Jüri RATAS

Policy topics Jüri RATAS is active on

What Jüri RATAS has said (22)

• 2026-06-17 “President, commissioner, on the Eastern flank of Europe, hybrid threats have become the new normality. We see that these attacks are targeted against our databases, our infrastructure, and ultimately, on our social trust. And these incidents in Lithuania are no exception. We're seeing the same thing in Estonia in the recent month. For example, we have experienced GPS jamming, that are linked to Russia's hostile activities and that influence both drones and civil aviation along Europe's eastern border. Lithuania shows us that the strong cyber defense is based on clear leadership and rapid information sharing. Equally important is public preparedness. Awareness raising, training, and clear communication can turn citizens into a strong line of defense, And this is the model from which all of Europe can learn. At the same time, there are still bottlenecks affecting many member states, excessive bureaucracy, slow innovation, and also fragmented responsibility. And these create space for hostile influence. Europe must act more quick act quicker and in a more unified manner. Lithuania sends us a clear message. Hybrid threats are evolving rapidly, but we also have to evolve just as rapidly.”
  Surveillance equipment & spyware
• 2026-06-17 “President. Commissioner on the eastern flank of Europe, hybrid threats have become the new normality. We see that these attacks are targeted against our databases, our infrastructure and ultimately on our social trust. And these incidents in Lithuania are no exception. We're seeing the same thing in Estonia in the recent month. For example, we have experienced GPS jamming that are linked to Russia's hostile activities and that influence both drones and civil aviation along Europe's eastern border. Lithuania shows us that the strong cyber defense is based on clear leadership and rapid information sharing. Equally important is public preparedness. Awareness raising, training and clear communication can turn citizens into a strong line of defense. And this is the model from which all of Europe can learn. At the same time, there are still bottlenecks affecting many member states excessive bureaucracy, slow innovation, and also fragmented It responsibility. And these create space for hostile influence. Europe must act more quickly as act quicker and in a more unified manner. Lithuania sends us a clear message. Hybrid threats are evolving, evolving rapidly. But we also have to evolve just as rapidly.”
  Surveillance equipment & spyware
• 2026-06-16 “Honorable president, vice president. First of all, I am extremely happy to see this proposal from for the technological sovereignty package. It is a long awaited step to reassure our economy and our sovereignty. European digital sovereignty supports our ambition to become an AI continent and to build a resilient technological future. The main question here is whether we trust enough as a society, as the EU, we are ready for this and whether we can ensure our security. The latest developments in the field of AI, including the restrictions on the use of the most advanced models, have demonstrated how fast Europe can become dependent on models that we do not control. More than 99% of public services in my own country, Estonia, are provided digitally, and therefore we know how important secure digital infrastructure is. Our ecosystem is also dependent on decisions by external platforms and external computing. Computing. Ability. So my question is, how can you assure that resources necessary do not concentrate in the hands of big players? Thank you.”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• 2026-06-16 “Honorable president, colleagues, vice president, 1st of all, I am extremely happy to see this proposal from for the technological sovereignty package. It is a long awaited step, to reassure our economy and our sovereignty. European digital sovereignty supports our ambition to become an AI continent and to build a resilient technological future. The main question here is whether we trust enough as a society, as the EU, we are ready for this and whether we can ensure our security. The latest developments in the field of AI, including the restrictions on the use of the most advanced models, have demonstrated how fast Europe can become dependent on models that we do not control. More than 99% of public services in my own country, Estonia, are provided digitally, and therefore, we know how important secure digital infrastructure is. Our ecosystem is also dependent on decisions by external platforms and external compute computing ability. So my question is, how can you assure that resources necessary do not concentrate in the hands of big players?”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• “President. President. Commissioner. Colleagues, the EU needs a budget that can support innovation, growth and our defence readiness. And the 2026 budget. Has to be a step towards that goal. Our priorities are clear. We want to support competitiveness in the EU. That is the basis of our economy. That's what creates jobs And we need to protect the EU. We need security in the EU. Only that can protect us and can avoid there being war on the territory of the EU. And we also need, of course, to support Ukraine on its path towards freedom. We'll be investing in our common future. And that means that we will stand side by side with our friends in keeping with our values. We can't accept any false compromises. Every euro has to go towards security and towards our citizens and our companies.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Honourable president. Commissioner. Dear colleagues, it has now been three years and eight months since Russia launched its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. And yet Europe still continues to import Russian energy. This is unacceptable. Stop importing all forms of energy from Russia. Every single euro paid to Moscow helps fund its war machine. Since the start of the war, EU countries have paid more than EUR 210 billion for Russian fossil energy. It is almost as much as Russia has spent on the war itself. This means that even today, European money continues to finance the Kremlin's aggression against Ukraine. Together with the EPP Group, I firmly stand for ending all Russian energy imports as quickly as possible, and for closing energy loopholes through third countries. World and half measures are not enough. We must take bold action. Thank you.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Chair. Thank you. Colleagues, um, professors Estonia has strongly supported Horizon Europe, our journey moving out of the widening group and growing our research capacity shows that the value of these measures. Today, however, we face new challenges. We no longer qualify for widening funding, but it is still hard to compete with the strongest countries. My proposal is simple for Estonia and the other countries that have recently moved out of the widening group. A special transition group should be created in the next MFF. This group should continue to receive support. Progress should be encouraged. I propose four measures for transition countries. First, support the project coordination. The second targeted top up for leadership in research projects. The third support for excellent but unfunded proposals and for sharing our experiences. My question goes to Professor Leptin is to you consider such a proposal justified? Thank you.”
