Issues of most importance to Latvia during the Finnish EU Presidency

Issues of most importance to Latvia during the Finnish EU Presidency

Second half of 2006

1. We support extension of the 'period of reflection', during which the EU must continue its work on specific projects, thus increasing public confidence in the EU.
2. In the context of the EU Financial Perspective, negotiations on policy programmes, including those with the European Parliament, must be concluded so as to enable implementation of the Financial Perspective in good time.
3. Work on improving the effectiveness of EU external relations. The issue of improving co-operation of Member States in the consular area is especially important.
4. Continue active involvement in the further development of the OSCE, emphasising the importance of increasing common EU military and civilian capabilities.
5. An active transatlantic dialogue must continue and issues concerning the co-ordinated development of EU and NATO must be constructively addressed.
6. The EU Commission's mandate must be co-ordinated for negotiations with the Russian Federation concerning the EU–RF legal framework after the year 2007, to include the provisions of the "free trade agreement plus" and energy issues.
7. We must continue projects begun under the European Neighbourhood Policy, paying special attention to the Eastern European countries, and approving the action plan for countries of the Southern Caucasus.
8. A new EU Northern Dimension policy framework document must be approved. Areas of most importance to Latvia are the easing of border-crossing and customs procedures, education and science, and environmental protection.
9. Work must continue on those EU projects already started, for example, the further simplification of legislation. Concerning the Services Directive, the compromise reached at the European Council should be retained in the negotiations with the European Parliament.
10. Work must continue to draft a common EU energy policy, paying special attention to relations with third countries, crisis-management systems and the interconnections of the EU internal market.
11. Other issues of importance to Latvia are: (1) state control of ports within the maritime safety package;  (2) the Common Consolidated Corporate Income Tax Base; (3) conditions for the entry and sojourn of a labour force from third countries.

Debate on the Future of Europe / Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe

• We support the agreement to extend the period of reflection and the presidency's commitment to continue discussions on the future of the EU and to organise an informal meeting of heads of state and government at the end of October dedicated to this issue.
• The introduction of individual elements in the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe should not be permitted, for example, Latvia is most cautious concerning the recommendation to introduce a qualified majority vote in home and judicial affairs.
• During the 'period of reflection', improvement of the practical operation of the EU must proceed  by continuing work on the implementation of specific projects to increase the competitiveness of the EU, by strengthening the external dimension and by promoting openness in the work of EU institutions:
  • improve the internal market of the EU, by encouraging innovations and establishing a business-favourable environment, and by taking steps to increase productivity and employment. We do not support the harmonising of the corporate income tax base because taxation policy is an important tool for individual states in their achieving of the Lisbon Strategy goals;
  • In the energy sector, implementation of projects already commenced must continue. Latvia's priorities will be: (1) developing EU relations with third countries, where the main emphasis will be  on transparency, a stable legal basis and non-discrimination. Development of new supply corridors and inter-connection projects, (2) integration of the EU internal market, (3) and establishing a crisis-management system will be no less important   
  • In external relations,  closer co-operation in the area of consular issues is especially important for Latvia;
  • We support recommendations in favour of openness and transparency in EU institutions, especially – in the European Council. However, projects fostering openness and transparency must not lessen the effectiveness of the work of the European Council.
  • Public debates must continue to determine and objectively consider the concerns of the population. We therefore support the presidency's commitment to continue public debate on issues concerning the future of the EU, including implementation of the principle of subsidiarity.

EU Enlargement and the Western Balkans

• In the enlargement process an individual approach and quality are of crucial importance.
• Discussions on further enlargement of the EU must continue, taking into account also the readiness of the EU itself to admit new member states. At the same time, the EU ability to absorb new members cannot be considered  a new criterion for joining the EU, because this depends on the internal reform processes of the EU itself.
• Accession negotiations with Turkey and Croatia must take place efficiently but with due quality.
• It is in the interests of Latvia that  a Stabilisation and Association Agreement is signed between the EU and Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• During negotiations on the status of Kosovo, a decision is required that will ensure sustainable peace and development both in Kosovo and the entire region.

The European Neighbourhood Policy

• Detailed discussions must commence on the content and initial text of the  new draft agreement between the EU and Ukraine.
• Neighbourhood policy action plans for countries of the Southern Caucasus must be drawn up and approved.
• The Belarus issue must be kept on the agenda. A financial mechanism must be established that  permits the flexible use of EU support for NGO projects.
• Active EU involvement in clearing unresolved conflicts within both Moldova and Georgia must be encouraged. In the context of EU and Russian Common Space of External Security, issues concerning Russia's constructive contribution to resolving these conflicts must be addressed.

European Security and Defence Policy

• Improve institutional dialogue between the EU and NATO to avoid overlapping of the military capabilities of European states and to ensure co-ordinated reaction in matters of crisis management.
• Continue to develop EU rapid reaction capabilities, including combat units, and in particular - ensure availability of strategic transport, which must be achieved in co-operation with NATO.
• Promote the introduction of a comprehensive civil-military planning in preparation for involvement in operations; establish an effective mechanism to co-ordinate elements of military and civil crisis management and improve and develop civilian capabilities.
• Continue to work on the improvement and development of civilian abilities in the context of involvement of Latvian civilian experts in EU missions.

EU Operations (missions)

• Continue to support the EU Integrated Rule of Law Mission (EUJUST Lex) targeted at the political, social and economic reconstruction of Iraq.
• Continue active work of the European Commission border assistance mission (EU BAM) on the Moldova–Ukraine border.

