The European Committee of the Regions and the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Transcription

1 The European Committee of the Regions and the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

2 Pictures : European Committee of the Regions; Enterprise Estonia, cover: Janek Joab; Oliver Moosus European Union, 2017 Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged Printed in Belgium QG EN-C ISBN doi: / QG EN-N ISBN doi: /021745

3 Table of contents 1. Foreword by Karl-Heinz Lambertz, president of the European Committee of the Regions Introduction by Jaak Aab, Estonian minister for public administration What is the European Committee of the Regions? The Priorities of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2017 by Matti Maasikas, Deputy Minister for EU Affairs Some thoughts on the future of the European Union by Uno Silberg, member of the Estonian national delegation Europe in my hometown by Urmas Sukles, member of the Estonian national delegation Members of the Estonian national delegation of the European Committee of the Regions Opinions of the European Committee of the Regions drafted by Estonian members Future is digital by Siim Sikkut, Government CIO, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Republic of Estonia The importance of digital services at local level by Mart Võrklaev, member of the Estonian national delegation The European Union s climate and energy objectives under the Estonian Presidency - inclusive and sustainable Europe by Andres Jaadla, member of the Estonian national delegation The merger of two associations of local municipalities in Estonia by Taavi Aas, president of the Association of Estonian Cities, and Kurmet Müürsepp, president of the Association of Municipalities of Estonia Calendar Contacts... 24

4 Bureaux d architecture: Atelier Paul Noël sprl - Art & Build s.a.

5 Foreword BY KARL-HEINZ LAMBERTZ, PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Estonia takes over the helm of the EU Presidency during unprecedented times. The EU must concentrate on what unites us which is why the Estonian EU Presidency's motto "Unity through Balance" is most welcome. The Estonian priorities building an inclusive and sustainable Europe; an open and innovative European economy; a digital Europe; and a safe and secure Europe; - show that not only do we continue to share many challenges but the most pertinent issues of our time matter especially for Europe's local and regional governments. Creating sustainable jobs and growth is one our Committee's main priorities. We need local investment to tackle social and regional disparity and demonstrate that the EU can positively improve the lives of all citizens. It means using EU policies to attract private investment and, with the tough EU post-2020 budget talks soon to commence, we therefore need a stable EU cohesion policy. If Europe is to be more integrated, more cohesive and more united, cohesion policy needs to be strong, more visible and more effective. Digitalising Europe can help tackle regional differences, open up the single market and transform our economy. We need to overcome the digital divide which is hampering social progress by investing in areas such as e-governance and public procurement to improve services for all citizens. Estonia's EU Presidency also comes during the next round of international climate talks in Bonn, Germany. After the regrettable decision of the US President to pull out of the Paris Agreement, the EU's energy and climate ambitions are more important now than ever before. We need to properly, formally and fully acknowledge the importance of cities and regions in realising our EU energy and climate change ambitions. The migration crisis continues to have direct demographic, economic and political consequences. Managing the flow and reception of people into Europe ultimately falls on the shoulders of local and regional governments which is why the EU's response must be based on solidarity, civil rights and pragmatism. The EU needs to step-up its efforts to support EU local and regional governments in integrating migrants into their communities. We need to strengthen partnerships between regions and cities from both sides of the Mediterranean. Helping at the root of the issues is critical to find a workable solution to the migration crisis. A prosperous, sustainable and better European future lies in delivering tangible results that improve the lives of all citizens. As local and regional leaders, we need to communicate what the EU does, listen to our citizens and share their opinions about Europe in Brussels. It needs local and regional governments across Europe to work together to improve and deliver EU policies and bridge the gap between Brussels and our communities. Our Committee stands ready to support the Estonian government and its regions and cities to help build a better European future. 3

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7 Introduction BY JAAK AAB, ESTONIAN MINISTER FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION The aim of is to contribute to the development of an open and innovative economy. One of the priorities of the Estonian Presidency is to help Europe make use of the huge opportunities offered by information technology. For example, as a growing part of the European economy, the digital economy needs an effective, safely functioning infrastructure, based on which new services can be created which improve the productivity of the European economy and public sector, as well as improving the quality of life of people in all regions. Only the principles we believe in can be realised. In Estonia we have made a lot of progress, making public services straightforward and accessible for people, irrespective of where they live. A number of Estonian e-services enable citizens to communicate with the authorities online, when it suits them and without appearing in person. For instance, in Estonia it takes only three minutes to submit a pre-completed income tax declaration or vote for one s representatives in various representative bodies online. With the support of the state several e-solutions have been developed for local authorities in Estonia which enable them to provide local services online examples include the information and services portal of local municipalities, the procedural environment for local governments and the information system of local councils. I am confident that their increased use by the authorities will improve good governance, the transparency of governance and local democracy. As it is the local and regional authorities who provide a number of services to local residents, my ambition is for e-government and e-democracy to be further developed at this level (in our country as well as in other Member States), on the basis of local possibilities, wishes and preferences. The Estonian ID card and mobile ID are in everyday use in both the public and the private sector. They enable the introduction of new services based on the e-government infrastructure which can also be used by citizens of other countries who join the Estonian e-citizen platform. We use a unique solution known as X-Road, which is an intermediate layer for different service providers, databases and information systems and makes many public services straightforward and convenient for citizens. It is also an ideal platform for making business processes more efficient. During the presidency we wish to contribute to the development of e-services, showcase our experience and learn from the experiences of others. Creating well-functioning and widely used services requires a broad approach and a thorough consideration of the real need for these services and the principles on which they operate. 5

