Latvia became the last of the EU's 10 applicant countries to approve membership of the union on Saturday (20 September) when its citizens voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining. Although the small Baltic Republic had been seen as one of the most sceptical prospective members, more than 67 per cent of voted Yes with only 32.3 per cent against. Turnout was 72.5 per cent, well above the 35 per cent to make Saturday's referendum binding.
Latvians hope that EU membership will secure their independence from Russia and act as a spur for economic growth in what is one of the poorest applicant countries. Spending from EU structural funds is also seen as improving the nation's infrastructure and linking it more firmly with its Baltic neighbours and other member states. These factors appear to have outweighed fears over higher prices and the loss of sovereignty.
