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Partners in the northern Baltic Sea Region
The countries of the northern Baltic Sea Region support Germany’s efforts to ensure economic and financial stability and development in Europe. “In many respects, we have the same objectives,” said Minister of State Michael Georg Link during a trip to Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia and Sweden from 13 to 16 May, his first official visit to these countries.
Link meets Estonia’s President Ilves at the outset of his trip
© AA
Link meets Estonia’s President Ilves at the outset of his trip
Link meets Estonia’s President Ilves at the outset of his trip
© AA
Link discussed current European issues such as the sovereign debt crisis, the European Stability Mechanism and the fiscal compact, measures to boost economic growth as well as the EU financial period from 2014 to 2020 in a friendly and cooperative atmosphere with his interlocutors. He also focused on the future of the European Union and the EU’s further institutional development during his talks.
For instance, Link spoke to the Lennart Meri Conference in Estonia on 13 May about Germany’s role in Europe. In Tallinn he also had political talks with President Ilves, Foreign Minister Paet and Kaja Tael, Undersecretary of European Union Affairs.
Link opens a conference organized by the German-Finnish Chamber of Commerce
© AA
Link opens a conference organized by the German-Finnish Chamber of Commerce
Link opens a conference organized by the German-Finnish Chamber of Commerce
© AA
In Finland, Link had talks on 14 May with Minister for European Affairs Stubb and Finnish MPs Kaikkonen and Thors. Together with Minister Stubb, he opened the annual conference of the German-Finnish Chamber of Commerce. In his welcoming address, he also highlighted the Baltic Sea Region’s key role as an important economic area and as an innovative region.
Link with the Speaker of Latvia’s parliament, Solvita Aboltina
© AA
Link with the Speaker of Latvia’s parliament, Solvita Aboltina
Link with the Speaker of Latvia’s parliament, Solvita Aboltina
© AA
In Lithuania, Link met Foreign Minister Azubalis and his deputy Meilunas on 14 and 15 May. Azubalis himself was in Berlin just a few days previously. On 15 May, Link travelled on to Latvia and spoke there with Foreign Minister Rinkevics as well as with the Speaker of the Latvian parliament, Solvita Aboltina, and Foreign Ministry State Secretary Teikmanis. In both countries Link also discussed current developments at Europe’s eastern borders, in Belarus and Ukraine.
Link with Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs, Birgitta Ohlsson, and State Secretary Belfrage
© AA
Link with Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs, Birgitta Ohlsson, and State Secretary Belfrage
Link with Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs, Birgitta Ohlsson, and State Secretary Belfrage
© AA
The last leg of the Minister of State’s trip took him to Sweden. There Link met Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson, Foreign Ministry State Secretary Frank Belfrage, Environment Minister Lena Ek and Minister for Financial Markets Peter Norman. The topics discussed included EU financial issues, EU enlargement and energy matters.
Addressing partner countries in the region, Minister of State Link stated:
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During the last few years, you have undertaken tremendous efforts to carry out impressive and successful reforms which cannot be rated highly enough. Especially the vigorous reform steps in the three Baltic states show that financial consolidation can lead to strong economic growth. We encourage our partners to continue their course and to pass on the experience they have gained.
Last updated 21.05.2012