8 3 main What is the European Committee of the Regions (CoR)? We are an institutional body of the European Union. Our Members are elected Presidents of Regions, regional Councillors, Mayors and Local Councillors, democratically accountable to the citizens. principles Multilevel Governance Proximity Subsidiarity public health Commissions 6 Commissions (groups of Members) prepare draft opinions and resolutions to be submitted to the Plenary Assembly. economic, social and territorial cohesion Areas of responsibility transport, trans-european networks Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER) Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE) employment and social affairs environment, energy and climate change Economic Policy (ECON) Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX) education, youth, culture and sport Natural Resources (NAT) Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC) Membership from members member states 5political groups PES GROUP European Committee of the Regions 6

9 Plenary CoR Members gather in Plenary 5 to 6 times/year for 2-3 days in Brussels to vote and adopt opinions. The President Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ (from Eupen/BE) Term of office: 2 and 1/2 years leads the CoR's work chairs its plenary sessions acts as CoR's official representative The First Vice-President Markku MARKKULA (from Espoo/FI) Term of office: 2 and 1/2 years leads the CoR's work in tandem with the President Output over 70% of EU legislation has a direct impact at local or regional level 70% Platforms and networks 50 opinions In 2016, the CoR passed: of which own-initiative opinions 33 In 2016 the CoR held and contributed to the organisation of 74 events 27 local events Europewide to improve participatory democracy, such as the consultation process during the pre-legislative phase. Administrative level The Secretary-General Term of office: 5 years Role: heads the CoR administration Structure 5 Directorates 2 joint services Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat Bruxelles/Brussel BELGIQUE/BELGIË Tel /european.committee.of.the.regions the Estonian Presidency /european-committee-of-the-regions of the Council of the European Union

10 4 The Priorities of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2017 BY MATTI MAASIKAS, DEPUTY MINISTER FOR EU AFFAIRS On 1 July 2017 for the first time in its history Estonia will assume the six-month rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It comes at a critical time, when the European Union is facing unprecedented internal and external challenges. To successfully respond to these challenges and to make the most of all the opportunities which face us today, the Presidency has adopted the theme of unity through balance. Although Europe is one of the most diverse regions in the world, there is more that unites us. Our values, our cultural ties. The fact that we all want to feel safe, we all want to live well. During its six-months at the helm of the Council of the European Union, Estonia will endeavour to act as an honest and neutral broker. It will seek a balance between different views, traditions and interests in Europe today to move forward together and achieve the best possible outcome for all European citizens. As the Committee of the Regions is the voice for regions and cities across the EU, Estonia will seek to work closely with the Committee in order to ensure that the policies that are being developed, demonstrate a consideration of views from all the regions, while benefiting the everyday lives of the citizens across the EU. In this context, the Estonian Presidency will focus on four ambitious priorities: an open and innovative European economy; a safe and secure Europe; a digital Europe and the free movement of data; and an inclusive and sustainable Europe. A prosperous European economy, built on openness and innovation, is at the heart of the Estonian presidency. A strong economy is not only essential for economic growth and employment; it also supports policy implementation in all other areas from agriculture to migration, from culture to security. Estonia will do its utmost to develop a predictable, clear 8

11 and transparent European business environment to realise new opportunities and enhance existing industries. The security and safety of our citizens is high on the agenda of the Estonian presidency. The European Union was founded sixty years ago as a project of peace. Today as we celebrate this anniversary, the safety of our citizens remains paramount and can only be achieved by acting together on the global stage to ensure peace, prosperity and stability. During its presidency, Estonia will focus on strengthening internal security and the EU s external borders, as well as external security through closer cooperation with our allies and neighbours both in the East and in the South. We believe to create a prosperous and sustainable Europe, we must embrace technological transformation. It will therefore come as no surprise that the digital agenda and the free movement of data is an important priority of the Estonian presidency. Technological innovation in itself is not the endgame; rather it is a tool which can make the lives of people, businesses and governments easier. The Presidency programme will therefore focus on the establishment of a Digital Single Market, increased use of e-solutions and data and the development of crossborder e-services. The EU must balance a strong economy with core European values of inclusiveness and sustainability. During its presidency, Estonia will re-examine ways in which the EU can offer equal opportunities for people who wish to live and work across the EU. It will also consider how to balance the economy with environmental concerns, to ensure that future generations can enjoy a Europe which is free, prosperous and safe. 9

