M: Hello! Tell me, please, what are the first 3 thoughts that come to your mind when you hear the “European Union” or the “EU”? Please write those down on your paper and then please tell everyone, thank you.

(long pause till 00:02:00)

Ok, I think we could start with the answers. (short pause) <name of participant>.

LVFG2_F3: Yes, hello! <Name of participant>. Yes?

M: Thank you.

LVFG2_F3: So, I associate the EU with a common economic area, with a common currency - the euro; with a joint protection of the common external border; with free traveling; mmm, with support for agriculture; with support for large infrastructure objects and with the Erasmus project for education, directly for young people for exchange.

M: Thank you very much <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: Hello. I will probably just have three, so three words - Brussels, development and European funding.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: Yes, so I'll have money for emergency situations, free traveling and, for some reason, ID cards. [laughter]

M: Thank you, thank you very much. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: So, <name of participant>, so, for me, there are also three things - travelling, supporting farmers and improvements in infrastructure.

M: Thank you. <name of participant>.

(short pause, LVFG2_F5 isn’t responding)

M: Maybe <name of participant>. While <name of participant> maybe switches on.

(short pause)

M: <Name of participant>, are you there?

(short pause)

M: Ok, we can come back to this question. And aha, <name of participant> says: ‘‘Financial support.’’

M: <Name of participant>, do you also have a…?

LVFG2_F5: Yes, <name of participant>, can you hear me?

M: Yes. Thank you.

LVFG2_F5: Ehm, traveling, free markets for food and agriculture between the EU Member countries and funding for different sectors, different countries.

M: Thank you, thank you. The next question in the same section is: Does being an EU citizen have any particular meaning(s) for you? <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. Yes, a special role in the…uh, support for agrica… agriculture. I guess so, yes.

M: Thank you, thank you, <name of participant>. Does being a citizen of the European Union have any special meaning for you?

(short pause)

LVFG2_M4: For me, I think it's particularly important to be able to travel freely within the Member States. Uhm…

M: Thank you, thank you, thank you. <Name of participant>.

(short pause)

LVFG2_F1: Yes, I'm thinking about travelling as well.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Em, I'm also in favor of travelling.

M: Thank you, thank you. Uhh, <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: Well, I don't feel any particular importance at the moment.

M: Thank you. And <Name of participant>?

LVFG2_M2: Travelling.

M: Thank you. If one argued that EU membership was beneficial for Latvia, what benefits/advantages would you list?

[sighing]

M: <Name of participant>. The advantages please…

LVFG2_F3: So, the common currency, security of the external border. We can trust, uh, and hopefully be safe. [sigh]

M: Thank you, thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: Uh, definitely support. Uhm…

(short pause)

M: Thank you. Okay, thank you, thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: So, I, I think it's security.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Well, I would say euros.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: Well, I would say the common currency and the common market of the European Union, different goods...-

M: -Thank you…-

LVFG2_F5: -…services.-

M: -Thank you. And I answer as <name of participant>: ‘‘Support in crisis situations.’’ Thank you, <name of participant>. If one argued that EU membership was non-beneficial for Latvia, what disadvantages would you list? <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. Uh, it is relatively difficult for Latvian producers to get direct access to producers in the European common market, for producers exactly. Mmm…

M: Thank you, okay, but if you say more, please, please.

LVFG2_F3: Yes, and European payments to farmers, specifically… It has not reached this average level in all EU countries equally. Equally. That equality isn’t there.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: I would probably agree that there is no equality in these support payments. Also, the Latvian state is being discriminated against in some way. We are the furthest away from Central Europe.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: I... I won’t know the answer exactly.

M: Ok, thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Emm, I would say unequal support payments.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: Uh, no comments.

LVFG2_M2: Area payments.

M: Thank you. Now we start with the first scenario, which is about a natural disaster. So, imagine that a major natural disaster occurs in one of the Member States of the European Union, for example an earthquake, a flood, a forest fire. How should the European Union, as an institution, react?

(short pause)

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. First of all, it should react quickly, uh, should react… with financial help of some kind. (short pause) Yes.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: We need to respond by supporting financially, with all European Union countries pitching in to help.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: Uh, I think we must give support to the country that is affected by this crisis. Financial support, medical support.

[00:10:00]

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Well, I also think that there should be financial support. Mhm.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: I think we should react quickly and in a united way, with all the resources possible from all the Member States of the European Union.

