On Wednesday, 17 February, during a meeting with the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz in Brussels, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis confirmed that he will continue the foreign policy direction set by the previous government by supporting the political and economic unity, competitiveness and effective functioning of the EU.
According to M.Kučinskis, the priority areas of work of the Latvian government are energy and the internal market, as well as the migration and asylum policy.
During the discussion with President of the European Parliament on migration issues, M.Kučinskis emphasized that the focus should be on the implementation of decisions already taken, especially regarding the strengthening of the EU's external border. "The settlement of the migration crisis requires comprehensive and balanced solutions, and at this point, it is important to implement the decisions already taken. The Prime Minister pointed out that in the view of Latvia, the area where challenges need to be tackled with the highest priority is the strengthening of the EU's external borders, including the establishment of coast guards because the Schengen area is one of the greatest achievements of the European Union and we should use all means to safeguard it."
During the discussion, M.Kučinskis noted that the current EU policy towards Russia should be continued. “There is the need to retain restrictive measures while maintaining a pragmatic dialogue." The two sides agreed that Russia's activities in the EU's information space are alarming.
With regard to the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister acknowledged that "its membership in the European Union is very important from strategic, economic, and political perspectives." M. Kučinskis rated the proposals put forward by the President of the European Council Donald Tusk as good grounds for a solution, while admitting that this is the solution directly for the United Kingdom and "such exceptions should not become a common practice in the daily work of the European Union."
From 17-19 February, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis is paying a working visit to Brussels where he will meet the heads of EU institutions and participate in the European Council meeting. The European Council will be held on 18 -19 February where the EU Heads of State and Government will discuss two main topics - the United Kingdom's deal and the migration issue.
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