Gallery

On Wednesday, 6 March, in the European Parliament, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, and Mairead McGuinness, Vice President of the European Parliament, opened a photo exhibition 25 Moments… in honour of the 25th anniversary of the renewal of Latvia’s independence; the exhibition captures the most memorable events in Latvia in the period between the renewal of independence and the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

“Twenty five years ago Latvia regained its independence. Since then the daily life of our people has significantly changed. With this exhibition here in Brussels – the heart of Europe – we want to tell Latvia’s story. And yet, this is not a story just about us – this story is a part of the European history,” said the Speaker of the Saeima at the opening.

In her address, Speaker Mūrniece recalled the events that have taken place in Latvia during these years. “From a country, which was occupied and non-existent on political maps, we have become the presiding country of the Council of the European Union,” said the Speaker admitting that Latvia’s path to the European integration was not smooth and we had to prove that Europe is where we belong.

In conclusion, Ināra Mūrniece emphasised that 25 years since the renewal of Latvia’s independence have been full of memorable moments. “Each moment of joy, surprise, anger, sorrow or pride has left a mark in our soul. Today we share our story with you – our closest friends and colleagues in Europe,” said the Speaker of the Saeima and expressed appreciation of this exhibition bringing the Saeima and the European Parliament closer.

At the opening, the Vice President of the European Parliament praised the Latvian Presidency, its agenda and work done by the people involved.

The exhibition will be on display during the Open Doors Day in the European Parliament on 9 May, when the parliament is usually visited by approximately 10,000 people. 

Besides the members of the European People’s Party group of the European Parliament, the opening of the exhibition was also attended by 10 young people who volunteered for the parliamentary events of the Latvian Presidency or were laureates of the photo competition Youth Employment in the European Union organised by the Saeima.

During the visit to Brussels, Speaker Mūrniece also took part in the conference War and Peace 1945-2015 held at the European Parliament.


Saeima Press Service