Participation in EU legislative processes
Following its accession to the EU, Estonia has participated in the decision making processes as a fully qualified member state. The EU legislative process mostly involves the European Commission, with the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. EU policies and associated legislation are formulated and enacted through the co-operation of these three institutions.
The governments of member states are represented by the Council of the European Union. It operates under the direction of a presiding member state, who are appointed on a rotational principle, serving a six-month term. Three successive Presidencies together form a “trio”, which formulates a joint presiding programme and co-ordinates their actions. Estonia held EU presidency from July to December 2017.
Additional information
Role of the Ministry of Education and Research
The actions of the Estonian government in the EU are based on common principles formulated in the framework document “Estonia’s European Union Priorities 2022-2023”. The framework document also clarifies the government’s primary goals in different areas of policy.
The Minister of Education and Research represents Estonia in the EU Council in strategic discussions related to approving EU legislation in various fields, incl. education, research, professional qualifications, language and youth.
The Ministry of Education and Research is responsible for formulating and protecting national interests with respect to the proposed EU legislation and development plans that impact the Ministry’s domain. For this, the officials and experts appointed by the Ministry participate in working groups that can broadly be divided into two categories:
- Working groups set up by the European Commission where new initiatives are prepared – this format is used to exchange experiences, analyse best practices and set common goals;
- Working groups and committees of the Council of the European Union that negotiate EU draft legislation, which is eventually submitted for final discussion and adoption to the Council of the EU.
Draft legislation
New draft EU legislation requires Estonian national positions on issues that the Ministry’s officials can present and defend in the EU legislative process. For Estonia, it is important that national positions have broad support and that co-operation with partners in diverse fields is strengthened.
Ordinary citizens, interested parties, specialists of education and research, municipalities, special interest groups, civic organisations and representatives of other institutions can present their opinions with regard to EU draft legislation concerning the field of education and research by:
- participating in web-based open discussions and consultations initiated by the European Commission in the web portal Your Voice In Europe;
- forwarding their opinions to the EU and International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Education and Research which co-ordinates all EU-related co-operation and information exchange.
Public consultations
Public consultations are initiated by the European Commission to gain insight into the opinions of citizens and stakeholders regarding the development directions of specific policies. The European Commission uses the consultations to compile legislation in specific areas of policy making. The consultations are published on the Commission’s website, which offers visitors a chance to express their opinions.
European Union’s role in issues related to education, youth, and language
In issues related to education, youth, and language policies, the European Union has a supporting and coordinating role. The member states had and will have full responsibility over their educational system and youth work organisation and contents. The EU fosters development and co-operation between member states and thus contributes to the development of education, youth and research spheres.
The Lisbon Treaty stipulates that the goal of the EU is to add a pan-European dimension to the field of education. This task is primarily accomplished through teaching and promoting the use of member countries’ languages but also through advancing the mobility of students and teachers, improving cooperation between educational institutions as well as encouraging international youth projects.
This and other common goals are supported by the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes.
Developing research and technology is a competency field divided between member states and the EU. The EU and member states coordinate research policies and technology initiatives to ensure that the policies of the EU and individual member states are compatible with each other.
For these purposes, the EU has supported international co-operation between scientists and the accomplishment of research and innovation policy objectives through framework programmes since 1984. A scientific framework programme “European Horizon” was launched in 2021, with the goal of amplifying the economic impact of research and development activities and finding solutions to complicated social problems.
Last updated: 21.10.2022