Introduction of the euro proves Estonia's political maturity

The EU finance ministers have fixed the exchange rate for the Estonian kroon, removing the last hurdle for the introduction of the euro in the country on January 1, 2011. Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the Estonian parliament, expresses his delight in his blog: "Our joining the Eurozone is compelling proof for Estonia's maturity as an EU member. On the one hand it testifies to our domestic savvy, which was already manifest when we attained important international objectives. ... On the other hand in its six years as an EU member Estonia  has gained in self-assurance. Entering the Eurozone means our status as a new EU member will increasingly recede into the past: Estonia is now among the states in this region best-integrated into the West. This gives us additional possibilities but also new obligations. For that reason it is now essential that we make the most of these international opportunities to raise the living standard for everyone in Estonia."

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