Baltic Trip: 4 countries, in 4 days
EDS Baltic Trip took place from 8th to 12th of November and followed the route from Warsaw, Vilnius, Riga to Tallinn. Our study visit aimed to get an insight of this key and strategic region for the European security as well as to enhance cooperation with the Youth from Baltic states and students’ communities. Within four days, we hold more than 12 meetings with NGOs, students, political leaders, and representatives of local and national institutions. We managed to attract high social media interest and proved to our partners that Europe and EPP community is close to them.
At the first day, in Warsaw, EDS visited headquarters of the Civic Platform (PO). Afterwards, a tour of the Parliament was organised together with young MPs, Arkadiusz Marchewka, Agnieszka Pomaska, Arkadiusz Myrcha and Kinga Gajewska, who explained the current political situation in Poland. Finally, a visit to the NGO creativity centre took place. During the visit, EDS also talked to the Deputy Mayor of Warsaw Michał Olszewski and EPP Vice President Rafał Trzaskowski. We discussed EPP resolution on the Smart and Green Cities, which may be helpful for the Polish authorities for an upcoming local election in 2018.
The second day, in Vilnius, EDS was hosted by the Young Conservative League (JKL) in the Lithuanian Parliament. A panel was organised to tackle the Ostrovets case from a geopolitical and energetic perspective. Mindaugas Liutvinskas, Senior Economist at Bank of Lithuania and former Chief of Bureau of JKL, moderated the panel. The discussion was held with the former Minister of Energy Jaroslav Neverovic and advisor to the Prime Minister, Arnoldas Pikzirnis. We have also talked to representatives of the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS/LKD).
On the third day, EDS arrived in Riga. While being in the Latvian capital, EDS had a meeting in the fraction offices in the Parliament with Ojars Eriks Kalnins, Chair of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee. The second session was with Head of KAS for the Baltic States, Elisabeth Bauer. Afterwards, the EDS leadership headed to the Vienotiba Youth Congress. We took the floor before the election of Santa Zarāne as new national leader of Vienotiba Youth branch. EDS promised its support during next year local elections in Latvia.
On the last day, EDS was present in Estonia at the convention of the Pro Patria and Res Publica Union (IRL). Mr Helir-Valdor Seeder, the President of IRL welcomed EDS and underlined his support for the European People’s Party. Afterwards, we hold the meeting with Mr Urmas Reinsalu and Mr Siim Kiisler – Justice and Energy ministers, who explained their priorities for Estonian presidency in the European Council. During the meeting cybersecurity, educational and environmental policies were discussed. Finally, in Tallinn EDS organised a session with Alumni.
You can find more photos here: