Seventy years ago the Baltic nations experienced the first Soviet oppression-regime executed mass deportations, when thousands of families were deported to the Gulag, but the 17th of June marks the 71st anniversary since the Soviet Union initially occupied the Baltic States. Although more than 20 years have passed since the regaining of independence by the Republic of Latvia (RL), the occupation-caused losses and damages have not been completely identified and their impact fully appraised. Therefore, a Latvian scientist-researcher volunteer group, that formed The Occupation of Latvia Research Society (Latvijas Okupācijas Izpētes Biedrība – LOIB), are continuing their previously started research work that was mandated by the RL Cabinet of Ministers and that was temporarily halted due to the loss of funding caused by the 2009 economic crisis.

The publication of pro-USSR views in the mass media, that try to paint a positive picture about the USSR occupation period, do not in fact portray the truth; this kind of mass media manipulation was a standard approach employed by the USSR from the very beginning of its existence and is continuing even to this very day, thereby pitting nationalities against each other and causing fragmentation within our society at large. Therefore, the obtainment of truthful information about the USSR occupation period in the Baltics is of interest to all peoples of Europe – those who value the fundamental democratic values of Europe and the historical truth.

In order to facilitate an objective understanding about the USSR-caused losses/damages, their impact and ways to redress these consequences, Mrs. Inese Vaidere of the European Parliament (EP) and LOIB, with the assistance from the European Commission Office in Latvia, are organizing an international conference – ”Social, economic and environmental losses-damage caused by the Soviet Union in the Baltic States”.

This is the first international conference of its kind about this subject. Therefore, it will be an important step toward understanding the history of a unified Europe that encompasses the USSR occupation of the Baltic States. We are convinced that this will facilitate the furthering of the European value system, based on respect and the observance of human rights. A complete understanding of past history is essential for all the inhabitants of the Baltic States; it is inconceivable that we can create a truly unified future for the European nations without a common historical truth.

The conference lecturers, that will address the Soviet-occupation economics and environmental impact topics, include  members of the EU Parliament, scientists and researchers from Russia, Germany, Georgia, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, including experts in economics, demographics, military and environmental areas.

The conference will take place during 17-18 June 2011 at the Academy of Sciences of Latvia, Akadēmijas laukums 1 (Academy Square 1) in Riga, Latvia. The conference working languages are English and Latvian, with simultaneous translation being provided during the conference.