Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the ambassador and note the last subject on which he touched as to how one ensures democratic legitimacy at a European level will be debated at the COSAC plenary session next week, to which we look forward. I will begin by asking both ambassadors some regional questions. I have three questions, the first of which relates to integration between the Baltic states and I believe ambassador Martinson mentioned transport links.

Can the ambassadors give us an update on the Rail Baltica project, the rail line to link all three Baltic states’ capitals? During the Lithuanian EU Presidency, there was some success with eastern partnerships and the situation in the Ukraine. Will the eastern partnerships continue to be a priority when Latvia takes over the Presidency next year? How are the rights of the Russian minority in the Baltic States respected, maintained and enhanced?