Analytics, Economics, EU – Baltic States, Financial Services, Latvia

Photo: fm.gov.lv

The most hard-hitting questions dealt with the low public support for the euro. French MEP Jean-Paul Besset (Greens/European Free Alliance) was delighted about Latvia's desire to join the eurozone, but expressed concerns over the population's skepticism toward the euro.

Greek MEP Nikolaos Chountis (European United Left/Nordic Green Left) was puzzled about Latvia seeing positive messages in the crisis-torn eurozone and the country's hopes for a new development impetus by introducing the euro.

Latvia has proved that it is possible to overcome the economic crisis and Greece should follow Latvia's example, said German MEP Werner Langen (European People's Party). He was also interested in the impact of energy dependence and minority problems on Latvia's economic sustainability.

Other MEPs inquired about unemployment, emigration, the banking system and other matters.

Vilks and Rimsevics explained that, taking into account global trends, public support for the euro is not that low in Latvia. One-third approves of the introduction of the euro, one-third disapproves and one-third remains undecided. Vilks also predicted that half of the population will support the euro by mid-summer.