12 5 Some thoughts on the future of the European Union BY UNO SILBERG, MEMBER OF THE ESTONIAN NATIONAL DELEGATION Uno Silberg, PhD in economics, chairman of Kose Rural Municipality Council, member of the European Committee of the Regions since His main areas of expertise in the work of the CoR primarily relate to EU public finances. Uno Silberg is currently an associate professor of European Union policy at the Estonian University of Life Sciences and director of the Financial College of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences. The future of the European Union The biggest challenge for the European Union in the short term is the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU following the referendum held on 23 June 2016, and the completely new situation resulting from it. So far new Member States have been constantly added, which has seen the EU grow to 28 Member States. Now, for the first time a Member State wishes to leave the European Union. Although the outcome of the referendum in the UK was a surprise for many, the 27 Member States have to accept the present situation and get used to the fact that the European Union will never be the same again. As a result of Brexit, is also taking place six months earlier than planned, in the second half of The Estonian government has expressed its wish to keep the remaining 27 Member States united in the process of the Brexit negotiations. We have to find clear answers to several outstanding questions: What will the future relationship between the EU and UK be like? Will we have to modify the provisions of the Treaties without prejudice to the fundamental freedoms and the economic and social principles that have been valid up to now, and if so, how? What institutional changes will be necessary in the EU? What changes will there be to the role and make-up of the European Parliament, the European Committee of Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee? However, one of the greatest challenges facing the post-brexit European Union will be the changes to the budget revenue and expenditure and the resulting direct and indirect impact on local and regional authorities. In spite of the uncertainty after Brexit the European Committee of the Regions has to make all efforts to maintain the excellent cooperation between the local and regional authorities of the UK and all the other 27 Member States. 10

13 6 Europe in my hometown BY URMAS SUKLES, MEMBER OF THE ESTONIAN DELEGATION Urmas Sukles graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tartu and worked for 10 years as a doctor. In 1993, he became active in politics and was elected mayor of Haapsalu. He has been re-elected five times. During that period Haapsalu has evolved from a provincial Soviet town to an internationally renowned resort town with two spas and a neurological rehabilitation centre providing high-level rehabilitation therapy. Haapsalu is also known for its music festivals. Urmas Sukles was elected member of the European Committee of the Regions in 2015 where his main areas of expertise are health tourism and migration policy. The Estonian delegation is the one of the smallest at the European Committee of the Regions. However, I am pleased that even a small delegation can be active and visible at the Committee. One reason for that must be the fact that the Estonian delegation has actively involved the alternates in the work of the Committee and that, of the 16 opinions drafted by the members of the Estonian delegation, eight (i.e. half) were drawn up by alternate members. I have professional experience from the private sector and I think it is important that economic growth, entrepreneurship and competitiveness are factors to be given full consideration when making decisions at local, national and EU level. I can use my expertise and experience from the private sector and that is why I wanted to become a member of the European Committee of the Regions. In 2016, I was a member of the CoR delegation to the COP22 world climate summit in Marrakech. Solar energy and energy saving were important topics at the conference and in this context I can say that my hometown Haapsalu, a resort town by the Baltic Sea, is entirely at the forefront of this field. We have installed solar panels on one day-care centre, the Haapsalu rehabilitation centre uses solar energy and with the support of the EU funds we now have energy-efficient LED-lighting in the town. Although my town is not large the processes in the EU are well perceived on the ground. We have taken in war refugees from Syria and Iraq in Haapsalu. I must admit that this has not been easy, with most concerns relating to language barriers and language learning; however, these can be addressed. We don t have major problems with refugees in our town; however, these can easily arise if people are not able to solve problems. In the short term we will focus on informing and training nursery school teachers, on preparing foreign children for school and on making sure our primary schools are ready to welcome children who do not speak Estonian. As may be expected, I will conclude by referring to digital issues. Alongside my desire to offer better digital services to citizens, I think that diversifying the learning environment and deploying ICT in schools in my hometown is important. The intelligent use of ICT in teaching and learning and the organisation of learning increase the quality of education. The fact is that digital skills and competences, along with other skills, are important for coping in today s society and they therefore have to be developed. Studies have shown that our students use digital devices primarily for communication via social media and for games. Through the school curriculum children can be introduced to other areas of use. Today there are many professions where ICT skills are indispensable for completing tasks or creating new solutions and therefore digital literacy is of paramount importance. At the same time, digital skills need not always be taught separately but can be integrated into different subjects such as history, geography or mathematics. After all, it could be fun to organise a virtual tour to ancient Rome or Athens in a history or arts class, to discover historically significant sites and share them with others. 11

