Editorial: strategic cooperation or tactical spending spree?

Photo: PantherMedia / Scanpix

While a relatively successful user of EU support, Estonia does have stuff to think over regarding the new budget period. In our near-term investments, EU euros play a vital role. Therefore, should we use these unwisely or splash out stupidly, instead of hoped-for economic development all we’ll have is nothingness and an expensive (and at times pointless) infrastructure.

In the 2007–2013 EU budget period, €3.4bn came our way. On the one hand, structural fund support goes for the common man unnoticed; on the other, the importance of it is sensed and felt very well. As shown by a Faktum & Ariko study last year, 77 percent of Estonia’s population knows about or has heard of some EU (co)funded project in his community aimed at regional development.

To the effect of that, a lion’s share – 94 percent – passed a positive assessment. And as for Estonians’ high support of the EU, often linked with security and an overall feeling of safety, it can doubtless also be explained by the immediate evidence in increased wellbeing and development in the surrounding economic environment.

For our use of EU money, up to now we have basically been praised – as compared to the other Eastern-European countries. «Firstly, our government is more capable, and secondly the honesty level is higher,» is how this has been explained by Estonian representation head Hannes Rumm at European Commission, referring to our relatively low corruption. However, the overall picture may not remain as rosy.

In Postimees today, we read how local governments wrangle and connive about funds meant to boost competitiveness of larger areas than their native town or commune. To secure a bicycle and pedestrian track might feel a sweet tactical feat – one to be festively opened before local elections. But then what? 

Having mastered writing of projects, how do we now learn to responsibly cooperate? Here, one is painfully reminded of need to reform the way we govern our own nation. What would be the best practical distribution of tasks and funds between central and local government, civil societies and private initiative? 

The EU funded investments are of such calibre as to largely reveal, on basis of our investment decisions, what kind of a future we want. Especially so when it comes to statehood development as such. Glancing at party election programmes with this in view, regrettably we find an abundance of projects already decided and less of the strategic outlook.