Prime Minister
32246096135_5b0e809517

On Wednesday 11 January, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis held a meeting with Michel Barnier, Chief Negotiator of the European Commission in Charge of the Preparation and Conduct of the Negotiations with the United Kingdom or Brexit to discuss the issues related to withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (EU) and the EU interests in this process.

During the meeting, M. Kučinskis pointed out that Latvia appreciates the current EU unity in relation to the United Kingdom. It was highlighted that it is essential to preserve the principles on which the EU Heads of State and Government have agreed, as well as the role of institutions in negotiations needs to be respected, as required by the EU fundamental treaties.

“Every possible agreement with the United Kingdom should be based on the balance between the rights and obligations. Access to the single market implies respect for all four freedoms of movement – persons, goods, services and capital,” said M. Kučinskis.

The Prime Minister said that Latvia is willing to develop a model of close future relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom based on the balance between the rights and obligations of all stakeholders, while stressing that the major areas for us include the future status of Latvia's nationals in the United Kingdom, economy and cooperation in the areas of foreign affairs, security and defence.

"The issue of legitimate expectation of Latvia's nationals residing in the United Kingdom is relevant for Latvia, namely, that the status of nationals who already reside in the UK would not change and the acquired social security rights and the right to health care would remain, "said M. Kučinskis.

Photos available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/albums/72157677322442011

Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Phone: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv