Estonia holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time from 1st July 2017 until the end of December. Taking over the leadership of this role is important for the Estonian state and its people. On Thursday a grand concert took place on Freedom Square to mark the start of the presidency.
Performers include popular Estonian artists and groups: Vaiko Eplik, Kadri Voorand and Mari Jürjens with the Estonian Cello Ensemble, Kukerpillid, Genka, Winny Puhh, Estonian Voices, NOËP, Frankie Animal and Miljardid. The audience was greeted by Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission and Jüri Ratas, the Prime Minister of Estonia.
President Tusk surprised the audience with a poem spoken in perfect Estonian
'Me laheme läbi mere!' at the concert.
You can watch concert here via ERR News: Opening concert of Estonia's 2017 EU presidency
Estonia is committed to a strong and unified European Union. As a leader in digital innovation, Estonia will pave the way forward in the digital sphere. The Estonian government recently approved the programme for the EU presidency, you can view it here: www.eu2017.ee/programme