M: Thank you.

LVFG2_M2: We need to support the Member States of the European Union. Financial support for citizens.

M: Thank you. Now the question is, how should other Member States react, not the European Union as an institution, but, accordingly, other Member States, how should they react to the situation of the country in which this crisis has taken place?

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. Each Member State, according to it's... according to each Member State's capacity, either with volunteers, or with medicine, or with technology. It would also provide support in this… this way.

M: Thank you very much, <name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: The primary support should be given to the neighbouring countries. And, then all the others accordingly. But also with all the help that is available.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: I agree with <name of participant> and <name of participant>.

[a lot of loud squeaking sounds]

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>. (short pause) <Name of participant>? Ok, <name of participant> will reconnect. <Name of participant>. What is your opinion?

LVFG2_F5: Provide any possible medical, financial, psychological help.

M: Thank you very much. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: Help in the opportunity of possibility.

M: Thank you. The next question is: how should Latvia react if there is a natural disaster in another EU Member State - an earthquake, a flood, a forest fire?

(short pause)

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. I think that the people of Latvia are responsive and with the help of volunteers, because I don't think that financially we are that strong. And… In general, I think that in the common area of the European Union, mmm, we should have, like, a common structure, for example, like the army, which is this, emm, which provides support directly in different emergency situations, like disasters.

M: Thank you, <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: With the help of volunteers.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: Well, yes, support should be provided. It should probably be more voluntary help.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Yes, <name of participant>. I also kind of agree with volunte… volunteer help.

M: <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: I agree with all the previous views.

M: Thank you. And <name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: You have to help, without overdoing the financial support.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>. The question is, how would you personally react as a citizen of the European Union, do you feel responsibility to help if there is a natural disaster in another Member State?

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. I feel a very strong suppo… support… in favour of... I, I would definitely support my closest neighbours, uhm, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland with... And, if it would be possible as a volunteer… And, or also financially. In a donation fund. Either way.

M: Thank you <name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: Uhm, definitely, I would support the neighbouring countries rather than faraway... countries.

M: And how would you support them?

LVFG2_M4: With the help of volunte… volunteers.

M: Yes, thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: Well, I would support either with volunt… volunteering or with psychological support. [chuckles]

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Well, I would support it as a voluntary thing. Well, as… voluntarily.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: I would support with donations if it were possible.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: I would support if possible.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>. If a crisis management team, such as firefighters, medics, were to be sent to a European Union member state, do you think Latvia should do this and who should bear the cost of this support?

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. The cost of the support should be covered by the common budget of the European Union. And what was the first question?

M: Should Latvia do it?

LVFG2_F3: It has to be done… to the closest neighboring countries, so that it’s economically beneficial.

M: And the costs should be covered not by Latvia but by the EU?

LVFG2_F3: From the common budget, yes.

M: Thank you, <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: The funding comes from the common European Union's general funds. And help should be given, yes.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: Well, yes, I mean, of course there should be help provided, but the cost could come from some fun… from some emergency fund.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: I, I think so that we should help our nearest neighboring countries. And the costs from the European fund. Well, the common budget.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: I agree with all of the previous said.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: Yes, should be helped. Latvia should cover the costs. Ah, either Latvia has to cover the costs or some fund.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>. Thank you. The last question in this scenario is: whether any EU Member State should do more than others in this aid for a natural disaster in a Member State where this has happened? <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. I think if something happens in a country, it will probably be the Member State itself that will invest the most in this process of support… And the question was…?

M: Should any other country do more than others? Well, for example, should Germany help Greece more than Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia.

LVFG2_F3: No, I think not. Uhm, because I think it should be covered by the common fund, because each Member State has its own level of development and wealth.

M: So, no country should do more than the other?

LVFG2_F3: Yes. That's why it should be done - maybe on the basis of GDP per capita, because it would be fairer than creating a common fund for this aid, in which the countries make a payment, taking into account the wealth of each country. Well, the wealth of the population. And then also help from this fund, so that it is fair.

[00:20:00]

M: Thank you, thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: Equally, but in relation to some kind of coefficient that is common to countries, so that this aid is attributable to some kind of… criterion.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: Well, I'm in favor of equality, that we should sort of help equally.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Yes, <Name of participant>. Well, it must be equal.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: Well, I think we should help equally.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: There has to be equal, equal help.

