The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains what benefits Latvia has from EU membership: It is not just a geographical designation

Membership in the European Union (EU) gives Latvia access to the largest network of trade agreements in the world with more than 70 partners, LETA agency was informed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MA). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains that it is based on open, free and fair trade. Entrepreneurs have new export, investment and access to raw materials, while consumers have access to a comprehensive range of goods and services.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs points out that EU membership is not just a geographical designation. Participation is a confirmation of the will to stand up for common European values ​​and to be together with countries that respect and protect human dignity, stand for human rights, freedom, equality and solidarity, including solidarity with Ukraine in its struggle for freedom, democracy and a rules-based international order.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that Latvia has turned from a recipient country into a donor country – for world security and sustainability. Development cooperation funding has grown to 131 million euros in 2023 in 20 years. Latvia participates in large EU-funded development cooperation projects and activities. Ukraine has been the main priority in Latvia’s development cooperation, providing it with valuable experience and knowledge, which is now very useful for Ukraine on its way to the EU. The total EU support for Ukraine reaches 144 billion euros.

When traveling around the world, in emergency situations, you can get help from the representative office of another EU member state in a country where Latvia does not have its own representative office. If an identity document is lost, a temporary travel document can be obtained at the representative office of any EU member state in a country where Latvia does not have a representative office. Also, by expressing your civic duty and making a political choice, you can participate in the European Parliament elections on June 8 in 50 polling stations both in the EU and outside.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that on May 9 we celebrate Europe Day, and in addition, throughout the year 2024 we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the expansion of the largest economic and political union – the EU – on May 1, 2004, when Latvia also became its member state.

Celebrating Europe Day, EU Information Points with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organize creative events in all regions of Latvia. In Daugavpils, “Europe’s backyard festival 2024”, an informative quiz in Dobele, an event “Europe with a book” organized for primary school students in Jelgava, an event for young people “European Union and You” in Jūrmala and a meeting with the European person in Latvia Ralfs Eiland.

In Limbaži, these are trainings on the importance of social networks, in Ludza – an intellectual game “What is the EU”, in Madona – an event “European Family Saturday”, in Rēzekne – a discussion “20 years of the EU – achievements and future plans” and a creative workshop “European symbols for your own hands” , in Smiltene – word game “EU and the EU – that’s us”, in Staicele – discussion “From 500 landfills to the circular economy, or what 20 years in the European Union have changed in our economy”.

The event “European values ​​in conversation with journalist Ina Strazdiņa” will be held in Talsos, a drawing competition and the exhibition “My congratulations to the European Union on its 20th birthday!” will be held in Tukum. and the crossword puzzle competition “I am a tukumnieks in the European Union”, and in Valka – “Know about what has been done in the Valka region together with the EU!”.

In Helsinki, the capital of Finland, until May 13, it is possible to see the photo tour “EU Big Bang 2004” with photos from May 1, 2004, when Latvia joined the EU. In Brussels, the capital of Belgium, the works of students of the Latvian Academy of Arts were exhibited in a special exhibition in the premises of the Permanent Representation of Latvia to the EU. It will be possible to view the exhibition until November with prior application.

In Malmö, Sweden, on Europe Day, May 9, singer Don will represent Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest. In Luxembourg, on May 9, representatives of the Embassy of Latvia will take part in the annual Europe Day event “European Village” with a special stand.

On May 11, the Embassy of Latvia in Georgia will provide a Latvian stand at the Europe Days celebration in Tbilisi. A “European Village” will also be held in Tokyo, Japan. On the other hand, in Washington, USA, the Embassy of Latvia in the USA in cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and Latvian entrepreneurs in the USA will participate in the “EU Open Door Day 2024”.

In Budapest, Hungary, on May 12, the Embassy of Latvia will participate in the Europe Day festival with a special stand to promote Latvia’s international recognition. From May 12 to May 16, the European Film Festival is expected in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Latvian film “Jēkabs, Mimmi and talking dogs” will be shown on May 14.

On May 15, the embassies of the three Baltic States in Warsaw, Poland, will host a “Baltic Grill&Chill” with the aim of expanding the cooperation between Baltic States and Polish entrepreneurs. On the other hand, in Yerevan, Armenia, the embassy will support the seminar on EU issues and current events organized by the Armenian “EuroClub”.

A festive concert will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, on May 22, marking the 20th anniversary of Latvia and other countries admitted to the EU in 2004. On May 26, in Budapest, Hungary, the embassy will participate in the “Boulevard of Nations” organized by the International Child Safety Service. In Kazakhstan, on June 1, the Europe Day event will be held in the Central Park of Astana, as well as the “AgriFood” forum with the aim of promoting EU products. The embassy in Greece, together with the other nine countries that joined the EU in 2004, will participate in the art project. At the beginning of June, the old town of Nicosia in Cyprus will be painted walls depicting dancers from each country.

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