26/05/2003: Pro Patria Union Annual Congress Discusses Estonia’s Future; Elects New Board Pro Patria Union, the associate member of the EPP, held its regular party congress in Tallinn Saturday, May 24. The main topics on the agenda were Estonia and the European Union, strategies for improving rural life through diversification of opportunities and support for family farms, and the need to accelerate Estonia’s transition to an economy based more upon innovation, research and development. Tunne Kelam, Party Chairman, addressed these and other topics in his keynote speech. From the beginning Pro Patria Union has led the way in setting and achieving Estonia’s two basic foreign policy goals – joining the EU and NATO. It is important to achieve a convincing positive vote in the EU referendum September 14 stated Kelam. “The worst outcome would be an anemic ‘yes’ with a low turnout and subsequent uncertainty and continuing behind the scenes opposition to EU membership.” Pro Patria Union sees the EU as a partnership of nation states which have equal opportunities to participate in EU decision-making. Kelam called for more attention to be paid to the economy, including productivity and the crucial role of education and innovation. “It is clear that greater economic growth depends on changing our approach. We can no longer hope to progress by being a source of cheap labor for foreign investors. The paradox of having substantial unemployment and a simultaneous lack of skilled workers must be solved by better education on every level.” Kelam recommended studying and implementing the Finnish model for switching to modern competitive development. One of Pro Patria Union’s goals domestically is to balance urban and rural development by providing a better infrastructure and improving the quality and availability of goods and services for rural residents of Estonia. More attention must be paid to family farms and small to medium sized businesses. “It is important that EU development funds are made available to these areas, including organic farming and other alternatives, and not channeled mainly to large enterprises.” The Congress passed a resolution calling for a clear "yes" on the EU referendum. The Pro Patria Union Congress also elected a new Board: Mart Laar (193), Mari-Ann Kelam (165), Andres Herkel (162), Mart Nutt (155), Trivimi Velliste (143), Peeter Tulviste (141), Tõnis Lukas (133), Toivo Jürgenson (121), Kaia Iva (118), Kalle Jürgenson (116), Anna-Greta Gutman (110), Aimar Altosaar (109), Andres Ammas (106) and Epp Rebane (106). Pro Patria Union twice led the government after the restoration of independence in 1991 and is credited with initiating and carrying out many of the successful and dramatic reforms in Estonia as well as for the pro-European, western orientation of the nation. Despite the loss in the March 2003 elections, PPU is not in opposition just for the sake of opposition. Instead, Pro Patria Union is ready for constructive cooperation with other center-right parties and is involved in the implementation of national goals. PPU is trusted as the political force which stands for Estonia’s national interests and principles, national cultural values and good education. The EPP-ED Group was represented at PPU Party Congress by Per Stenmarck MEP and Michael Gahler MEP. Berit Teeäär, Press Advisor EPP-ED Group Press Service - European Parliament Tel: +32 2 284 1483 Fax: +32 2 284 4910 GSM: +32 47575 0494 e-mail: berit.teeaar@europarl.europa.eu