M: Thank you. We are moving towards the second scenario on the economic or financial aspects. The question is: If there is an economic or financial crisis - as there was at the end of 2000s - how should the European Union - again as an institution - react?

(short pause)

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. If this crisis were to happen across the whole EU, the economic crisis, then, of course, the common budget would also have to help by applying this equality in terms of GDP per capita.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: Emm, we need to support…. the country or countries that are struck by crisis…-

M: -Should it be supported financially or through other mechanisms?

LVFG2_M4: Financial support.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: I agree with <name of participant> and <name of participant>.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Yes, you have to give support.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: Well, I think that the EU should financially support those Member States that are in financial difficulties.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: Support should be provided. Thank you.

M: Following on from the economic and financial crisis, if there are some countries that are more negatively affected or more severely affected than others, how should Latvia react?

(short pause) [sighing]

LVFG2_F3: Pff, <name of participant>. I repeat myself, but it has to come from this common EU budget.

M: Thank you. Then Latvia would help other countries from the EU budget?

LVFG2_F3: Yes, because each Member State contributes to the common EU budget. And I think there should be - and there are certainly smart enough people keeping track of this expenditure and the use of the money.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>. How should Latvia react if another country is hit harder than Latvia?

LVFG2_M4: Support should come from the common financial fund. And there should also be support through dispatch. I don't know. Groups of people dealing with this crisis, also from Latvia.

M: Thank you. Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: Well, I think we should support, but whether Latvia would be able to do it, I couldn't say.

M: Thanks. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: It should be supported, according to the financial situation of the country. Mhm.

M: Latvia would support, according to its financial situation, yes?

LVFG2_F6: Mhm.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: I totally agree with what <name of participant> said.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: Latvia's financial situation must be taken into account, but it's unlikely that there would be financial support.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>. If Latvia is negatively affected by this financial or economic crisis, how should other EU member states react?

(long pause)

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. From the common European budget. Also, with this some, some of GDP coefficient. There must be some kind of support.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: What should be supported is that these annual payments of some kind are made to the financial fund and that is also what supports Latvia.

M: Thank you very much. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: It should be supported.

M: How should it be supported?

LVFG2_F1: Definitely financially.

M: And who would support financially?

LVFG2_F1: European Union budget. [chuckles]

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Well, I also agree that we need to support financially from the EU budget.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: I agree with <name of participant> that the EU budget should support it.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: It should be supported.

M: Thank you. We are very quickly approaching the third scenario - on the social dimension. The question is: Whether there should be a common programme, a common fund in the European Union to reduce inequalities in society. Let us assume, in view of the growing disparities in income in society, should the European Union help to ensure a certain standard of living for all citizens of the European Union? Well, let’s start then with the first question: Should the European Union have a common programme or a specific fund to reduce inequalities in society?

(short pause)

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. This is a complicated question. I think there are already mitigation funds that are doing the job. But I think that these funds, this use of money, is a little bit wrong because it encourages… it pro… promotes the emergence of groups of people who live on these benefits. From these inequalities… from these fund monies.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>. Let’s start with whether there should be a fund that reduces inequalities in society?

LVFG2_M4: Yes, there should, but I agree with <name of participant>.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: Yes, I also agree that it should be supported, but I also agree with <name of participant> that there are indeed these people who just want to live on these benefits. Receiving and doing nothing.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Yes, <name of participant>. It should be, it should be.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: I think there should be a fund, but now each country should start by assessing their situation internally and providing assistance to the most disadvantaged and inhabitant groups.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: There should definitely be such a fund.

M: <Name of participant>, I have a clarifying question. What could be the benefits that the population - as you say - might want to enrich themselves on? What are these benefits?

[00:30:00]

LVFG2_F1: I think it's the same unemployment benefits, uh, so there are also the hundred-lats' benefits there. Well, maybe I can't be so precise right now, but in other words, it doesn't encourage people to go out and start working. It is easier for him to go and claim the low-income allowance, for example, if… But maybe he can go to some shop to work, if, but it is easier for him to go and receive the benefit.

M: Yes.

LVFG2_F1: And live peacefully.

