by investing in areas such as e-governance and public procurement to improve services for all citizens. 

Estonia's EU Presidency also comes during the next round of international climate talks in Bonn, Germa-
ny.  After the regrettable decision of the US President to pull out of the Paris Agreement, the EU's energy 
and climate ambitions are more important now than ever before. We need to properly, formally and 
fully acknowledge the importance of cities and regions in realising our EU energy and climate change 
ambitions. 

The  migration  crisis  continues  to  have  direct  demographic,  economic  and  political  consequences. 
Managing the flow and reception of people into Europe ultimately falls on the shoulders of local and 
regional  governments  which  is  why  the  EU's  response  must  be  based  on  solidarity,  civil  rights  and 
pragmatism. The EU needs to step-up its efforts to support EU local and regional governments in in-
tegrating migrants into their communities. We need to strengthen partnerships between regions and 
cities from both sides of the Mediterranean. Helping at the root of the issues is critical to find a workable 
solution to the migration crisis.

A prosperous, sustainable and better European future lies in delivering tangible results that improve the 
lives of all citizens. As local and regional leaders, we need to communicate what the EU does, listen to 
our citizens and share their opinions about Europe in Brussels. It needs local and regional governments 
across Europe to work together to improve and deliver EU policies and bridge the gap between Brus-
sels and our communities. Our Committee stands ready to support the Estonian government and its 
regions and cities to help build a better European future. 

3

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European UnionIntroduction

BY JAAK AAB, ESTONIAN MINISTER FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

The aim of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is to contribute to 
the development of an open and innovative economy . One of the priorities of the Estonian 
Presidency is to help Europe make use of the huge opportunities offered by information tech-
nology . For example, as a growing part of the European economy, the digital economy needs 
an effective, safely functioning infrastructure, based on which new services can be created 
which improve the productivity of the European economy and public sector, as well as im-
proving the quality of life of people in all regions .

Only the principles we believe in can be realised . In Estonia we have made a lot of progress, 
making public services straightforward and accessible for people, irrespective of where they 
live . A number of Estonian e-services enable citizens to communicate with the authorities on-
line, when it suits them and without appearing in person . For instance, in Estonia it takes only 
three minutes to submit a pre-completed income tax declaration or vote for one’s representa-
tives in various representative bodies online . With the support of the state several e-solutions 
have been developed for local authorities in Estonia which enable them to provide local ser-
vices online – examples include the information and services portal of local municipalities, the 
procedural environment for local governments and the information system of local councils . 
I am confident that their increased use by the authorities will improve good governance, the 
transparency of governance and local democracy . As it is the local and regional authorities 
who provide a number of services to local residents, my ambition is for e-government and 
e-democracy to be further developed at this level (in our country as well as in other Member 
States), on the basis of local possibilities, wishes and preferences . 

The Estonian ID card and mobile ID are in everyday use in both the public and the private sec-
tor . They enable the introduction of new services based on the e-government infrastructure 
which can also be used by citizens of other countries who join the Estonian e-citizen platform . 
We use a unique solution known as X-Road, which is an intermediate layer for different service 
providers,  databases  and  information  systems  and  makes  many  public  services  straightfor-
ward and convenient for citizens . It is also an ideal platform for making business processes 
more efficient . 

During the presidency we wish to contribute to the development of e-services, showcase our 
experience and learn from the experiences of others . Creating well-functioning and widely 
used services requires a broad approach and a thorough consideration of the real need for 
these services and the principles on which they operate .

5

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union6

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union3main principlesSubsidiarityProximityMultilevel GovernanceWhat is the European Committee of the Regions (CoR)?public health transport, trans-Europeannetworksenvironment,energy andclimate changeeconomic, socialand territorialcohesionemploymentand socialaffairseducation, youth, culture and sportAreas ofresponsibilityCommissions6 Commissions (groups of Members) prepare draft opinions and resolutions to be submitted to the Plenary Assembly. Territorial CohesionPolicy and EU Budget(COTER)Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE)Economic Policy(ECON)Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX)€Natural Resources(NAT)Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC)MembershipPES GROUPEuropean Committeeof the Regions350members28member statesfrom5political groupsPlenary CoR Members gather in Plenary 5 to 6 times/year for 2-3 days in Brussels to vote and adopt opinions.The PresidentKarl-Heinz LAMBERTZ(from Eupen/BE)Term of office: 2 and 1/2 years•  leads the CoR's work• chairs its plenary sessions• acts as CoR's official representativeThe First Vice-PresidentMarkku MARKKULA(from Espoo/FI)Term of office: 2 and 1/2 years• leads the CoR's work in tandem with the PresidentOutputover 70% of EU legislationhas a direct impact at local or regional levelPlatformsand networksto improve participatory democracy, such as the consultation process during the pre-legislative phase.In 2016, the CoRpassed:3350opinionsof whichown-initiativeopinions70%74eventsIn 2016 the CoR held 27local events Europe-wideand contributed to the organisation of Administrative levelThe Secretary-General Term of office: 5 yearsRole: heads the CoR administration Structure5 Directorates2 joint servicesWe are an institutional body of the European Union. Our Members are elected Presidents of Regions, regional Councillors, Mayors and Local Councillors, democratically accountable to the citizens. Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 101   |   1040 Bruxelles/Brussel   |   BELGIQUE/BELGIË   |   Tel. +32 22822211www.cor.europa.eu   |         @EU_CoR   |         /european.committee.of.the.regions   |         /european-committee-of-the-regions3main principlesSubsidiarityProximityMultilevel GovernanceWhat is the European Committee of the Regions (CoR)?public health transport, trans-Europeannetworksenvironment,energy andclimate changeeconomic, socialand territorialcohesionemploymentand socialaffairseducation, youth, culture and sportAreas ofresponsibilityCommissions6 Commissions (groups of Members) prepare draft opinions and resolutions to be submitted to the Plenary Assembly. Territorial CohesionPolicy and EU Budget(COTER)Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE)Economic Policy(ECON)Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX)€Natural Resources(NAT)Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC)MembershipPES GROUPEuropean Committeeof the Regions350members28member statesfrom5political groupsPlenary CoR Members gather in Plenary 5 to 6 times/year for 2-3 days in Brussels to vote and adopt opinions.The PresidentKarl-Heinz LAMBERTZ(from Eupen/BE)Term of office: 2 and 1/2 years•  leads the CoR's work• chairs its plenary sessions• acts as CoR's official representativeThe First Vice-PresidentMarkku MARKKULA(from Espoo/FI)Term of office: 2 and 1/2 years• leads the CoR's work in tandem with the PresidentOutputover 70% of EU legislationhas a direct impact at local or regional levelPlatformsand networksto improve participatory democracy, such as the consultation process during the pre-legislative phase.In 2016, the CoRpassed:3350opinionsof whichown-initiativeopinions70%74eventsIn 2016 the CoR held 27local events Europe-wideand contributed to the organisation of Administrative levelThe Secretary-General Term of office: 5 yearsRole: heads the CoR administration Structure5 Directorates2 joint servicesWe are an institutional body of the European Union. Our Members are elected Presidents of Regions, regional Councillors, Mayors and Local Councillors, democratically accountable to the citizens. Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 101   |   1040 Bruxelles/Brussel   |   BELGIQUE/BELGIË   |   Tel. +32 22822211www.cor.europa.eu   |         @EU_CoR   |         /european.committee.of.the.regions   |         /european-committee-of-the-regions7

