Federalization of EU is in Estonia's interest - Ilves, Raidla

Photo: Peeter Langovits

Estonia's interests would be better protected in a federal than a confederal European Union, President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and star lawyer Jüri Raidla found at a public debate on Thursday.

"Estonia's accession to the EU was undoubtedly the right decision in its time. The EU is not a problem but a solution for Estonia," Raidla, a former justice minister, said. "The EU can and must federalize, this corresponds to our national interests."

In Raidla's view, Estonia's interests would be better protected in a federal EU. "Democratic federalism protects those who are smaller," he said. The confederal EU has in his words thus far demonstrated indecisiveness. "Examples of a working confederation cannot be found in history, either," he observed.

Raidla also noted that people often do not distinguish between a democratic and a dictatorial federation. "The more rules there are, the better the interests of small ones are protected," he said.

Ilves also supported the idea of a federal EU. "Federalism is a tool for protecting the interests of big and small countries alike. Strengthening cooperation and federalism serve Estonia's interests," the president said.

"The role of the European Commission is to protect small countries, and the best protection for small ones is observance of rules," Ilves said. He underlined in this context the necessity of a two-chamber parliament which in his judgement would better ensure legitimacy.

Ilves and Raidla agreed that a federation cannot be formed on the basis of existing states but differed as to whether federalization is already sneaking up on Europe. In Ilves' view, this is not possible while Raidla maintains that creeping federalization does exist.

Raidla also pointed out that Estonia's Supreme Court has been very pro-EU and strongly supportive of the trend towards federalization.

Both the president and the barrister feel that Estonia could take a leading role in this process. "However, this trend needs stronger support among the EU's political elite," Raidla added.