M: Yes. Well, then you have to work for nine months again, yes? [chuckles]

LVFG2_F1: Well…

M: You have to work for a little while. [laughter]

LVFG2_F1: Well, a very small while. [laughter]

M: E. And then from the same topic the next question is: Should a certain standard of living be guaranteed for all EU citizens?

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. Yes, there should, but this is a very complicated issue. Because in each Member State the starting point has been very different. The level at which they joined the European Union and now the weather conditions are also different. So now it is a complex issue.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: There should be, but it is, but it should ensure that there is a level playing field in terms of access to that benefit or support.

M: And what would these equal opportunities look like, roughly? What could we ask the European Union to do to make sure that the standard of living becomes a bit more equal?

LVFG2_M4: Equal opportunities for development. To create some…. I don't know. In a word, to improve the emotional and educational level of these people here, so to speak. Yes.

M: Mhm, mhm. Thank you, thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: I won't even know that answer really.

M: Thank you, thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: <Name of participant>. I think there should. But, well, I think it's different in every country, if, say, even the same level of education, you probably can't compare. Even the same minimum wages, you can't compare what we have and what others have. Well, sort of.

M: And why might the level of education be different here than in another EU country?

LVFG2_F6: Why?

M: Yes.

LVFG2_F6: Mmm, well, other countries are probably more developed. There are more opportunities to get better quality education.

M: Mhm.

LVFG2_M4: I might add…

M: Thank you.

LVFG2_M4: Because we still have vestiges of the school of the last… century.

M: Thank you, thank you.

LVFG2_F1: I agree with <name of participant>. [laughter] It was <name of participant>.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: I think we should try to ensure a similar standard of living, but how much is that possible, certainly not in five or in ten years.

M: And how could you try to ensure their standard of living? An equal, the same standard of living. Or to bring the standard of living closer to equal.

LVFG2_F5: Well, with the same salaries. Price levels vary from country to country, of course. Wages are different and prices are different. In Latvia, salaries are very low compared to, for example, England, compared to Ireland. Prices there are about the same as in Latvia, for example for food, clothes - even cheaper. Wages there are much higher than in Latvia.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: I can't say.

M: Thank you.

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. May I add something?

M: Of course. Thank you.

LVFG2_F3: I think it would be necessary, speaking about Latvia, free higher education for everyone – so that anyone or with... Who can afford, who can't afford to study. But so that everyone who wants to, can. Either get into that university and be able to study. And then there would still need to be support not for some [chuckles] talking groups, but support for production directly. Small and medium-sized enterprises. Thank you.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>, did you have anything to add? No. Okay. Should the European Union set up a Europe-wide scheme to tackle unemployment in all Member States, funded by all Member States of the European Union? So, should there be a single scheme that would ensure, prevent unemployment in all Member States?

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. I think not, because it is up to each Member State to decide what support instruments to put in place.

M: Mhm, thank you, thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: I think yes.

M: That there could be such a single scheme?

LVFG2_M4: Yes.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>, may I ask you again - what could be the support instruments?

LVFG2_F3: So, the question was…?

M: What could be the support instruments to tackle unemployment? The question was whether they could…-

LVFG2_F3: -Yeah…-

M: -Mhm, yes.

LVFG2_F3: I think we have a very good employment service at the moment. Both in terms of offering jobs and support. The only thing that needs to be looked after are the long-term unemployed. But now there are also different, different arguments why maybe that person is long-term unemployed. But I think we have this scheme already. We already have these institutions. You can't create new and new administrative or whatever institutions, new funds and who so divides and who what. And nobody is responsible for anything at the end.

M: Thank you, thank you. <Name of participant>. Should there be a single scheme to tackle unemployment in all Member States?

LVFG2_F1: I think there should be a support scheme, but it shouldn't be over-inflated like a bubble, yes? Where benefits are given one after the other. And in the end, nobody wants to go to work. And… So that it doesn't drag on into such a prolonged crisis.

M: Yes, thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Yes, <name of participant>. Well, I think it must be. There must be some kind of scheme. Mhm.

M: Mhm, and the scheme would do what? That a person… what, what would it predict?

LVFG2_F6: A scheme to reduce inactivity, to get people into the labour market, how to… relevant qualifications, some new skills. Well, I agree that we've got quite a lot of things working well, but. Mhm.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: I think there should be a single scheme.

M: And what should be included in this scheme?

