President of the Government receives Prime Minister of Estonia

President's News - 2017.6.5

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Moncloa Palace, Madrid

The main aim of the visit is to prepare for the presidency, which will be structured around the following priorities:

  • an open and innovative economy;
  • a safe Europe;
  • a digital Europe and the free flow of information:
  • an inclusive and sustainable Europe

During the Estonian Presidency, the process of reflection on the future of Europe that began in Bratislava in June 2016 will continue. The President of the Government and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia had the chance to exchange points of view on this debate, playing close attention to the task of extending the Economic and Monetary Union, and of strengthening the social dimension of the EU, so that the benefits of the internal market and of the Euro can filter down to all citizens.

The President of the Government and the Prime Minister of Estonia also reviewed the main issues on the bilateral and international agenda, including the deployment of Spanish servicemen in Estonia within the framework of the Air Policing of the Baltic as from May this year.

Economic relations between Spain and Estonia have consolidated over time, particularly following the adhesion of Estonia to the European Union in May 2004 and its membership of the Euro in January 2011. Exchanges are fluid and growing. Over the last five years, the volume of bilateral trade has increased by almost 50% to exceed 300 million euros.

In 2016, Spanish exports to Estonia amounted to 216 million euros, 73% more than in 2012. The most important sectors for exports are vehicles, the agri-food industry, semi-finished products and capital goods. In turn, imports amounted to 88 million euros in 2016, and have demonstrated an increased tendency towards fluctuations. The most significant import sectors are cereals, electrical devices, wood and fuels related to derivates of oil shale.

Investment relations between the two countries are relatively modest and show a great potential for development in the coming years.