  EU research funding
• “Thank you, Mr. President. Commissioner. Without a strong, modern and resilient electricity grid, we won't be able to guarantee the future performance of European industry. The Energy grid is the backbone of our industry. However, this backbone is very weak. Energy consumption is increasing or electricity consumption is increasing, consumption of renewables is increasing and people believe the European Union is able to manage everything. However, we are still seeing delay and bottlenecks when it comes to energy supply. Europe cannot afford to allow its energy grid to lag behind. The money we're talking about here are an important investment for our energy security and the future of our industry. I know all too well how dangerous energy dependency can mean and how we can overcome this. We've achieved a great deal in my country. We've joined the Scandinavian energy market together with Estonia and Latvia. We've we've left the Russian energy grid. That's useless. However, if Europe doesn't follow. We still see fluctuations in electricity supplies on the grid, and in many cases, energy prices are many times higher than they should be. That's simply not sustainable, nor indeed fair.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “President. Commissioner. Dear colleagues, Europe's digital future depends on strong and secure networks. Without networks, there is no digital economy, no security and no competitiveness. I come from Estonia, a small country, but a digital one. We know that digital networks are not abstract infrastructure. There are global competition is increasing and they are strategic assets. The Digital Networks Act comes at the right time. Our networks are under pressure. Demand is growing and global competition is increasing. Europe must act together. We need investments. We need resilience. And we need fair and predictable rules. Private investments are alone will not be enough. But regulation must not punish those who invest. Network operators need certainty. This act must strengthen connectivity in all regions, in cities and in rural areas. It must support 5G, fibre and future technologies. Let me be clear Europe cannot afford digital dependence. Not on hardware, not on software, and not on networks. Digital sovereignty is not a slogan, it is responsible. So my question to the commission is simple. Will this act truly empower Europe to lead? Or will we once again move too slowly while others move faster? Thank you.”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• “Thank you, dear chair. Dear colleagues, uh, thank you for this opportunity. As the EPP rapporteur for patch opinion, I would like to raise a few points. First, I want to underline that the main task of the budgetary assessment is to examine the financial and budgetary aspects of the proposals, and to ensure that the legislative and financial elements are fully aligned. I would also like to recall the need for predictable and sufficient annual resources for the program, especially given the long term nature of the projects it supports, as well as the need for adequate human resources. In addition, I want to stress the increase in flexibility proposed by the Commission must not come at the expense of predictability. Sudden changes in available resources would negatively affect beneficiaries. Researchers, SMEs and start ups working in this sector need stable commitments that do not shift from year to year. I kindly ask your support, and I really hope that we can reach a pragmatic and constructive decision. Thank you.”
