Mrs. Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica:

I thank the Chairman and the members of the committee for this meeting. It is already a tradition of the European affairs committee of our Parliament to pay a visit to the Parliament of the forthcoming EU Presidency. We have close economic and social ties with Ireland and therefore it is necessary to have deeper interparliamentary co-operation. We hope we will be able to develop it.

We are happy to see the Irish Parliament actively involved in the EU policy-making process. This is the approach to be taken by countries with parliamentary democracy. Domestic policy and legislation cannot be separated from the process of shaping EU policy and legislation. We hope the upcoming European Council will bring us all closer to a sustainable and fair multi-annual financial framework for the EU, meaning the Irish Presidency will continue fulfilling a significant and important task of leading negotiations on the programming of EU financial instruments. In this respect, we hope for productive co-operation.

As the Chairman mentioned, discussions on the multi-annual financial framework on economic growth in Europe is central to our work. Today, the most important task is to create favourable conditions for economic growth and jobs. Therefore, this discussion is important in seeking ways to create stability and confidence in the European economy and confidence in the euro. Strengthening the role of national parliaments, and especially co-operation between parliaments, can help us to reach these goals. Therefore, we are happy to share our views on the multi-annual financial framework, the cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy. My colleagues will share our views in more detail.

Last but not least, during Ireland's previous EU Presidency, Latvia acceded to the European Union. During the forthcoming Irish Presidency, we look forward to a decision on Latvia's accession to the eurozone. It is a significant development from one Irish Presidency, when we entered European Union, to the next, when the decision on our accession to the eurozone will be taken.