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On 23-24 March, Aigars Kalvītis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, is participating in the European Council in Brussels, where mainly issues connected with competitiveness of Europe and the Lisbon Strategy are discussed. Continuing the discussion started in Hampton Court last autumn, the central issues discussed at the current meeting were connected with development of competitiveness of Europe: investment in education, promoting innovations, development of business, in particular small and medium enterprises, as well as promoting of employment, and energy sector. For Latvia, the most important topic of this European Council was energy. Prime Minister Aigars Kalvītis: We are satisfied that dealing with the energy issue has moved forward so fast since the Hampton Court meeting. The European Commissions Green Paper on Development of a Common EU Energy Policy is the beginning of a new policy for the next twenty or thirty years. At the same time we would also like to see the beginning of practical implementation of this policy as soon as possible and that it is not hindered by unnecessary bureaucracy. It is in the interests of Latvia and other Baltic States that there are concrete projects dealing with the issues of energy isolation already in the next few years and that their implementation is commenced. Overall, we are satisfied with the result of the discussions, which outlines the main interests of Latvia in the EU energy policy. Among issues important for Latvia is a common EU Energy Policy in relations with third countries including Russia. Also, the creation of interconnections within Europe is important for us, as it would prevent isolation of regions and help create solidarity mechanisms at the Community level. Thus it would be possible to avoid potential crisis situations in Europe, including gas supply issues, noted the Prime Minister. During the Summit the EU heads of government agreed on specific steps for implementing the energy policy. The Commission was tasked to provide to the Council an annual strategic report on energy, and to prepare a plan of priority interconnections. Yesterday, before the Summit of EU leaders, Aigars Kalvītis participated in the meeting of Prime Ministers who represent the European Peoples Parties. Also, the issues of the European Council were discussed during the meeting of Prime Ministers of the Baltic States and Nordic Countries.
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