Latvia is kicking off its EU presidency on 9 January 2014 in Riga hosting an official ceremony for launching the European Year for Development 2015 that will be dedicated to development cooperation. A special focus will be placed on the significance of the rule of law and good governance in ensuring growth.The event will include the opening of a joint Latvia-Luxembourg video competition for young people, a motorcycle expedition route planned by students for the Motorcycle Adventures Club apPasaule (“Around the World”), and NGO activities during the Year for Development.

Latvia will focus on 4 activities during its presidency

  • EU Investment Plan – aimed at unlocking public and private investments in the real economy;
  • Strengthening the Single Market – make progress on remaining Single Market Act II proposals, launch discussions on the expected Internal Market Strategy for goods and services;
  • Enhancing the competitiveness of industry and related service sectors – better regulation will be a guiding principle;
  • Establishing an Energy Union – energy policy built on solidarity, trust and security, focus on infrastructure, better governance, energy security and energy diplomacy.

The EHA will cooperate with the Latvian Hydrogen Association to increase the visibility of the role of hydrogen during the Latvian EU presidency.