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Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, started her visit to the United States of America with a discussion about Latvia’s role in the European Union (EU) and the future of Europe in which she emphasised the role of economic growth and efficient functioning. The discussion was held at The German Marshall Fund of the United States in Washington, DC. Besides the Speaker, Jānis Vucāns, Deputy Speaker, as well as Ojārs Ēriks Kalniņš, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, contributed to the discussion. 

The Speaker pointed out that Latvia welcomes all discussions about Europe’s future development and favours further EU integration. “Latvia’s membership in the EU and its further strengthening are just as important as transatlantic integration and Latvia’s membership in NATO,” said Āboltiņa, adding that in 2014, Latvia will celebrate its 10th anniversary since the accession to the EU and NATO.

Āboltiņa also noted that it is in the interests of Latvia to contribute to developing a united EU in order to strengthen its geopolitical position in the global arena. Further EU integration should be focused on specific results and practical benefits while maintaining a healthy balance between a broader scope of integration, solidarity at the EU level and good governance at the national level.

The Speaker emphasised the role of the national parliaments in the EU, noting that Latvia is satisfied with the current distribution of competences between the EU and its member states; she added that it is essential to comply with the principle of subsidiarity. “National parliaments have the final say in shaping national policies, and they also play an important role in monitoring the compliance of the EU’s legislative acts with the principle of subsidiarity,” said Āboltiņa.

When discussing overcoming the economic crisis, Āboltiņa emphasised: “Our country has shown that we are diligent leaders in implementing budget reforms, and now Latvia has distinguished itself in Europe as having the most sustainable fiscal system.”

The Speaker of the Saeima confirmed that our country supports beginning negotiations on a free trade agreement between the EU and the U.S., which was first discussed during the Irish presidency. The participants of the extended Q&A session were also interested in security issues, the Eastern Partnership, relations with the U.S. and the introduction of the euro.

The German Marshall Fund of the United States was founded in 1972 with the goal to promote closer relations and mutual understanding between the U.S. and Europe by supporting individuals and institutions working on transatlantic issues and by organising discussions for politicians, experts and business representatives.

During her visit to the U.S., Speaker Āboltiņa also visited the Victims of Communism Memorial, where she laid flowers in honour of the victims of communist genocide.

From 7 to 11 October, Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, is on a working visit to the United States of America. During the visit, Āboltiņa is meeting with John Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Senator Chris Murphy, Chairman of the Subcommittee on European Affairs; as well as Michael Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia, and Alan Greenberger, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development for the City of Philadelphia.


Saeima Press Service