Baltic, EU – Baltic States

The informal meeting in Riga of the three Baltic prime ministers is also taking place in the framework of the Baltic Council of Ministers, as Latvia holds the presidency in the forum this year.

The events of 23 August 1989 known as the Baltic Way were the decisive contribution of Baltic civic society in its non-violent, unwavering effort to restore independence and return to Europe. To a certain extent, it was the first step triggering the domino effect that resulted in the collapse of the totalitarian regime in Eastern Europe, the first step towards the restoration of Latvia’s independence. To honour this event, Prime Minister Kariņš has invited his counterparts from the two neighbouring countries to join him in the celebrations in Riga.

Prime Minister Kariņš will host the two officials at the Cabinet of Ministers on 23 August. Afterwards, the three prime ministers will visit the Saeima and meet with Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, as well as the Presidium of the Baltic Assembly, lay flowers at the Freedom Monument, view photo exhibition The Baltic Way 1989. A Tribute to the 30^th Anniversary of the Manifestation, as well as hold a working lunch and press conference. The meeting of the prime ministers of the Baltic Council of Ministers will continue with an informal session with the officials attending a celebratory soiree in honour of the 30^th anniversary of the Baltic Way featuring a musical performance by chamber orchestra Kremerata Baltica and essay readings by Latvian writer Māris Bērziņš, Estonian poet Hasso Krull and Lithuanian poet Vladas Braziūnas.