Joint Statement of Minister Wideroos and Minister Veskimägi
Estonia and Finland have actively and fruitfully cooperated in the field of taxation and customs for over ten years. We are pleased to see that the relations between our authorities have continuously become more frequent and by the present day exchange of knowledge and experience has become daily.
This is especially important in the light of Estonia's accession to the EU on May 1st, 2004, when our borders will open. The increasing traffic of individuals and goods increases the responsibility of all parties involved.
On the basis of the discussions and the visit to Narva customs station today we stated that Estonia is to a well prepared to fulfil the functions of the eastern border of the EU. During the pre-accession months, a number of additional measures will be brought into action primarily in order to fight against organised crime in the smuggling of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes as well as VAT fraud on the borders and inland.
As a result of the visit, we have come to a conclusion that the cooperation between Estonia and Finland has created a good basis for Estonia to join the EU and further extension of this cooperation will ensure the achievement of the strategic goals.