  EU research funding
• “Thank you, honorable president, Commissioner. Dear colleagues. The Hamburg Declaration aims to turn the North Sea into a clean and secure energy hub for Europe. I would like to raise an additional point for. Our energy must also be affordable for our people and for our businesses. Europe should not rely on on only one type of energy. Offshore wind and hydrogen are important, but they cannot be the only answer. We need a balanced energy mix as well as stronger connection more than grids and energy storage. Our goal must be a truly reliable European energy market that delivers stable and affordable prices for all member states, including smaller ones like my home country, Estonia. My question to the commission is this what is the Commission doing to ensure the stronger connection between the Baltic region and Nordic countries helped reduce electricity price differences? Thank you.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “President, colleagues, in just a few weeks, world leaders will meet for the Cop 30. This will be an important moment for the global climate action. The European Union has always been a leader in setting strong climate goals, but our credibility depends on what we can truly deliver. We need to make sure that economic growth, innovation and climate responsibility can go hand in hand. Even inside the EU, it is not easy to find common position. Some countries are moving faster, others are still catching up. We have different levels of innovation and technology. When we speak about clean industry, it is not only about the environment, it is also about the fear. Realistic balance when moving towards our climate ambitions is driven by a strong economy, innovation and new technologies not working against them. How can we make sure that this balance is real part of European climate strategy, so that the green transition, supports competitiveness, create jobs and keeps Europe as a leader in global innovation. And one question more how can we bring other major economies to join us on this and share this responsibility? Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “Thank you, Mr. Chair. Commissioner colleagues. Thank you to your professional and could ever feel like always. I have two questions. When the RAF was established, I had the honor of participating in two decisive discussions as the Prime Minister of Estonia. And I remember well how passionately we wait every euro spent. But we agree that this must be more than just a response to crisis. It must be an investment in the future of Europe. And my first question is, is that the administration burdens continue to be a serious obstacle for many countries. And when and how does the Commission intend to fulfill its promise to reduce administrative burdens by at least 25%? And the second is the future of the RRF. If money remains unspent in the in an envelope, what are our options going forward? Thank you.”
  Conditions to access EU budget
• “Honorable president. Dear colleagues, Commissioner Cop 30 showed that the world's understanding of the climate transition is changing. Our goal should stay ambitious, but they also need to be realistic and fair. The deal to increase adaptation funding and strengthen climate finance up to an expected 1.3 trillion USD per year by 2035. It is a real step forward. It shows that global cooperation is still possible. At the same time, the conference could not agree on a clear roadmap to phase out fossil fuels. This is more than a setback. It is a signal, a signal that the transition, as it stands today is too hard for many countries to implement. And if the rest of the world cannot follow us, Europe will not achieve its own goals either. A credible climate policy must be ambitious and workable. We should focus less on what the world must do and more on how to make it possible. If we want other countries to stay with us, we must be ready to adjust our path when reality demands it. Cop 30 reminded us that the transition is a journey, not a slogan. Responsible leadership means correcting our course when needed so that we will all reach their destination together. Europe must remain a leader, but a leader who listens and adapts. Thank you. **Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ @Co-Chair: Thank you. Will you take a blue card from our colleague, Joao Oliveira? No. Thank you. Card. Next card.”
  Climate efforts
• “Thank you very much indeed. I very much support the idea that science is at the heart of our policy making. It is critical that we do this if we want to remain competitive. Science and research are a huge plus in our society, and we need to continue to support this funding. We need much more than simply high sounding words. We need genuine action. Science and research is so important to our competitiveness and to our future. Therefore, we have got to remain in the vanguard. We've got to lead on the global stage in terms of research and innovation. And to do that, we need to attract researchers from all over. We have many researchers from elsewhere in Estonia, and the researchers and research institutions could actually do with more money and more support in order to be able to deliver on their dreams.”
  EU research funding
• “Thank you chair. Also happy new from my side. My question is to you that the connections between the, let's say, the Baltic countries and the Nordic countries, I concretely I mean the connection between Estonia and Finland. Today there are two lines, one and two. But I know that these countries are really interested in also to have the line three. The question is about that. Thank you.”
  EU transport infrastructure integration
• “Thank you, chair. And thank you, the commission for this report. Interoperability is really important for a digital single market. And it is also closely linked to the European Competitiveness Fund. When public systems work together, services become faster, cheaper and more reliable. That is what citizens expect from us and from European Union. As an EPP member from Estonia. I follow this topic very closely and it is important for us. I also welcome that Estonia is highlighted in the report as a good practice example. Our new nation framework and the world's first data embassy show that even a small member state can lead with forward looking solutions. Member states still move at different speeds. This creates fragmentation and risks for cybersecurity and the single market. We need strong cooperation and predictable funding. At the same time, there is growing pressure to reduce funding for the digital transformation of public administrations, I think, and I believe this would be a step in really wrong direction. Digital Public Services needs long term investment and clear support. Let me conclude with a few questions to the Commission. The first, what instruments will be used to the next MFF to support the digital transformation of public administrations? And the second, what steps will you take to improve mainly the cross-border data exchange for everyday public services? Thank you.”