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union3main principlesSubsidiarityProximityMultilevel GovernanceWhat is the European Committee of the Regions (CoR)?public health transport, trans-Europeannetworksenvironment,energy andclimate changeeconomic, socialand territorialcohesionemploymentand socialaffairseducation, youth, culture and sportAreas ofresponsibilityCommissions6 Commissions (groups of Members) prepare draft opinions and resolutions to be submitted to the Plenary Assembly. Territorial CohesionPolicy and EU Budget(COTER)Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE)Economic Policy(ECON)Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX)€Natural Resources(NAT)Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC)MembershipPES GROUPEuropean Committeeof the Regions350members28member statesfrom5political groupsPlenary CoR Members gather in Plenary 5 to 6 times/year for 2-3 days in Brussels to vote and adopt opinions.The PresidentKarl-Heinz LAMBERTZ(from Eupen/BE)Term of office: 2 and 1/2 years•  leads the CoR's work• chairs its plenary sessions• acts as CoR's official representativeThe First Vice-PresidentMarkku MARKKULA(from Espoo/FI)Term of office: 2 and 1/2 years• leads the CoR's work in tandem with the PresidentOutputover 70% of EU legislationhas a direct impact at local or regional levelPlatformsand networksto improve participatory democracy, such as the consultation process during the pre-legislative phase.In 2016, the CoRpassed:3350opinionsof whichown-initiativeopinions70%74eventsIn 2016 the CoR held 27local events Europe-wideand contributed to the organisation of Administrative levelThe Secretary-General Term of office: 5 yearsRole: heads the CoR administration Structure5 Directorates2 joint servicesWe are an institutional body of the European Union. Our Members are elected Presidents of Regions, regional Councillors, Mayors and Local Councillors, democratically accountable to the citizens. Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 101   |   1040 Bruxelles/Brussel   |   BELGIQUE/BELGIË   |   Tel. +32 22822211www.cor.europa.eu   |         @EU_CoR   |         /european.committee.of.the.regions   |         /european-committee-of-the-regions4

The Priorities of  
the Estonian 
Presidency of 
the Council of 
the EU in 2017

BY MATTI MAASIKAS, DEPUTY MINISTER FOR EU AFFAIRS

On 1 July 2017 – for the first time in its history – Estonia will assume the six-month rotating 
Presidency of the Council of the European Union . It comes at a critical time, when the Europe-
an Union is facing unprecedented internal and external challenges . To successfully respond 
to these challenges and to make the most of all the opportunities which face us today, the 
Presidency has adopted the theme of unity through balance . 

Although Europe is one of the most diverse regions in the world, there is more that unites us . 
Our values, our cultural ties . The fact that we all want to feel safe, we all want to live well . Dur-
ing its six-months at the helm of the Council of the European Union, Estonia will endeavour to 
act as an honest and neutral broker . It will seek a balance between different views, traditions 
and interests in Europe today to move forward together and achieve the best possible out-
come for all European citizens . 

As the Committee of the Regions is the voice for regions and cities across the EU, Estonia will 
seek to work closely with the Committee in order to ensure that the policies that are being 
developed, demonstrate a consideration of views from all the regions, while benefiting the 
everyday lives of the citizens across the EU .

In this context, the Estonian Presidency will focus on four ambitious priorities: an open and 
innovative European economy; a safe and secure Europe; a digital Europe and the free move-
ment of data; and an inclusive and sustainable Europe . 

A prosperous European economy, built on openness and innovation, is at the heart of the 
Estonian presidency . A strong economy is not only essential for economic growth and em-
ployment;  it  also  supports  policy  implementation  in  all  other  areas  –  from  agriculture  to 
migration, from culture to security . Estonia will do its utmost to develop a predictable, clear 

8

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Unionand transparent European business environment to realise new opportunities and enhance 
existing industries .

The security and safety of our citizens is high on the agenda of the Estonian presidency . The 
European Union was founded sixty years ago as a project of peace . Today as we celebrate this 
anniversary, the safety of our citizens remains paramount and can only be achieved by acting 
together on the global stage to ensure peace, prosperity and stability . During its presidency, 
Estonia will focus on strengthening internal security and the EU’s external borders, as well as 
external security through closer cooperation with our allies and neighbours both in the East 
and in the South . 

