From: Merle Kruusimägi
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2026 3:09 PM
To: 'ČERNIAVSKIENĖ Donata' <[email protected]>
Cc: Urmas Kruuse <[email protected]>; Maido Ruusmann <[email protected]>; Maaelukomisjoni staff <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Follow-up on the Vilnius Declaration: Finalization and Signature Procedure

Dear Donata,

We would like to thank the Lithuanian Parliament for the revised text of the declaration. We are pleased that our proposal has been considered in Part I, Article 2, and that the wording has been amended accordingly.

However, we must note that after incorporating the proposals of the parties into the revised text of the declaration, some additions have been introduced with which Estonia cannot agree. In the proposals below, we have relied on Estonia’s official positions concerning the preparations required for enlargement at the level of the European Union across various policy areas, which have been approved both by the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Riigikogu.

1)

Part I. Article 7

7. We call for the new CAP to strengthen the strategic autonomy of Europe in terms of food security by strengthening production capacity and reducing dependence on imports, particularly in the eastern border region of the EU. We request a review of the rules for signing international agreements, including the EU-MERCOSUR trade agreement and other agreements that pose threats to the safety of European farmers and consumers.

In its official positions, Estonia has not expressed the view that Mercosur poses a threat to EU farmers.

Therefore, we propose to delete the second sentence of Article 7. Alternatively, as a compromise, we could agree to at least remove the reference to the EU–Mercosur trade agreement from this sentence.

2)

Part II. Article 2.

2. We congratulate Ukraine and Moldova on their candidate status for accession to the European Union and the opening of accession negotiations with them. We call on the EU to ensure a credible, predictable, and merit-based enlargement process, taking into account the concerns and interests of European farmers, particularly those from the neighbouring countries where agriculture accounts for a significant share of the economy. We also call on the EU to ensure a fair enlargement process that will provide adequate support for the implementation of regulations (standards) that impose an economic burden on candidate countries, in a manner mirroring the support provided to EU member states when implementing similar regulations, or by extending the deadlines for the entry into force of such regulations

In its positions, Estonia has emphasised the importance of EU enlargement but has not explicitly referred to the need to protect current Member States. Estonia considers it important to recognise the contribution of candidate countries to ensuring food security and reducing dependence on production and inputs from third countries, such as feed and fertilisers. Estonia believes that it is in the interest of both current and future EU Member States to ensure that the enlargement process guarantees the stability of the EU internal market. For stability and smooth adaptation to the market, it is necessary to ensure equal competitive conditions for food producers across the entire EU.

We propose to amend the wording of the second sentence of Part II, Article 2 and replace the words:

“taking into account the concerns and interests of European farmers, particularly those from the neighbouring countries where agriculture accounts for a significant share of the economy”

with:

“taking into account the need to ensure the stability of the EU internal market, smooth adaptation, and equal competitive conditions for food producers across the entire EU”.

3)

Finally, another issue of concern for us is the transitional periods and compensations referred to in Part II, Article 5 of the declaration and in the last call (in the “We call for” section).

Part II. Article 5.

5. At the same time, we stress that the integration must be a gradual process, supported by clear and transparent planning, and comprising transitional measures and periods. The integration of the agri-food sector into the single market must take place in a way that guarantees a level playing field for all market participants in terms of production standards, including the sustainable use of plant protection products, food safety, plant health, the environment and animal welfare, whilst ensuring the continued stability of the internal market

And

The last call in the „We call for “-part:

–            applying, where necessary, the transitional periods, including those relating to the access of agricultural products from Ukraine and Moldova to the single market, protective mechanisms for sectors facing economic difficulties, and the possibility of providing adequate compensation

Estonia does not support transitional periods, and the position approved by our Government and Parliament on this issue is as follows:
“Estonia considers it important that post-enlargement integration with the internal market be as smooth as possible, with few or no exceptions in the form of post-accession transitional periods. Estonia also considers it important to ensure sectoral integration of candidate countries, particularly in key export sectors such as ICT and business services, which would allow them to gradually access the single market before the end of the accession process.”

Regarding financing, Estonia’s position is based on the need to ensure equal competitive conditions:

“It is in Estonia’s interest that pre-accession assistance focusses on ensuring compliance with food safety, animal welfare, environmental and quality standards in the acceding countries, both in the food sector and in the development of state supervisory systems.”

Therefore, we cannot support the proposed wording concerning transitional periods and compensation.

We would like to thank the Lithuanian Parliament once again for its considerable efforts in seeking balanced compromises and wish you every success in the continuation of this process.

Kind regards,

Merle Kruusimägi

Adviser

Rural Affairs Committee

Riigikogu

Phone: +372 631 6501

E-mail: [email protected]