One year after EU Accession: Benefits in Latvia’s foreign policy

Latvia's accession to the European Union meant the fulfilment of foreign policy goals which had been identified in 1995. Accession was the result of very intensive work over a long period of time. The negotiating process was completed, laws were adapted to EU requirements, and a national referendum was held on membership. On May 1, 2005, one year passed since Latvia became a fully fledged member state of the EU. The first year of membership does allow for certain conclusions on the basis of benefits, opportunities and challenges.