We believe to create a prosperous and sustainable Europe, we must embrace technological 
transformation . It will therefore come as no surprise that the digital agenda and the free move-
ment of data is an important priority of the Estonian presidency . Technological innovation in 
itself is not the endgame; rather it is a tool which can make the lives of people, businesses and 
governments easier . The Presidency programme will therefore focus on the establishment of 
a Digital Single Market, increased use of e-solutions and data and the development of cross- 
border e-services . 

The EU must balance a strong economy with core European values of inclusiveness and sus-
tainability . During its presidency, Estonia will re-examine ways in which the EU can offer equal 
opportunities for people who wish to live and work across the EU . It will also consider how 
to balance the economy with environmental concerns, to ensure that future generations can 
enjoy a Europe which is free, prosperous and safe . 

9

5

Some thoughts 
on the future of 
the European 
Union

BY UNO SILBERG, MEMBER OF THE ESTONIAN NATIONAL DELEGATION

Uno Silberg, PhD in economics, chairman of Kose Rural Municipality Council, member of the 
European Committee of the Regions since 2004. His main areas of expertise in the work of the 
CoR primarily relate to EU public finances. 
Uno Silberg is currently an associate professor of European Union policy at the Estonian University 
of Life Sciences and director of the Financial College of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences.

The future of the European Union

The biggest challenge for the European Union in the short term is the withdrawal of the Unit-
ed Kingdom from the EU following the referendum held on 23 June 2016, and the completely 
new situation resulting from it . So far new Member States have been constantly added, which 
has seen the EU grow to 28 Member States . Now, for the first time a Member State wishes to 
leave the European Union . Although the outcome of the referendum in the UK was a surprise 
for many, the 27 Member States have to accept the present situation and get used to the fact 
that the European Union will never be the same again .

As a result of Brexit, the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is also tak-
ing place six months earlier than planned, in the second half of 2017 . The Estonian govern-
ment has expressed its wish to keep the remaining 27 Member States united in the process 
of the Brexit negotiations . We have to find clear answers to several outstanding questions: 
What will the future relationship between the EU and UK be like? Will we have to modify the 
provisions of the Treaties without prejudice to the fundamental freedoms and the econom-
ic and social principles that have been valid up to now, and if so, how? What institutional 
changes will be necessary in the EU? What changes will there be to the role and make-up of 
the European Parliament, the European Committee of Regions and the European Economic 
and Social Committee?

However, one of the greatest challenges facing the post-Brexit European Union will be the 
changes to the budget revenue and expenditure and the resulting direct and indirect impact 
on local and regional authorities . In spite of the uncertainty after Brexit the European Commit-
tee of the Regions has to make all efforts to maintain the excellent cooperation between the 
local and regional authorities of the UK and all the other 27 Member States .

10

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union6

Europe in  
my hometown

BY URMAS SUKLES, MEMBER OF 
THE ESTONIAN DELEGATION

Urmas Sukles graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at 
the University of Tartu and worked for 10 years as a doctor. In 
1993, he became active in politics and was elected mayor of Haapsalu. 
He has been re-elected five times. During that period Haapsalu has evolved from a provincial Soviet 
town to an internationally renowned resort town with two spas and a neurological rehabilitation cen-
tre providing high-level rehabilitation therapy. Haapsalu is also known for its music festivals.  
Urmas Sukles was elected member of the European Committee of the Regions in 2015 where 
his main areas of expertise are health tourism and migration policy.

The Estonian delegation is the one of the smallest at the European Committee of the Regions . 
However, I am pleased that even a small delegation can be active and visible at the Commit-
tee . One reason for that must be the fact that the Estonian delegation has actively involved 
the alternates in the work of the Committee and that, of the 16 opinions drafted by the mem-
bers of the Estonian delegation, eight (i .e . half) were drawn up by alternate members .

I have professional experience from the private sector and I think it is important that econom-
ic  growth,  entrepreneurship  and  competitiveness  are  factors  to  be  given  full  consideration 
when making decisions at local, national and EU level . I can use my expertise and experience 
from the private sector and that is why I wanted to become a member of the European Com-
mittee of the Regions . In 2016, I was a member of the CoR delegation to the COP22 world 
climate summit in Marrakech . Solar energy and energy saving were important topics at the 
conference and in this context I can say that my hometown Haapsalu, a resort town by the 
Baltic Sea, is entirely at the forefront of this field . We have installed solar panels on one day-care 
centre, the Haapsalu rehabilitation centre uses solar energy and with the support of the EU 
funds we now have energy-efficient LED-lighting in the town .

Although my town is not large the processes in the EU are well perceived on the ground . We 
have taken in war refugees from Syria and Iraq in Haapsalu . I must admit that this has not been 
easy, with most concerns relating to language barriers and language learning; however, these 
can be addressed . We don’t have major problems with refugees in our town; however, these 
can easily arise if people are not able to solve problems . In the short term we will focus on in-
forming and training nursery school teachers, on preparing foreign children for school and on 
making sure our primary schools are ready to welcome children who do not speak Estonian .

As may be expected, I will conclude by referring to digital issues . Alongside my desire to offer 
better digital services to citizens, I think that diversifying the learning environment and de-
ploying ICT in schools in my hometown is important . The intelligent use of ICT in teaching and 
learning and the organisation of learning increase the quality of education . The fact is that dig-
ital skills and competences, along with other skills, are important for coping in today’s society 
and they therefore have to be developed . Studies have shown that our students use digital 
devices primarily for communication via social media and for games . Through the school cur-
riculum children can be introduced to other areas of use . Today there are many professions 
where ICT skills are indispensable for completing tasks or creating new solutions and therefore 
digital literacy is of paramount importance . At the same time, digital skills need not always be 
taught separately but can be integrated into different subjects such as history, geography or 
mathematics . After all, it could be fun to organise a virtual tour to ancient Rome or Athens in a 
history or arts class, to discover historically significant sites and share them with others .

