September 8, "Democracy in The Baltic States: Achievements and Unused Opportunities"

Latvian Institute of International Affairs and the Freedom House invite you to a discussion based on the findings of the “Nations in Transit 2016” survey – "Democracy in The Baltic States: Achievements and Unused Opportunities" that will take place on 8 September 2016 from 15.00-16.30 (registration from 14.40), at the EU House (28 Aspazijas Blvd, Riga, 2nd floor).

The year 2015 was characterized by contradictory trends in Latvia. While democracy further consolidated in the country, illiberal strands appeared in the domestic political discourse, and an ideological struggle over so-called traditional values became more visible. Also two major foreign policy developments had an outsized influence on domestic politics in 2015: the Latvian presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of the year and the European migrant and refugee crisis in the second half. How all these issues affected Latvia’s and Baltics averaged scores as a whole. No doubt that nowadays the Baltic States have become as eastern border of Western democracy, but how the society sees the situation?

Through the current week all three Baltic States are organizing similar events, which aim to present our nations in transit ratings, analyse main drawbacks, weaknesses and threats through which we can draw our future development scenarios and new opportunities.

Just as the quality of the country's elite, the development of societies and non-governmental organizations’ involvement is significant.

Come and get involved! Registration: http://goo.gl/MYED0o

Introductory remarks:

Andris Sprūds, Director of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs 

Inna Šteinbuka, Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia

Panelists:

Nate Schenkkan, Project Director for Nations in Transit, Freedom House's annual survey of democratic governance from Central Europe to Eurasia.

Veiko Spolītis, Member of Saeima, Lecturer at Riga Stradins University

Vytis Jurkonis, Project Director, Freedom House, Lithuanian department

Moderator: Kārlis Bukovskis, Deputy Director, Latvian Institute of International Affairs

Presentation will be followed by coffee and snacks

Working language – English | #LIIAsem