“It’s Easier to Tidy Up a Small Apartment than a Large Palace”
Latvia, like neighboring Lithuania and Estonia, has not only proclaimed its objective of European integration but is also trying to actually prove the seriousness of its intentions to soon become a full member of the European Union. It is an open secret that the indicators of economic growth and public well-being in the Baltic states and Latvia in particular clearly stand out against the general background of other post-Soviet republics. Yet, nobody will dare say the country is facing easy problems. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Latvian Republic in Ukraine Andris VILCANS thinks that success will only come if society clearly spells out its goals and pulls itself together to achieve these. Incidentally, there are problems with unity in Latvian society, and the press of various countries assesses official acts aimed at non-Latvians as discriminatory. However, there are, naturally, no disputes in Latvia about what to enter and with whom.
“Mr. Ambassador, what do you think has caused the difference in the economic development of Ukraine and Latvia in the past ten years?”
“Indeed, Latvia is somewhat ahead of Ukraine in its economic progress. This may have been caused by the notable political and national consensus in our country. For example, we want to join the European Union. And all Latvians share this, let us say, immediate goal. There are no doubts about this among politicians or the people. As far as I understand, Ukraine does not have this kind of a goal. Even politicians have different ideas about your direction and ways of development, which also applies to the economy. As the saying goes, ‘all at sixes and sevens’.”
“But practically all Ukrainian politicians speak about the national idea which can join the efforts of our citizens who wish to build a prosperous Ukraine.”
“You know, goals like this should be defined very clearly. If they are worded vaguely at the very outset, how can you accomplish them? You know, it is much easier to tidy up a small apartment than a large palace. Large palaces have advantages of their own, but it is rather difficult to put things in perfect order in them. I think these are temporary problems. After all, what is ten years for history? Nothing at all.”
“Could you draw the Ukrainians a picture of today’s life in Latvia?”
“For example, the average old-age pension in Latvia today is about $120. Public utilities are almost free, i.e., heating and water-supply charges are very, very low. In addition, we have improved lately our macroeconomic indicators: the unemployment rate now at 7% has been declining for about a year; inflation is running at 2-2.5%. Although there are certain difficulties, those who have jobs live well.”
“What is your overall impression of Ukraine, and would you tell us what kind of view the Latvians take of Ukraine?”
“You know, I’ve always liked your country. You have very rich and interesting cultural traditions. Our young people, unfortunately, have rather a vague idea of Ukraine. The point is now that Latvians go on vacation or for the weekend, as a rule, to Western or Northern Europe. For we maintain a visa-free relationship with practically all countries. As to you... But, in my opinion, this is not so serious an obstacle. My daughters have recently been to Kyiv. They liked it here very much.”
“Perhaps most Latvians associate Ukraine first of all with the capital?”
“Not quite, not only with Kyiv. Yours is a very interesting country with huge potential. Of course, Ukraine is so big that it is difficult to know it in a short time span. In my country, it is 400 km at most from border to border, while in yours it is 500 km to Odesa alone.”
