Welsh Government
Printable version E-mail this to a friend

Welsh and Latvian students get a taste of the EU

Young people from across Wales will today get a taste of the big issues affecting the EU and the way it makes decisions, during a Mock Council of the European Union in Cardiff.

The students, who are aged from 16 to 18 and are from 28 Welsh Schools, will also be joined by young people from Jaunpiebalga Secondary School in Latvia.

The schools will represent the 28 Member States of the EU, the Commission and Council Secretariat, and will debate topical issues affecting the EU – ‘whether the EU should become a federation of nation states’ and ‘whether the accession of new members to the EU should be frozen’.

The annual event, hosted by the Welsh Government, is part of a wider programme aimed at raising awareness of EU issues and of the benefits of EU membership.

The Latvian Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Andris Teikmanis, and Mr Andy Taurins, Honorary Consul for Latvia, will also attend the event. The Welsh Government has a Memorandum of Understanding with Latvia, which seeks to strengthen the friendship and goodwill of the people of both countries by working together on projects of mutual benefit.

First Minister, Carwyn Jones, who will open the meeting, said:

"The Mock Council is not only about raising awareness of the EU and the important issues that we face together, but also about giving young people a taste of how the EU makes decisions in practice. I’m delighted that students from Latvia, as well as the Latvian Ambassador and Honorary Consul, will also be joining us – a mark of the continued friendship between our two countries.

"As a government we are fully committed to playing a positive and active role within the EU, as the benefits for Wales of membership are clear: the EU’s Single Market removes trade barriers to boost growth and create jobs and helps to attract inward investment. Co-operation between partners gives the EU more influence on world issues such as tackling climate change. Wales has also been a major beneficiary of funds that have come from the European Union.

"As the EU is fundamental to Wales’ future economic success and prosperity, it’s vital that the UK remains a member. I hope the young people taking part today are able to gain a better understanding of the work of the Council and wish them the best of luck for today and in their future careers."

Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story