On 21 February 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, took part in the meeting of the General Affairs Council of the European Union in Brussels, which featured an exchange of views on an annotated draft agenda of the European Council on 23-24 March, including the topics related to Ukraine and Russia, economy and energy.
Edgars Rinkēvičs voiced his support for the agenda of the European Council to be held in March. In a discussion on energy and the next winter period, the Minister drew attention to the need to take stock of progress in the EU’s energy sector. Regardless of this year’s warm winter, vigilance needs to be maintained and attention paid to the situation in preparation for the next heating season. Therefore, any further work must be preceded by a systematic and broad assessment of a possible electricity market reform. It is also important for the reform of the EU electricity market to provide an incentive for investment in renewable energy.
The long-term competitiveness and productivity of the EU economy were also discussed. The Minister expressed the opinion that an open and ambitious trade policy was an essential pillar in enhancing the EU’s competitiveness.
Photo: European Union