Latvian diaspora in Denmark meets with MEP Sandra Kalniete

To mark the anniversary of the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Latvia, a meeting between Latvian nationals residing in Denmark and Member of the European Parliament, writer, and diplomat Sandra Kalniete took place on 5 May 2025 at the Embassy of Latvia in Copenhagen.

During the meeting, Ms. Kalniete shared personal recollections of the events of 4 May and Latvia’s path to restored independence. She also spoke about her childhood in exile in Siberia, as well as her diplomatic and political career, highlighting her role in shaping key decisions that paved Latvia’s way to membership in the European Union and NATO.

During her visit, Ms. Kalniete presented the Embassy with a symbolic gift – a family heirloom: a silver cutlery set, inherited from her late husband, Ansis Reinhards. The set originally belonged to his parents, Gaida and Jānis Reinhards. Due to Jānis Reinhards’ outstanding achievements in ophthalmology, he was offered a position at the World Health Organization in Copenhagen, where the silver cutlery set was acquired.

Ambassador Inga Skujiņa expressed sincere gratitude for the donation, emphasizing that the heirloom embodies an inspiring story of Latvian achievements on the international stage.

To conclude the meeting, Ms. Kalniete shared her experience as an author, discussing both autobiographical works and fiction. Attendees engaged in a lively discussion about her most recent novel, "Mother Wife. Wife Daughter. Daughter Wife.", reflecting on the broader significance of autobiographical and literary writing in not only recording historical facts but also addressing and processing historical traumas and experiences.

The event was organized in cooperation with the Latvian Associationin Copenhagen and with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia.