On 21 October, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dace Melbārde, represented Latvia at the Global Forum on Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy Agenda held in Milan. The Parliamentary Secretary took part in a discussion panel on strengthening democratic governance systems, the importance of resilient public institutions, and the impact of Russia’s brutal war of aggression for the future of democracy in the Eastern Partnership Region.
Dace Melbārde emphasized that the process of integration with the European Union (EU) by the Eastern Partnership countries is a priority for Latvia. Latvia has been providing substantial support for strengthening good governance and administrative capacity, as well as regional development and local governments in the Eastern Partnership countries. Latvia focuses in particular on assistance in combating disinformation, improving media literacy and strengthening independent media in those countries, given Latvia’s expertise and experience amassed.
Latvia has witnessed the process of EU integration demand much determination and hard work. Nevertheless, the resulting political stability, benefits for EU citizens, access to the EU’s internal market, the highest social, environmental and consumer standards have proven worthwhile the efforts.
Dace Melbārde underlined: “The process of integration with the EU begins with candidate countries and their societies demonstrating commitment to first stabilising democratic institutions, the rule of law and human rights. Embracing those principles is not negotiable as they form the backbone of the European Union.”
Dace Melbārde also underlined the importance of strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises in building a democratic, prosperous and active society. It is small and medium-sized enterprises that make up the middle class, which calls for transparent and accountable governance with a level playing field for all. Latvia is directing its support towards a more rapid digitalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Eastern Partnership countries.
In addition, Latvia has been providing development cooperation assistance to Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine in the areas of good governance, the rule of law, anti-corruption and sound financial management, as well as arranging training of young professionals, including those employed in public administration, on the EU’s policies and law.
Further information
Launched at the 2022 OECD Global Forum and Ministerial on Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy, the OECD’s Reinforcing Democracy Initiative provides evidence-based guidance and good international practices to help countries reinforce democratic values and institutions.
The Eastern Partnership a specific Eastern dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy, aimed at deepening the EU’s cooperation and economic integration with its eastern neighbours covered by the partnership: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Cooperation with Belarus is limited to the EU providing support for the independent media, civil society and youth of Belarus. Cooperation under the Eastern Partnership policy combines bilateral and multilateral tracks.