Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks, discusses the EU Constitutional Treaty with regional journalists [26 Oct 2004]

On 26 October 2004, in a seminar dedicated to EU issues organised by Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks met with journalists from various regions of the country.

At the opening of the seminar Mr Pabriks spoke about topical issues of the EU Constitutional Treaty to be signed by Latvia, together with other EU member states, on 29 October in Rome. The minister stressed that after signing the Treaty "we will be on the way to a stronger Latvia in a stronger Europe".

Mr Pabriks pointed out to journalists that the Constitutional Treaty streamlines the European Union and makes it easier to understand. For the first time in the history the EU, its values and principles of functioning are summarised within the framework of one document. The Treaty increases the effectiveness of the EU by introducing institutional reforms. Implementation of the Common Security and Foreign Policy is of particular importance for Latvia. The minister stressed that the Treaty is beneficial for Latvia because the country's opportunity to influence EU decisions will increase.

Mr Artis Pabriks informed the journalists that after signing the EU Constitutional Treaty he is planning to engage in public debates on various EU issues and to participate in the discussions to be held in Latvia's regional institutions of higher education.

More than 20 regional journalists are participating in the two-day seminar on topical EU issues, including the EU Constitutional Treaty and utilisation of EU structural funds. On October 27, the journalists will leave Riga for a trip to learn about projects implemented with the help of EU PHARE and SAPARD funds in the town of Jelgava and districts of Jelgava and Ogre.

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