Estonia's European Union Policy

143.    Due to crises and challenges of recent years, there is a more urgent need for the European Union to have and implement common priorities. This is why, for the EU budget period starting in 2028, the long-term budget must increase in size and contribute significantly more to EU public goods, in particular to comprehensive defence, strengthening external borders, and the development of cross-border connections, as well as ensure support for Ukraine and take into account EU enlargement. 

144.    Cohesion policy must continue to support the socio-economic convergence of countries and regions. As countries’ wealth increases, subsidies should not fall sharply compared to the previous period. More favourable treatment in the use of EU budget support should be foreseen for the border regions of eastern EU to mitigate the impact of disruptions to cross-border trade flows and security constraints on local economies and infrastructure development, and to strengthen the resilience of communities.

145.    The Common Agricultural Policy must continue to harmonise the level of direct payments between Member States to achieve equal terms of competition. 

146.    Possible new sources of revenue for the budget must have added value compared to the current system, i.e. not merely redistribute contributions from national budgets. Neither should the new own resources place a disproportionate burden on less prosperous Member States.