Latvian Presidency of The Council of the European Union is opened

On Thursday 8 January, a splendid and expressive musical performance at the Latvian National Opera House marked the official opening of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It was the symbolic start to the challenging six months ahead of us when Latvia will steer the EU ship for the first time. The concert featured some of the most distinguished Latvian artists in the world of music who performed different musical pieces to an audience from all around Europe. The President of the Republic of Latvia, Andris Bērziņš, the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, Laimdota Straujuma, addressed the guests at the opening event.

The presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) rotates among the EU Member States every six months and the country holding the presidency drives forward the Council's work. The EU Council is an essential decision maker which together with the European Parliament (EP) adopts legislation and coordinates EU policies.

Presidency is an opportunity for each Member State, regardless of its size or the length of the membership, to influence the EU agenda and guide the EU endeavours. Latvia for the first time is assuming this task from 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2015 taking it over from Italy and afterwards handing over the reins of the presidency to Luxembourg.

Source: https://eu2015.lv

Photos and additional information here

Calendar of events and political meetings here