11

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union7

Members of the Estonian national delegation  of the European Committee of Regions

Full Members:

“Europe starts at home!”

Urmas Sukles
Mayor of Haapsalu
Head of the Estonian delegation
Member of the CIVEX commission
Political group: ALDE
Member of ARLEM
Interregional group: “Baltic Sea Regions”
Portfolio: tourism, neighbourhood policy and migration
https://www.facebook.com/urmas.sukles 

“The European Union today is 
not the same as it was yesterday, 
nor will it be tomorrow the 
same as it is today!”

Uno Silberg
Member of the Kose Rural Municipality Council
Head of the Estonian delegation
Member of the CIVEX commission
Interregional groups: “Baltic Sea Regions”, “Future of the 
automotive industry”, “Health”
Political group: EA, vice-president
Portfolio: EU finances
https://www.facebook.com/uno.silberg 

“The regional policy of the European 
Union has contributed immensely to the 
development of Estonia. Our progress 
depends on our ability to develop an 
economy which is based on digital 
solutions. For the fast implementation of 
best practices the cooperation between 
regions in Europe is very important.“of the 
key issues that need attention is the future 
and simplification of  Cohesion Policy.”

Kurmet Müürsepp
Member of the Antsla Rural Municipality Council
Member of the CoR Bureau, vice-president
Member of the CIVEX commission
Interregional group: “Baltic Sea Regions”
Political group: EPP
Portfolio: local and regional governance
kurmetster@gmail.com 

“The European Committee of Regions 
offers good opportunities for regions 
and local authorities to make their 
voice heard in the decision-making 
process on matters that are of 
importance for Europe and for putting 
their ideas into practice. This is an 
excellent opportunity for regional 
representatives and local leaders to 
cooperate and share their experiences.”

Mart Võrklaev
Mayor of Rae Municipality
Member of the SEDEC commission
Political group: ALDE
Portfolio: telecommunications, digital agenda
https://www.facebook.com/mart.vorklaev

“If Brexit becomes a reality many Estonians 
will probably experience once again what 
the difference is between a Europe with 
borders and a Europe without borders. 
But nothing can be done – we are used 
to constantly remembering history and 
making new efforts to erase divisions.”

Mihkel Juhkami
Mayor of Rakvere
Member of the CIVEX commission
Alternate member of the EU-The former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia Civil Society Joint Consultative Committee
Working Group Turkey – alternate member
Ambassador of the Covenant of Mayors
Interregional group: “Baltic Sea Regions” 
Political group: EPP
Portfolio: structural funds, urban policy
https://www.facebook.com/mihkel.juhkami

“The European Union is moving 
forward on the road which began 
60 years ago in Rome.”

Kalev Kallo
Chairman of Tallinn City Council
Member of the ECON commission
Ambassador of the Covenant of Mayors
Political group: ALDE
Portfolio: economic and monetary policy
kalev.kallo@tallinnlv.ee

12

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European UnionMembers of the Estonian national delegation  of the European Committee of Regions

Alternates:

“We should aim for a green and energy-saving 
economic model – we should not be limited to 
energy-saving programmes. There is a need to 
review the energy efficiency of production and 
buildings, to introduce green construction materials 
and smart technologies, and to reduce the cost of 
materials and the use of chemicals for industry.”

Andres Jaadla
Member of Rakvere City Council
Member of the ENVE commission
Alternate member of the EU-Montenegro Joint Consultative Committee 
Alternate member of the EU-The former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia Civil Society Joint Consultative Committee
Working Group Budget – alternate member
Ambassador of the Covenant of Mayors
Interregional groups: “Baltic Sea Regions”, “Less developed regions”
Political group: ALDE
Portfolio: environment, climate change, energy and space policy
https://twitter.com/andresjaadla 

“In challenging times such as 
these there is a greater need to 
listen to people on the ground. 
We need decision-makers 
who are actually able to think 
globally and act locally.”

Randel Länts
Member of Viljandi City Council
Member of the NAT commission
Interregional group: “Baltic Sea Regions”
Political group: PES
Portfolio: innovation and rural development
https://www.facebook.com/randel.lants

“By acting together, we will 
create a better Europe!”

“Europe needs to tackle 
climate change – to maintain 
life on our planet for future 
generations.”

Juri Gotmans
Mayor of Haanja Rural Municipality
Member of the ENVE commission
Political group: PES
Portfolio: European environmental policy, climate change 
programme
juri.gotmans@mail.ee

“Let’s make the voice of European local 
authorities heard in Europe! In the EU, 
decisions are taken which have implications 
for different regions and municipalities, 
including Estonia. 
Through the European Committee of the 
Regions I would like to have a say in European 
policy-making. As I have had extensive 
experience in Estonian local government, the 
European Committee of the Regions is for me 
an excellent forum in which to express the 
concerns and ideas of our local authorities 
directly at the heart of policy-making.”

Jan Trei
Deputy chairman of Viimsi Rural Municipality Council
Member of the SEDEC commission
Political group: EPP
Portfolio: youth and sports
https://www.facebook.com/jan.trei 

“It is known that the European 
Union’s strength lies in its 
cohesion and cooperation, but 
what is even more important is 
that no one is left behind.”

