Since its independence, Latvia has implemented market-oriented reforms. The country’s economy has performed well due to steady growth in domestic consumption and the contribution of foreign investment. As a member of the EU since 2004 (and of the Eurozone since 2014), it has benefited from substantial European funding. The growth rate has been positive since 2011 and was among the highest in the EU countries in 2019. The Banking sector in Latvia is a highly developed industry aiming at facilitating the growth of the common European Economic Area and the European Single Market.