Dear nominees,
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
30 years ago, Latvia reunited with Europe. 15 years ago, we became a part of the European Union. One year ago, I sat here and could only hope to win the European of the Year in Latvia award. And now, after serving five months as the President of Latvia, I am so glad to be here again.
Looking back at how Europe, Latvia and our lives have changed in the past 30, 15 years, and also the least year, it becomes apparent that the biggest challenge we face is how well we can adapt and cope with ever faster technological progress and rapidly changing geopolitical trends. Are we well-prepared? Do we have enough resilience and flexibility? Is our identity strong enough to keep our core intact as we go through this change to lift ourselves to a higher level?
A couple of days ago I met with my Lithuanian and Estonian counterparts. We discussed what we as the Baltic region and together with our European partners can do. Rail Baltica railway line to Western Europe, energy security and independence from Russia, investments in greener growth, resilience against hybrid threats, stability and prosperity of neighbouring regions of Europe. Tackling of these issues requires active participation of Latvia. We must be smart, ready to learn, brave and determined to shake off the ‘shackles’ of the past. The past few weeks have shown where there is a will there is a way. We can throw off these shackles, the ‘heritage’ that thwarts our progress towards modern, sustainable Nordic welfare model. A country whose success stories are emulated by others. We are already headed that way, and I hope that on 1 January 2030, by the end of the next decade, we will be able to say to ourselves: ‘We have done it, it is there and no one can take that away from us.’
Dear friends,
All of us have to think and express our views on how Europe should respond to future challenges. By us I mean all of the 2 million people living in Latvia, plus several hundred thousand Latvians living abroad. Our people’s voices should sound equally loud. Therefore, I would like to specifically highlight the culture of communication. A new generation of Latvians born in independent Latvia for whom social media are a natural part of their life are becoming more actively involved in social and political processes of Latvia and reshaping the culture of communication.
I think all three ‘finalists’ are excellent examples of modern, European, Nordic style of communication quickly spreading in our society.
Ieva Morica and her friends brought a new tradition to Latvia. Democracy festival LAMPA (Lamp) where anyone from Latvia can have an open discussion with decision makers, experts and opinion leaders. It is a way to contribute to the public opinion, which is a crucial element of public policy in democratic countries, including Latvia. Public policies are much more focused when they are based on clear, well-formulated and constructive opinions. LAMPA has been an important platform for shaping the public opinion. LAMPA is the place where everyone meets eye-to-eye, no screens in between, and talks about issues of public importance. I believe digital technologies can also enhance direct communication instead of substituting direct contact, and LAMPA is a good example of how to achieve that. I will be happy to take part in next year’s festival LAMPA.
Oto Brantevics plays the lead role in Artūrs Vanags’ film ‘Soul blizzard’ - the most popular local production in the recent film history of Latvia. If numbers in headlines are correct, it is the most popular and most viewed Latvian film of all times. While history books and museums might not entirely or completely appeal to youth, or even leave them indifferent, no one who has seen this film, and the lead character played by Oto, can deny the price Latvians were willing to pay for our Latvia and why they defended it then, we need to defend it now and will have to continue defending it in the future. Film compels you to think about courage and confidence one needs to achieve the impossible. It is also a reminder that we all need to be constantly vigilant – look out for our freedom or we may quickly loose it. That is why we need allies, build close partnerships with neighbours and friends all across Europe and the world. Friends who share our concerns. I should also mention that, on top of being an actor and student, Oto is also one of the ambassadors of the European Parliament Ambassador School. I look forward to seeing him shine in many films and on many prominent stages.
The third finalist is Ralfs Eilands. A Latvian singer whose social and civic activities are well known in our country. Apart from being a talented musician, Ralfs has a special talent to find the right words and ways for reaching out to Latvian youth and talking about European values. He has managed to become an opinion leader at a time when all traditional opinion leaders are losing their influence. Although he is widely popular, he is not afraid of of becoming unpopular because of what he says. His call to young Latvian voters to take part in this year’s European elections was crucial because decisions adopted in Brussels by, inter alia, Latvian politicians will determine Latvia’s future many years ahead. These decisions, of course, will have impact on all of us, no matter if like them or not. That is why we need to vote instead of watching from the sidelines. I have no doubt that Ralfs is one of those who will shape the future public opinion of Latvians for many more years. That is why I must find a time to invite him to the Riga Castle for a discussion on areas in which Latvia could make its mark at the European level.
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
I think all three finalists are equally worthy of the award, but people have cast their vote. I now have the honour to announce this year’s winner, and it is Ralfs Eilands.
