In order to learn about the everyday work of MPs and staff of the parliament during the Latvian Presidency, on Job Shadow Day, 11 February, almost 350 youths from all over Latvia visited the Saeima as shadows of MPs, ministerial employees, experts and journalists. 

On Wednesday, 4 February, when Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, met with Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament (EP), she emphasised that “attracting public and private investment, creating new jobs, as well as reducing social inequality are essential for Europe’s economic development; they are not only topics for parliamentary discussions but issues that directly affect all Europeans”. She also expressed satisfaction about the long-awaited discussions concerning European Union’s investment plan, or the so-called ”new deal”, within the framework of the EU economic governance conference organised by the Saeima and the EP.

On Wednesday, 4 February, the chairpersons of the Saeima committees who moderated the discussions of a high-level conference on economic and financial governance at the European Parliament emphasised that EU member states and institutions must find sustainable solutions to problems facing the European economy. 

On Tuesday, 2 February, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, addressed EU parliamentarians dealing with EU affairs. She emphasised that „history shows that security does not come from separation and building walls, but from continuous engagement. The European Neighbourhood Policy, with its eastern and southern dimensions, is a priority of EU’s external relations, and during the Riga Eastern Partnership Summit, a strong signal should be sent reaffirming long-term EU strategic support for its neighbouring countries”.

On Monday, 2 February, the participants of the Meeting of the Chairpersons of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) adopted a joint statement on the situation in Ukraine expressing deep concern about the recent escalation of the military conflict in eastern Ukraine.

“The tragic events in Paris at the Charlie Hebdo office, as well as the renewed violence in the East Ukraine and the attacks on civilians in Mariupol, are stark reminders of the manifold challenges Europe is facing. They underscore both the uncertainty of events and the fact that we must be ready for any challenges that may occur,” said Lolita Čigāne, Chairperson of the European Affairs Committee of the Saeima, in her address to the EU parliamentarians who deal with EU affairs and who gathered in the Saeima on Monday, 2 February.

On Monday, 2 February, a press conference on the Eastern Partnership and situation in Ukraine will be held in the Saeima as a part of the Meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC (Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union).