Rait Pihelgas
Mayor of Ambla Rural Municipality
Member of the NAT commission
Interregional group: “Baltic Sea Regions”
Political group: ALDE
Portfolio: environment and waste management
https://www.facebook.com/rait.pihlegas 

Georg Linkov
Member of Hiiu Rural Municipality Council
Member of the ECON commission
Political group: EPP
Portfolio: competition and the single market
https://www.facebook.com/georg.linkov

13

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

a
.
s
d

l
i

u
B
&
t
r
A
-

l
r
p
s
l
ë
o
N

l

u
a
P
r
e
i
l
e
t
A

:

e
r
u
t
c
e
t
i
h
c
r
a
d
x
u
a
e
r
u
B

’

8

Opinions of the European 
Committee of the 
Regions drafted by 
Estonian members

•  CdR 68/2007, ECOS-IV-015 opinion on the Community Strategy 2007-2012 

on health and safety at work, rapporteur: Uno Silberg  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%2068/2007 

•  CdR 22/2008 DEVE-IV-024 opinion on An Integrated Maritime Policy for the 

European Union, rapporteur: Saima Kalev  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%2022/2008  

•  CdR 84/2009, ECOS-IV-034 opinion on Establishing the European 

Globalisation Adjustment Fund, rapporteur: Uno Silberg  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%2084/2009 

•  CdR 146/2009 COTER-IV-026 opinion on A sustainable future for transport: 

towards an integrated, technology-led and user friendly system, 
rapporteur: Väino Hallikmägi  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%20146/2009 

•  CdR 20/2010, ECOS-V-003 opinion on The interconnection of business 

registers, rapporteur: Uno Silberg  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%2020/2010 

•  CdR 168/2010 CIVEX-V-008 opinion on The implementation of the Eastern 
Partnership initiative in Armenia and the development of cooperation 
between local and regional authorities in Armenia and the EU, rapporteur: 
Teet Kallasvee  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%20168/2010 

14

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  CdR 2012 ENVE-V-025 opinion on Priority substances in the field of water 

policy, rapporteur: Urve Erikson  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%201120/2012 

•  CdR 2013 COTER-V-037 opinion on Clean power for transport, rapporteur: 

Saima Kalev  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%2028/2013 

•  CdR 2013 ECOS-V-044 opinion on the Green Paper on the long-term 

financing of the European economy, rapporteur: Uno Silberg  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%203303/2013 

•  CdR 2014 ENVE-V/045 opinion on Multilevel governance in promoting the 
EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 and implementing the international Aichi 
Targets, rapporteur: Kadri Tillemann  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%208074/2013 

•  CDR 3219/2015 COTER-VI/006 opinion on The Draft EU Budget for 2016, 

rapporteur: Uno Silberg  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%203219/2015 

•  CDR 2799/2015 NAT-VI/004 opinion on Innovation and modernisation of 

the rural economy, rapporteur: Randel Länts  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%202799/2015 

•  CDR 5660/2015 ENVE-VI/008 opinion on EU environment law: improving 

reporting and compliance, rapporteur: Andres Jaadla  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%205660/2015 

•  CDR 5113/2016 SEDEC-VI/018 opinion on The review of the telecom 

package, rapporteur: Mart Võrklaev  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%205113/2016 

•  CDR 5780/2016 ENVE-VI/017 opinion on Legislative proposals for an Effort 
Sharing Regulation and a LULUCF Regulation, rapporteur: Juri Gotmans 
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%205780/2016 

•  CDR 93/2017 CIVEX-VI /018 opinion on the EU Enlargement Strategy 2016-

2017, rapporteur: Rait Pihelgas  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%2093/2017 

•  CDR 6726/2016 ENVE-VI/022 opinion on a Space Strategy for Europe, 

rapporteur: Andres Jaadla  
http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/opinions/Pages/opinion-factsheet.
aspx?OpinionNumber=CDR%206726/2016 

15

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union9

The Future 
is Digital

BY SIIM SIKKUT, GOVERNMENT CIO, 
MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND 
COMMUNICATIONS, REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA

siim.sikkut@mkm.ee 

The development of a digital society has been one of the key governmental policies 
in Estonia. The aim has been to improve the quality of life, create a favourable busi-
ness environment and increase the efficiency in the public sector. The key success 
factor has been enabling a technical and legal foundation: from digital ID and data 
exchange set-up to privacy safeguards and cyber defence. Estonia’s digital services 
are available in the entire world: anyone can apply to become an e-Resident. 

From July to December 2017 Estonia will steer the work of the European Union as 
the presiding country of the Council and digital topics will be a horizontal priority 
throughout the programme.

Whether young or elderly, an entrepreneur or a citizen, living in a city or in the countryside – 
everybody in Estonia can enjoy the benefits and comforts of a digital life . The World Bank’s 
World  Development  Report  of  2016  confirmed  that  Estonia  has  built  one  of  the  most  ad-
vanced digital societies and governments across the globe .

Digital technology has indeed become such a big part of everyday life that sometimes our 
country is called e-Estonia . When we park our car on the street, we pay via our mobile device . 
When we set up companies, we go online and can have a company up and legally function-
ing in 2-3 hours (the record time was 18 minutes) . Our medical prescriptions are digital, we do 
not have to go to a pharmacy with a paper slip in hand . Our doctors have access to electronic 
nation-wide medical records . We monitor how our child is doing at school via an app . What-
ever there is to sign, we sign it electronically with our digital ID – whether you are a citizen 
submitting an application to the government, an entrepreneur signing contracts or the Prime 
Minister sending a bill to the parliament . We declare our taxes online (96% of the population), 
we do our banking almost only online, and Estonia is the only country in the world to have 
online elections .

Estonian digital society is built on the principle that people own their personal data and that 
it can be exchanged only with their consent or a legally defined “need to know” . People can, 
in practice, trace any use of their data; even prohibit third parties from using their data, for 
example in their electronic health record. With such legal and practical privacy safeguards, the 
citizens themselves are the “big brother” and thus trust the government more with their data . 

The people also need to be sure that the systems are always up and running when needed; 
that data does not get lost, stolen or tampered with . This is why Estonia has worked hard to 
create a world-class competence and set-up in cybersecurity, battle-tested also in the world’s 
first cyber-attack against a nation-state in 2007 – which we successfully defended against . Today 
Estonia is home to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and the European 
Union’s Agency for Large Scale IT-systems in an internal security area . In close partnership with 
these as well as other international allies we strive to make digital life secure every day . Cyberse-
curity has become a critical function for us as we rely on digital technology to such a high extent . 