14 7 Members of the Estonian national delegation Full Members: Europe starts at home! Urmas Sukles Mayor of Haapsalu Head of the Estonian delegation Member of the CIVEX commission Political group: ALDE Member of ARLEM Interregional group: Baltic Sea Regions Portfolio: tourism, neighbourhood policy and migration The European Union today is not the same as it was yesterday, nor will it be tomorrow the same as it is today! Uno Silberg Member of the Kose Rural Municipality Council Head of the Estonian delegation Member of the CIVEX commission Interregional groups: Baltic Sea Regions, Future of the automotive industry, Health Political group: EA, vice-president Portfolio: EU finances The regional policy of the European Union has contributed immensely to the development of Estonia. Our progress depends on our ability to develop an economy which is based on digital solutions. For the fast implementation of best practices the cooperation between regions in Europe is very important. of the key issues that need attention is the future and simplification of Cohesion Policy. Kurmet Müürsepp Member of the Antsla Rural Municipality Council Member of the CoR Bureau, vice-president Member of the CIVEX commission Interregional group: Baltic Sea Regions Political group: EPP Portfolio: local and regional governance The European Committee of Regions offers good opportunities for regions and local authorities to make their voice heard in the decision-making process on matters that are of importance for Europe and for putting their ideas into practice. This is an excellent opportunity for regional representatives and local leaders to cooperate and share their experiences. Mart Võrklaev Mayor of Rae Municipality Member of the SEDEC commission Political group: ALDE Portfolio: telecommunications, digital agenda If Brexit becomes a reality many Estonians will probably experience once again what the difference is between a Europe with borders and a Europe without borders. But nothing can be done we are used to constantly remembering history and making new efforts to erase divisions. Mihkel Juhkami Mayor of Rakvere Member of the CIVEX commission Alternate member of the EU-The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Civil Society Joint Consultative Committee Working Group Turkey alternate member Ambassador of the Covenant of Mayors Interregional group: Baltic Sea Regions Political group: EPP Portfolio: structural funds, urban policy The European Union is moving forward on the road which began 60 years ago in Rome. Kalev Kallo Chairman of Tallinn City Council Member of the ECON commission Ambassador of the Covenant of Mayors Political group: ALDE Portfolio: economic and monetary policy kalev.kallo@tallinnlv.ee 12

15 of the European Committee of Regions Alternates: We should aim for a green and energy-saving economic model we should not be limited to energy-saving programmes. There is a need to review the energy efficiency of production and buildings, to introduce green construction materials and smart technologies, and to reduce the cost of materials and the use of chemicals for industry. Andres Jaadla Member of Rakvere City Council Member of the ENVE commission Alternate member of the EU-Montenegro Joint Consultative Committee Alternate member of the EU-The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Civil Society Joint Consultative Committee Working Group Budget alternate member Ambassador of the Covenant of Mayors Interregional groups: Baltic Sea Regions, Less developed regions Political group: ALDE Portfolio: environment, climate change, energy and space policy In challenging times such as these there is a greater need to listen to people on the ground. We need decision-makers who are actually able to think globally and act locally. Randel Länts Member of Viljandi City Council Member of the NAT commission Interregional group: Baltic Sea Regions Political group: PES Portfolio: innovation and rural development By acting together, we will create a better Europe! Europe needs to tackle climate change to maintain life on our planet for future generations. Juri Gotmans Mayor of Haanja Rural Municipality Member of the ENVE commission Political group: PES Portfolio: European environmental policy, climate change programme juri.gotmans@mail.ee Let s make the voice of European local authorities heard in Europe! In the EU, decisions are taken which have implications for different regions and municipalities, including Estonia. Through the European Committee of the Regions I would like to have a say in European policy-making. As I have had extensive experience in Estonian local government, the European Committee of the Regions is for me an excellent forum in which to express the concerns and ideas of our local authorities directly at the heart of policy-making. Jan Trei Deputy chairman of Viimsi Rural Municipality Council Member of the SEDEC commission Political group: EPP Portfolio: youth and sports It is known that the European Union s strength lies in its cohesion and cooperation, but what is even more important is that no one is left behind. Rait Pihelgas Mayor of Ambla Rural Municipality Member of the NAT commission Interregional group: Baltic Sea Regions Political group: ALDE Portfolio: environment and waste management Georg Linkov Member of Hiiu Rural Municipality Council Member of the ECON commission Political group: EPP Portfolio: competition and the single market 13