  Digitalization of public governance & administration
• “Shadow rapporteur thank thank you. Thank you once more. All the best for our our new season. Dear colleagues, and thank you for this opportunity. As the EPP Shadow rapporteur, I want to thank the rapporteur for standing firmly against those parts of the proposal which would significantly reduce Parliament's budgetary powers. In my amendments, I also emphasised that any changes to the mobilization procedure must ensure Parliament retains its oversight and decision making powers. Additionally, I want to stress that under this regulation, the Commission must prioritise simplifying and shortening its own internal processes. This is the key. Thank you.”
  Conditions to access EU budget
• “Mr. president, commissioner, colleagues EU, US trade relations have for years been part and parcel of our strength. Last year this trade totalled an impressive €865 billion. We also have in common shared values democracy, rule of law and the market economy. Imposing trade tariffs threatens to disrupt our cooperation. There's still a great deal of confusion around yet. This is not the time for us to be offended or become emotional. Europe should remain united and resolute as representative of Estonia, a small country with an open economy. I say clearly we need rules based trade, not arbitrary tariff wars. We should also not allow our businesses and our workers to suffer under unjust pressure. I support the European Commission's efforts to find the best possible solution through negotiation. At the same time, we need to strengthen our internal market, reduce strategic dependencies, and build new international partnerships. Thank you, Mr. Krista.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you, dear chairman and. Dear friends from Cyprus. I. Would like to wish. You a successful presidency. We started, actually at the same momentum. I mean, I'm from Estonia. It was the 1st of May 2004, and now it's your second presidency. All the best for that. It is really important. And and hard times what we have today. But, um, uh, both defense and energy policies have a direct impact on Europe's competitiveness, lower energy costs, reliable partners and strong security. And very important if we want our companies to grow and compete globally, we also need innovation and new technologies. I would like to ask a question to the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry and my question is what concrete steps will be taken during your presidency to improve Europe's competitiveness. And what more should be done to help European companies, especially SMEs? Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you. President. Commissioner. Ladies and gentlemen. Inequalities continue to be one of the main concerns felt by European citizens. More than 80% of citizens of our continents feel there's too much inequality when it comes to income. Moreover, equal opportunities should also be an integral part of Europe's approach to social and economic affairs. Today, more than 14% of Europeans at risk of poverty that accounts for more than 60 million people. We can't simply ignore these people. There are major disparities between member states, but overall, the situation is similar and progress has been made in few countries. In my own country, Estonia remained. A great deal remains to be made. Approximately 20% of the population live with income lower than 60% of the European average. The situation is particularly worrying for elderly people and large families. Worldwide, the situation is even worse. The 10% ten richest 10% of the richest in the world control 75% of resources. Whereas the 50% at the bottom of the scale have just less than 10%. These equalities are based on an economic system. Far too much inequality slows down growth, prevents people buying quality healthy food, and invest in their health. All of this has an impact on their life and chances of success, as well as that of their children. Our economy must help our people, but to do that, we require growth. The European Union has to bring together economic growth and equal opportunities, and we must focus in particular on the weakest in society. The 2030 objectives in terms of the Europe of European social rights chart out the road forward. Lifelong opportunities to help people move out of poverty. I have a question for the Commission. What new measures do you provide so as to enable us to reduce these inequalities? Thank you. Matthias Ecker.”
  Minimum income harmonisation at EU level
• “Thank you. Dear colleagues, we must continue to unlock the full potential of renewables, wind, solar, sustainable biomass and others. These sources are central to our long term energy independence. But let's be clear. Renewables alone are not enough to ensure our resilience, security and competitiveness. We also need more controllable energy. Energy that is available when needed at any time in any conditions. This means supporting flexible solutions like energy storage and smart infrastructure. And yes, in some regions, this also means we need more time for a realistic transition from fossil fuels. At the core of this transition, we must be two principles. Energy must remain accessible and affordable for our citizens and for our businesses. Let's ensure that our ambitions go hand in hand with responsibility. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)