From January 1st 2015, Latvian 6-months Presidency of the Council of the EU had begun. It was announced that The main goal of the Presidency will be to generate jobs and economic growth in the EU.
Main task of the Latvian Presidency: To work on the Investment Plan for Europe; continue the work on strengthening the Single Market; launch discussions and start working on the Energy Union; promote industrial competitiveness.
Main topics on the Agenda:
- the 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.
- financial stability – addressing economic and financial issues in order to provide a healthy macro-economic environment;
- growth in the EU – enhancing EU competitiveness, strengthening industrial policy, completion of the Single Market and strengthening industry and external trade;
- employment – creating new jobs (in particular for young people), combating poverty and social exclusion;
- digital agenda – seizing opportunities provided by the digital environment, work on the completion of the Digital Single Market;
- strengthening the EU’s global role – supporting economic, social and political reforms especially in countries to the East and South of the EU. The agenda includes the importance of trade policy.