16 Bureaux d architecture: Atelier Paul Noël sprl - Art & Build s.a. 8 Opinions of the European Committee of the Regions drafted by Estonian members CdR 68/2007, ECOS-IV-015 opinion on the Community Strategy on health and safety at work, rapporteur: Uno Silberg aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%2068/2007 CdR 22/2008 DEVE-IV-024 opinion on An Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union, rapporteur: Saima Kalev aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%2022/2008 CdR 84/2009, ECOS-IV-034 opinion on Establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, rapporteur: Uno Silberg aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%2084/2009 CdR 146/2009 COTER-IV-026 opinion on A sustainable future for transport: towards an integrated, technology-led and user friendly system, rapporteur: Väino Hallikmägi aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%20146/2009 CdR 20/2010, ECOS-V-003 opinion on The interconnection of business registers, rapporteur: Uno Silberg aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%2020/2010 CdR 168/2010 CIVEX-V-008 opinion on The implementation of the Eastern Partnership initiative in Armenia and the development of cooperation between local and regional authorities in Armenia and the EU, rapporteur: Teet Kallasvee aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%20168/

17 CdR 2012 ENVE-V-025 opinion on Priority substances in the field of water policy, rapporteur: Urve Erikson aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%201120/2012 CdR 2013 COTER-V-037 opinion on Clean power for transport, rapporteur: Saima Kalev aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%2028/2013 CdR 2013 ECOS-V-044 opinion on the Green Paper on the long-term financing of the European economy, rapporteur: Uno Silberg aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%203303/2013 CdR 2014 ENVE-V/045 opinion on Multilevel governance in promoting the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 and implementing the international Aichi Targets, rapporteur: Kadri Tillemann aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%208074/2013 CDR 3219/2015 COTER-VI/006 opinion on The Draft EU Budget for 2016, rapporteur: Uno Silberg aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%203219/2015 CDR 2799/2015 NAT-VI/004 opinion on Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy, rapporteur: Randel Länts aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%202799/2015 CDR 5660/2015 ENVE-VI/008 opinion on EU environment law: improving reporting and compliance, rapporteur: Andres Jaadla aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%205660/2015 CDR 5113/2016 SEDEC-VI/018 opinion on The review of the telecom package, rapporteur: Mart Võrklaev aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%205113/2016 CDR 5780/2016 ENVE-VI/017 opinion on Legislative proposals for an Effort Sharing Regulation and a LULUCF Regulation, rapporteur: Juri Gotmans aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%205780/2016 CDR 93/2017 CIVEX-VI /018 opinion on the EU Enlargement Strategy , rapporteur: Rait Pihelgas aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%2093/2017 CDR 6726/2016 ENVE-VI/022 opinion on a Space Strategy for Europe, rapporteur: Andres Jaadla aspx?opinionnumber=cdr%206726/

18 9 The Future is Digital BY SIIM SIKKUT, GOVERNMENT CIO, MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS, REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA The development of a digital society has been one of the key governmental policies in Estonia. The aim has been to improve the quality of life, create a favourable business environment and increase the efficiency in the public sector. The key success factor has been enabling a technical and legal foundation: from digital ID and data exchange set-up to privacy safeguards and cyber defence. Estonia s digital services are available in the entire world: anyone can apply to become an e-resident. From July to December 2017 Estonia will steer the work of the European Union as the presiding country of the Council and digital topics will be a horizontal priority throughout the programme. Whether young or elderly, an entrepreneur or a citizen, living in a city or in the countryside everybody in Estonia can enjoy the benefits and comforts of a digital life. The World Bank s World Development Report of 2016 confirmed that Estonia has built one of the most advanced digital societies and governments across the globe. Digital technology has indeed become such a big part of everyday life that sometimes our country is called e-estonia. When we park our car on the street, we pay via our mobile device. When we set up companies, we go online and can have a company up and legally functioning in 2-3 hours (the record time was 18 minutes). Our medical prescriptions are digital, we do not have to go to a pharmacy with a paper slip in hand. Our doctors have access to electronic nation-wide medical records. We monitor how our child is doing at school via an app. Whatever there is to sign, we sign it electronically with our digital ID whether you are a citizen submitting an application to the government, an entrepreneur signing contracts or the Prime Minister sending a bill to the parliament. We declare our taxes online (96% of the population), we do our banking almost only online, and Estonia is the only country in the world to have online elections. Estonian digital society is built on the principle that people own their personal data and that it can be exchanged only with their consent or a legally defined need to know. People can, in practice, trace any use of their data; even prohibit third parties from using their data, for example in their electronic health record. With such legal and practical privacy safeguards, the citizens themselves are the big brother and thus trust the government more with their data. The people also need to be sure that the systems are always up and running when needed; that data does not get lost, stolen or tampered with. This is why Estonia has worked hard to create a world-class competence and set-up in cybersecurity, battle-tested also in the world s first cyber-attack against a nation-state in 2007 which we successfully defended against. Today Estonia is home to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and the European Union s Agency for Large Scale IT-systems in an internal security area. In close partnership with these as well as other international allies we strive to make digital life secure every day. Cybersecurity has become a critical function for us as we rely on digital technology to such a high extent. Estonia s EU presidency will have a highly digital agenda From July to December 2017 Estonia will have the honour and duty to steer the work of the European Union as the presiding country for the Council of the EU. Given our strong belief as 16

