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International Internet Magazine. Baltic States news & analytics Friday, 29.03.2024, 10:18

EU leaders agree on the strategic investment plan for Europe's growth

Nina Kolyako , BC, Riga, 19.12.2014.Print version
On December 18, in Brussels, the Heads of State and Government called for immediate establishment of the European Fund for Strategic Investments to fund growth of Europe, and for reaching an agreement on the most important tasks during Latvia's Presidency. Latvia has set a priority – to develop competitive, digital and engaged Europe, reported BC press secretary to the Prime Minister Aiva Rozenberga.

Photo: flickr.com

The European Council set concrete tasks to improve competitiveness in Europe – to strengthen the Single Market and to establish the Energy Community. For digital Europe – to draft a strategy for establishing the Single Market. For engaged Europe – to strengthen the multilateral trading system, as well as to continue a number of negotiations on bilateral agreements. The negotiations on the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement with the US were highlighted. Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma called for conducting transparent negotiations, and by eliminating any public concern.

 

"The objectives set by the European Council are ambitious, but I am convinced that we will be able to cope with them," said Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma in the press conference following the meeting. "Latvia is ready to start implementing today's decisions from the New Year", said the Prime Minister.

 

In their discussions, the Heads of State and Government also addressed other issues. They discussed taxation, by emphasizing the need to achieve a more transparent tax system. Consequently, this would reduce the opportunities to avoid tax payment. The European Council decided to return to this issue in June 2015.

 

Another issue addressed by the European Council was the situation in Ukraine. The Heads of State and Government of the EU welcomed the commitment of Ukraine to implement political and economic reforms and decided to provide further support in Ukraine's reform processes.

 

The policy of non-recognition of occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol was approved, by strengthening the sanctions, and the European Council called on all the parties to the conflict, including Russia, to comply with the Minsk agreement.






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