Estonia’s EU presidency will have a highly digital agenda

From July to December 2017 Estonia will have the honour and duty to steer the work of the 
European Union as the presiding country for the Council of the EU . Given our strong belief as 

16

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Unionwell as practical beneficial experience from digital development, the digital topics will natural-
ly be a priority for our presidency .

At the core of Estonia’s digital agenda for Europe, will be making progress on the Digital Single 
Market (DSM), removing any obstacles and advancing the enablers for a unified market . Esto-
nia will do its best to help the Council meet deadlines on concluding negotiations on all files in 
the DSM strategy, including the various files on e-commerce, the Electronic Communications 
Code, e-Privacy, and more . 

Beyond the work with legal files, Estonia is treating the digital agenda as a horizontal priori-
ty, bringing that angle to all Council formations and policy discussions during our 6 months 
of presidency . In late September, Estonia will host a Digital Summit with the participation of 
the EU heads of state and government to discuss the long-term vision for a Digital Europe . 
Altogether, more than 50 different events will take place in Estonia to debate and agree on 
practical steps to take in order to make DSM work and to chart the road ahead, in various fields 
ranging from e-taxation, e-Justice, e-health to Industry 4 .0 and more .

In particular, the free movement of data will be one of the central themes throughout the 
various discussions . Estonia does consider it as the fifth freedom of the EU, as data has become 
so crucial for the Single Market to function efficiently . The more business is digital, the more 
freeing up the data flows is necessary in order to avoid barriers to the effective movement of 
people, capital, goods and services – the underlying four freedoms of the EU .

Free movement of data is the fifth freedom of EU

There already exists a general data protection regulation for the EU, which ensures the port-
ability of personal data . Today, we need to find a way to close regulatory gaps on the port-
ability of non-personal data, including ownership of data and also to remove all unjustified 
localisation barriers . In early October this year, Estonia will hold a high-level conference and 
a ministerial meeting about the future of e-Governance at the EU level, preparing also for a 
ministerial declaration in this area . This will be closely related to the free movement of data, as 
connecting government data for cross-border use can reduce bureaucracy for both citizens 
and companies when they move into our Single Market .

Basically, in Estonia we believe that a digital government should not stop at national borders 
– especially not in the Single Market . In fact, we envision that there could be a possibility for 
a once-only principle on EU level . Wherever you go in Europe to work or to live, you would 
have a right to decline to resubmit data in order to get the benefit of a public service if some 
other government agency in Europe already holds it . Instead, you could demand that govern-
ments share and reuse the data existing in another governments’ database about you . On a 
practical level this means that we need to connect our administrations digitally, like we have 
done domestically . The proposed regulation on a Single Digital Gateway is an important step 
in making this vision of a pan-European once-only principle a reality .

Estonia  has  already  started  connecting  the  administrations  with  our  neighbouring  country 
Finland .  Finland  is  using  the  Estonian  X-Road  as  their  data  exchange  platform  and  we  are 
linking up our national databases one by one for data exchange . So if an entrepreneur from 
Estonia goes to Finland, soon they would not have to carry official papers stating that they can 
legally represent their company and have no tax debt at home . The relevant authorities can 
get all this information instantly and automatically from the other government’s databases . 
This way we reduce the barriers to movement and increase the digital business between our 
two countries . 

The outcome would be a stronger Single Market, more growth and a stronger Europe overall . 
Estonia is glad to have a chance to bring our 20 years of national digital experience to the table 
as the Presidency of the Council of the EU this year to move in this direction .

Siim Sikkut is the Government CIO of Estonia, also titled as Deputy Secretary General for IT and 
Telecom in Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. His role is to set the strategy and 
policies, to launch and steer strategic initiatives for development of digital government and 
society in Estonia. Siim is one of the founders of Estonia’s e-Residency programme.

17

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union1

0

The importance 
of digital 
services at 
local level

BY MART VÕRKLAEV, MEMBER  
OF THE ESTONIAN NATIONAL DELEGATION

Just like the country at large, the local level also needs to go hand in hand with e-solutions, in 
order to ensure transparent governance and convenient services for citizens . 

In Rae rural municipality, which is one of the most rapidly growing and most successful mu-
nicipalities in Estonia, we have taken huge steps in the development of e-services . As early as 
2008,  we  launched  the  development  of  our  Geographical  Information  System,  which  aims 
to bring planning processes online as far as possible, thereby making it possible to speed up 
procedures . However, it is also important to conduct the planning procedures publicly, involve 
citizens and give every citizen the opportunity to know what they can do with their real estate 
and what is being planned in this area . Today a version developed on the basis of our system 
is being used by more than a half of Estonian municipalities, and tools for waste collection, 
advertising, roads and other card data have been added . 

Our second important aim has been to bring as much of the communication between citi-
zens and municipalities as possible online, where the applications can be submitted using an 
ID-card after logging on to the respective environment and where all known data about the 
person have been pre-completed . This environment also serves as a channel of communica-
tion between citizens and municipalities . 

The availability of high-speed connectivity is also important for local inhabitants . To this end, 
in cooperation with other municipalities we launched the Digimaa project which covers the 
whole Harjumaa region . Our aim is to provide superfast internet access to all households and 
solve the “last mile” problem . 

Rae municipal council and municipality government meetings are conducted in an e-environ-
ment without any printed documents . All documents ranging from applications of citizens to 
final versions of legal acts are being transferred online and when decisions are taken at the 
meetings this also happens online . Citizens are able to follow the decisions being taken at mu-
nicipality council meetings online in real time . These solutions have reduced the consumption 
of paper and increased citizen satisfaction . 

In our municipality we place value on providing good connectivity and convenient and swift 
communication with the municipality for citizens, which the introduction and development 
of eservices will facilitate .

