President Lennart Meri received Ambassador John Kjaer, who is assuming the post of the Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Estonia, in Kadriorg today. John Kjaer presented to the President his credentials from Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission.

The Ambassador emphasised that he was glad to serve Estonia, a country that is so successful in accession to the EU. The Ambassador confirmed that the Commission's principle – that every applicant's individual accomplishments and readiness must be considered in the accession process – has remained the same.

The representative of the European Commission reiterated that for the Commission, the enlargement of the EU is of paramount importance. On the meeting with President Meri, also the public opinion was discussed, and the Ambassador confirmed that the Enlargement Commissioner of the European Commission Günther Verheugen is worried about the scarce support to the EU enlargement both in candidate countries and in EU member countries. As President Lennart Meri said, it is possible to justify the need to accede to the European Union in Estonia, as the Estonians know what it means to have Europe cut in two by the iron curtain.

Ambassador Kjaer added that he and the entire Delegation of the European Commission would all make considerable efforts to explain the positive sides of EU accession to the Estonian population.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, September 28, 2000

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