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”.
In her assessment of the situation in Ukraine, Ināra Mūrniece indicated that with a conflict on the EU’s doorstep, the situation in our neighbourhood is more challenging than ever before. European leaders have acknowledged Russia’s role in the armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine. In order to ensure peace and stability in Ukraine, the EU must speak clearly and act decisively while maintaining a strong and united position and condemning the real aggressor.
„Killing of civilians is a war crime, and the time will come for the perpetrators to face justice. The European Union has a moral obligation to do everything in its power to ensure that the so-called Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics are identified as what they really are, namely, terrorist organisations,” said Ināra Mūrniece.
In her address, the Speaker of the Saeima emphasised the increasing role of the national parliaments in the EU’s decision making. „The Latvian Presidency is committed to promoting ever greater public involvement. The parliament is the place where like-minded people meet and discuss issues of strategic importance. We need brave and enlightened political leaders with a positive vision for Europe,” said Ināra Mūrniece.
By rephrasing a statement by Jacques Delors, the Speaker noted that we need to cultivate a common European identity since one cannot fall in love with the digital single market. Ināra Mūrniece attested to Latvia’s readiness to work on a single and attractive vision for Europe’s future by addressing the needs of its citizens in a determined and constructive manner.
Speaker Mūrniece wished the EU parliamentarians a friendly working atmosphere in today’s discussions so that a dialogue on finding common solutions for successful European policy can be continued.
Today the Saeima is hosting the Meeting of the Chairpersons of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) in which parliamentarians are addressing issues such as the Eastern Partnership and challenges ahead, priorities of the Latvian Presidency and prospects for the European Union after the election of the new European Commission.
COSAC is organised once every six months by the country that holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC is attended by the chairpersons of committees for European affairs of the parliaments of all EU member states, as well as by members of the European Parliament. Other officials and experts are also invited to attend.
Saeima Press Service