19 well as practical beneficial experience from digital development, the digital topics will naturally be a priority for our presidency. At the core of Estonia s digital agenda for Europe, will be making progress on the Digital Single Market (DSM), removing any obstacles and advancing the enablers for a unified market. Estonia will do its best to help the Council meet deadlines on concluding negotiations on all files in the DSM strategy, including the various files on e-commerce, the Electronic Communications Code, e-privacy, and more. Beyond the work with legal files, Estonia is treating the digital agenda as a horizontal priority, bringing that angle to all Council formations and policy discussions during our 6 months of presidency. In late September, Estonia will host a Digital Summit with the participation of the EU heads of state and government to discuss the long-term vision for a Digital Europe. Altogether, more than 50 different events will take place in Estonia to debate and agree on practical steps to take in order to make DSM work and to chart the road ahead, in various fields ranging from e-taxation, e-justice, e-health to Industry 4.0 and more. In particular, the free movement of data will be one of the central themes throughout the various discussions. Estonia does consider it as the fifth freedom of the EU, as data has become so crucial for the Single Market to function efficiently. The more business is digital, the more freeing up the data flows is necessary in order to avoid barriers to the effective movement of people, capital, goods and services the underlying four freedoms of the EU. Free movement of data is the fifth freedom of EU There already exists a general data protection regulation for the EU, which ensures the portability of personal data. Today, we need to find a way to close regulatory gaps on the portability of non-personal data, including ownership of data and also to remove all unjustified localisation barriers. In early October this year, Estonia will hold a high-level conference and a ministerial meeting about the future of e-governance at the EU level, preparing also for a ministerial declaration in this area. This will be closely related to the free movement of data, as connecting government data for cross-border use can reduce bureaucracy for both citizens and companies when they move into our Single Market. Basically, in Estonia we believe that a digital government should not stop at national borders especially not in the Single Market. In fact, we envision that there could be a possibility for a once-only principle on EU level. Wherever you go in Europe to work or to live, you would have a right to decline to resubmit data in order to get the benefit of a public service if some other government agency in Europe already holds it. Instead, you could demand that governments share and reuse the data existing in another governments database about you. On a practical level this means that we need to connect our administrations digitally, like we have done domestically. The proposed regulation on a Single Digital Gateway is an important step in making this vision of a pan-european once-only principle a reality. Estonia has already started connecting the administrations with our neighbouring country Finland. Finland is using the Estonian X-Road as their data exchange platform and we are linking up our national databases one by one for data exchange. So if an entrepreneur from Estonia goes to Finland, soon they would not have to carry official papers stating that they can legally represent their company and have no tax debt at home. The relevant authorities can get all this information instantly and automatically from the other government s databases. This way we reduce the barriers to movement and increase the digital business between our two countries. The outcome would be a stronger Single Market, more growth and a stronger Europe overall. Estonia is glad to have a chance to bring our 20 years of national digital experience to the table as the Presidency of the Council of the EU this year to move in this direction. Siim Sikkut is the Government CIO of Estonia, also titled as Deputy Secretary General for IT and Telecom in Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. His role is to set the strategy and policies, to launch and steer strategic initiatives for development of digital government and society in Estonia. Siim is one of the founders of Estonia s e-residency programme. 17

20 1 0 The importance of digital services at local level BY MART VÕRKLAEV, MEMBER OF THE ESTONIAN NATIONAL DELEGATION Just like the country at large, the local level also needs to go hand in hand with e-solutions, in order to ensure transparent governance and convenient services for citizens. In Rae rural municipality, which is one of the most rapidly growing and most successful municipalities in Estonia, we have taken huge steps in the development of e-services. As early as 2008, we launched the development of our Geographical Information System, which aims to bring planning processes online as far as possible, thereby making it possible to speed up procedures. However, it is also important to conduct the planning procedures publicly, involve citizens and give every citizen the opportunity to know what they can do with their real estate and what is being planned in this area. Today a version developed on the basis of our system is being used by more than a half of Estonian municipalities, and tools for waste collection, advertising, roads and other card data have been added. Our second important aim has been to bring as much of the communication between citizens and municipalities as possible online, where the applications can be submitted using an ID-card after logging on to the respective environment and where all known data about the person have been pre-completed. This environment also serves as a channel of communication between citizens and municipalities. The availability of high-speed connectivity is also important for local inhabitants. To this end, in cooperation with other municipalities we launched the Digimaa project which covers the whole Harjumaa region. Our aim is to provide superfast internet access to all households and solve the last mile problem. Rae municipal council and municipality government meetings are conducted in an e-environment without any printed documents. All documents ranging from applications of citizens to final versions of legal acts are being transferred online and when decisions are taken at the meetings this also happens online. Citizens are able to follow the decisions being taken at municipality council meetings online in real time. These solutions have reduced the consumption of paper and increased citizen satisfaction. In our municipality we place value on providing good connectivity and convenient and swift communication with the municipality for citizens, which the introduction and development of eservices will facilitate. Mart Võrklaev Mayor of Rae Municipality mart.vorklaev@rae.ee Phone Member of the CoR Member of the SEDEC commission and rapporteur for the opinion on The review of the telecom package 18

