From Soviets to Most Digitalized Country in Europe
Estonia is one of the smallest countries in the European Union. But also, It is a fantastic example of how changing its country image with technology. Moreover, It is clear truth that Estonia leads technologic transformation of public sector between Baltic Countries, besides other EU Countries.
In this essay, I would like mention about milestones of Estonia EU integration process.
Estonia, along with Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Malta, and Cyprus, becomes full members of the European Union in 2004. As you see, most of the countries of becoming members during that year, which are ex-Soviet Countries.
On the one hand, integration of European Union Policies as an ex-Soviet Countries was the pretty hard process. In contrast, citizens hold the notion that the European Union was a big opportunity, has helped fort his process to be faster. In the beginning of new millennium, being a member of EU was highly advised.
In 1991, Estonia restored its independence. At the same year, United Nation Membership comes. The Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the European Economic Community on Trade, Commercial and Economic Co-operation is signed. The Agreement enters into force on 1 February 1993.
In 1994, Negotiations start on the Association Agreement between Estonia and the EU. It was miles stone on both sides. After a year, Estonia officially submitted its application for European Union membership.
In 2003, A referendum on the accession to the European Union and amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia is held. 64% of eligible citizens participate in the referendum, of which 67% vote in favor of acceding to the EU and amending the Constitution. 33% of voters vote against. After a year, Estonia became a full member of EU, at the same year with Nato Membership.
The European Union and especially Nato membership have provided security for Estonia besides all economic benefits and open market process. By now, Estonia development has observed clearly.
Today, Estonia is one the pioneer country for integration of technology to public services as %90. For instance, e-residency, e-election, e-business registration and more.
More Specifically, Estonia may be country, which has more than 10 Million E-Residency from all over the World, and with incomes of these, tax to its citizens will be abolished.
Estonia continues to be pioneer country since 1997 and very good example how innovation has been created by one of the ex-Soviet Country.
Sincerely Yours,
Att. Bedrettin Gürcan
If you have any question about Estonia, feel free to reach me via my mail.
@: bgurcan@www.gurcanpartners.com
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