23 Oct 2013, 16:10
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs tomorrow discusses the experience of Estonia and Latvia in the EU with the Ambassadors of both countries.
23 October 2013
Mait Martinson, Ambassador of Estonia to Ireland and Gints Apals, Ambassador of Latvia to Ireland will address the Committee.
Chairman of the Committee Dominic Hannigan TD says: “Latvia and Estonia both joined the European Union in 2004 and tomorrow’s meeting will allow the Committee assess the impact of EU membership, almost ten years on. The Ambassadors from both countries are expected to outline the gains both countries have made since EU accession. The Committee will also have an opportunity to compare the approach of two similar sized countries to Ireland in their engagement with the EU.”
“Ireland, Estonia and Latvia have experienced similar challenges in recent years. As small nations on the EU’s geographical periphery, our countries enjoyed an economic boom before being hit hard by the financial crisis in 2008. As our three countries emerge from deep recession, it is opportune to discuss with the Ambassadors the current approach of their countries to EU integration and attitudes of Latvian and Estonian citizens towards the European project.\"
The meeting takes place tomorrow Thursday 24 October at 2 pm in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000. Committee proceedings will be followed here.
Media enquiries to:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
Committee Membership
Deputies: Eric Byrne, Seán Crowe, Timmy Dooley, Bernard J. Durkan, John Halligan, Dominic Hannigan (Chair), Seán Kyne, Dara Murphy (Vice-Chair) and Joe O’Reilly
Senators: Colm Burke, John Kelly, Terry Leyden, Catherine Noone and Kathryn Reilly