Caspian Energy (CE): Your Excellency, how would you evaluate the role of Estonia in the EU? Which primary objectives on how to consolidate the eurozone should be addressed by the national governments of the EU countries and Estonia in particular? 

Andrus Ansip, Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia: Having attained full membership of the OECD, Schengen and eurozone, Estonia has fulfilled its foreign policy goal to be a full-time member of Euro-Atlantic structures. Therefore, it is true that Estonia is the most integrated country in the Baltic Sea region. Estonia has had no concessions in achieving this – fulfilling all criteria – and this has been hugely beneficial for the country politically as well as economically. Estonia is optimistic about the future, and we wish to be a constructive partner in Europe. We are interested in the further integration of Europe. The crisis has proved clearly that the criteria have not been wrong, but it is their fulfilment that has been incorrect. Therefore, the criteria should not be adjusted to actual circumstances, but efforts should be made instead towards the proper functioning of state finances, competitiveness, productivity and restoration of growth.