Who cares? This ballet created by Balanchine to music by Gershwin will be one of the highlights of New Year's ball, which in Opera Tallinn mark the end of 2010 and the entry in the 12th shot midnight of Estonia into the euro area. strange choice, Who cares? Not the musical (I like Gershwin). But because of the symbolic title of the ballet, which will be presented this evening just before midnight in the presence of political and worldly gratin of Estonia and the premiers of the three Baltic states.
I can not believe that this choice has no special meaning. But which one? Who cares? Who cares? Who, what?
I guess, in the minds of Estonians have chosen this work, we would like to respond in kind to the funny comments and outbursts of surprise rise here and there, the entrance to the Baltic country in a currency area, it is true, somewhat shaken ...
I found a few titles of articles on the Internet:
- They are crazy Estonians!
- Estonia away from Moscow by adopting the euro at the worst time
- Welcome, Estonia, to flawed Euroland
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Admittedly, seen below, this Estonian accession to the euro area may seem to cons-time (understatement) or suicidal (exaggeration). I tried, in a article published this morning by Cross , explain and put into perspective the rallying of Estonia. To each to get his opinion.
In my opinion, this country had little choice but to dock with the European monetary area. A motto like kroon, the Estonian kroon, can it survive to term in a world becoming more global? On what basis? Imagine that the Estonian economy generates only 600 000 jobs. And the country has good claim a surprising balance in fiscal deficit and public debt, it is not immune to turmoil from the outside. Although individualistic by nature, I must admit that quite often, unity is strength ...
I also understand very well that the Estonians are in the membership of the euro zone an extra insurance against the big Russian neighbor whom no one knows yet how it will evolve. This is one of, if not THE main reason the desire to join the Estonian core of the EU, despite the current uncertainties about its future.
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At the same time, I mean some of the arguments of the few Estonian eurosceptic campaigners. The one I have met a few days ago in Tallinn (Anti Poolamets) has all of a provocative Zebulon which stimulates by debiting to loud bursts of ideas and formulas. Here posing in front of posters of his own, likening the eurozone Titanic
If I find it hard not to wince at hearing the euro compared to the Soviet ruble and confidants to the Eurocrats Vladimir Putin, I recognize it's not wrong on other points, even if its arguments can often be countered.
Yes, the Estonian government silent negative aspects of abandoning the national currency (but that does not mean he is not aware ... and that's fair enough, it does not proclaim from the rooftops as the country prepares to board a skiff in trouble).
Yes, he did not consult the public on this important (but membership of the euro was under the Treaty of Accession to the EU), which is more a very delicate moment in the short history of the European currency.
Yes, the changeover may seem imposed from above (but members Estonian who approved the decision they have not been elected by the people?).
Yes, Estonians were forced, once again, to tighten their belts for the government to submit an application form acceptable by members of the eurozone.
Yes, Estonian banknotes are aesthetically more successful than the euro. Not to mention the symbolism of Independence they convey (the kroon was established in 1992, just after the exit of the USSR).
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For now, people like Anti Poolamets seem to preach in a desert (White) of indifference or weariness. In snow flurries blowing across this country, there is a small voice that hisses "since the decision is made, and Europe opens the doors of the euro, let's go, we'll see later" . For months, moreover, the Estonians are preparing without asking too many questions, including posting the prices in crowns and euros, as in the cafeteria of the University of Tallinn:
The euro is far from a panacea. Anyway, there is no magic or perfect. It is likely that once the country entered in the euro area, the Eurosceptic arguments gain in popularity among Estonians. There will be time to talk.
Meanwhile, the time has come to say Tere euro! ... Hello euro!
