Prime Minister Katainen met Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip

"Finland and Estonia are of the opinion that, right now, the EU is in no need of institutional reforms. Instead, we must focus on efforts to maintain and monitor economic discipline, strengthen competitiveness, enhance the internal market, and deepen the common foreign policy", said Prime Minister Katainen in Tallinn.

In addition to the EU's economic situation, the prime ministers discussed opportunities to improve the attractiveness, influence and competitiveness of the Baltic Sea region – issues of great importance for both countries.

"I reiterated our strong support for the Rail Baltica project which is to link significant groups of population and industries all the way from Tallinn to Warsaw. A new and fast train connection via the Baltic states straight to the markets areas in Central and Southern Europe would naturally serve the interests of Finland's foreign trade as well. It would also provide excellent opportunities for Finnish businesses in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to expand", said Prime Minister Katainen.

If constructed, the Rail Baltica would be open to traffic at the beginning of the 2020s. "Railways are a viable mode of future transport. Finland is committed to supporting and participating in projects like the Rail Baltica as they significantly improve transport infrastructure in the EU's northern regions and the Baltic Sea states", said Katainen.

During his visit to Estonia, Prime Minister Katainen also met the President of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

Inquiries: Kari Mokko, Director of Government Communications, Government Communications Unit, tel. +358 40 751 3281