EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation
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Saturday, 02.08.2025, 09:58
Latvia joined the European Union 10 years ago
BC, Riga, 16.04.2013.
Print version
Print versionTen years ago, on April 16, 2003 then President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Prime Minister Einars Repse (New Era) and Foreign Minister Sandra Kalniete on behalf of Latvia signed the treaty on Latvia's accession to the European Union, informs LETA.
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Six months later, on May 1, 2003 the EU candidate states were given the status of observers in EU institutions. Nine representatives from Latvia became observers in the European Parliament, whereas government and ministries' representatives began to attend EU Council of Ministers' meetings as observers.
The referendum on Latvia's accession to the EU was held on September 20, 2003. 66.97 percent voted for Latvia joining the EU, 32.26 percent voted against.
October 30, Saeima ratified Latvia's EU accession treaty.
On May 1, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Malta, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and Poland officially became EU member states.
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