A conference organised to mark the expected accession of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to the European Union and NATO during 2004 will be held at the University of Glasgow on 22 - 23 January 2004.

The presence of an Estonian ministerial Representative, Mr Paul-Eerick Rummo, means that the conference is providing the occasion for the official inauguration of Estonia consular representation of Scotland. Mr Iain Lawson, a Paisley-based businessman and former trade spokesperson for the Scottish National Party, will be confirmed as Scotland's first consul for the Republic of Estonia at a ceremony on the evening of 22 January.

His appointment reflects the revival of historic links between Scotland and Estonia during the decade since the collapse of communism. Other speakers at the conference include - Minister of the Latvian government, Mr Nils Muiznieks, and Lithuanian Ambassador for the UK Mr Aurimas Taurantas.

"In the course of its preparation, the conference has grown into a truly international event, with over 40 speakers and 120 delegates from 14 different countries. The number of participants underlines the current high level of interest in EU enlargement amongst academics, officials and members of the business community," explains Dr David Smith at the Glasgow Baltic Research Centre.

The Conference has been organised by the Department of Central and East European Studies and the Glasgow Baltic Research Unit, in association with Glasgow City Council. Conference fee: £30 for two days (includes conference materials, lunch and refreshments, with a Civic Reception for participants at the Glasgow City Chambers on 22 January).

For preliminary programme, registration form and other information, see: University of Glasgow Website. Or contact: Dr David Smith, Glasgow Baltic Research Unit, Department of Central and East European Studies, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8RS. Tel: 0141 3305254 or email: d.j.smith@socsci.gla.ac.uk.

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For more information please contact the University Press Officer (Mike Findlay) on 0141 330-8593.

First published: 21 January 2004