Latvia's values and Latvia's interests in the European Union

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1. Latvia's values

1.1. The basic values of EU member states: freedom and sovereignty, peace and security, democracy

The basic values of the European Union are set out in the EU's founding documents, in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, and in a series of other documents. In joining the European Union, Latvia fully recognised its basic values. These are emphasised in the Latvian Constitution and in the country's foreign policy concepts. The restored Republic of Latvia has always based its activities on these values and has defended them.

Latvia believes that it is within the European Union that the best conditions and opportunities exist for the further strengthening of national sovereignty and freedom, peace, security and democracy. The values of EU member states are also values for individual members of the European public. Within the EU, Latvia will support the strict observance of the principle of subsidiarity, the existence of a union of nations, not of a federal state.

1.2. National values: people, culture, living space

Latvia's national values are defined in the Latvian Constitution and have been cited also in the discussions with representatives of the public, in the drafting of the National Development Plan, as well as several other documents.

Human beings as a value were first recognised in the philosophy of the Ancient Greeks, but it is very important to stress that people are still of value in the Latvia of today and of the future.

Culture is a cornerstone for the existence of a nation state and for the strengthening of national identity. The European Union recognises the diversity of culture as a value. "Unified in Diversity" is one of the EU's slogans.

The living space is of importance for the development of society and individuals alike.

2. Latvia's interests in the European Union

2.1. Latvia's national interests in relation to the basic values of EU member states

To protect freedom, sovereignty, peace, security and democracy.

2.2. Latvia's national interests in the EU in relation to people as a value:

To create wealth and to increase the level of welfare in comparison to other EU member states;
To improve the quality of life – achieving a high level of health and social protections, observing consumer rights, and promoting active and healthy lifestyles among all of Latvia's residents;
To facilitate the ambitions, openness and positive and active life position of Latvia's residents, as well as the ability and the desire of local residents to influence EU decisions;
To promote learning and lifelong learning, retraining, and the ability of individuals to adapt to the malleable needs of the market so as to retain competitive ability;
To promote the development of science and the full and proper use of the potential of Latvia's scientists;
To facilitate the observation of Christian morals and the norms of ethics;
To introduce good government.

2.3. Latvia's national interests in the EU in relation to culture as a value:

To promote a strengthening of national culture and identity;
To preserve and to develop the country's cultural heritage and to promote cultural diversity;
To help the people of EU member states learn about Latvia's culture and historical heritage;
To facilitate the emergence of creativity in society and in individuals.

2.4. National interests in the EU vis-à-vis living space as a value:

To preserve, shape and improve the Latvian landscape, ensuring that society and each individual has a nurturing attitude toward Latvia's environmental and landscape-related treasures;
To ensure a high level of environmental protection;
To promote the careful and rational use of natural resources;
To make maximum use of Latvia's geographic location.