Luxembourg, June 27, 2023 – Gunda Reire, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented Latvia at the General Affairs Council meeting of the European Union (EU) in Luxembourg. The meeting marked the conclusion of the 2023 European Semester process and the approval of recommendations for EU Member States, including Latvia. The recommendations focus on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan and enhancing access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Gunda Reire emphasized the significance of the EU Council’s recommendations in guiding Latvia’s national priorities and reform strategies. Latvia received recommendations in various areas, including fiscal and tax policy, promoting the green and digital transition through public investments, healthcare and social protection system improvements, energy policy, and enhancing skills and competences for the green transition process.
Preparations for the upcoming European Council meeting on June 29-30, 2023, were also discussed during the meeting. The Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU presented its report on revising the system of European Parliament elections and strengthening democracy and the rule of law across the EU.
Furthermore, the Council received an introduction to the work program and priorities of the three upcoming presidencies of the Council of the EU. The meeting also addressed the impact of the EU Emissions Trading System on various EU policies. Additionally, an informal discussion took place with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova, focusing on Moldova’s efforts to implement recommendations within the context of EU enlargement.
