"I warmly congratulate Mart Laar, Chairman of Pro Patria and Res Publica Union, a former Prime Minister of Estonia, on the great success of the Estonian Parliamentary elections on 6 March 2011", said Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament.

Res Publica and Pro Patria Union received 20.5% of the votes and 23 seats in the 101-member Estonian Parliament, gaining 4 more seats compared to the last parliamentary elections.

"After regaining its independence, Estonia has developed into a role model for several European countries. Pro Patria and Res Publica Union and its Chairman Mart Laar have played a significant role in this process", said Joseph Daul.

"Estonia was the first of the Baltic countries to adopt the Euro on 1 January 2011 - that was an act of confidence. Estonia's rigorous reforms, budgetary balance and small debts during the recent economic crisis show an excellent example for the rest of Europe."

"The success of the centre-right coalition shows that Estonian people approved the budgetary balance policy that led to the successful adoption of the Euro", Joseph Daul said.

"I hope that Pro Patria and Res Publica Union's success will give an additional boost to Estonia's development and will strengthen Estonia's influence in Europe" Chairman Daul concluded.

Link to the election results

For further information:

Joseph DAUL MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, Tel: +33-3-881-75525

Antoine Ripoll, Chairman's Spokesman, Tel: +32-475-856290

Kaja Sorg, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-476-541013

Notes to Editors:

The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.