Just after this years final EU summit wrapped up, euronews spoke with Laimdota Straujuma, Prime Minister of Latvia, the country that will hold the
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Just after this years final EU summit wrapped up, euronews spoke with Laimdota Straujuma, Prime Minister of Latvia, the country that will hold the next Presidency of the European Union. Latvia supports a strong and united EU strategy to deal with its neighbour Russia
euronews: “President Putin remains inflexible despite all of these sanctions. What do you think you can do to engage with him in terms of making progress towards the rebuild of this relationship?”
Laimdota Straujuma: “I am really satisfied that all EU countries are united. And if there will be no success in the Minsk agreement, between Russia and Ukraine, than sanctions will stay.”
euronews: “Latvia has an important part of its population with origins in Russia. Is this a particular issue for your government and your presidency of the EU in the following months?”
Laimdota Straujuma: “We have 27% of russian population in Latvia but the situation in Latvia is calm and stable.”
euronews: “Ukraine is also having financial troubles. Do you think that the EU should give a third package of financial aid. Kiev’s government is asking for two billion euros.”
Laimdota Straujuma: “Now in Ukraine there will be – there is – a new government and that government has to push through a lot of reforms. The reforms in Ukraine and the humanitarian assistance from Europe and other countries will be the way in the future to solve those problems.”