Prime Ministers of the Baltic region take a break from politics to participate in a bread-making session during their annual casual gathering
The annual informal meeting of the prime ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania took place over the weekend, with this year's event held in Latvia, currently the presiding country of the Baltic Council of Ministers. The gathering, a significant tradition fostering cooperation and mutual understanding among the Baltic states, featured a program showcasing Latvia's local culture, business, and community initiatives.
The three leaders, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, Kristen Michal, and Gintautas Paluckas, began their weekend in Līgatne, where they explored local businesses such as the Līgatne Paper Mill and participated in a lighthearted yet symbolic activity known as the "Baltic bake-off." The activity saw the prime ministers baking bread reflecting Latvian traditions, symbolising cultural exchange. Although the best bread remained undisclosed, the varying amounts of caraway seeds in the bread humorously reflected the personal tastes of the different leaders.
On the first day, the prime ministers and their families also visited the towns of Cēsis and Vidzeme, learning about local businesses and traditions, and attending a concert. Prime Minister Siliņa expressed her gratitude for hosting her Baltic colleagues in Latvia.
The second day's itinerary included a visit to the Cēsis Space Learning Centre and informal discussions focused on the future development of the Baltic region. The weekend concluded with further informal discussions, emphasising the importance of regional development.
Historically, these annual informal meetings are rooted in the long-standing cooperation and shared geopolitical challenges faced by the three Baltic states. Two years ago, the ministers discussed the situation on the Belarusian border, reflecting the ongoing need for collaboration in addressing regional issues.
These meetings serve to deepen regional integration and assert a united stance in international affairs, reinforcing solidarity and the shared goal of security, economic development, and cultural preservation in the Baltic region. The informal setting allows leaders to strengthen both political cooperation and personal ties through shared experiences outside the formal capital environment.
Prime Minister Michal stated that the informal leaders' summer gathering strengthens unity, trust, and cooperation among the three countries. In the spirit of unity, the meeting's symbolic activities, such as the "Baltic bake-off," serve as a reminder of the shared cultural heritage and shared commitment to regional cooperation.
[1] Baltic Council of Ministers [2] Baltic Entente [4] Soviet-era blockades and modern geopolitical tensions
Prime Ministers Evika Siliņa, Kristen Michal, and Gintautas Paluckas also discussed ways to stimulate the region's fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden industries during their informal meeting in Latvia, with an aim to boost the local economy and lifestyle. Additionally, they decided to collaborate on a joint initiative promoting business synergy across the Baltic states, following their visit to local businesses such as the Līgatne Paper Mill.
