Edgars Rinkēvičs presents Latvia’s EU Presidency and expresses his gratitude to Italy for its accomplishments

The Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs presented Latvia’s proposals for priorities to be pursued during its Presidency and its ideas for advancing the digital agenda.

Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs headed Latvia’s delegation to the General Affairs Council. This was the last GAC during the Italian EU Presidency. The next GAC will be chaired by Latvia. Minister Rinkēvičs expressed his gratitude for the accomplishments of the Italian Presidency to Sandro Gozzi, Italy’s Secretary of State for European Affairs.

The Ministers talked about the questions that will be important for the EU in the first half of 2015 and the issues that will be addressed by the 18-19 December European Council including the 315 billion euro investment plan, an energy union, a common digital market and other questions. The Ministers presented their opinions on the European Commission’s Work Programme for 2015. It is expected that the European Council will also have an exchange of opinions on the situation in Ukraine.

The participants in the General Affairs Council meeting were briefed on Latvia’s plans for its Presidency during the first half of 2015. The plans ensure that various European Council events will be well coordinated and that the General Affairs Council will be able to monitor the process.