On January 1, Latvia officially took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2015. The rotating Presidency will be held by Latvia for the first time since joining the EU. The country takes over the Presidency at a time when Europe still faces a number of economic, political and social challenges due to the economic and financial crisis of late 2009, as well as challenges in the regional and global scale - the crisis in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Over the next six months Latvia is committed to work for "competitive, digital and engaged Europe". This motto summarizes the three main priorities of the Presidency:

1. Improving the competitiveness of the EU as a key condition for economic growth and job creation
2. Tapping the full potential of the digital economy of the EU
3. Strengthening the role of the EU in the world

In order to increase competitiveness, growth and employment in the EU, the Latvian Presidency will focus on several key areas - creating a European fund for strategic investments under the new Investment Plan for Europe, strengthening the Single Market, enhancing the competitiveness of industry with a focus on better regulation, establishing an Energy Union based on energy policy built on solidarity, trust and security. During the Presidency, Latvia will also continue to work on deepening the Economic and Monetary Union with a focus on coordinating the steps for better economic governance in the EU.

The Latvian Presidency placed special emphasis on EU’s Digital Agenda for development of information and communication technologies that have the potential to become the engine of the European economy. Latvia will work for enhancing cybersecurity, improving the data protection framework, developing Digital Single Market strategy by removing restrictions, building trust, providing access and connectivity, achieving a common agreement on the Telecommunications market package, advancing the digitisation of Europe and promoting e- Government.

As regards EU’s foreign policy, Latvia will work for the promotion of political and economic relations between the EU and the Eastern partners by further developing and strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy. The 4th Eastern Partnership Summit, which will be held in Riga on 21-22 May 2015, will be focusing on energy security and the wider involvement of civil society. The Summit is aimed at reaffirming the long-term strategic commitment of the EU to the Eastern Partnership countries. Among the priorities of the Latvian presidency are also strengthening the transatlantic partnership, reviewing  the EU-Central Asia Strategy, post-2015 development goals, as well as to remain committed to an EU enlargement policy.

Bulgaria appreciates the ambitious goals of Latvian Presidency to reach a sustainable basis for enhancing EU's competitiveness and promoting economic growth and job creation. We share the view that the Investment Plan for Europe is crucial for boosting EU’s economic growth. We expect its practical application to ensure balanced and equitable distribution of its benefits across the whole EU.

We welcome the program’s focus on energy policy. We are convinced that the establishment of a European Energy Union which will ensure an affordable, secure and sustainable energy, is increasingly impotant. We will actively participate in the discussions on these topics.

Bulgaria will actively support the efforts of the Latvian Presidency to achieve progress on the  EU’s Digital Agenda, sharing the understanding that this is an area with serious potential, which can contribute significantly to the increase of the competitiveness of our economies.

Bulgaria supports the aim of the Latvian Presidency  to put a special emphasis on issues related to the Eastern Partnership. Our country welcomes the goal of the Latvian Presidency to strengthen EU’s role and extend its influence on the international scene and we will continue to actively contribute to achieving these goals.