On Thursday 15 December, the Heads of State and Government at the European Council meeting in Brussels agreed at political level on extending the economic sanctions against Russia.
An overwhelming majority of the Heads of State and Government, including Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis, supported the extending of sanctions.
Such a move is due to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and failure to comply with the Minsk agreement. The sanctions are extended for six months.
The European Council also found a solution that allows the Netherlands to ratify the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. During the meeting, it was stressed that this is a very important step, as is a commitment to grant a visa-free regime to Ukraine.
The meeting also discussed the situation in the field of migration, confirming the previous course, namely, the focus on cooperation with countries of origin of irregular immigration and transit. In this context, the European Council reiterated the importance of the EU-Turkey agreement.
As reported, Prime Minister M. Kučinskis will discuss the issues relating to migration, security, economic and social development, as well as external relations at the European Council meeting on 15 December that is held for the last time this year.
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Phone: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv