Press Release: Kicking off the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU: Juncker Commission travels to Riga

On 7-8 January 2015, the College of Commissioners were scheduled to travel to Riga for its traditional visit to the incoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The rotating Presidency was set to be held by Latvia for the first time, from January until June 2015. The College of Commissioners and the Latvian government planned to discuss the priorities of the Latvian Presidency during a plenary session as well as in several 'cluster debates'.

Latvia's foreign minister Edgars Rinkēvičs made it clear that the country's presidency would not have 'anti-Russian' intentions.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Latvia: EU Presidency, January - June 2015 http://www.europeansources.info/record/latvia-eu-presidency-january-june-2015/

EurActiv, 08.01.15: Latvia claims its presidency won't be ‘anti-Russian’ http://www.euractiv.com/sections/eu-priorities-2020/latvia-claims-its-presidency-wont-be-anti-russian-311106

EurActiv, 08.01.15: Latvia proposes ‘alternative’ to Russian TV propaganda http://www.euractiv.com/sections/global-europe/latvia-proposes-alternative-russian-tv-propaganda-311109

European Council: Speech: EUCO 2/15, 08.01.15: Speech at the National Opera House, Riga http://www.consilium.europa.eu/workarea/downloadAsset.aspx?id=40802191259

European Council: Statement: EUCO 3/15, 09.01.15: Press statement by European Council President Donald Tusk after his meeting with Prime minster of Latvia Laimdota Straujuma http://www.consilium.europa.eu/workarea/downloadAsset.aspx?id=40802191261

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