Aigars Kalvītis and EU Commissioner Vladimir Špidla discuss the Service Directive and use of EU funds

Today, Aigars Kalvītis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, met Vladimir Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities of the European Union (EU), who had come to Latvia on a working visit.

During the meeting a number of topical issues of the EU were discussed constructively and openly: planning of use of EU funds in Latvia for the period of 2007-2013, course of adoption of the Service Directive, and free movement of labour in the EU.            

Aigars Kalvītis expressed dissatisfaction with the changes introduced by the European Parliament to the draft of the Service Directive, which did not maintain the principle of country of origin for service providers.

The Prime Minister asked the Commission to present the updated version of the Directive to Member States before the spring European Council, so that during the meeting heads of governments can voice their opinions on this issue and look for compromises. Both sides shared the view that the Directive must be adopted, because it is very important for further development of the EU single market.  

Aigars Kalvītis appreciated how the Commission encouraged the Member States to open their labour markets to workers from the new member States, emphasizing equal rights to citizens of all Member States.

The Prime Minister informed the Commissioner about LatviaâÀ™s priorities in using EU funds: education, science, and increasing competitiveness of the country, which will receive most of the financing from EU funds. In using EU funds in Latvia, main attention will be paid to development of human resources.

The Government continues its work by planning the breakdown of structural funds for particular activities and measures. Both sides agreed on cooperation between the European Commission and responsible institutions of Latvia in preparation of financial documents.