On May 1, 2004, ten&nbsp;new member states joined the European Union, marking the&nbsp;largest enlargement in terms of people and number of countries in the EU's history. Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the Union, growing from 15 to 25 members.

The European Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of these ten nations joining the European Union&nbsp;and engaging in the EP's democratic process to defend the interests of European citizens.

20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement of the European Union

The Republic of Estonia obtained it's independence in 1991 and entered the EU on the 1st May 2004

After the signature of a European agreement and the filing of an application in 1995, the accession negotiations began in March 1998. Reforms have been undertaken during all the accession process to improve the national economic performance. The entry of Estonia in the EU was approved by referendum by a large majority on 14th September 2003.

Estonia has 6 MEPs, is represented by 4 voices to the Council and it adopted the Euro on the 1st January 2011. On 15 November 2007, the application of the Schengen acquis to Estonia is approved in plenary session.

EU - Estonia (8th parliamentary term)

From July to December 2017, Estonia holds the Presidency of the EU Council for the first time, following the Maltese and preceding the Bulgarian Presidency.

The&nbsp; Presidency of the Council rotates among the EU Member States every 6 months. During the 6-month period, the presidency chairs meeting at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's&nbsp; work in the Council.

Estonian Presidency

The Republic of Estonia obtained its independence in 1991 and became an EU member country&nbsp;on 1 May 2004. The entry of Estonia to&nbsp;the EU was approved by referendum by a large majority on 14 September 2003.

Estonia is a parliamentary republic. Its head of government - the prime minister - is nominated by the president and approved by the parliament. He or she is in charge of the executive power vested in government.

The head of state - the president - is elected by Parliament or electoral college for 5 years. The Parliament has 101 members, elected every 4 years. The country is divided into 15 counties and 79 municipalities.

Estonia has 7 MEPs. It&nbsp;adopted the Euro on the 1st January 2011 and became member of Schengen area on 21 December 2007.

EU - Estonia

Jüri RATAS, Estonian Prime Minister, is the tenth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the EC, on Wednesday morning.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things:

<ul>
	<li>turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees,</li>
	<li>appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and</li>
	<li>creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.</li>
</ul>

Debate on the Future of Europe with Jüri RATAS, Estonian Prime Minister

This storybook is about a little girl, Anna, who is starting school in a new country and learning the local language through immersion. The audiobook and e-book versions are available in the 24 EU official languages. While the target audience is 3-6 year olds, this storybook could also be useful for older children learning to read, whether in their first EU language or in another one.

<a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/anna-learns-new-language-all-versions_15508_pk">See the other language versions</a>

Anna learns a new language (Estonian version)

Following continued revelations in the last 5 years (Luxleaks, the Panama Papers, Football leaks and the Paradise Papers), the European Parliament decided to establish a Special Committee on Financial Crimes, Tax Evasion and Tax Avoidance (TAX3), on 1 March 2018.

The work of the TAX3 Committee built on the work of its predecessors (the TAXE, TAX2 and PANA Committees) and investigated new issues, such as digital taxation, national citizenship programs and VAT fraud.
In the course of its mandate, the TAX3 Committee met 34 times and organized 4 fact-finding missions to Washington, Latvia, the Isle of Man, Estonia and Denmark. Hundreds of experts were heard, including Commissioners, Ministers, prosecutors, investigative journalists, anti-money laundering and tax experts, accountants, bankers and NGO representatives before submitting a final report with its recommendations, including a detailed roadmap towards fairer and more effective taxation, and tackling financial crimes.