Freedom, Security and Rule-of-Law Space

• In establishing common requirements for the admittance and sojourn of economic migrants, the opportunity for each Member State to react flexibly to the circumstances in its own labour market must be preserved. The admittance of economic migrants must be based on specific labour vacancies (subject to a labour market test) and on a signed employment contract.
• In  the area of anti-terrorism, (1) work must continue on implementing the EU Strategy and Action Plan for Combating Radicalization and Recruitment to Terrorism passed in December 2005; (2) exchange of information (both strategic and operational) between Member States and relevant EU agencies and between the security services of Member States to prevent attacks on any Member State should be improved.
• All necessary steps must be taken to ensure that Latvia is ready to join the Schengen area by the second half of 2007. We expect a continuation of the Schengen Evaluation Process. By April 2007, operation of the Schengen information system (SIS II) must be ensured.

EU–Russia

• Co-ordination of the EU Commission's mandate for negotiations with the Russian Federation on the EU-RF contractual framework after 2007 should be concluded as far as feasible, with maximum observance of the common interests of Member States and the EU.
• Promote a balanced and consistent implementation of the Road Maps of the four spaces. A long term EU–Russia partnership must be attained, based on both common interests and values.
• Continue the EU dialogue with the Russian Federation on energy issues: a consistent and clear position and negotiations strategy of the European Commission must be achieved, which would ensure realisation of the interests of EU member states.
• The question of as early as possible a signing and coming into force of the Latvia–Russia border treaty must remain on the agenda of EU–Russia relations.
• Ensure that the EU–Russia dialogue on human rights be mutual, constructive, regular, balanced and structured.
• Achieve the revocation of the RF discriminatory railway cargo transport tariff policy within the context of the RF joining the WTO. The core priority is the equalisation of tariffs applicable to international shipments (both for import and export directions).

Transatlantic Relations

• Continue the EU –US strategic dialogue and co-ordination of  signals and actions in  promoting  democracy, especially in relation to processes in Eastern Europe, the Southern Caucasus, Central Asia and the Balkans.
• Latvia wishes to see equal conditions and parity for all EU member states concerning the visa issue with the USA and Canada.
• Maintain the EU–US economic initiative, supplementing it with the tasks identified in the European Commission common platform, the work programme for the EU–US Economic Initiative for the period after the 2006 EU–US summit. Particular attention should be paid to the additional agreements recognising professional qualifications (for doctors and nurses) and accelerating procedures for the licensing of export of high technology products.
• A closer co-operation between the EU and the USA in the area of energy, based on common principles.

EU–Asia

• Latvia will take advantage of the Asia/Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit, which will take place in Helsinki in September of this year, to intensify Latvia's relations with the countries in this region.
• Latvia wishes to see equal conditions for all EU member states on the visas issue with countries in Asia.

EU–Afghanistan

• The EU must continue its support for the reconstruction process of Afghanistan, working with its central government and providing support to strengthen administration and institutions. Latvia believes that long-term EU support for Afghanistan is important, considering its economic, infra-structural and other problems.

EU–China

• Latvia supports the EU partnership development strategy with China, which at present is the second largest trade partner of the EU. It is important to maintain the dialogue on human rights, migration and the current political issues, and to enhance co-operation in sector dialogues.

EU–India

• Continue implementation of the EU–India Joint Action Plan

EU–Latin America

• Latvia wishes to see equal requirements for all EU member states concerning the visa issue with Latin American states. A Latvian priority is the implementation of EU-Latin American and Caribbean states Summit declaration.

EU–Mediterranean States

• It is in the interests of Latvia to continue promoting contacts between the EU and Mediterranean countries in the areas of culture and education. Latvia intends to take part in Euro-Med Conference of Foreign Ministers Barcelona  (VIII)  to be held in November 2006 within the Barcelona Process.

EU– Middle East

• Continue providing assistance to Iraq in accordance with UN resolutions and according to the needs identified by Iraq (Constitutional review process; EUJUST LEX);
• Latvia supports the Road Map plan and the two-state resolution. It is essential to continue working within the Quartet.

EU–Africa

• We support the Finnish Presidency's commitment to implement the EU Strategy for Africa, paying special attention to the prevention and resolution of conflicts, eradication of poverty, and good governance.

EU Legal Acts/Initiatives

• Concerning the draft European Parliament and Council directive on services in the internal market, the present compromise in negotiations with the European Parliament should be maintained.
• Conceptually, Latvia supports the contribution of the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) legislation in protection of the environment and customer rights. The present political agreement, which provides for no additional requirements and cost load for the small and medium-sized enterprises, corresponds to Latvia's interests.
• Latvia supports the directions of EU legislation concerning increased maritime safety. However, requirements of maritime safety must be proportionate to the ability of Member States to implement these without losing their competitiveness within the EU, especially in the so-called grey list countries, which, according to classification of the international Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control, also includes Latvia.
• Latvia does not support the initiative to harmonise the Common Consolidated Corporate Income Tax Base.

WTO Multilateral Trade Liberalisation Negotiations (DDA – Doha Development Programme)

• The round of WTO DDA negotiations must be concluded in 2006.
• Of particular interest to Latvia: significant tariff reduction in industrial goods trade; significant relief and increased market access in trade with services; improved WTO conditions for trade facilitation, especially – providing for the simplification of trade formalities and reduction of costs, and the recognising of pipelines as a form of transit, etc.