Mart Võrklaev 
Mayor of Rae Municipality 
mart .vorklaev@rae .ee 
Phone +3725132166 
Member of the CoR  
Member of the SEDEC commission and rapporteur for the opinion on The review of the tele-
com package

18

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union1

1

The European 
Union’s climate 
and energy 
objectives 
under 
the Estonian 
Presidency – inclusive 
and sustainable Europe

BY ANDRES JAADLA, MEMBER OF THE ESTONIAN NATIONAL DELEGATION

A priority for Estonia is to contribute to the European Union’s climate and energy objectives, in coop-
eration with all EU Member States and all levels of government, and to inspire civil society .

The European Union has set a number of objectives in the field of climate and energy . Among other 
things, the Estonian cities and regions will focus on these objectives at the meeting and conference 
of the Commission for Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE) of the European Committee 
of the Regions, which was held in Tallinn on 3 and 4 July .

The European Union’s climate and energy policy choices must take into account the objective of 
improving the economic competitiveness of the EU in relation to other regions of the world, reducing 
negative environmental impacts and improving the state of the environment . As the European Union 
is the largest energy importer in the world, it is important to emphasise the EU’s objectives to make 
energy savings by 2030 and increase the share of renewables at the same time . Achieving these ob-
jectives would considerably reduce Europe’s energy imports and increase its energy independence . 
One of the priorities in improving efficiency has to be the renovation of buildings, while at the same 
time constructing new energy-efficient housing . The potential for energy savings is greatest for those 

19

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European UnionEU countries that rely most heavily on imports of oil and gas . Investing in the EU’s energy efficiency 
up to 2030 would enable the EU to substantially cut European energy imports, thereby improving 
the EU’s energy security as well as the development of more efficient, safer and more economical 
technologies . When developing policy at all levels of the EU and the Member States we must take into 
account the need to maintain/ensure reasonable energy costs for end-users, which can be achieved 
mostly through energy efficiency . Energy efficiency would allow consumers and EU Member States 
to save more than EUR 200 billion every year until 2030 .

The EU’s 2020 and 2030 climate and energy frameworks provide for the increased introduction 
of  renewable  energy  sources .  The  EU’s  energy  independence  and  security  of  supply  could 
be strengthened by exploiting all renewable local energy resources, further developing the 
single energy market, for example, via small-scale production by consumers themselves, new 
interconnections, energy storage and smart networks, and by requiring all Member States to 
introduce favourable legislation to this end .

As demonstrated recently by a number of extreme climate events, it is the local and regional 
authorities that are suffering the direct consequences of climate change and that pay the price 
of future repercussions . Climate and energy issues must be seen as a key basis for developing 
cities and regions, in order to ensure the good state of the natural environment and the sus-
tainable use of natural resources . 

A good example of the European initiative is the European Green Capital movement which 
was launched on 15 May 2006, aimed at large cities, and its younger sister European Green Leaf 
– aimed at smaller local authorities . The title European Green Capital aims to recognise cities 
that have considerably improved their living environment and implemented the principles of 
sustainable development, which have a lasting impact on the urban environment . Tallinn, the 
capital of Estonia, was behind this idea and is now competing in a fierce competition for the 
European Green Capital title 2019, having made it through to the five finalists .  

It is essential to continue to develop a more resource-efficient, greener and hence more compet-
itive economic system, to involve more cities and regions and local decision-makers through the 
Covenant of Mayors network and to create greater coherence between the objectives of envi-
ronmental protection and other areas . Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced, particularly 
in the sectors where such measures are as cost-effective as possible . It is important to continue 
activities aimed at creating an energy- and resource-efficient economy, especially at local level .

An inclusive and sustainable Europe cares about and contributes to a cleaner environment 
and also supports the creation of a level playing-field in the development of skills, work and 
access to services .

Andres Jaadla 
Member of the CoR Commission for Environment, Climate Change and Energy 
Member of Rakvere City Council

20

The European Committee of the Regions and  
the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

1

2

The merger of two Estonian 
associations of municipalities

TAAVI AAS, CHAIRMAN OF THE 
ASSOCIATION OF ESTONIAN CITIES

Since 2005, Taavi Aas has been a member of the 
Tallinn Municipal Government and over the past 
two years he has been acting mayor of Tallinn. 
His main areas of expertise are finance, urban 
planning and transport. In 2010, he was elected 
chairman of the board of the Association of Estonian 
Cities (AEC) for the first time and he has held this posi-
tion ever since. 

a
n
i
k
a
M
a
g
O
©

l

To date, there have been two national associations of municipalities in Estonia, one for the 
cities (the Association of Estonian Cities) and one for the rural municipalities (the Association 
of Municipalities of Estonia) . The state reform process, with the administrative division reform 
as one of its main elements, was launched by the previous government . The current govern-
ment is actively committed to finalising this process . This will reduce the number of munic-
ipalities in Estonia, and it would make sense to have one association of municipalities in the 
future . In spring, during the Day of Cities and Municipalities, which is the main joint event of 
both associations, the representatives of the associations informed the public of this idea .

The Association of Estonian Cities is committed to protecting and representing its members’ 
interests at both national and international level . The activities of the Association of Estonian 
Cities cover the whole organisation of local municipalities, ranging from budgets to external 
relations . Cooperation with the Association of Municipalities has been ongoing for years, an 
excellent example of this cooperation being the common representative of both associations 
in Brussels . The Association of Cities exercises its EU policy mainly through the European Com-
mittee of the Regions, which ensures the representation of local and regional authorities in 
the European Union . 

21

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 
 
KURMET MÜÜRSEPP, CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION 
OF ESTONIAN MUNICIPALITIES

Kurmet Müürsepp has worked for local municipalities since 1991. 
He was mayor of Antsla and mayor of Urvaste rural municipality. 
Since 2014, he has been chairman of the Association of Rural Mu-
nicipalities of Estonia (EMOL) 

The interests of the EMOL members are represented in Europe via 
direct  contact  between  the  representation  in  Brussels  and  the  EU 
institutions . As a member of the European Committee of the Regions I 
place the utmost importance on elected representatives of local author-
ities participating in the work of the Committee, which makes it possible to 
obtain direct information about EU policies and the legislation shaping them . An important 
aspect of this work involves taking into account information from the municipalities of the 
Member States when drafting opinions and relaying information from the EU to the munic-
ipalities . The establishment and maintenance of cooperation networks with a view to con-
tributing to the design of the European Union’s legislative process cannot be underestimated 
either . 

