Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to take part in European Council meeting

On 19 and 20 June, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will head the delegation of Latvia in the current meeting of the European Council in Brussels, which is the last meeting within the Slovenian EU Presidency. From 1 July, the functions of the EU presiding state are to be assumed by France.

On 19 June, Minister Riekstins will participate in the EU working dinner, during which the prospects for the Lisbon Treaty will be reviewed following the results of the Irish referendum. During a parallel working dinner, representatives from foreign ministries will debate the situation in Kosovo after the coming into force of its constitution on 15 June. Latvia had already earlier expressed support to the EU assistance in the formation of Kosovo's public administration institutions, especially to the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) in Kosovo.

The foreign ministry representatives are expected to exchange opinions on the issue of EU sanctions against Cuba, on the current situation in Zimbabwe ahead of the second presidential election runoff and on a joint EU-U.S. declaration adopted during the 10 June EU-U.S.A. Summit. Among other items in the declaration, Latvia has expressed its satisfaction regarding the firm support by the EU and the U.S. to Georgia's territorial integrity. On 20 June, the European Council's working session will include a discussion on the Council conclusions. The most important topics highlighted in the conclusions are the Lisbon Treaty, the issues of the interior and the judicial affairs, the situation in the Western Balkans, the EU's progress towards the achievement of the Millennium Goals, as well as the European Neighbourhood Policy.

One of the issues in focus of the debate will be the impact of the increasing food and oil prices. Latvia supports the intentions of the Presidency and the European Commission to seek solutions for the mitigation of the effects of this price-hike. Latvia believes that the rising cost of food and its impacts should be considered in the context of discussions on future development of the EU's agricultural sector, ensuring equal conditions of competition among farmers in all the Member States.

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