LVFG2_F5: Well, I agree with <name of participant> about retraining. More opportunities for people to try something else if a certain profession or something doesn't work out on the labour market, so that people don't end up getting those unemployment benefits for years. They are just not interested in working.

M: Thank you. Thank you, <name of participant>. <Name of participant>.

[00:40:00]

LVFG2_M2: There has to be proportionate support.

M: Thank you. Uhm…

LVFG2_F3: And <Name of participant>.

M: Yes, thank you, <name of participant>. Please!

LVFG2_F3: I think these, these schemes would not be necessary if there was support directly for production. There would be jobs, there would be businesses. There would be money to be made and people would be paid money. Thank you.

M: Can you clarify on the support production? Because at the moment there are several funds that a producer can apply for - the ERDF fund, various financial instruments of the European Union, ja? Which you can apply for…-

LVFG2_F3: Yeah.-

M: -…win the competition and live on from that.

LVFG2_F3: Yes, you can apply, the support is there, but you have to invest your own money first. And I think that's the biggest problem, that you have to fulfil this loan to invest in this project, because there are a lot of ideas in Latvia and people are very bright and hardworking. But what is lacking is simply this start-up capital. Maybe a grant of some kind. And, because there are projects, yes-.

M: -Because…-

LVFG2_F3: -And if there will be… Mhm.-

M: -Because you can also apply for a grant.-

LVFG2_F3: -Yes, I know…-

M: -Yes.-

LVFG2_F3: -Mhm. There are…-

M: -Not anymore…- ( )

LVFG2_F3: -Yes, there are different grants. Yes. I think there must be more, additionally more. There are, there are for farmers, there are for fishermen. There are. I agree. But it is very inadequate, and many people are also intimidated by this rather large amount of paperwork, paperwork, but the biggest thing is, I think, the investment of this initial capital money to then get this project money back. That is…-

M: -Thank you. Thank you for your opinion.-

LVFG2_F1: -Me too… I also want to say something.

M: Yes, <name of participant>, please.

LVFG2_F1: I think that even when applying for these benefits or supports, many times those who want to apply, they can't apply because there are different conditions, yes? You have to be there for three years, you have to have that turnover and you have to have that revenue, that income and a lot of times companies or individuals can't meet those conditions to even qualify for these benefits.

M: Thank you. Clear. Next question. When there is an economic or financial crisis, there are many people who lose their jobs. How should the European Union react?

(short pause)

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. Well, it may be different in each country, but if it's about the common European Union, then again, I am in favor of - if there is a common economic area, then there is this common budget, which must provide for this, for this assistance of some kind.

M: Have you encountered such help, for example, now in the Covid-crisis? Had you heard of anything like that?

LVFG2_F3: Oh, yes, yes, I think that's a separate question. And I'm, I'm [chuckles] skeptical about a lot of things, given that this Covid-19 money is already foreseen, I think, even as a grant for next year at least for Latvia. I mean, across all the member states, some kind of non-repayable grant is foreseen. Where there is money, there are hypocrites. And this, this Covid-money is foreseen. I looked on the website of the Ministry of Finance. From 2020 to 2023, how many billions are there for Covid-support. That means that Covid as a disease will be there until 2023.

M: Thank you for your opinion. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: Can I ask you to repeat the question?

M: Yes. So, when there is an economic crisis, or a financial crisis, or, for example, this health crisis that has happened now. There are many people who have lost their jobs. How should the European Union as an institution react?

(short pause)

LVFG2_M4: They should respond to it, probably through this common European Union fund. Yes, that's it.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: [sighing] Well, yes, we should react and we should certainly support in some way, but the question is how. How to do it in the right way, so that the country to which she is giving this support does not then have to pay back a huge burden on the population, yes? Because the money will have to be paid back anyway. I think so.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Yes, <name of participant>. Well, it should be supported, it should be supported from the overall budget.

M: Financially or with...

LVFG2_F6: Financially.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: I think that the European Union already responds to different crises by allocating millions and millions to countries, but then each country internally assesses and decides what to allocate to what. What is more important and what is less important.

M: Thank you very much. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: Support should be given, but on a country-by-country basis.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>. The next question is: Whether Latvian citizens should contribute to reducing unemployment in another EU Member State even if it would entail additional costs for Latvia?

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. Do I understand the question correctly, maybe again?

