Latvia closes another three EU accession negotiation chapters [28 Nov 2001]

On 28 November 2001 a meeting at Chief Negotiators level for Latvia's accession to the European Union took place in Brussels. The Latvian delegation was led by the Under-Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr Andris Kesteris.

The agenda of the meeting included provisional closure of the accession negotiations in three chapters: "Competition Policy", "Financial Control" and "Environment".

Thus Latvia has presently closed 21 chapters of the negotiations and achieved a remarkable progress, overtaking a number of candidate countries, which entered into the accession negotiations two years ahead of Latvia. It proves that it is possible to balance consistent observance of the national interests with speedy progress in the negotiations, meeting the enlargement target dates set in Gothenburg in June this year. Latvia is ready to close the EU accession negotiations by the end of 2002 and to become a full-fledged member of the European Union by early 2004.

In this meeting, the most significant for Latvia was closure of the chapter "Environment". The negotiations in this chapter were technically complicated and labour-consuming. Despite the difficult negotiations, Latvia's tactics âÀ“ not to opt for the easiest road, ignoring the possible problems, but to look for solutions compatible with Latvia's interests and acceptable for the EU has born fruit. The EU accession terms agreed upon in the negotiations guarantee for Latvia economically and socially balanced introduction of the environmental protection requirements. Overall, Latvia has gained the right to apply eight transition periods for gradual introduction of several environmental protection norms.

The most essential transition periods extending in to the year 2015 have been granted for adjustment of the public water supply systems where Latvia needs considerable financial investments from national and local governments' budgets. In view of the necessary private investments, it is planned to gradually introduce requirements for air protection at fuel storage facilities and filling stations by the end of 2008. In order to ensure development opportunities for manufacturing enterprises, agreements on individual transition periods have been reached for complete introduction of requirements pertaining to control of industrial pollution and risk management, of which the longest period is set until 2010. The EU took into account Latvia's actual capability of introducing certain norms in the near future. As a result, transition periods have been granted for handling hazardous waste and compliance of radiological appliances. A significant prerequisite for the introduction of up-to-date environmental standards in Latvia is the possibility to use the EU funding for implementation of the necessary projects.

Latvia is among the first EU candidate countries which have closed the chapter "Competition Policy". The EU representatives noted the good preparedness of Latvia for enforcement of the EU competition legislation and its success in the introduction of norms and surveillance regarding competition and state support for business sector. Nevertheless, Latvia has to continue the work on full introduction of some norms concerning the use and surveillance of state aid in relation to tax legislation in free ports and special economic zones. Latvia also has to give more attention to strengthening the administrative capacity of the Competition Council, so that it can fully operate in the framework of the EU competition policy.

Closing the negotiations in the chapter "Financial Control", the EU representatives commended the work performed by Latvia's government in establishing a modern system for monitoring the flow and use of budget means. However, despite the positive evaluation, Latvia still has to carry out a range of activities, including passing the law on state audit office and the law on internal audit in order to justify the European Union's trust.

The next accession negotiation round âÀ“ at the ministerial level âÀ“ will be held on 12 December in Brussels. It is expected that the agenda of the meeting will include the chapters "Transport Policy" and "Energy".

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Situation in the Negotiations