POST-ACESSION LATVIA: IMPACT OF THE EU MEMBERSHIP

Abstract

The paper focuses on the economic and structural policy trends in Latvia as a
new member state of the EU, and before accession to the EU. The role of international financial institutions during the first and second-generation reforms
is discussed. The general economic development after the EU membership in
2004 is analysed, when high economic growth was combined with out-migration that calls for policies to promote human capital development in the country. Particular considerations will be given to regional and human dimensions at this time of the current global financial and economic crisis.