M: Yes, should Latvia, should we as Latvian citizens make any kind of contribution to reducing unemployment in other EU member states? That would certainly have a cost for us.

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>, yes. I think not. If it is a question of us creating jobs here and sending these migrants who are standing at the Belarusian border to us, I am against it.

M: Thank you for your view. <Name of participant>.

[LVFG2_F6: to someone behind the camera: Ten more minutes and then I'm leaving.]

LVFG2_M4: Probably not.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: I probably don't think so as well.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: <Name of participant>. Well, I don't think so either, because now we have both unemployment and we have to deal with ourselves.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: Well, I think it should be limited as much as possible, but the reality is that it is happening and people are travelling from country to country and leaving and going to work elsewhere and the same in Latvia. There are immigrants who come, who work, who live, who get benefits and… get jobs.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: No.

M: Thank you. That concludes the three scenarios, and we have one last, final block of questions. The European Union has enlarged over the last ten years. Would you say that Latvia has developed in the EU in the way you expected?

[00:50:00]

(short pause)

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. Latvia has really developed very fast in the years since it joined the European Union. But unfortunately, Latvia has not achieved this {what I expected}. I am talking specifically about agriculture. This fair, equal payment jointly {common} throughout the European Union {is a problem}, so that it is equal {the same} per hectare. The payment per hectare, I am talking about now. Because these… When you study the graph, however, those, those, those inequalities exist.

M: Thank you, <name of participant> for your opinion. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: It has developed. But it could have been done better. That's why we need to think about the future.

M: And how better? What could Latvia have done differently?

(short pause)

LVFG2_M4: I can add about the quality of education, its development. When it is, reduced than in other countries.

M: Do you think that the education in school is not in line with what you expect? Is the education at university or at which level not adequate, as perhaps in other European Union member states?

LVFG2_M4: I think in schools.

M: In schools, thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: Yes, <name of moderator>, could you repeat the question?

M: Yes, so the question is - the EU has expanded a lot in the last decades. Has it developed in a way that you might have expected since Latvia joined the EU?

LVFG2_F1: Well, I think to a large extent maybe yes, but I didn't think it would be such a burden on the population. Well, the state is only taking the loan, the debt, but we will have to pay it back.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Well, it's not as if I had any great illusions or anything that I was looking forward to, but I see that the infrastructure is improving, that development is happening, that buildings are being renovated, roads are being repaired. And as for the farmers, well, I have no contact with them myself, so I cannot say how good it is. Only as far as I have heard. But in general - I think that, yes, it is developing. We have to get involved in that development ourselves, and, mhm.

M: Thank you very much. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: Well, I think it has evolved, but now there is still, for example, a lot of inequality in the population. The same in education. I think there could be more, for example, less theoretical knowledge, but more people could be directed towards real practice, towards real life, what's going on. Not piles of books, books, books, books, or all sorts of reading material on the internet to read and read. You can of that theory… You may know the theory, but if you don't have the actual practice, then you are not going to get anywhere, you are not going to do anything.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>, for your opinion, thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: Supposedly, yes, but in Latvia it goes slowly.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>. Next question - what do you think is the future of the European Union?

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. I think that the European Union should, above all, have a common defense function. So that each Member State feels secure that this order will not change. And… But each Member State still has to work on its own development, taking into account its national particularities, its national, historically what is important for it. (short pause) I think so.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>, what is the future of the European Union?

LVFG2_M4: I think the future is - so to speak - looking good, so to speak. And it depends on, both on the people of the Member State themselves, but also very much on the people who come into this administration of the European Union.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: Well, I think everything fine. [laughter] I agree with <name of participant>.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Well, I'd like to, I'd like to live in safety. I would like to think… it's already being thought, but I would like to live in safely.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>, for your opinion. Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: Well, I agree with <name of participant>.

M: Because <name of participant> agrees with <name of participant>. Oh, no, <name of participant>, <name of participant> did…

LVFG2_F5: <Name of participant> talks to us a lot, she talks wisely.

[laughter]

M: Thank you. Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: The future is in unity.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>.

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant> also wants to say something.

M: <Name of participant> please.

LVFG2_F3: And I would also like to see that in the future Europe does not have excessive requirements specifically for green… -

M: -Towards the Green Course.

