Co-operation protocol to be signed on European Union issues [11 Feb 2010]

On 11 February at 2 p.m., Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will sign a protocol of co-operation with non-governmental organisations on the European Union issues.

The aim of the protocol is an effective co-operation between the parties with the aim of facilitating a direct exchange of opinions on the EU-related issues currently within the Foreign Ministry competence, a concerted action in raising public awareness on the possibilities for being involved in the EU decision-making process, and for a joint implementation of projects on providing information to the public on EU issues.

The protocol will be signed by the associations The European Movement in Latvia (Eiropas Kustība Latvijā), Club "Home" –Youth for United Europe (Klubs "Māja" – jaunatne vienotai Eiropai), Latvia's Civil Aliance (Latvijas Pilsoniskā alianse), Public Policy Centre PROVIDUS (Sabiedriskās politikas centrs PROVIDUS), ACC Folk Schools for Europe (ACC Tautskolas Eiropai), Latvia's Platform for Development Co-operation (Latvijas Platforma attīstības sadarbībai), as well as The Gender Equality Association of Latvia (Latvijas Dzimumu līdztiesības apvienība).

Currently the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed successful co-operation with the non-governmental sector on EU-related subjects. It is based on the Co-operation Protocol signed on 19 March 2009 together with four associations, representing the non-governmental sector. As of January 2010, the Foreign Ministry has been charged with co-ordinating the provision of the EU information to the public, and consequently, the present co-operation framework needs to be enhanced. Besides, several organisations with which the MFA has already established co-operation on EU issues are to become parties to the protocol.

In future, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to sign similar co-operation protocols also for other areas of within its competence.

For the attention of the media!

Media representatives are invited to register their participation with the Foreign Ministry Press Centre before 11 February 1 a.m., by calling 67016 272.

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