International Internet Magazine. Baltic States news & analytics
Saturday, 04.02.2012, 06:46
EU fiscal compact ready to be signed
03.02.2012The new Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union was finalised by all EU member states with the exception of the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic on 2 February, 2012. It is expected to be signed by March 2012.
Keyword tags: Banks, Budget, EU – Baltic States, Financial Services, Legislation
CPB of Latvia: to a large extent, illegal smuggling cannot be carried successfully without help from officials
03.02.2012Smuggling illegal goods into the country is a quick and lucrative way to make money, unfortunately, officials are also involved in this illegal activity in Latvia. It is clear that large-scale smuggling cannot be carried out successfully without the support of officials, the deputy chief of the Corruption Prevention Bureau (CPB), Juta Strike, said during a press conference today.
Breast implants scandal to see tougher EU legislation on plastic surgery
03.02.2012The European commission aims to strengthen oversight of companies that certify medical devices following a breast implant scandal thought to have affected at least 400,000 women worldwide.
Commission: renewable energy sources should account for 20% of the bloc’s total energy demand
03.02.2012The European Commission (EC) is fond of saying how important wind is as a renewable energy source – but critics says its words are not matched by funding, the EU Observer informs.
EC requests explanations from Latvian justice minister regarding Palink insolvency case
03.02.2012European Commission officials have requested explanations from Latvian Justice Minister Gaidis Berzins (All For Latvia!-For Fatherland And Freedom/LNNK) regarding Palink insolvency case.
Godmanis: talks on reduction of EU multi-annual budget under way
The talks on the reduction of the European Union's multi-annual budget for 2014-2020 started at the end of January 2012 and are currently in progress, European Parliament Member Ivars Godmanis pointed out during today's session of the Saeima European Affairs Committee.
Latvia wants achieve 80% average level of EU direct payments
Latvia wants to achieve 80% of the average level of EU direct payments for its farmers, Agriculture Minister Laimdota Straujuma said in an interview with the LNT morning show "900 sekundes" today.
Russian academic wins Estonian citizenship 72 years late
A 92-year-old Russian professor has been granted Estonian citizenship, more than seven decades after a Soviet invasion voided his application, the Estonian government said Thursday.
Lithuanian Zuvintas biosphere reserve receives UNESCO certificate
On Thursday, Zuvintas Biosphere Reserve received the UNESCO certificate.
Policemen number in Riga is insufficient
At a presentation yesterday of the Riga Municipal Police's (RMP) Annual Report, Chief Janis Gedusevs made it clear that his force is lacking officers. Increasing staff will make for a safer capital, he emphasized.
Saeima accepted the proposed statement on the importance of the Latvian language
Yesterday, Saeima, with 65 votes in favor, accepted the proposed statement on the importance of the Latvian language. The parliament emphasizes that Latvian, as the sole official language, is enshrined in Latvia's Constitution and is among its basic principles.
Pavluts: Latvia waited 20 years for Russia to join WTO
We waited nearly 20 years for Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization to ensure that its foreign trade regulations are in compliance with the principles and conditions of the global trade system, Latvian Economy Minister Daniels Pavluts announced during today's conference "Russia's accession to the WTO – business opportunities".
Citadele bank included in the inter-banking interest rate indices RIGIBID and RIGIBOR
The Bank of Latvia has included the Citadele Bank in the inter-banking interest rate indices RIGIBID and RIGIBOR. Since February 2012, transactions conducted by Citadele in terms of borrowing or lending money to other banks will influence the indices of the money market for lats, because Citadele is an active participant in the marketplace.
Estonian government approves of ESM foundation agreement
The Estonian government approved at its Thursday session of the European Stability mechanism (ESM) foundation agreement and gave authorities to Estonia's permanent representative to the EU Matti Maasikas to sign the agreement, LETA/National Broadcasting reports.
Employers' Confederation: higher minimum monthly wage cannot serve as instrument to combat shadow economy in Latvia
It is necessary to consider increasing the minimum monthly wage, however, it will not serve as an instrument for combating shadow economy, Latvian Employers' Confederation Director General Liga Mengelsone points out in an interview with the Nozare.lv business portal.
The europact: outcomes for the Baltic States 
