Aigars Kalvītis participates in the European Council meeting in Brussels

On March 22-23, Aigars Kalvītis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia is participating in the spring European Council. The main topic of discussion is mid-term review of the Lisbon strategy and conclusions about possible action to improve implementation of the strategy focusing on growth and employment.

On Tuesday evening the EU heads of state and government approved the report of the Council of Economics and Finance Ministers (ECOFIN) on the reform of the Stability and Growth Pact, which provides for a more flexible approach to implementing the requirement that deficits of national budgets should not exceed 3 per cent of gross domestic product.

On the basis of the agreement the European Commission, when assessing budget deficits of the Member States, will be able to take into account several factors including structural reforms and economic situation of the Member States in the medium term. The need for investments will be assessed when establishing medium-term budget deficit for each Member State, which is particularly important for Latvia.

During the working dinner the heads of state and government discussed questions concerning the implementation of the Lisbon strategy.

On March 23, the European Council continues the discussion about the implementation of the Lisbon strategy and its med-term review, concept of sustainable development, as well as climate change. During the meeting it is planned to approve the conclusions of the European Council on the discussed questions, providing for concrete action in implementing them.

The agreement that was reached on further action in implementing the Lisbon strategy satisfies the interests of Latvia in that it notes the importance of the Cohesion Fund financing and the service directive in achieving the goals of the European Union.

During the visit Aigars KalvÄ«tis yesterday visited the meeting of prime ministers representing the European PeopleâÀ™s Parties in Meise, where the heads of government discussed the Lisbon strategy and measures necessary for its implementation.

Before the European Council meeting Aigars Kalvītis participated in the traditional meeting with prime ministers of the Baltic States and Nordic States and discussed positions on the agenda of the European Council meeting.

On Tuesday evening Aigars Kalvītis together with Polish Prime Minister Marek Belka and Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas met the President of European Commission José Manuel Barroso and submitted to him a joint letter concerning implementation of projects in the energy sector, including the construction of gas pipelines to contribute to safe and independent supply of energy in the region.