EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation

During the meeting with the Dutch ambassador on Tuesday, Pommere indicated that the current EU presidency trio, which includes Italy, Latvia and Luxembourg, and the secretariat for the Latvian presidency both conclude their work at the end of this year.

Latvia had chosen an archetypal grinding stone for its presidency logo. "We therefore want to present to representatives of the next presidency –- the Netherlands –- not only the knowledge and experience we have obtained, but also a symbolic present, a grinding stone-shaped pretzel. We wish the Dutch presidency endurance and strength as it takes over the helm of the Council of the EU," Pommere said.

Pommere and the Dutch ambassador also discussed the EU's upcoming political challenges and touched o practical aspects of the presidency. Pommere thanked the Dutch Embassy in Riga for cooperation, especially for the Ducth-grown red tulips "Latvija", which in May 2015 blossomed in front of the Latvian National Library building, the main venue of Latvia's presidency events.

The Netherlands, Slovakia and Malta will make the next EU presidency trio.