Latvian Ambassador to Malta Artis Bertulis yesterday told the Foreign and European Affairs Committee that the Latvian programme for the EU Presidency between January and June focused on promoting stability in Europe through measures ensuring a competitive, digital and engaged Europe, adding that the priority was economic growth in the EU.
It would also strive to strengthen the single market.
Speaking on digital measures, Dr Bertulis said that these were intended to boost economic growth and promote modernisation in the public sector.
Together with the European Commission, Latvia would host an assembly in the capital, Riga, on digital market strategy.
On an engaged Europe, the Ambassador said that the Latvian Presidency would focus particularly on the EU’s cooperation with eastern European countries and the increase of the EU’s visibility in central Asia.
Answering questions by Tonio Fenech (PN), Dr Bertulis said that the Latvian Presidency would cooperate closely with the EU’s foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini on the Libyan crisis.
On enlargement of the EU, Latvia would proceed with negotiations and ensure that these focused on the individual merits of the countries concerned. At present, there were ongoing negotiations with Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Turkey, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Georgia and Ukraine.
Speaking on Ukraine, he said one of the main objectives was to normalise negotiations with Russia. A sustainable solution could only be achieved through political means.
On the Greek situation, he said Latvia was least interested in a possible fragmentation of the EU. Yet, it would cooperate with any government elected by the Greek electorate.
The social dimension was very important with regard to the banking union and, therefore, Latvia would ensure that social dialogue was strengthened at the European level.
Dr Bertulis thanked the Maltese government for its cooperation and said that Latvia would be ready to share its experience when it was time for Malta to host the EU Presidency.