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The Parliamentary State Secretary pointed out that “the establishment of the Energy Union is yet another step towards Europe’s energy independence”. She emphasised the importance of establishing the Energy Union and expressed her satisfaction that the outputs from the Energy Union Conference in Riga on 6 February are reflected in the European Energy Union Strategy, including those relating to consumer interests and the importance of regional cooperation.
When responding to questions from MEPs on developments in Ukraine, the Parliamentary State Secretary noted that the discussions at the European Council should yield comprehensive guidelines on further EU action. This should target a sustainable political solution focused on Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty. At the same time, the EU should provide support for the improvement of the economic situation in Ukraine and the implementation of necessary reforms.
During the debate, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica stressed that the European Council’s guidelines will make a significant contribution to the preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga. The future development perspective for the Eastern Partnership will be outlined at this summit.
Regarding the annual cycle of economic and fiscal policy coordination within the EU, known as the European Semester, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica confirmed the Latvian Presidency’s commitment to ensure the effectiveness of the process. The Latvian Presidency is also geared up to having the regulation on the European Fund for Strategic Investments – legislation which is vital for EU growth – fully adopted as early as June.
The European Parliament meets in Strasbourg for a four-day plenary session (Monday to Thursday) once a month. Monthly one-day sessions also take place in Brussels.
