OREANDA-NEWS. On July 01, 2009 Prime Minister Andrus Ansip met with Jean-Claude Juncker, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, who expressed strong support for Estonia’s efforts towards joining the Eurozone. He also regarded the steps taken by the government as justified for the achievement of the goal, reported the Official website valitsus.ee.

At the meeting, Juncker expressed his opinion that Estonia’s accession to the Eurozone is possible on the date that has been set as a goal, which is 1 January 2011. “It is important for Estonia to be able to implement the steps planned to meet all criteria,” said Juncker. At the meeting, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip said that Estonia wishes to join the Eurozone at the first available opportunity. “Estonia regards a strong and stable Eurozone as important, and the meeting of the Maastricht criteria is an important part of it. By meeting all requirements, we wish to join the Eurozone in January 2011, at the latest,” said Ansip.

The Prime Ministers declared that bilateral relations between Estonia and Luxembourg are good. Both countries wish to see a strong European Union, support the further expansion of the Union and the development of the common market. At the meeting, the Prime Ministers discussed energy and the European Council as well.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, is the head of the so-called Eurogroup and one of the leaders of the Eurozone establishment project, and also the Minister of Finance of Luxembourg. He is regarded as one of the best experts of common currency in the European Union. In 2005, Juncker was elected as European of the Year. He was on an official visit to Estonia in December 2007.