21 1 1 The European Union s climate and energy objectives under the Estonian Presidency inclusive and sustainable Europe BY ANDRES JAADLA, MEMBER OF THE ESTONIAN NATIONAL DELEGATION A priority for Estonia is to contribute to the European Union s climate and energy objectives, in cooperation with all EU Member States and all levels of government, and to inspire civil society. The European Union has set a number of objectives in the field of climate and energy. Among other things, the Estonian cities and regions will focus on these objectives at the meeting and conference of the Commission for Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE) of the European Committee of the Regions, which was held in Tallinn on 3 and 4 July. The European Union s climate and energy policy choices must take into account the objective of improving the economic competitiveness of the EU in relation to other regions of the world, reducing negative environmental impacts and improving the state of the environment. As the European Union is the largest energy importer in the world, it is important to emphasise the EU s objectives to make energy savings by 2030 and increase the share of renewables at the same time. Achieving these objectives would considerably reduce Europe s energy imports and increase its energy independence. One of the priorities in improving efficiency has to be the renovation of buildings, while at the same time constructing new energy-efficient housing. The potential for energy savings is greatest for those 19

22 EU countries that rely most heavily on imports of oil and gas. Investing in the EU s energy efficiency up to 2030 would enable the EU to substantially cut European energy imports, thereby improving the EU s energy security as well as the development of more efficient, safer and more economical technologies. When developing policy at all levels of the EU and the Member States we must take into account the need to maintain/ensure reasonable energy costs for end-users, which can be achieved mostly through energy efficiency. Energy efficiency would allow consumers and EU Member States to save more than EUR 200 billion every year until The EU s 2020 and 2030 climate and energy frameworks provide for the increased introduction of renewable energy sources. The EU s energy independence and security of supply could be strengthened by exploiting all renewable local energy resources, further developing the single energy market, for example, via small-scale production by consumers themselves, new interconnections, energy storage and smart networks, and by requiring all Member States to introduce favourable legislation to this end. As demonstrated recently by a number of extreme climate events, it is the local and regional authorities that are suffering the direct consequences of climate change and that pay the price of future repercussions. Climate and energy issues must be seen as a key basis for developing cities and regions, in order to ensure the good state of the natural environment and the sustainable use of natural resources. A good example of the European initiative is the European Green Capital movement which was launched on 15 May 2006, aimed at large cities, and its younger sister European Green Leaf aimed at smaller local authorities. The title European Green Capital aims to recognise cities that have considerably improved their living environment and implemented the principles of sustainable development, which have a lasting impact on the urban environment. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, was behind this idea and is now competing in a fierce competition for the European Green Capital title 2019, having made it through to the five finalists. It is essential to continue to develop a more resource-efficient, greener and hence more competitive economic system, to involve more cities and regions and local decision-makers through the Covenant of Mayors network and to create greater coherence between the objectives of environmental protection and other areas. Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced, particularly in the sectors where such measures are as cost-effective as possible. It is important to continue activities aimed at creating an energy- and resource-efficient economy, especially at local level. An inclusive and sustainable Europe cares about and contributes to a cleaner environment and also supports the creation of a level playing-field in the development of skills, work and access to services. Andres Jaadla Member of the CoR Commission for Environment, Climate Change and Energy Member of Rakvere City Council 20

23 1 2 The merger of two Estonian associations of municipalities TAAVI AAS, CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION OF ESTONIAN CITIES Since 2005, Taavi Aas has been a member of the Tallinn Municipal Government and over the past two years he has been acting mayor of Tallinn. His main areas of expertise are finance, urban planning and transport. In 2010, he was elected chairman of the board of the Association of Estonian Cities (AEC) for the first time and he has held this position ever since. Olga Makina To date, there have been two national associations of municipalities in Estonia, one for the cities (the Association of Estonian Cities) and one for the rural municipalities (the Association of Municipalities of Estonia). The state reform process, with the administrative division reform as one of its main elements, was launched by the previous government. The current government is actively committed to finalising this process. This will reduce the number of municipalities in Estonia, and it would make sense to have one association of municipalities in the future. In spring, during the Day of Cities and Municipalities, which is the main joint event of both associations, the representatives of the associations informed the public of this idea. The Association of Estonian Cities is committed to protecting and representing its members interests at both national and international level. The activities of the Association of Estonian Cities cover the whole organisation of local municipalities, ranging from budgets to external relations. Cooperation with the Association of Municipalities has been ongoing for years, an excellent example of this cooperation being the common representative of both associations in Brussels. The Association of Cities exercises its EU policy mainly through the European Committee of the Regions, which ensures the representation of local and regional authorities in the European Union. 21