#EUelections2019 - Special Committees TAX3 and PANA

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas and they jointly speak to the press. She then meets the President of the Parliament of Estonia, Lauri Hussar and delivers a keynote speech at the Parliament. She also meets the President of Estonia, Alar Karis and participates in a Town Hall discussion with young people.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Estonia

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia -  Town Hall Discussion with young Estonians

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia -  Meeting with Alar KARIS, President of the Estonian Republic

Proposals for Union acts

Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel, the need for de-escalation and an EU response (debate)

Resumption of the sitting

Formal sitting – 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement

Voting time

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

The attack on climate and nature: far right and conservative attempts to destroy the Green Deal and prevent investment in our future (topical debate)

Amending Directive 2013/36/EU as regards supervisory powers, sanctions, third-country branches, and environmental, social and governance risks - Amending Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 as regards requirements for credit risk, credit valuation adjustment risk, operational risk, market risk and the output floor (joint debate - Banking Union)

The sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive - Anti-Money Laundering Regulation - Establishing the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (joint debate - Anti-money laundering)

The European Parliament's right of inquiry (debate)

Voting time (continuation)

La Hulpe declaration on the future of social Europe (debate)

Forging a sustainable future together: economic, social and territorial challenges for a competitive, cohesive and inclusive Europe (debate)

Recent attempts to deny dictatorships and the risk of Europe returning to totalitarianism (debate)

Azerbaijan, notably the repression of civil society and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev

The proposed repeal of the law banning female genital mutilation in The Gambia

The new security law in Hong Kong and the cases of Andy Li and Joseph John

The anti-LGBTIQ bill passed by the Ghanaian parliament with implications for human rights, freedom of expression and democratic principles (debate)

Advance passenger information: enhancing and facilitating external border controls - Advance passenger information: prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime (joint debate - Advance passenger information)

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting

20240424-0900-PLENARY

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Official visit to Tallinn (Estonia) - Roberta METSOLA, EP President addresses the Riigikogu, Estonian Parliament

Official visit to Tallinn (Estonia) - Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Kaja KALLAS, Estonian Prime Minister

Joint Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Kaja KALLAS, Estonian Prime Minister

Establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe's semiconductor ecosystem (Chips Act)

IMCO Mission to Helsinki, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia, 20 - 22 February 2023

Working group on the implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA)* Reporting back to committee by Christel Schaldemose (S&D), Chair of the Working group

Safety of users on big platforms* Exchange of views

Right to repair: presentation by the Commission of the legislative proposal* Exchange of views with Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice

Structured dialogue with Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age

Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection

IMCO

Expression of position of the citizen component

Closing of the Conference Plenary meeting

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary

Stronger economy, social justice and jobs

Climate change and the environment

EU in the world

Digital transformation

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary  (with Metadata)

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary - Stronger economy, social justice and jobs

Opening by the Co-Chairs and agenda as proposed by the Executive Board

Health

European democracy

Migration

Values and rights, rule of law and security

Youth, Education and Sport

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary (with Metadata)

Panel 4: EU in the World - Migration (reports from two Working Groups)

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary V : Panel 4, EU in the World, Migration

Panel 2: European Democracy - Values and Rights, Rule of Law and Security (reports from two Working Groups)

Panel 3: Climate Change and the Environment - Health (reports from two Working Groups)

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary II - III - IV - V : Panel 1-2-3-4  ( with Metadata )

Presentation of National Events

Intervention by invited Stakeholders

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary I : Opening, Agenda, Interactive presentations of National Events and stakeholders interventions

Migration - Presentation of the Recommendations by European Citizens’ Panel 4 and related National Panels

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary 5: Migration

Digital transformation - Presentation of the Recommendations by European Citizens’ Panel 1 and related National Panels

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary 4: Digital transformation

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Kaja KALLAS, Estonian Prime Minister

Opening of the sitting

Negotiations ahead of Parliament's first reading (Rule 71) (action taken)

European Semester for economic policy coordination: annual sustainable growth survey 2022 - European Semester for economic policy coordination: employment and social aspects in the annual sustainable growth strategy 2022 (debate)

Debate with the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas - The EU's role in a changing world and the security situation of Europe following the Russian aggression and invasion of Ukraine (debate)

First voting session

Debate with the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas - The EU's role in a changing world and the security situation of Europe following the Russian aggression and invasion of Ukraine (continuation of debate)

Batteries and waste batteries (debate)

General Union Environment Action Programme to 2030

A new EU strategic framework on health and safety at work post 2020 (debate)

Announcement of voting results: see Minutes

A new EU strategic framework on health and safety at work post 2020 (continuation of debate)

