Latvia takes over the presidency of the EU for the first time and it is the second country of the Trio Presidency (Italy, Latvia and Luxembourg).
According to Ambassador Virsis, Competitive Europe, Digital Europe and Engaged Europe will constitute the key three pillars of the Latvian Presidency. The presidency will dedicate particular attention to the following three areas: increasing competitiveness of the EU thus improving the quality of life; strengthening of the information society thus seizing the opportunities for the development of the EU; and enhancing the EU's global role by creating the area of prosperity and security in the neighbouring regions of the EU.
The Latvian presidency will culminate in the Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in Riga on 21-22 May 2015. The Summit will mainly focus on energy security, education and youth programmes, and EU membership prospects. Latvia intends to strengthen political and economic relations with the participating countries and to deal with the issue of a visa-free regime.
Latvia has planned to hold around 200 events at various levels during the six months of its presidency lasting until 30 June 2015.
