Latvia is a member of the European Union, therefore travelling to Latvia and crossing its borders is as simple as travel to any other European Union country. Latvia is part of the Schengen Area and that's why people travelling to Latvia from the Schengen Area does not have to go through border controls. Bear in mind, however, that when crossing into Russia and Belarus, border controls are in place.

Young Egija Veldre, a flute student from Latvia has been invited to the Duchy Luxembourg by the Luxemburgish NGO Forum International Asbl to join other students and music professionals at the 26th Forum International which will take place in Diekirch this July. This has been possible thanks to the generous help of Dr Henri Diederich, Honorary Consul of Latvia. Please come and give all your support to Egija from the 25th onwards.

Speech held by Mr. Henri Diederich at the European Court of Auditors

Once again we are getting together to celebrate Latvia's National Day. Latvia has definitely become an example of a successful small-size state that could be a policy model for other small states of Europe. Latvia was the worst hit country of the Baltic states, and suffered one of the biggest depressions of its history. But in 2008, Latvia negotiated its rescue package with the IMF, the EU and others. Many doubted that the programme would work: the Latvians proved them wrong.

A few years later, the Prime Minsiter of Latvia, Valdis Dombrovskis, spearheaded Latvia's attempts to join the Eurozone. Latvia is now actively gearing up for the introduction of the euro on January 2014. Also, since the beginning of this year, significant modifications of the euro on 1 January 2014. Also, since the beginning of this year, significant modifications to corporate income tax have taken effect, making Latvia an attractive location for establishing holding companies. In addition, as of 2014, Latvian holding companies will no longer be taxed on interest and royalties paid to foreign companies: this will make the country even more attractive to foreign investors who wish to set up holding companies in Latvia. Also, any leftover taxable assets of corporations are taxed at 15 percent, one of the lowest rates in the EU.

As you know, beautiful Riga will officially be unveiled as the 2014 European Captial of Culture on January 17, 2014. You may already know the programme: with one of the main events, I think, being the human chain where books will be transferred from hand to hand, from the old National Library of Latvia building to the new "Gaismas Pils" (Palace of Light) National Library building on January 18. Several exhibitions will also be housed there, including unique artefacts such as the first printed book in Arabic, the first Torah, the first publication in Polish, and the first Latvian book, dating back to approximately 1514. Latvia will also hold the World Choir Games – the biggest event of 2014 in terms of participants, bringing some 20'000 singers from 90 countries worldwide. The amber route – a new culture-based interdisciplinary European network – will connect the West to the East: Latvian Amber was found as far away as the thomb of Tutankhamun!

The spotlight is now on Latvia, not because it is one of the newest members of the EU, but because Latvia has embraced its European destiny to the full, economically, socially and culturally.