Estonian European Union membership referendum, 2003

In a referendum on 14 September 2003, the Estonian voters had to decide on the country's accession to the European Union. More than two thirds of voters voted for the candidate who then took place on 1 May 2004.

Prehistory

Since the independence of Estonia in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union accession to the European Union has been a goal of the Estonian policy. It was hoped that by assisting in economic development, strengthening or reviving old cultural ties to Central and Western Europe, which were lost during the period of Soviet rule, and also a strengthening of Estonia's position in relation to its big neighbor Russia. In 1997, the negotiations on the EU membership and Estonia was started on the EU summit on 12 - 13th December 2002 officially invited to join the European Union as a Member State. The Riigikogu decided sure to consult the population in a referendum on the question of accession.

The voters submitted on 14 September 2003, with, yeah 'or' egg ' was ( yes / no) question to answer:

" Kas Teie olete Euroopa Liiduga ühinemise yes Eesti Vabariigi põhiseaduse täiendamise seaduse vastuvõtmise pooled? "

" Are you for the accession of the Republic of Estonia to the European Union and for the corresponding amendment to the Constitution? "

Results

The following table shows the results of the referendum in the different regions of Estonia. The turnout nationwide at 64.06 %.