LVFG2_F3: -…energy. Yes, in the direction of the Green Course, because I think it's so exaggerated where we are at the moment in this energy crisis, and of course it's not just about that. But I think it needs to be done in a much slower and more measured way, with different... so that it's scientifically based. So that we are not investing in electric cars, but then where are we going to put these lithium batteries if all the tractors start running on batteries? Where will they put them? That is not the green… the green way. It is not. Thank you.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>. What do you think is Latvia's future in the European Union?

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. I like being in the European Union. I think it will be good if the European Union takes better care of its external borders. And, and yet, it will also give each Member State its own freedom as to what to support, how to support, what to emphasize. But, of course, with, with strict controls... on the use of funds.

M: Thank you, thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: Yes, I think we have a good future as the European Union. I think everything will be fine.

M: Thank you, thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: I think it will be fine too.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Yes, <name of participant>. Well, I also think that we will have everything, we will develop, we will raise money and we will improve. It will be good.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: Well, I also believe that Latvia, as a member of the European Union, will gradually continue to develop and improve the situation.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: It will be fine. The European Union as support.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>. There were two more questions. What would be the last remark of each of you on this topic?

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. I am, however, in favour of this external border security, and I think that the European Union should think about having its own army or some kind of structure that would act in some kind of emergency or necessity. Not only from third Member State countries, but also internally. However. In different ways, in order to have security.

[01:00:00]

M: Thank you, <name of participant>. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: So, I understand the last, last comment, yes?

M: Yes, a comment, but there will be another question after that.

LVFG2_M4: I think we just need to move everything towards development, towards the latest technology, and certainly support science and education.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: Well, I would agree with <name of participant> and <name of participant>, of course. And I would also like to say that it would be good if the EU funds would be more controlled. How they are used, whether they are used properly, for example in Latvia.

M: And is there any doubt that these funds might not be sufficiently well controlled?

LVFG2_F1: I think so. Maybe sometimes the funds are not forwarded to the sector that should have more. They’re being allocated to something else.

M: Thank you.

LVFG2_F1: I think so.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F6: Well, I like being in the EU, and, and I feel good here.-

M: -Thank you.-

LVFG2_F6: -Yes.-

M: <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: I also like being in the European Union and I would like to continue to live in security and stability and not think about whether I will have that job tomorrow or not, for example.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: It's good to have the European Union. It's security for crisis situations.

M: Thank you, <name of participant>. And one last question: Is there another topic which you would have thought should be included in this discussion to find out the opinion of the citizens of the European Union, the citizens of Latvia, about, about, about solidarity in the European Union? We have discussed the subject of natural disasters today. We discussed the economic, financial crisis. And we discussed the social dimension, social inequality. What other topic could there have been that you would have liked that you would have liked to have discussed in the context of the European Union?

LVFG2_F3: <Name of participant>. If I had been asked this question earlier, I would have thought more about this. But for me, in a hurry, I think in the Latvian context, I would like to explain the Latvian history’s… the historical situation of Latvia. What comes in my mind at the moment about this legionary monument… I think it was in Belgium. That a very big... We simply do not know about each other on a national scale what the historical situation has been for each country. And this requires a great deal of explanation, a great deal of knowledge, and this is what I would like to explain to European Union officials, above all. Thank you.

M: Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M4: A discussion on how to involve the citizens of each Member State in the future development of the European Union. So could be said.

M: Ok. Thank you. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F1: I’m thinking, but I can't figure it out.

M: Thank you.

LVFG2_F1: I really don't know.

M: There is no other topic that would be worth talking about in this context?

LVFG2_F1: No.

M: Ok. <Name of participant>, agrees with <name of participant>. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_F5: Well, no topic comes to mind at the moment. Maybe at some point something might come up, but so suddenly, well, I probably won’t figure it out.

M: Thank you, <name of participant> for your opinion. <Name of participant>.

LVFG2_M2: I won’t have anything to say.

M: And one last request - could you turn on the cameras? But the photo will not be published anywhere. I just enjoyed talking to you and it would be so nice if we had one photo. <Name of moderator’s assistant>, you could probably turn on your camera too, please. Then I could take a photo for us. <Name of participant> if you could, just turn it on for a moment. <Name of participant> probably won't be able to. Thank you very much. Thank you very much for your participation! If you are interested, I will send you the results of what will have come out at the end of this research. Very many thanks for your time, for taking the time to participate here, and thank you very sincerely.