24 KURMET MÜÜRSEPP, CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION OF ESTONIAN MUNICIPALITIES Kurmet Müürsepp has worked for local municipalities since He was mayor of Antsla and mayor of Urvaste rural municipality. Since 2014, he has been chairman of the Association of Rural Municipalities of Estonia (EMOL) The interests of the EMOL members are represented in Europe via direct contact between the representation in Brussels and the EU institutions. As a member of the European Committee of the Regions I place the utmost importance on elected representatives of local authorities participating in the work of the Committee, which makes it possible to obtain direct information about EU policies and the legislation shaping them. An important aspect of this work involves taking into account information from the municipalities of the Member States when drafting opinions and relaying information from the EU to the municipalities. The establishment and maintenance of cooperation networks with a view to contributing to the design of the European Union s legislative process cannot be underestimated either. Estonia has found very good solutions in the field of ICT, which have contributed to economic development and people s well-being at the local level. Together with the Association of Estonian Cities the EMOL has set up a national ICT centre of excellence for municipalities. It has drawn up the ICT strategy for municipalities and an action plan for implementing it over three years ( ). The strategy and the action plan have been coordinated with the Ministry of Economy and Communication and with the Ministry of Financial Affairs, which support the implementation of the action plan financially. The aim over the coming years will be to support the increased use of e-services by municipalities. This will be done through administrative reform, as well as by developing IT infrastructure that is compatible with the new requirements and by increasing ICT know-how among the staff of the municipalities. In Estonia it is important to introduce more widely the software solution allowing for the involvement of the local population in municipal decision-making processes VOLIS, the information and services portal KVOTP, the spatial planning information system RPIS and the procedural environment of local authorities KOVMEN, and to focus on developing these information systems. We in the Estonian municipalities definitely want to introduce e-forms with a similar logic which automatically request all the necessary data from the registers in order to enable citizens to communicate with the municipality in a quick, easy and paper-free manner. The Estonian e-solutions are based on a data exchange layer known as X-Road. The e-services of the municipalities are also based on this environment. The latest version of X-Road sets very high security requirements for these e-systems. The centre of excellence in cooperation with the Information System Authority has developed solutions to provide municipalities with the appropriate technical set-up for the municipalities and to develop services external environments by significantly reducing the cost burden for the authorities. In cooperation with the e-governance Academy the centre of excellence has launched study and analysis projects in order to explore the export potential of Estonian local government e-services. For example, VOLIS is now being introduced in Sweden, the Netherlands and Georgia. We hope that through these cooperation projects we will be able to export the experience of the Estonian municipalities in the field of e-services to other countries and thereby help spread e-services further. The centre of excellence is of course also involved in solving the last mile problem. Our wish is to find the best solutions to bring high-speed internet access to rural areas, in order to connect local agencies, companies and citizens via a fibre optic network, enabling fast and modern e-services and improving quality of life for people in rural areas. 22

25 1 3 Calendar Date Event Place Martin Mark 3-4/07 CoR ENVE commission meeting and conference on Clean energy policies for the greening of towns, cities and regions: the Energy Union and local/regional sustainable development Tallinn 12-13/07 CoR Plenary session (Presentation of the Estonian EU Presidency priorities) Brussels 1/09 CoR Bureau meeting in Tallinn and a debate on Local and regional authorities: Key drivers for public sector innovation through digital solutions Tallinn 9-12/10 CoR-EC European Week of Regions and Cities (2017 edition under the headline Regions and Cities working for a better future ) Brussels 9-10/11 8th EuroPCom Brussels 9-10/11 Digital Transport Conference Tallinn 23

26 1 4 Contacts EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Rue Belliard / Belliardstraat B 1040 Brussels Belgium PERMANENT REPRESENTATION OF ESTONIA TO THE EU Rue Guimard 11/13, B , Brussels Belgium ASSOCIATION OF ESTONIAN CITIES Ahtri 8 Tallinn Estonia ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ESTONIA Sirge 2 Tallinn Estonia REPRESENTATION OFFICE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF ESTONIAN CITIES AND THE ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ESTONIA IN BRUSSELS Square de Meeus 1 B-1000, Brussels Belgium brussel@ell.ee 24

27 EUROPEAN COMMISSION REPRESENTATION IN ESTONIA Rävala Tallinn EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT INFORMATION OFFICE IN ESTONIA Rävala Tallinn Fotol Pesapuu vaatetorn Rõuge vallas, Ööbikuorus. Fotograaf: Martin Mark