How much do you know about Estonia and Latvia and their economic, cultural and social links with Scotland?
This evening Edinburgh4Europe, supported by the European Movement in Scotland, is hosting a live webinar that aims to take a deep dive into these two Baltic countries that both joined the European Union in 2004.
Scotland now needs to use soft power to maintain our links with EU member countries. But to do this effectively it is essential to audit our relations with each of the 27 members. With that in mind this evening’s webinar focuses on Latvia and Estonia.
The two speakers this are Christopher Kenmore Consul for Latvia in Scotland and Peter Ferry, the Consul for Estonia in Scotland.
The event will be chaired by Mark Lazarowicz, Chair of the European Movement in Scotland.
Despite their size and recent membership Latvia and Estonia already hold considerable influence in the EU. Yesterday it was announced that the past Prime Minister of Latvia, Valdis Dombrovskis, will take on the key Trade portfolio, and another Another strategically important portfolio – Energy – is held by Estonia’s Kadri Simson.
Whilst research by Kirsty Hughes from the Scottish Centre for European
Relations has found that irrespective of the constitutional context “it will be hard for Scotland to influence future EU developments from the outside. But bringing expertise, building long-standing bilateral relationships, participating in debates and stepping in early and constructively …. will all pay dividends”.
So, increase your knowledge of Latvia and Estonia and join in the conversation this evening from 7pm by registering your email using this link:
https://lu.ma/EMiS-Scotland-EU-Relationship
and engaging on social media using the hashtags #ScotlandTalkingEurope #Latvia #Estonia.