Estonia has found very good solutions in the field of ICT, which have contributed to economic 
development and people’s well-being at the local level . Together with the Association of Es-
tonian Cities the EMOL has set up a national ICT centre of excellence for municipalities . It has 
drawn up the ICT strategy for municipalities and an action plan for implementing it over three 
years (2016-2018) . The strategy and the action plan have been coordinated with the Ministry 
of Economy and Communication and with the Ministry of Financial Affairs, which support the 
implementation of the action plan financially . The aim over the coming years will be to sup-
port the increased use of e-services by municipalities . This will be done through administra-
tive reform, as well as by developing IT infrastructure that is compatible with the new require-
ments and by increasing ICT know-how among the staff of the municipalities . In Estonia it is 
important to introduce more widely the software solution allowing for the involvement of the 
local population in municipal decision-making processes VOLIS, the information and services 
portal KVOTP, the spatial planning information system RPIS and the procedural environment 
of local authorities KOVMEN, and to focus on developing these information systems . We in 
the  Estonian  municipalities  definitely  want  to  introduce  e-forms  with  a  similar  logic  which 
automatically request all the necessary data from the registers in order to enable citizens to 
communicate with the municipality in a quick, easy and paper-free manner . 

The Estonian e-solutions are based on a data exchange layer known as X-Road . The e-services 
of the municipalities are also based on this environment . The latest version of X-Road sets very 
high security requirements for these e-systems . The centre of excellence in cooperation with 
the Information System Authority has developed solutions to provide municipalities with the 
appropriate technical set-up for the municipalities and to develop services’ external environ-
ments by significantly reducing the cost burden for the authorities . 

In cooperation with the e-Governance Academy the centre of excellence has launched study 
and analysis projects in order to explore the export potential of Estonian local government 
e-services . For example, VOLIS is now being introduced in Sweden, the Netherlands and Geor-
gia . We hope that through these cooperation projects we will be able to export the experi-
ence of the Estonian municipalities in the field of e-services to other countries and thereby 
help spread e-services further . 

The  centre  of  excellence  is  of  course  also  involved  in  solving  the  “last  mile”  problem .  Our 
wish is to find the best solutions to bring high-speed internet access to rural areas, in order to 
connect local agencies, companies and citizens via a fibre optic network, enabling fast and 
modern e-services and improving quality of life for people in rural areas . 

22

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union1

3

Calendar

k
r
a
M
n
i
t
r
a
M
©

Date

Event

Place

3-4/07

CoR ENVE commission meeting and conference on “Clean energy policies for the greening 
of towns, cities and regions: the Energy Union and local/regional sustainable development”

Tallinn

CoR Plenary session

12-13/07

(Presentation of the Estonian EU Presidency priorities)

Brussels

1/09

CoR Bureau meeting in Tallinn and a debate on “Local and regional authorities: Key drivers for 
public sector innovation through digital solutions”

Tallinn

CoR-EC European Week of Regions and Cities

9-12/10

(2017 edition under the headline “Regions and Cities working for a better future”)

9-10/11

8th EuroPCom

9-10/11 Digital Transport Conference

Brussels

Brussels

Tallinn

23

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 
 
1

4

Contacts

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

Rue Belliard / Belliardstraat 99-101
B – 1040 Brussels
Belgium
www.cor.europa.eu

PERMANENT REPRESENTATION OF ESTONIA TO THE EU

Rue Guimard 11/13,
B - 1040, Brussels
Belgium
http://www.eu.estemb.be/eng/permanent_representation

ASSOCIATION OF ESTONIAN CITIES

Ahtri 8
Tallinn 10151
Estonia
www.ell.ee 

ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ESTONIA

Sirge 2
Tallinn 10618
Estonia
www.emovl.ee

REPRESENTATION OFFICE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF ESTONIAN CITIES AND 
THE ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ESTONIA IN BRUSSELS 

Square de Meeus 1
B-1000, Brussels
Belgium
Email: brussel@ell.ee 

24

The European Committee of the Regions and  the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European UnionEUROPEAN COMMISSION REPRESENTATION IN ESTONIA

Rävala 4
10143 Tallinn
https://ec.europa.eu/estonia/home_et 

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT INFORMATION OFFICE IN ESTONIA 

Rävala 4
10143 Tallinn
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/estonia

k
r
a
M
n
i
t
r
a
M

:
f
a
a
r
g
o
t
o
F

.
s
u
r
o
u
k
i
b
ö
Ö

,
s
a

l
l

a
v
e
g
u
õ
R
n
r
o
t
e
t
a
a
v
u
u
p
a
s
e
P

l

o
t
o
F
©

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The European Committee of the Regionsand the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European UnionCdR_3210/09-2017/ENEdited by the Directorate for Communication of the European Committee of the RegionsSeptember 2017Created in 1994 following the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, the European Committee of the Regions is the EU’s assembly of 350 regional and local representatives from all 28 Member States, representing over 507 million Europeans. Its mission is to involve regional and local authorities and the communities they represent in the EU’s decision-making process and to inform them about EU policies. The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council are obliged to consult the Committee in policy areas aﬀecting regions and cities. It can appeal to the Court of Justice of the European Union if its rights are infringed or it believes that EU law infringes the subsidiarity principle or fails to respect regional or local powers.Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 101   |   1040 Bruxelles/Brussel   |   BELGIQUE/BELGIË   |   Tel. +32 22822211www.cor.europa.eu   |         @EU_CoR   |         /european.committee.of.the.regions   |         /european-committee-of-the-regions