Latvian President, EU Transport Commissioner Discuss Infrastructure Projects
By admin at 18 January, 2012, 10:50 am
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Latvian President Andris Bērziņš met with the European Union’s transport commissioner, Siim Kallas, today, to discuss major regional transport infrastructure projects, as well as issues related to the European Union’s multiyear financial framework for the period between 2014 and 2020.
President Bērziņš confirmed that Latvia is interested in and supports Rail Baltica and other transport infrastructure projects in the Baltic States, because Rail Baltica is important not just in terms of the development the relevant infrastructure, but also in terms of fully linking the Baltic transport infrastructure to that of the rest of Europe. Kallas said that the European Commission supports the Rail Baltica project, adding that if the project is completed successfully, then that will be an important stimulus for Latvia’s economy. The two officials agreed that active co-operation must continue to find the necessary financing for the project and to determine the route for the railroad that would be of greatest economic advantage.
In relation to the EU’s budget debates, Kallas said that the main goal for the Danish presidency of the EU in this regard is to reduce differences of opinion among member states as much as possible when it comes to the multiyear budget. The President and the commissioner also discussed the new European Union treaty, expressing the hope that it will represent a substantial investment in ensuring financial stability in the EU.
President Bērziņš went on to speak about Latvia’s position on agricultural financing in the multiyear budget, recalling that during the existing budgeting period, Latvia has received the lowest direct payments per hectare in the entire EU. He added that the European Commission’s proposal on the new budget is inadequate given the real market situation, as well as agricultural production costs which, in Latvia, are at the level of the EU average. This has a negative effect on the competitiveness of Latvian farmers, the President said. Bērziņš added that Latvia insists that the new payment of direct payments must take effect immediately, without any transition period, and with full financing. Commissioner Kallas confirmed that he understands Latvia’s position on this matter.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Kallas congratulated Latvia on having successfully completed its aid program from the International Monetary Fund.
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