Latvia celebrates the beginning of the EU trio presidency
Created on 2014-07-02The Trio Presidency of Italy-Latvia-Luxembourg began on July 1 and this occasion was marked with a ceremonial raise of the flag of the European Union in front of the Jūrmala City Council. The flag comes as a gift from the European Commission Representation to all the municipalities in Latvia with the upcoming Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
“Today Latvia for the first time will begin setting the EU agenda together with other countries that are experienced in presiding over the EU Council – Italy and Luxembourg,” stated Latvia’s Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs at the opening event. “The priorities of our Presidency Trio are economic growth, use of the advantages of the digital environment, employment – in particular considering high unemployment in the EU, especially among youth, and strengthening of the EU’s global role with the activities of the Trio complementing each other. I can assure you that Latvia is ready for the EU presidency,” emphasized E.Rinkēvičs.
Left to right: Gatis Truksnis, Edgars Rinkēvičs, Inna Šteinbuka. Photo: EU2015.LV
The event was also attended by Ambassador of Italy to Latvia H.E. Giovanni Polizzi, Chargé d'affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg André Flammang, Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia Inna Šteinbuka, Chairman of the Latvia Association of Local and Regional Governments Andris Jaunsleinis and Mayor of Jūrmala Gatis Truksnis.
The choice to hold the official opening event in Jūrmala was no coincidence, as Jūrmala has been a twin city of Terracina (Italy) for more than 25 years and both cities are enjoying the close collaboration. Italy is the first one of the trio partners that will take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The event featured a performance by classical music ensemble “Trio Colorato” (Colourful Trio) that is composed of musicians from Latvia, Italy and Luxembourg. “Trio Colorato”, founded in 2009 and based in Luxembourg, has performed many concerts and participated in various festivals in Latvia, Luxembourg, Greece and the USA.
To mark the beginning of the new Trio Presidency, public transport in the capital city Rīga will be decorated with the EU flags during the week from July 1.
On 1 January 2015 Latvia will assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU, taking over this responsibility from Italy. The trio principle ensures that Presidency is implemented in coordination with three countries which pass on the Presidency from one to another. On June 24, the EU General Affairs Council approved the 18 month programme of the EU Council prepared by the Trio presidency of Italy, Latvia and Luxembourg.
Photos from the opening event: http://ej.uz/Trio_atklasana_foto
When using the material, please give credit to the EU2015.LV!
