Reflecting on Latvia’s experience in the EU, Cepurītis remarked that “the quality of life has increased, both in terms of income and well-being, but also in terms of democratic rights,”

“Overall EU integration has been very positive for us,” he added.

Cepurītis said that since the three Baltic states (Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia) joined the EU in May 2004, the desire for EU membership by other countries such as Moldova, Ukraine, and even among the democratic opposition of Belarus, has significantly increased.

Watch the full interview above.