Fair and simple taxation supporting the recovery strategy (debate)

Second voting session

Fair and simple taxation supporting the recovery strategy (continuation of debate)

European Withholding Tax framewor (debate)

Composition of committees and delegations

EU Citizenship Report 2020 (debate)

Agenda for next sitting: see Minutes

Opening and agenda as proposed by the Executive Board

Climate change and the environment – Presentation of the recommendations by the European and national citizens’ panels

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary 3: Climat Change &  Environement - Presentation of the recommendations by the European and National Citizens' Panels followed by a debate

European democracy – Presentation of the recommendations by the European and national citizens’ panels

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary 2: European Democracy - Presentation of the recommendations by the European and National Citizens' Panels followed by a debate

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia -  Speech in the Session Hall of the Riigikogu

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Meeting with Lauri  HUSSAR, President of the Riigikogu

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Meeting with Kaja KALLAS, Estonian Prime Minister

LUX European Audience Film Award 2024 - Estonian MEPs meet with Anna HINTS, Film Director of Smoke Sauna Sisterhood

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Kaja KALLAS, Estonian Prime Minister - Press Point

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Kaja KALLAS, Estonian Prime Minister

2nd European Political Community Summit in Chisinau, Moldova - Meeting with with Kaja KALLAS, Estonian Prime Minister

Address at the seminar of Estonian ambassador by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia 
- Conference ‘Too Old to Rock’n Roll, Too Young to Die? The OSCE at 50’

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia 
- Meeting with Alar KARIS, Estonian President

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia 
- Meeting with Kaja KALLAS, Estonian Prime Minister

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia 
- Visit of the e-Estonia Hub

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia 
- Meeting with EPLO Staff

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia 
- Visit of a school with a discussion with students

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia 
- Meeting with Jüri RATAS, Speaker of the Estonian Parliament

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and by Kaja KALLAS, Estonian Prime Minister

Lisbeth is a physiotherapy student, born in May 2004, from Tartu, Estonia. Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement. Young people, born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new member states, testimony on their feelings about this historical event and the EU. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Born European - 20th anniversary of the 2004 Enlargement of the European Union – Estonia

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement, the EP buildings in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg are illuminated.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: illuminations of the EP buildings in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg

&lt;p>Euroopa Liidus võib demokraatia tunduda iseenesestmõistetav. Kuid see ei ole alati nii olnud. Mitte kuigi ammu ei olnud miljonitel eurooplastel õigust hääletada ega vabalt arvamust avaldada.&lt;/p>

Anna oma hääl – European elections 2024 video – Estonian (International Sign) 16:9

&lt;p>Euroopa Liidus võib demokraatia tunduda iseenesestmõistetav. Kuid see ei ole alati nii olnud. Mitte kuigi ammu ei olnud miljonitel eurooplastel õigust hääletada ega vabalt arvamust avaldada. Ainuüksi teistest erinemine, teisiti mõtlemine või teistsugune eluviis võis nende elu ohtu seada. Demokraatia on väärt kingitus, mille on meile pärandanud eelnevad põlvkonnad. Nemad püüdlesid demokraatia poole ja võitlesid selle eest. Nüüd on meie ülesanne demokraatiat hoida, tugevdada ja see järgmistele põlvkondadele edasi anda. Selleks on vaja minna valima, sest mida rohkem inimesi valimistel osaleb, seda tugevam on demokraatia. 6.–9. juunil 2024 anna oma hääl või sinu eest otsustavad teised.&lt;/p>&lt;p>© ANDCO A/S, 2024. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Parliament under conditions. Use or reproduction is prohibited without prior explicit permission from the respective right holders.&lt;/p>

