Estonia: membership application

The European Parliament endorsed the resolution by Mrs Gunilla CARLSSON (EPP-ED, S) on Estonia's application for membership of the EU. The House stressed that the country was making good progress in its preparations for EU membership and has clearly emerged as one of the leaders among the candidate countries. It is urged to continue with the implementation of its programmes to integrate minorities, while the House also stress the need to take more steps to provide language training - particularly for the Russian speaking population. There is also applause for the progress in tackling corruption. Estonia receives praise for its economic progress, although there is concern over the high rate of unemployment and in particular the 'difficult situation' in the North-East of the country. Moreover, the resolution welcomes progress in adopting the 'acquis', although authorities are criticisd for allowing foreign works to be broadcast legally without permission and payment of any fee to the author. The resolution also looks forward to Estonia's full participation in the common foreign and security policy adn to becoming integrated into the Euro-Atlantic security structures. Finally, it looks forward to progress in adopting the environmental 'acquis' with Estonia's forthcoming accession to the European Environmental Agency.