Estonian-Finnish cooperation could inspire rest of Europe.
Editorial: Little Successful Brother
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Truly, common space of information and communication can move mountains. As told by the documentary Disco and Atomic War shot by Jaak Kilm and Kiur Aarma, Finnish television demolished, at least shook, the foundations of the Soviet empire. Hopefully, Finnish-Estonian cooperation in web-based data exchange will serve as a model of success for entire Europe.
Without a doubt, Finland’s example to us cannot be overemphasised. Without a developed, prosperous, and democratic Northern neighbour, Estonia could not be where we now are. It all started by simple personal contacts, over time proving to be of gigantic importance. Be it the very TV workers, who, at the historic moments, helped the again-independent Estonia into the big picture – literally.
Between brothers, emotions sometimes overrule rationality. Finland – so close as to be visible, by naked eye, from Tallinn TV-tower – has been for us a country of dreams, at times envied, at times overly idealised. From the Northern shores of the bay, Estonians have at times been looked at as little brothers, not to be taken too seriously and in need of the occasional lecture. Stereotypes birthed by twists of history, are rather common on both sides.
The Finns’ interest towards adopting Estonia’s X-Road data exchange environment, however, opens up totally new opportunities for economic cooperation, allowing development of cross-border services – but, first and foremost, makes life easier for the two tightly knit societies. For private persons, enterprises and officialdom alike.
«Estonian road is also our road,» read the editorial of Finland’s largest daily Helsingin Sanomat, last week; acknowledging that in e-identity, Finns have halted in their development, falling behind of Estonia. «Luckily, after swallowing our pride, we will be able to learn from Estonians’ success.»
A little brother, having solved some problem faster than the big one and received a measure of praise, ought not to become too puffed up. Even so, deep inside, we might as well feel important. By the very fact of Northern neighbours learning from us, let us be encouraged. Because we still have a whole lot to learn, from Finland.
As stressed by Estonia’s EU policy for 2011–2015, a need exists to create a digital common market where citizens and entrepreneurs alike may use electronic services in any EU member state, to deal with free market obstacles and develop the common EU economic space.
Here, the Estonian-Finnish X-Road cooperation may prove a milestone – like the symbolically digital signatures of both prime ministers on the joint document.