On September 14, 2003 (August 18, 2003 in the lunar calendar), Estonia citizens joined the European Union. On September 14, 2003, Estonia held a referendum on whether to join the European Union: 63% of all citizens participated in the vote, and the "accession referendum" was passed with 66.92% in favor and 33.08% against. Before the referendum, Estonia society had an extensive and heated debate on the issue of "joining the EU." Proponents generally have a mentality of "leaning against a big tree to enjoy the shade." They believe that if Estonia joins the EU, it will enable this small country to obtain a safer and more stable business environment, thereby attracting more foreign investment and expanding exports. In addition, various assistance from the European Union will also provide oxygen to Estonia's economy. Opponents of "accession" believe that joining the EU will cause Estonia to lose its independence and sovereignty once again, and deviate from the free trade principle that Estonia has always pursued. The rise in prices caused by accession to the EU has also become the main reason why the low-income class opposes joining the EU. Although calls against accession have emerged one after another, the results of various previous opinion polls show that the number of people supporting accession is much higher than that of the opposition, and accession is the general trend, so the results of the referendum are not surprising. As Gunter Verheugen, EU Enlargement Commissioner, said: Estonia has no better choice than the EU. The country's political and economic prospects depend too much on the pace of European integration. Only by joining the European Union can Estonia's political and economic benefits be protected internationally.