Anna oma hääl – European elections 2024 video – Estonian (subtitled) 4:5

Anna oma hääl – European elections 2024 video – Estonian (subtitled) 16:9

Anna oma hääl – European elections 2024 video – Estonian (audiodescription) 16:9

Anna oma hääl – European elections 2024 video – Estonian (audiodescription) 4:5

Anna oma hääl – European elections 2024 video – Estonian (dubbed) 16:9

Anna oma hääl – European elections 2024 video – Estonian (dubbed) 4:5

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new Member States, who are invited to attend the sitting. Four young guests ask questions to Leszek MILLER, former Prime Minister of Poland, Anton ROP, former Prime Minister of Slovenia, Mikuláš DZURINDA, Former Prime Minister of Slovakia and Christina OJULAND, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Guests ask questions to Leszek MILLER, former Polish PM, Anton ROP, former Slovenian PM, Mikuláš DZURINDA, Slovak Former PM and Christina OJULAND, former Estonian Minister

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participates in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new member states, who are invited to attend the sitting.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: extracts from the ceremony

Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement. Young people, born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new member states, testimony on their feelings about this historical event and the EU.

Clip: Born European - 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement

How does Europe affect our everyday lives? How does it impact on our jobs, our families, our health care, our journeys and our consumer choices? And how is Europe present in our towns, cities and regions? As European citizens, no matter where we live, how we make our living, or how we spend our time, the EU has an impact on our daily lives. The website 'What Europe does for me' presents a wide range of short, easy-to-read texts drawn up by the European Parliamentary Research Service, focusing on what the European Union does and the impact it has on us all. It explores EU actions from the individual’s point of view, with many examples of projects and support.

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - Estonian (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting women in the workplace - Estonian (subtitles)

Global challenges – including climate change, geopolitical conflict, erosion of democratic principles and social inequalities – affect people's daily lives and future prospects.A collective European response over the next 10 years could help to address these challenges – and offer benefits worth up to €3 trillion a year. This represents around 18 % of EU gross domestic product (GDP), equivalent to €6 700 per citizen per year. Referring to the European Parliament's work during the 2019-2024 term, our research has identified action in 10 policy areas that could unleash Europe's potential – without the need for Treaty change.

EPRS - Mapping the cost of non-Europe: Ten ways that Europe could do more for you - Estonian (subtitles)

Bridging the digital divide, investing in research and innovation… Across the EU people from all walks of life are taking part in the digital transition.  

Heigo and his MindChip team in Estonia are developing autonomous ships and AI ‘captains’ with Tallinn and Tartu universities to help gather marine data. Zagorka volunteers at Simbioza, a company bridging the digital divide in Slovenia, teaching old and young to use digital tools.  

The European Parliament is making sure everyone benefits from the digital transition in the EU, investing in projects ranging from robotic research to digitising schools, bringing tools and knowledge to everyone. Programmes like the European Regional Development Fund, Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+ invest in innovation and bringing regions forward, together.

Benefits of the EU’s digital transition: meet Heigo and Zagorka - VT

Benefits of the EU’s digital transition: meet Heigo and Zagorka - INTER

This infoclip shows the construction works for the new tram line in Tallinn (Estonia) running along a stretch of about 2.5 kilometers, starting at the intersection of Kivisilla and Gonsiori Streets and extending to Põhja Puiestee. The aim of the works is to improve the comfort of public transport, connecting Tallinn's main transport hubs and making transfers as easy as possible. The Vanasadama tram line construction works, including VAT and owner’s supervision, cost about €46 million, with €36.5 million from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).

Infoclip: Construction of the Old City Harbour tram line - Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) – Tallinn (Estonia)

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Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Town Hall Discussion with young Estonians

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Town Hall Discussion with young Estonians

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Town Hall Discussion with young Estonians

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Town Hall Discussion with young Estonians

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Town Hall Discussion with young Estonians

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Town Hall Discussion with young Estonians

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Town Hall Discussion with young Estonians

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Town Hall Discussion with young Estonians

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Town Hall Discussion with young Estonians

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Town Hall Discussion with young Estonians

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Town Hall Discussion with young Estonians

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Town Hall Discussion with young Estonians

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Town Hall Discussion with young Estonians

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Meeting with Alar KARIS, President of the Estonian Republic

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Meeting with Alar KARIS, President of the Estonian Republic

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Meeting with Alar KARIS, President of the Estonian Republic

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Meeting with Alar KARIS, President of the Estonian Republic

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Tallinn, Estonia - Meeting with Alar KARIS, President of the Estonian Republic