On 24 April 2023, the annual European Union Information Providers’ Forum brings together participants from all over Latvia for the fifteenth consecutive year to exchange views about topics high on the European Union’s agenda – support to Ukraine, the European Green Deal, digital transformation, opportunities for the youth in the EU, and the European Year of Skills.
At the opening session, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gunda Reire, thanked the EUinformation providers for their work, which had taken on a new importance in light of Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine and the need to stand even more firmly in favour of EU values. “Democracy is shaped by our everyday actions,” said the Parliamentary Secretary, urging the people in Latvia to be aware of the value of being part of the EU and NATO.
The Parliamentary Secretary highlighted the EU’s resolute assistance to Ukraine by continued provision of all forms of support – be it political, legal, financial, or military. “Latvia is leading the way in providing support, which amounts to 1.24% of gross domestic product,” said Mr G. Reire.
The Parliamentary Secretary pointed out that along with giving support to Ukraine, the EU and Latvia had beenworking to hold Russia accountable for the crimes of aggression and war it had committed against Ukraine.
Gunda Reire drew the participants’ attention to the fact that the coming September would see 20 years since the Latvian citizens voted in the referendum to join the European Union. Besides, on 1 May next year, we will mark the 20th anniversary of Latvia's membership of the EU. The Parliamentary Secretary called on EU information providers to be active and to inform the public about what had been accomplished during the two decades as well as helping people to explore and take up the wide range of opportunities offered by the EU.
Participants of the forum from various regions of Latvia discussed opportunities for young people in the EU, initiatives under the European Year of Skills, as well as preparations for the Democracy Week from 1 to 9 May, and Europe Day.
The European Union Information Providers Forum has been held since 2008 and marks its 15th anniversary this year. The event is organised biannually by the European Movement – Latvia in association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the European Parliament in Latvia and the Representation of the European Commission in Latvia. The forum brings together the providers of EU-related information at the national and local government authorities, and representatives from EU Information Points (ESIP), Europe Direct Information Centres (EDIC), the media and NGOs.