Riga National Event: “(Re)uniting East and West:
Reflections on the 2004 EU Enlargement”

On 5 December 2024, the Latvian Institute of International Affairs (LIIA) has hosted the event “(Re)uniting East and West: Reflections on the 2004 EU Enlargement”, commemorating the 20th anniversary of this historic milestone.

This event marked a slight departure from LIIA’s typical format, as it emphasized engaging citizens and amplifying their voices. The agenda highlighted personal perspectives and grassroots reflections on the EU enlargement from students, business owners and critical services providers. 

Date: 5 December 2024.
Time: 9:00–12:00.
Location: Kalēju street 9/11, Hall “Kampenhauzens”, Riga.

The agenda of the event: 

  • 9:00-9:25 – Coffee and student exhibition ‘’Latvia’s accession to the European Union from the Perspective of the Youth” (hall “Georgs”, 3rd Floor).
  • 9:30-9:35 – Welcome Remarks: Dr. Kārlis Bukovskis, Director, Latvian Institute of International Affairs.
  • 9:35-9:45 – A special address: H.E. Valdis Zatlers, President of the Republic of Latvia (2007-2011).
  • 9:45-10:00 – Latvia’s Accession to the European Union from the Perspective of the Youth, student presentations and awards.
  • 10:00-11:00 – Panel discussion: Shared Memories, Shaping Futures: Generational Insights on EU Enlargement:
    • Anželika Litvinoviča, Student, University of Latvia, Daugavpils activist;
    • Raimonds Selga, Kalve Coffee Founder and CGO;
    • Dr. Inese Kuģe, General Practitioner;
      • Moderator: Justīne Elferte, Researcher, Latvian Institute of International Affairs.
  • 11:00-12:00 – Panel discussion: Milestones in Unity: Latvia, the 2004 Enlargement, and Europe’s Integration Journey:
    • Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director and Head of Brussels Office, EUROPEUM;
    • Ioannis Alexandris, Researcher, ELIAMEP;
    • Maria Gargano, Junior Researcher, Egmont Institute;
      • Moderator: Dr. Kārlis Bukovskis, Director, Latvian Institute of International Affairs.
  • 12:00-12:05 – Concluding Remarks: Dr. Kārlis Bukovskis, Director, Latvian Institute of International Affairs.
  • 12:05-12:30 – Coffee and student exhibition ‘’Latvia’s accession to the European Union from the Perspective of the Youth” (hall “Georgs”, 3rd Floor).
Scroll to Top