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

The Latvian Institute of International Affairs (LIIA) is pleased to invite you to the event “(Re)uniting East and West: Reflections on the 2004 EU Enlargement”, commemorating the 20th anniversary of this historic milestone.

This event marks a slight departure from LIIA’s typical format, as it emphasizes engaging citizens and amplifying their voices. The agenda highlights 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).

This event is a unique opportunity to reflect on how EU enlargement has impacted not only nations but also individuals, fostering unity and shared European values.

The event will be held in both Latvian and English. Simultaneous interpretation will be available.

Please confirm your participation by 2 December, 2024 by filling out this form.

The event is a part of the LIIA project "(Re)uniting East and West: Reflections on the 2004 EU Enlargement", which is supported by the "European Union – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme for European Memory". Grant Nr. 101143762 "REWEU".