On Wednesday, March 2, during a meeting with President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis stressed the importance of the EU's digital single market. "It is very important for the European Union to have a common regulatory approach to these matters - this is the only way we can maximise the results," emphasized the Prime Minister.
The Head of Government of Latvia mentioned that during its Presidency of the EU Council, Latvia defined digital issues as one of its priorities and reached a common agreement on the EU digital single market strategy in May of last year. The Prime Minister confirmed that Latvia will continue to be actively involved in the implementation of this strategy. "Cooperation among small countries is particularly important to achieve the potential of the digital single market," said Māris Kučinskis.
In this context, the Audiovisual Media Services Directive is of utmost importance for Latvia to prevent third-country propaganda and activities of disinformation channels and to remove the possibility of circumvention of the Member States' laws.
During their conversation, the two leaders noted that the EU is currently facing unforeseen challenges. “The maintenance of the Schengen area, the strengthening of the EU's external borders and management of the migration crisis at the EU level should be our priorities,” said the Latvian Prime Minister. He stressed that "at present, it is particularly important to strengthen the cooperation between the Baltic States and to speak with one voice. It is commendable that Latvia and Estonia have a similar vision regarding the necessary actions to improve our public safety."
From 2-3 March, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis is paying introductory visits to Estonia and Lithuania. In Estonia, the Prime Minister meets Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas and President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, while in Lithuania - Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius and President Dalia Grybauskaitė. The Prime Minister will also visit the "Kohila Vineer" company in Estonia and factory "Sakret" in Lithuania.
Information prepared by:
Lita Juberte
Press Secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers
Phone: 67082919; 28803639
E-mail: lita.juberte@mk.gov.lv
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Phone: +371 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv