Latvian Presidency of the EU 2015-1

International conference “EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 – towards implementation” took place under the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 26 - 27 May in Riga. During the conference Latvian Minister for Environmental Protection and Regional Development Kaspars Gerhards stressed the essential role of biodiversity and ecosystem preservation to the economy and human long-term welfare.

On 1-3 June, a high-level seminar for the National Statistical Institutions of Eastern European, Caucasian and Central Asian (EECCA) countries* on statistical issues will take place in Riga. The participants will discuss the draft generic statistical law for Eastern European, Caucasian and Central Asian countries which is elaborated by the UN Economic Commission for Europe jointly with the European Free Trade Association and the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat). The aim of this law is to strengthen the legal and institutional framework of national statistical systems and the concept of official statistics in EECCA countries. The law is elaborated in line with the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, the European Statistics Code of Practice and taking into account the situation of countries in the region.

On 2-5 June, under the Latvian Presidency of the EU Council, the Construction Week 2015 will take place in Riga, during which the participants will discuss the implementation of the “Strategy for the sustainable competitiveness of the construction sector and its enterprises” (Construction 2020).

On 2-5 June, under the Latvian Presidency of the EU Council, the Construction Week 2015 will take place in Riga, during which the participants will discuss the implementation of the “Strategy for the sustainable competitiveness of the construction sector and its enterprises” (Construction 2020).

On 3 June, the EU-US Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Meeting will take place in Riga. It will bring together representatives from the European Commission, the Unites States, the Latvian and incoming Luxembourgish Presidency, Eurojust, Frontex and Europol. At the end of the meeting, the representatives are expected to reach an agreement on the Joint Statement on "Enhancing transatlantic cooperation in the area of Freedom, Security and Justice".

On 3 June, the EU-US Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Meeting will take place in Riga. It will bring together representatives from the European Commission, the Unites States, the Latvian and incoming Luxembourgish Presidency, Eurojust, Frontex and Europol. At the end of the meeting, the representatives are expected to reach an agreement on the Joint Statement on "Enhancing transatlantic cooperation in the area of Freedom, Security and Justice".

In their annual meeting on 28-29 May 2015, EU and ACP ministers focused their discussions on the post-2015 sustainable development agenda, in particular financing for development and climate change.

In their annual meeting on 28-29 May 2015, EU and ACP ministers focused their discussions on the post-2015 sustainable development agenda, in particular financing for development and climate change.

On Friday, 29 May, Latvian Minister for Education and Science, Mārīte Seile chaired the meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council (COMPET) in Brussels. The Council adopted conclusions on the ERA roadmap for 2015-2020 and on the ERA advisory structure.

On Friday, 29 May, Latvian Minister for Education and Science, Mārīte Seile chaired the meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council (COMPET) in Brussels. The Council adopted conclusions on the ERA roadmap for 2015-2020 and on the ERA advisory structure.

The #mindpower short film project dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Latvian poets Rainis and Aspazija continues its journey through sunny Southern Europe. In the latest episode, the Cypriot fashion designer Kika Ioannidou muses about the significance of the sun and love in human life.

The #mindpower short film project dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Latvian poets Rainis and Aspazija continues its journey through sunny Southern Europe. In the latest episode, the Cypriot fashion designer Kika Ioannidou muses about the significance of the sun and love in human life.

The Informal Meeting of EU Chief Officers of Plant Health Services took place on 27-28 May under the Latvian Presidency of the EU Council bringing together 58 participants, including five European Commission representatives. The participants discussed the harmonisation of import controls procedures and a common framework for action in the event of a plant disease outbreak, reducing the maximum of adverse impacts.

The Informal Meeting of EU Chief Officers of Plant Health Services took place on 27-28 May under the Latvian Presidency of the EU Council bringing together 58 participants, including five European Commission representatives. The participants discussed the harmonisation of import controls procedures and a common framework for action in the event of a plant disease outbreak, reducing the maximum of adverse impacts.

On Thursday, 28 May, the Minister for Economic Affairs, Dana Reizniece-Ozola chaired the meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council (COMPET) in Brussels. During the meeting, the EU Member States expressed their views on the Digital single market, reached agreement on travel packages and Single-member private limited liability company.

On Thursday, 28 May, the Minister for Economic Affairs, Dana Reizniece-Ozola chaired the meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council (COMPET) in Brussels. During the meeting, the EU Member States expressed their views on the Digital single market, reached agreement on travel packages and Single-member private limited liability company.

On 3-4 June, the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU will participate in the European Development Days (EDDs), the biggest annual development event in Brussels that brings together key development experts, opinion leaders and stakeholders. As part of the Presidency priorities in the field of development, the Latvian Presidency will draw attention to gender issues, focusing on Central Asian region.  

On 3-4 June, the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU will participate in the European Development Days (EDDs), the biggest annual development event in Brussels that brings together key development experts, opinion leaders and stakeholders. As part of the Presidency priorities in the field of development, the Latvian Presidency will draw attention to gender issues, focusing on Central Asian region.  

On 28 May the EU signed short-stay visa waiver agreements with St Lucia, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Republic of Vanuatu, the independent State of Samoa and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, at a ceremony that took place in Brussels.

On 28 May the EU signed short-stay visa waiver agreements with St Lucia, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Republic of Vanuatu, the independent State of Samoa and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, at a ceremony that took place in Brussels.