Latvia joined the EU in 2004 on May 1, 2004 together with Estonia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary.
It was the largest-ever expansion for the bloc as mostly two to three countries had entered in previous accessions.
In 2004, 67% of Latvians voted in favor of joining the EU. A total 71.5% of the voting-age population took part in the people's vote.
According to the newest Eurobarometer data, 57% of Europeans are in favor of their country's membership in the EU.
Meanwhile the number of people supporting EU membership is only 45% in Latvia but 65% in Lithuania and 67% in Estonia.
For the first time ever the Eurobarometer asked the people's opinion on geopolitical challenges, such as the crisis in the Near East, the more active role of China and Russia, as well as Brexit and the presidency of Donald Trump.
A total 73% of the EU thought that there should be a joint response to challenges, whereas the figure was 71% in Latvia in Estonia. Lithuanians apparently valued solidarity more with 84% preferring a joint response.
